Seize the Time Ted Sirota
Album info
Album-Release:
2008
HRA-Release:
16.11.2011
Album including Album cover Booklet (PDF)
- 1Clampdown09:19
- 213 De Maio08:00
- 3Free Cell Block F, 'Tis Nazi U.S.A.06:16
- 4Hard Times (Come Again No More)04:42
- 5Killa Dilla05:29
- 6Tollway05:39
- 7Viva Max! (Improvised Drum Solo)03:44
- 8J.Y.D.07:09
- 9Polo Mze Pt. 103:11
- 10Polo Mze Pt. 203:22
- 11Little D05:58
- 12The Keys To Freedom08:43
Info for Seize the Time
On their 5th album, Seize the Time, the Souls find themselves recording again with True Stereo engineer Ken Christianson, and the results are as to be expected: stunning. Reinterpreting the works of socially-conscious artists like the Clash, Charles Mingus, Caetano Veloso, Miriam Makeba and Stephen Foster (yes, that Stephen Foster), as well as offering up several excellent originals, this talented group makes a strong case that great music and political activism are still a vital combination.
Ted Sirota, the Chicago-based drummer/composer, is as upfront as Archie Shepp about his politics, and this latest album by his decade-old band is dedicated to artists who have stood up to be counted - including Caetano Veloso, Miriam Makeba, Charles Mingus and the Clash. But this resistance music is, for the most part, played with an unexpected restraint. The Clash's Clampdown is arranged as a feature for slow, gospel-style saxes against balefully strummed guitar. Caetano Veloso's 13 de Maio opens with rimshots and finger-snaps, but the breezy Latin riff and collective horn whirl remain in the laid-back zone. Charles Mingus's Free Cell Block F, 'Tis Nazi USA is also mainly a vehicle for cool alto-sax swing. But the two-part account of Miriam Makeba's Polo Mze is the most arresting episode. There's plenty of skilful arranging and good playing on memorable themes, but a live representation of the band and more of the Polo Mze feel might emit a little more heat. (John Fordham, The Guardian)
Kevin Kizer, Tenor Saxophone & Clarinet
Rob Mazurek, Cornet
Jeff Parker, Guitar
Noel Kupersmith, Bass
Ted Sirota, Drums
Geof Bradfield, Tenor & Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Chicago based drummer Ted Sirota formed the avant-garde post-bop ensemble Rebel Souls in 1995 and quickly became one of Naim's stalwart jazz artists, with three stunning True Stereo recordings from Naim engineer Ken Christianson in five years (between 96-01).
The Rebel Souls have a unique formula comprising of afro-pop, funk, reggae, ska and hip-hop underpinned by the rebellious jazz and socially aware improv of the 1960s.
Cultivating what the Chicago Reader describes as "immediately recognizable sound".
Over the years Sirota has hand picked some of Chicago's finest up and coming jazz cats to perform and record with, including Jeff Parker, Kevin Kizer, Jeff Hill, Rob Mazurek, Noel Kupersmith, Geof Bradfield, Greg Ward, Dave Miller and Jake Vinsel.
Sirota boasts a varied arsenal of influences with jazz from Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk right through to reggae icon Bob Marley and world music from Nigeria's Fela Kuti.
Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls strive to use their music as a weapon in the battle against oppression and reactionaries worldwide, and not merely as ‘art for art's sake'.