Watch The Case of the Three Sided Dream

The Case of the Three Sided Dream is a documentary film released in 2014, which tells the remarkable story of jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The film is directed by Adam Kahan, and features interviews with people who knew and worked with Kirk, as well as rare footage of his live performances. It is a celebration of Kirk's life and legacy, and a tribute to his enduring impact on the world of music.

Rahsaan Roland Kirk was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1935, and began playing the saxophone at an early age. He was a prodigious talent, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already playing professionally. Kirk was blind from an early age, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for music. In fact, it seemed to drive him even further, as he developed a unique and innovative style of playing that combined elements of jazz, blues, and soul music.

Kirk was known for his virtuosic performances, his innovative use of multiple wind instruments, and his ability to play more than one instrument at the same time. He was also known for his flamboyant stage presence, and his colorful, often outrageous outfits. But behind the showmanship was a serious musician who was deeply committed to his craft.

The film explores Kirk's life and career in depth, from his early years in Ohio, to his move to New York City, where he became a fixture in the jazz scene. We see Kirk in action, both in concert and in the studio, and we hear from those who knew him best, including his wife Betty Neals, bandmates like Steve Turre, and fellow musicians like John Dankworth, Roy Haynes, and Quincy Jones.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores Kirk's approach to music. We learn that he saw himself not just as a jazz musician, but as a musical innovator, constantly searching for new sounds and new ways of expressing himself. He was also deeply political, and used his music to speak out against injustice and inequality. He was an early supporter of the civil rights movement, and performed at many rallies and protests throughout his career.

But perhaps the most striking thing about Kirk was his ability to use music as a means of personal expression. He was not just a talented musician, but a deeply emotional one, who used his music to explore his own feelings and experiences. In one poignant scene, we see him playing a beautiful and haunting melody on the saxophone, which he says was inspired by the death of his mother. It's a moving tribute to a man who, despite his showmanship and larger-than-life persona, was ultimately just trying to connect with his audience on a deep and emotional level.

Throughout the film, we see Kirk struggle with various health problems, including a debilitating stroke that left him partially paralyzed. But even in the face of these challenges, he continued to play and perform, stubbornly refusing to accept his limitations. It's a testament to his resilience and his dedication to his art, and it's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, beauty and creativity can flourish.

Overall, The Case of the Three Sided Dream is a beautiful and inspiring tribute to an incredible musician. It's a film that will appeal to jazz fans and music lovers of all kinds, but it's also a story about perseverance, creativity, and the power of the human spirit. If you haven't yet discovered the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, this film is a great place to start.

The Case of the Three Sided Dream is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.