Rebel Roots (1996)

About this title: Drummer Sirota's debut CD with his Rebel Souls quartet displays his passion for the avant garde of the '60s (e.g., Ornette Coleman and his sidemen). This is not so much a free jazz as a free bop excursion, with melodies played by tenor saxophonist Kevin Kizer, and obtuse, angular lines from electric guitarist Jeff Parker. Bassist Jeff Hill is unspectacular, but plays a good part in backing the others. There's a great version of Thelonious Monk's "Brilliant Corners," with all the downtempo to uptempo changes, haunting impressions, and bop sonorities of the original. Guitar and tenor team for ... read more

Tracks:

1. Four Folks [Parker]
2. East Broadway Rundown [Rollins]
3. Wait [Parker]
4. Brilliant Corners [Monk]
5. Song for Mumia [Sirota]
6. Voids [Kizer]
7. Orenttish [Kizer]
8. Mannerisms [Parker]
9. Wru [Coleman]
10. First Song [Haden]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.