Album of the Day

Roland Kirk’s 1968 debut for Atlantic Records, THE INFLATED TEAR, announced the arrival of a jazz visionary. Playing eight instruments, including saxophone, clarinet, string and flute – sometimes a couple of them at once – the performer creates a sound that’s utterly unique, and the songs here (all original except for a great version of Duke Ellington’s “Creole Love Call”) are just as inventive. Anchored with solid accompaniment from pianist Ron Burton, bassist Steve Novosel and drummer Jimmy Hopps, the set sold well upon release and its reputation has only risen. “His reading of jazz harmony and fickle sonances are nearly without peer,” said Allmusic of THE INFLATED TEAR. “If you are looking for a place to start with Kirk, this is it.”