Blacknuss is an album by Rahsaan Roland Kirk. It was recorded in 1971 and released by Atlantic Records.
Recording and music The album was recorded in New York City on August 31 and September 8, 1971. Much of the material is pop tunes.
Release and reception
Blacknuss was released by Atlantic Records. The AllMusic reviewer wrote: "Blacknuss [...] is Kirk at his most visionary. [...] Blacknuss is as deep as a soul record can be and as hot as a jazz record has any right to call itself." The Penguin Guide to Jazz wrote that "Some of the arrangements are guitar-heavy and the backbeats are decidedly uncouth", and that the record label probably influenced the choice of material, but that Kirk was comfortable with playing it.
Track listing "Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers) – 2:26 "What's Goin' On/Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" (Renaldo Benson, Al Cleveland, Marvin Gaye) – 3:47 "I Love You, Yes I Do" (Chris Allen, Johnny Cameron) – 2:49 "Take Me Girl, I'm Ready" (Johnny Bristol, Pam Sawyer, LaVerne Ware) – 3:18 "My Girl" (Smokey Robinson, Ronald White) – 3:06 "Which Way Is It Going" (Rahsaan Roland Kirk) – 2:26 "One Nation" (Princess Patience Burton) – 3:41 "Never Can Say Goodbye" (Clifton Davis) – 4:02 "Old Rugged Cross" (Trad.) – 7:15 "Make It With You" (David Gates) – 4:50 "Blacknuss" (Kirk) – 5:12
Personnel Rahsaan Roland Kirk - flute, electric guitar, gong, tenor saxophone, tin whistle, stritch, manzello, vocals Princess Patience Burton - vocals Billy Butler - electric guitar Cornell Dupree - electric guitar Dick Griffin - trombone Cissy Houston - vocals Arthur Jenkins - conga drums, cabasa Richard Landrum - conga drums, percussion Keith Loving - electric guitar Charles McGhee - trumpet Khalil Mhrdi - drums Henry Pearson - bass guitar Bernard "Pretty" Purdie - drums Bill Salter - bass guitar Sonelius Smith - piano Richard Tee - piano Joseph "Habao" Texidor - percussion Mickey Tucker - organ Joel Dorn - producer
References