Left & Right cover

Left & Right

Rahsaan Roland Kirk · 1968

42 min · 8 tracks · swing · hard bop

A vibrant tapestry of jazz textures, blending intricate improvisation with soulful melodies and rhythmic complexity.

Left & Right is an album by Rahsaan Roland Kirk, released in 1968. A vibrant tapestry of jazz textures, blending intricate improvisation with soulful melodies and rhythmic complexity. 'Left & Right' is notable for its ambitious structure, particularly the expansive track 'Expansions', which reflects Kirk's commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz. The album has been recognized for its significant influence on later generations of jazz musicians and has maintained a lasting legacy within the genre. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Left & Right sound like?

A vibrant tapestry of jazz textures, blending intricate improvisation with soulful melodies and rhythmic complexity. Rooted in swing and hard bop.

What makes Left & Right by Rahsaan Roland Kirk notable?

'Left & Right' is notable for its ambitious structure, particularly the expansive track 'Expansions', which reflects Kirk's commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz. The album has been recognized for its significant influence on later generations of jazz musicians and has maintained a lasting legacy within the genre. In 1968, Rahsaan Roland Kirk was solidifying his place in the jazz world following his breakthrough records in the mid-1960s. 'Left & Right' followed his acclaimed album 'The Inflated Tear', showcasing his unique ability to blend various genres and styles, while further establishing his reputation as an innovative multi-instrumentalist.

How many songs are on Left & Right?

Left & Right has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Tracklist

8 tracks·42:32

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Black Mystery Has Been Revealed 1:16
  • 2 Expansions (a) Kirkquest, (B) Kingus Mingus, (C) Celestialness, (D) A Dream of Beauty Reincarnated, (E) Frisco Vibrations, (F) Classical Jazzical, (G) Ellington Psalms, (H) Haynes’ Brain’s Sayin’s, (I) What’s Next-Overture 19:35
  • 3 Lady’s Blues Standout 3:44
  • 4 IX Love 3:38
  • 5 Hot Cha 3:21
  • 6 Quintessence 4:10
  • 7 I Waited for You 2:52
  • 8 A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing Standout 3:56

Release Date

January 1, 1968

Genre

hard bop, swing

More albums in hard bop

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

42 min 32 sec