Rahsaan Roland Kirk

This two-CD set is actually two distinctive albums: Rip, Rig & Panic, and Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith. The tracks, covering everything from blues to avant-garde electronica music, provide a comprehensive introduction to Kirk, who could play three reed instruments simultaneously.

This two-CD set is actually two distinctive albums: Rip, Rig & Panic, and Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith. The tracks, covering everything from blues to avant-garde electronica music, provide a comprehensive introduction to Kirk, who could play three reed instruments simultaneously.

When "Buckshot La Funke" appeared on a Louis Smith record, you may not have known it was actually Cannonball Adderley. Record contracts of yesteryear (and some today) buried exclusivity clauses in the fine print. But musicians have to eat, so they would record under other names, like the five included here.

The flute is one of the oldest known instruments, but it gets little respect. It's mostly known for schmaltzy concert recordings and one particular comedic movie reference. Luckily, the sheer virtuosic force of many jazz artists has lent a cool factor to the much-maligned instrument. Here are five of jazz's best flutists in action.