The Inflated Tear
Rahsaan Roland Kirk · 1968
37 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soulful melodies, woven together with Kirk's innovative multi-instrumental prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Black and Crazy Blues — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its energetic rhythms and vibrant improvisation, showcasing Kirk's signature sound. Its blend of bluesy elements with complex jazz structures exemplifies his innovative approach.
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The Inflated Tear — The title track serves as a powerful commentary on societal struggles, combining emotional depth with Kirk's multifaceted instrumental performance. Its haunting melody and intricate arrangements make it a standout piece that captures the essence of the album.
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Fly by Night — This track features a captivating interplay between instruments, highlighting Kirk's virtuosity and creativity. The juxtaposition of lively tempos with reflective moments encapsulates the album's dynamic range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalKirk's innovative multi-instrumental approach and strong compositions create a distinctive jazz experience.
What we noticed
- Kirk plays multiple instruments simultaneously on several tracks, creating a rich tapestry of sound that showcases his virtuosity.
- The title track features a gradual build-up, starting with a solo flute and layering in other instruments, culminating in a powerful climax.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, enhancing the conversational quality of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful moments of spontaneity
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- vibrant energy throughout listening
- emotional highs and lows
- engaging rhythms that invite movement
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of lengthy epics
- prefer straightforward, predictable sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1968, The Inflated Tear was Rahsaan Roland Kirk's fourth studio album. By this time, he had already established himself as a unique voice in jazz, known for his extraordinary ability to play multiple instruments simultaneously. This album followed his breakthrough work, Rip, Rig and Panic, and showcased his evolving artistry and commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Charles Mingus· Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Black and Crazy Blues 5:59
- 2 A Laugh for Rory 2:47
- 3 Many Blessings 4:36
- 4 Fingers in the Wind 5:07
- 5 The Inflated Tear 4:46
- 6 The Creole Love Call 3:45
- 7 A Handful of Fives 2:35
- 8 Fly by Night 4:09
- 9 Lovellevelliloqui 3:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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