Forming as an ensemble in 1971 by saxophonist Wendell Harrison and trombonist Phil Ranelin, Tribe is a respected independent jazz collective from Detroit. A live entity as well as, later, an independent record label, it's ethos was clear from the beginning, "sustaining the future of the jazz diaspora, the jazz tradition." Tribe's early releases, such as Harrison's An Evening With The Devil (1971) and Harrison and Ranelin's A Message From The Tribe (1972) became early '70s milestones in Motor City jazz, and here's a compilation that focuses on the later-era works. Previously unreleased recordings from Harold McKinney and his "McKinfolk" family of musicians ("Wide And Blue" & "Juba) as well as poet Mbiyu Chui (Williams Moore), pianist Pamela Wise and percussionist Djallo Djakate ("Ode To Black Mothers" & "Marcus Garvey") are selected. In addition, Ranelin re-works his classic "He The One We All Knew," and Harrison "evokes the power and majesty of juju" on "Conjure Man." Remastered from original session recordings, includes exclusive sleeve notes by journalist Herb Boyd and rare photos from Harrison's personal archive.

• remastered from original recordings
• sleeve notes by Herb Boyd
• rare photos from Wendell Harrison's personal archive
• music label: Strut 2019

reviewed by singing in japanese 01/2020