…True Stereo is one of the most faithful techniques around and gives an honest, uncoloured interpretation of the music, making it perfect for instrumental or acoustic live studio performances. Frequently, natural ambiences like Churches or Concert Halls provide a richer, as-live, environment to set the instrumentation…
The Rebel Souls second CD shows them quite adept at many styles of instrumental music, including neo-bop, high life, stealth grooves, and even ska. Drummer Sirota leads this Chicago based quintet plus guests through eight original compositions that are played with a spirit and competence that goes beyond their name recognition. The CD kicks off with the jumpin' ska grooves of "Geronimo's Free" with the band augmented by bass trumpeter Ryan Schultz. There's hard swinging selections like "Ten" on a level rivaling Scofield-Brecker-Metheny-Lovano in sound and stance, and the scorching finale "Hemiola."
The fifth recording for Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls continues on the path of celebrating freedom fighters the drummer/leader is inspired by and admires. This version of the band retains saxophonist Geof Bradfield and welcomes new members Greg Ward on alto sax (from Broken Things), guitarist Dave Miller (taking over for Jeff Parker), and bassist Jake Vinsel (in for Noel Kupersmith). The multi-cultural jazz concept of Sirota remains, using African-based ideas merged within a progressive jazz and modern creative framework, while also paying tribute to two late pop music icons – Bob Marley and Joe Strummer. Sirota's drumming itself is self-assured and melodic, working off precepts from jazz greats like Art Blakey and Max Roach, while also taking into account a communal tribal village concept that makes the Rebel Souls a tight-knit unit.