Rich Sheldon

ESTIMATED PROPHETS
The Rebel Soul Band couples sparkling jams and thought-provoking lyrics with socio-political undertones and emerges with a sound that’s both intelligent and original. Guitarist/vocalist Rich Sheldon reports that the band’s main influences are the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, the Doors and contemporary innovative artists of today such as R.E.M., Dave Matthews Band and Phish. He further adds that the band never uses a setlist and admits that by playing songs by his favorite artists he has learned how to structure a song. The quartet has been together just over two years and is beginning to gel; its self-titled album is a gem and grows on the listener. Highlights are the eleven-and-a-half minute Dazy Cutters, which sounds like the Dead but singing politically-tinged lyrics. Also notable is the superb Compatriot and the more concise Live Life.
Issue: October-November 2003
- Mick Skidmore

REBEL SOUL BAND JAMS INTO WINSTON'S
Other bands might reluctantly accept the label, but Rebel Soul Band is proud to be a jam band. Rebel Soul Band brings its sound to Winston's 1921 Bacon St., on Thursday, April 22nd.
Years ago, Rebel Soul Band visionary Rich Sheldon heard the music and it changed his life. Although initial attempts at starting his own band didn't work out, he nevertheless managed to find like-minded musicians to join him for occasional jam sessions.
"I found all these seasoned musicians who would just get together with me on Saturdays, and we'd rent out a rehearsal space and ... just play Dead songs
Those early jam session connections enabled him to put together a band for a performance at the Millpond Traditional Music Festival on the same bill with David Lindley, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Chris Hillman of the Byrds.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Sheldon is joined by a rock solid lineup of multi-talented musicians. Drummer Brad Rhodus frequently lays down his groovin' beat as a studio and live session musican. Keyboardist Erich “Hatch” Gann is also a sound mixer in Hollywood. Bassist Guy Silliman moonlights as video game producer.
In January of 2003, the four-piece group released the self-titled CD "Rebel Soul Band." With a sound that draws on the Dead, Dylan, the Beatles, the Doors and many others, tracks from the politically charged album continue to receive airplay on Los Angeles radio stations.
It's taken a while, but the Rebel Soul Band is finally ready to get truckin' and bring its thought-provoking lyrics and crowd-pleasing jams to Ocean Beach.
- Joann D. Ball

BAND ON THE RUN
From Pennsylvania to Florida to California, Rich Sheldon made Los Angeles his home and the place to launch his Rebel Soul Band nationwide.

While attending Florida State University, he started getting into several jam sessions where musicians would meet as strangers and play the music that would bind them.

He then moved to California and started playing solo, but soon joined with others who shared his passion for music, influenced by earthy roots rock and psychedelic jams. In time, he formed the Rebel Soul Band.

The band's sound draws from musical styles that range from folk, blues and funk to reggae, bluegrass and jazz.

In 2002, the band recorded its first album self-titled "Rebel Soul Band." The band records its albums live because the process saves money and enables the band to present its music the way its audience would prefer.

"Whatever comes out, comes out," said Sheldon.

Recent magazine articles and festival performances have brought the band's name out and onto the radio airwaves with songs played on stations in Los Angeles, Connecticut, Florida and New Mexico.

The group has also been played on the well-known Los Angeles rock radio station KLOS.

In March, the group won a contest to have its song, "Destination Unknown," placed on a compilation CD with 10 other bands for RELIX magazine, a national publication with more than 30,000 subscribers.

- Mark Hoffman

REBEL SOUL BAND:VENICE, CA
DESTINATION UNKNOWN
Led by singer/songwriter Rich Sheldon, this four-piece taps everything from funk and bluegrass to country and psychedelic for inspiration. Together just over two years, the band is beginning to finally gel their sound into a cohesive, southern California vibe. Skilled and tourschooled musicians round out the RSB lineup as each brings considerable experience to the band. The group’s second album, recorded live in the studio and self-titled, is out now. www.rebelsoulband.com
- Mick Skidmore

Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix all agree that Rich Sheldon Band should “stay” as RSB was featured on KLSX 97.1 “Should I Stay, Or Should I Go” on the Frosty, Heidi, and Frank radio show. RSB drummer, Brad Rhodus, was live on the air for this weekly segment where the hosts and callers listen to “up and coming bands” and decide if they should “stay or go.” Brad kept his cool as “Destination Unknown” and “Where You Going” from the new album, Shangri-La, were played to thousands of listeners in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix. The response was overwhelmingly positive as talk show host Heidi Hamilton declared that she loved it. Way to go RSB, keep up the good work! - KLSX 97.1 fm Los Angeles

The southern-California based Rich Sheldon Band will be hitting town on their "90 miles to Cuba" tour from June 24th til July 4th.
This four-piece creates an eclectic sound for what can best be described as groovin' roots rock with funky reggae hillbilly soul!
Recent magazine articles and festival performances have brought the band's name out and onto the radio airwaves with songs played on stations throughout the U.S. as well as Austrailia and British Columbia. RSB recently received recognition in Relix Magazine for their song "Destination Uknown", by winning a song-writing contest and being featured on a compilation CD. (Rich Sheldon Band will be performing at the following venues this week in Key West: June 24th & 25th at Schooner's Wharf, June 28th & July 2nd at Sloppy Joe's Bar, and July 1st and 3rd at Willie T's.) - The Paradise Weekly - June 2005

Springdale native Rich Sheldon moved to Los Angeles 13 years ago and has not looked back. The change of venue seems to suit the musician, whose sunny, upbeat songs skirt between pop, classic rock and reggae, with a bit of country thrown in for good measure. A regular on L.A. radio, Sheldon still has roots in the area, with family in Harmarville and Springdale.

He'll perform Wednesday at Hard Rock Cafe, Station Square. Admission for the 9 p.m. show is $5. - Tribune Review, article by Rege Behe

An excerpt of Rich's song "Meet You In the Heavens" appears in the award winning documentary "American Drug War" produced and Directed by Kevin Booth, Sacred Cow Productions. SC Productions was co-founded by late great comedian Bill Hicks. Rich's all-time favorite comedian. - Sacred Cow Productions

CLUB REVIEWS: REBEL SOUL BAND @ Molly Malone's Irish Pub
Material: At first, the music of Rebel Soul is a bluesy funk blend with heavy Grateful Dead influences. And then, there's a good old-fashioned Chuck Berry style tune. But, hold on a minute, this is clearly a reggae band.

Unlike many acts today, no two of Rebel Soul Songs sound alike. With a set list consisting of more styles than the United Nations has translators, this group could almost be labeled world music. From a Beatles-esque love song to a country rockin' barnburner, and even an Irish jig, this band covers all the bases and then some.

Musicianship: The versatility of this ensemble is a testament to the quality of musicianship involved. All four players are confident and highly polished. From funk to reggae to country, the Rebel Soul Band has more diverse styles in one set than most bands have in their entire career.

Performance: Strong and well rehearsed, this was a very talented and creative group. Soloing jam sessions abound, but are never overdone. Aside from being talented musicians, each member of this talented quartet obviously enjoys what he is doing onstage and the crowd's reaction was a sure indicator that the feeling was mutual.

Summary: Rebel Soul Band is a vastly eclectic and talented group or artists. Every style they dabble in, they make their own and the crowd just eats it up. From their funky first song, to their fine rendition of "Last Train to Clarksville", Rebel Soul Band is a true crowd pleaser.

- Dale Hill

Rebel Soul Band was honored this month by having “Meet You in the Heavens” featured on Ziggy Radio on Ziggy Marley’s website (www.ziggymarley.com). This is a great honor for RSB to have this song chosen as we are huge fans of Ziggy and of course his father, the original “Soul Rebel.” - www.zigglymarley.com