Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Tribe 2000 is a powerful celebration of Phil Ranelin's prolific career, featuring the Tribe Records founders, Ranelin on trombone and Wendell Harrison on saxophone. Recorded in 2000, this album brings together the core of the influential Detroit label, as Harrison sought to reconnect with Ranelin while incorporating a talented ensemble of seasoned musicians to enrich the arrangements. Four of the five compositions are penned by Ranelin, showcasing the innovative spirit that characterised Tribe. Wendell Harrison, known for his self-directed approach to music, co-founded the legendary Tribe label in the 1970s and established Rebirth Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to jazz performance and education. His collaborations with notable artists like pianist Geri Allen and saxophonist James Carter underscore his significant impact on the jazz community. Born in Indianapolis, Ranelin's early influences shaped his journey through Detroit's jazz scene before he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to thrive alongside luminaries like Freddie Hubbard. Together, Ranelin and Harrison's Tribe 2000 exemplifies their enduring legacy in jazz music.

Review: Wendell Harrison and Phil Raneli's Message From The Tribe is regarded by those who know as an untouchable example of spiritual jazz. The Tribe label - run of course by the pair themselves - it came on was also one of the great of its era in the 1970s. Here the album has been remixed from the OG master tapes, all under the watchful eye of its creators, then lacquered by Bernie Grundman. It is an expansive and indulgent record that includes a vast booklet that takes us through the history of the label and touches on the story of Black American empowerment.