A very soulful batch of fusion tracks from drummer Horacee Arnold – here leading a group that includes reed talents Billy Harper and Joe Farrell, percussionist Ralph McDonald, guitarist Ralph Towner, and Dave Friedman on vibes and percussion. Tracks are long and spiralling, with a spiritual approach that goes quite out at times, but which also returns to a modal groove at others. Thanks to great playing by Harper and Farrell, the album's got a lot more soul than some others of the type at the time. Tracks include "The Actor", "Professor Moriarty", "Orchards of Engedi", "Tribe", and "Banyan Dance". CD

Genius work from the Detroit underground of the 70s – one of the greatest records ever on the now-famous Tribe Records label, and a masterpiece of soul, jazz, and righteous spirit! The session's headed by tenor player Wendell Harrison – and it's got an all-star Motor City lineup that includes Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Phil Ranelin on trombone, Jeamel Lee on vocals, Charles Eubanks on electric piano, and Charles Moore on flugelhorn. The tracks have a spacious spiritual approach that recalls some of the later Archie Shepp on Impulse – a blend of soul jazz with slight touches of electric instrumentation, some vocals, and a very progressive spirit overall – stepping proud in the new freedoms of the 70s, yet still swinging and very groovy. Titles include "Angela's Dilemma", "What We Need", "How Do We End All Of This Madness", "Merciful", and "Beneficent". LP, Vinyl record album

An incredible package – one that features all three variations on this legendary album, along with bonus material on other pieces of vinyl – plus complete replicas of all 17 issues of the legendary Tribe Magazine – a key outlet for knowledge and culture in the Detroit scene of the 70s! The package has all three variations of the record in their original artwork – and version 1 comes with a 7" single that includes short versions of "Where Am I" and "How Do We End All Of This Madness". Version 2 comes with a 10" album that features full instrumental versions of "What We Need", "How Do We End All Of This Madness", and "Angela's Dilemma". Version 3 is pressed on 2LPs, which each play at 45rpm! The core album is genius work from the Detroit underground of the 70s – one of the greatest records ever on the now-famous Tribe Records label, and a masterpiece of soul, jazz, and righteous spirit! The session's headed by tenor player Wendell Harrison – and it's got an all-star Motor City lineup that includes Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Phil Ranelin on trombone, Jeamel Lee on vocals, Charles Eubanks on electric piano, and Charles Moore on flugelhorn. The tracks have a spacious spiritual approach that recalls some of the later Archie Shepp on Impulse – a blend of soul jazz with slight touches of electric instrumentation, some vocals, and a very progressive spirit overall – stepping proud in the new freedoms of the 70s, yet still swinging and very groovy. Titles include "Angela's Dilemma", "What We Need", "How Do We End All Of This Madness", "Merciful", and "Beneficent". But maybe even cooler are the issues of Tribe Magazine – rare treasures from the Detroit underground, reproduced here for the first time ever – and maybe even worth the price of the heavy box set. LP, Vinyl record album

An incredible package – one that features all three variations on this legendary album, along with bonus material on other pieces of vinyl – plus complete replicas of all 17 issues of the legendary Tribe Magazine – a key outlet for knowledge and culture in the Detroit scene of the 70s! The package has all three variations of the record in their original artwork – and version 1 comes with a 7" single that includes short versions of "Where Am I" and "How Do We End All Of This Madness". Version 2 comes with a 10" album that features full instrumental versions of "What We Need", "How Do We End All Of This Madness", and "Angela's Dilemma". Version 3 is pressed on 2LPs, which each play at 45rpm! The core album is genius work from the Detroit underground of the 70s – one of the greatest records ever on the now-famous Tribe Records label, and a masterpiece of soul, jazz, and righteous spirit! The session's headed by tenor player Wendell Harrison – and it's got an all-star Motor City lineup that includes Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Phil Ranelin on trombone, Jeamel Lee on vocals, Charles Eubanks on electric piano, and Charles Moore on flugelhorn. The tracks have a spacious spiritual approach that recalls some of the later Archie Shepp on Impulse – a blend of soul jazz with slight touches of electric instrumentation, some vocals, and a very progressive spirit overall – stepping proud in the new freedoms of the 70s, yet still swinging and very groovy. Titles include "Angela's Dilemma", "What We Need", "How Do We End All Of This Madness", "Merciful", and "Beneficent". But maybe even cooler are the issues of Tribe Magazine – rare treasures from the Detroit underground, reproduced here for the first time ever – and maybe even worth the price of the heavy box set. LP, Vinyl record album

The rare first version of Message From The Tribe – still done with all the Detroit underground qualities of the better-known versions – but with a completely different song list overall! As with the more-circulated versions, the record is the brainchild of saxophonist Wendell Harrison and trombonist Phil Ranelin – and the pair work together with other key players from the spiritual avant scene in their city at the start of the 70s – Marcus Belgrave and Charles Moore on trumpets, Will Austin on bass, Ike Daney on drums, and Charles Eubanks on some mighty nice Fender Rhodes! All group members handle other instrumentation too – usually a bit of percussion– and Jaemel Lee comes in with some vocals and poetry as well. The album features two side-long suites – the 20 minute "Evening With The Devil" on side one, with passages that include "Mary Had An Abortion", "Angry Young Men", and "Where Am I" – and the 21 minute "What Now" on side two – with passages that include "What We Need", "Angela's Dilemma", and "How Do We End All Of This Madness". CD

Genius work from the Detroit underground of the 70s – one of the greatest records ever on the now-famous Tribe Records label, and a masterpiece of soul, jazz, and righteous spirit! The session's headed by tenor player Wendell Harrison – and it's got an all-star Motor City lineup that includes Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Phil Ranelin on trombone, Jeamel Lee on vocals, Charles Eubanks on electric piano, and Charles Moore on flugelhorn. The tracks have a spacious spiritual approach that recalls some of the later Archie Shepp on Impulse – a blend of soul jazz with slight touches of electric instrumentation, some vocals, and a very progressive spirit overall – stepping proud in the new freedoms of the 70s, yet still swinging and very groovy. Titles include "Angela's Dilemma", "What We Need", "How Do We End All Of This Madness", "Merciful", and "Beneficent". This second version of the album features mixes of the tracks done in 1973. CD

Fantastic new music from Detroit reedman Wendell Harrison – working here with a renewed version of the Tribe Records scene, at a level that makes the album one of his best in many years! Wendell blows tenor and bass clarinet, and his group here is mostly younger, lesser-known players – but who soar with Harrison in a mix of spiritual jazz modes and a few more rhythmic currents – all with the kind of powerful, progressive vibe that made the Tribe Records material of Harrison and his contemporaries so important in the 70s! Other musicians include Vincent Chandler on trombone, Steve Woods on flute, Luis Resto on piano, Walter White on trumpet, and Jacob Schwantz on guitar – although players shift often from track to track – and frequent Harrison partner Pamela Wise also provides a bit of keyboards, and the set features both sung vocals on two tracks from Pathe Jassi, and a recitation from Mbiyu Chui on another. Titles include "Revoltuion", "Siera", "Wandering Thoughts", "Samoulen Khale Yi", "What's Up", and "Saga Of A Carrot". CD

A great collaboration from two fantastic players – alto genius Bobby Watson and percussionist Ray Mantilla – both coming together here in a style that's even more than the sum of their mighty parts! The group has lots of Watson elements at the core – bass from Curtis Lundy, drums from Victor Lewis, and piano from Ronnie Mathews – but the presence of Mantilla's congas really changes up the groove, and the trumpet of Jack Walrath further emphasizes some Latin currents, while also linking up to the soulful energy of Watson's horn! Tracks are penned by all members of the group – and the record's overflowing with the sense of good spirit and boundless energy we always love from Bobby's dates as a leader. Titles include "Karita", "Chili Plaza Suite", "Ella Dunham", "Los Apolypticanos", "Know One Has To Know", and "River Jordan". CD

Bold, beautiful music from the Jazz Tribe of Bobby Watson and Ray Mantilla – proof that the partnership first forged years back can still be the source of some wonderfully soulful music! The album's one of the best we've heard from Bobby in years – almost a return to the simple, expressive quality of his albums as a leader back in the 80s! Part of the album's strength is the bass work of Curtis Lundy, whose presence on a record always seems to add something special – and other group members are great too, and include Jack Walrath on trumpet, Xavier Davis on piano, and Victor Lewis on drums – all nice and tight, yet never uptight, next to the alto sax of Watson and percussion of Mantilla. Tracks include many originals by the group – with titles that include "Pecado Primero", "Hello Albert", "Gesualdo's Tango", "Everlasting", "Eeeyyeess", "El Color De Mi Rythmo", and "Temples Of Gold". CD

David Binney on saxophone, Adam Rogers and David Gilmore on guitars, Fima Ephron on bass, and Ben Perowsky on drums. CD

David Binney on alto sax, Adam Rogers and David Gilmore on guitar, Fima Ephron on bass, and Ben Perowsky on drums and percussion. CD

Features Gene Shimosato, Ravi Coltrane, Takuya Nakamura, Lonnie Plaxico, and Tony Moreno. CD

One of the boldest, most righteous 70s statements from trumpeter Hannibal Marvin Peterson – and that's saying a heck of a lot, given his previous body of work! The set's cast in the same large ensemble mode as Hannibal's Children Of The Fire album – and like that one, it features an array of all-star players, all united in the trumpeter's rich vision – artists who include Deirdre Murray on cello, Billy Hart on drums, Michael Cochrane on piano, Art Webb on flute, and Pat Peterson on vocals! Tracks are long, and build with energy that's very much in the Strata East mode – a vibe that Hannibal didn't seem to have down this well in the earlier part of the 70s, but which he more than made up for at the end of the decade with a record like this. Titles include "Now Stand", "A Sacred Multitude", "Returning To The Ways", "Of Live & Love & God", and "The Tribe". CD

An excellent lost classic from Detroit soul jazz powerhouse Phil Ranelin – now a legendary figure, but recording here back at the start of his career in the Motor City! Trombonist Ranelin was one of the key figures in the city's Tribe Records scene – and this album is one of the greatest that the label ever issued – a perfect blend of the spiritual currents that were bubbling under in the scene, and some of the funky touches that helped make Ranelin and the label legendary over the years. The set features Ranelin on trombone, Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Kenny Cox on electric piano, and Harold McKinney on piano – plus other luminaries from the incredibly strong Detroit scene of the time – and titles include the funky classic "Sounds From The Village", the slow spacey breakbeat number "Vibes From The Tribe", and the jazzy groover "For The Children". Also includes "He The One We All Knew", an extended piece that features members of The Griot Galaxy that takes up all of side two! LP, Vinyl record album

A massive double-dose of unissued material from the sessions for the legendary Vibes From The Tribe album – with a focus on some especially funky tracks! Trombonist Ranelin was one of the key figures in the city's Tribe Records scene – and Vibes From The Tribe is one of the greatest albums that the label ever issued – a perfect blend of the spiritual currents that were bubbling under in the scene, and some of the funky touches that helped make Ranelin and the label legendary over the years. The set features Ranelin on trombone, Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Kenny Cox on electric piano, and Harold McKinney on piano – plus other luminaries from the incredibly strong Detroit scene of the time. This special album features three great mixes of the title track – "Vibes From The Tribe (alt mix)", "Vibes From The Tribe (extended)", and "Vibes From The Tribe (8 Track version)" – plus "Sounds From The Village (alt mix)", "Sounds From The Village (extended)", "Wife (alt mix)", For The Children (alt mix)", and "He The One We All Knew (alt mix)". LP, Vinyl record album

An excellent lost classic from Detroit soul jazz powerhouse Phil Ranelin – now a legendary figure, but recording here back at the start of his career in the Motor City! Trombonist Ranelin was one of the key figures in the city's Tribe Records scene – and this album is one of the greatest that the label ever issued – a perfect blend of the spiritual currents that were bubbling under in the scene, and some of the funky touches that helped make Ranelin and the label legendary over the years. The set features Ranelin on trombone, Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Kenny Cox on electric piano, and Harold McKinney on piano – plus other luminaries from the incredibly strong Detroit scene of the time – and titles include the funky classic "Sounds From The Village", the slow spacey breakbeat number "Vibes From The Tribe", and the jazzy groover "For The Children". Also includes "He The One We All Knew", an extended piece that features members of The Griot Galaxy that takes up all of side two! CD

An excellent lost classic from Detroit soul jazz powerhouse Phil Ranelin – now a legendary figure, but recording here back at the start of his career in the Motor City! Trombonist Ranelin was one of the key figures in the city's Tribe Records scene – and this album is one of the greatest that the label ever issued – a perfect blend of the spiritual currents that were bubbling under in the scene, and some of the funky touches that helped make Ranelin and the label legendary over the years. The set features Ranelin on trombone, Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Kenny Cox on electric piano, and Harold McKinney on piano – plus other luminaries from the incredibly strong Detroit scene of the time – and titles include the funky classic "Sounds From The Village", the slow spacey breakbeat number "Vibes From The Tribe", and the jazzy groover "For The Children". Also includes "He The One We All Knew", an extended piece that features members of The Griot Galaxy that takes up all of side two! LP, Vinyl record album

Spiritual sounds from Pamela Samiha Wise – a musician who was a bit late to the Tribe Records scene in Detroit, but who's really done a lot to carry on the vision of the music! You might know Wise from some of her recordings with Wendell Harrison, and Harrison is very much in full force here – blowing tenor and bass clarinet, in a lineup that also includes Dwight Adams on trumpet, Terry Kimura on trombone, and plenty of percussion in the mix as well. There's some occasional vocal moments on the record, and the whole thing has that maturing sense of majesty that we love in Harrison's later projects – but served up here in a voice that's definitely that of Pamela – a set that's as timeless as it is soulful, with titles that include "Ode To Dorothy", "The Divine One", "Vein Melter", "How Do We End All This Madness", "The Only Blessing That I Have Is You", "Plena Plenty", and "Love Dream". CD

A great presentation of work from the legendary Tribe Records of Detroit – all handled by DJ Muro, who's posed on the front in a way that recalls one of the label's rarest albums! The style here is different than other collections of Tribe Records material – as Muro goes for cuts that showcase some of the more soulful, funky sides of the label – still very righteous overall, but with less of the longer or more avant-oriented tracks that came from the Detroit underground at the time. Muro's been giving us amazing collections for many years, and this one is no exception – a fantastic demonstration of his magical ear, as he makes his way through cuts that include "The Wok" by Wendell Harrison, "Ode To Africa (single version)" by Harold McKinney, "Ginseng Love" by Wendell Harrison, "Freedom Jazz Dance" by Harold McKinney, "Take Time Out" by Wendell Harrison, "Sounds From The Village" by Phil Ranelin, and "Belle Isle" by Wendell Harrison. (Funky Compilations, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

A great presentation of work from the legendary Tribe Records of Detroit – all handled by DJ Muro, who's posed on the front in a way that recalls one of the label's rarest albums! The style here is different than other collections of Tribe Records material – as Muro goes for cuts that showcase some of the more soulful, funky sides of the label – still very righteous overall, but with less of the longer or more avant-oriented tracks that came from the Detroit underground at the time. Muro's been giving us amazing collections for many years, and this one is no exception – a fantastic demonstration of his magical ear, as he makes his way through cuts that include "The Wok" by Wendell Harrison, "Ode To Africa" by Harold McKinney, "Why Don't Love Make Everything Right" by Cosmic Force, "Ginseng Love" by Wendell Harrison, "Freedom Jazz Dance" by Harold McKinney, "For Real" by Doug Hammond, "Glue Fingers (part 2)" by Marcus Belgrave, "Vibes From The Tribe (prelude)" by Phil Ranelin, "What We Need" by Wendell Harrison & Phil Ranelin, "In The Moog" by Harold McKinney, "Farewell To The Welfare" by Wendell Harrison & The Tribe, "Wake Up Brothers" by Doug Hammond, "Sounds From The Village" by Phil Ranelin, and "Belle Isle" by Wendell Harrison. (Funky Compilations, Jazz) CD

One of the key records from the Detroit Tribe Records scene of the 70s – a masterful blend of spiritual jazz and deeper ideas, and maybe the greatest record ever cut by trumpeter Marcus Belgrave! The set was originally issued on the Gem Eye label in 1974, in a pressing of only 1000, the record's done nothing but increase in legend since – and for good reason too, given that the Tribe pressing got wider circulation, and other reissues have really helped establish the legend of the music! The groove picks up in the same domain as the better Art Ensemble Of Chicago records of the late 60s and early 70s – with the rubbery funk electric bass lines and celestial groove of the funkier moments, but deeper sounds of more spiritual points too. Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave plays in a beautiful ensemble, packed with Tribe labelmates – Wendell Harrison on tenor sax & percussion, Phil Ranelin on trombone, and Harold McKinney on electric piano. Roy Brooks and Billy Turner are on drums and percussion, and the expansive vibe is fleshed out with the help of Lorenzo Brown on bongos and Daryl Dybka on mini Moog. The record includes Belgrave's beautiful epic "Space Odyssey", which has a long flowing cosmic groove, nice electronics, and haunting trumpet solos. Other cuts include "Gemini II", "Marcia's Opal", "Glue Fingers (Parts I & II)", and "Odoms Cave". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the key records from the Detroit Tribe Records scene of the 70s – a masterful blend of spiritual jazz and deeper ideas, and maybe the greatest record ever cut by trumpeter Marcus Belgrave! The set was originally issued on the Gem Eye label in 1974, in a pressing of only 1000, the record's done nothing but increase in legend since – and for good reason too, given that the Tribe pressing got wider circulation, and other reissues have really helped establish the legend of the music! The groove picks up in the same domain as the better Art Ensemble Of Chicago records of the late 60s and early 70s – with the rubbery funk electric bass lines and celestial groove of the funkier moments, but deeper sounds of more spiritual points too. Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave plays in a beautiful ensemble, packed with Tribe labelmates – Wendell Harrison on tenor sax & percussion, Phil Ranelin on trombone, and Harold McKinney on electric piano. Roy Brooks and Billy Turner are on drums and percussion, and the expansive vibe is fleshed out with the help of Lorenzo Brown on bongos and Daryl Dybka on mini Moog. The record includes Belgrave's beautiful epic "Space Odyssey", which has a long flowing cosmic groove, nice electronics, and haunting trumpet solos. Other cuts include "Gemini II", "Marcia's Opal", "Glue Fingers (Parts I & II)", and "Odoms Cave". CD

An incredible session from the legendary Tribe Records scene – an equal effort from leader Doug Hammond and keyboardist David Durrah, who contributes some groundbreaking Fender Rhodes and moog work to the set! Hammond handles drums plus a bit of vocals and synthesizer on the session – working alongside Durrah in a groove that mixes electric and acoustic instrumentation into a totally righteous sound with lots of heavy Afro Jazz leanings. A number of tracks feature great vocals from Hammond – righteous, and with a beautifully soulful message-oriented approach – and a few other tracks, such as the classic "Space I" and "Space II", feature a sparer all-electric sound. The whole thing's wonderful – skittishly rhythmic, warmly flowing, and righteously beautiful. Titles include "Sea Of Nurnen", "Fidalgo Detour", "Reflections", "Space II", and "For Real". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most classic albums on the Tribe Records label from Detroit – music that was too heavy for most of the world when it was issued in the 70s – but which has gone onto achieve legendary status over the years! Reedman Wendell Harrison leads the group in a set of soaring, spacious, righteous tunes – with great help from Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, and assorted other instruments, which he and Harrison play in the best AACM tradition. Phil Ranelin's also in the group on trombone – and other players include Charles Eubanks on keyboards, Ike Daney on drums, and Will Austin on bass – and the album also features some spoken passages by the Black Messengers, Oba and Vajava. The whole thing's fantastic – that strong collaborative spirit that graced the best part of the American jazz underground of the time – and titles include "Mary Had An Abortion", "Vol II Angry Young Man (parts 1 & 2)", "Consciousness", and "Rebirth". CD

One of the most classic albums on the Tribe Records label from Detroit – music that was too heavy for most of the world when it was issued in the 70s – but which has gone onto achieve legendary status over the years! Reedman Wendell Harrison leads the group in a set of soaring, spacious, righteous tunes – with great help from Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, and assorted other instruments, which he and Harrison play in the best AACM tradition. Phil Ranelin's also in the group on trombone – and other players include Charles Eubanks on keyboards, Ike Daney on drums, and Will Austin on bass – and the album also features some spoken passages by the Black Messengers, Oba and Vajava. The whole thing's fantastic – that strong collaborative spirit that graced the best part of the American jazz underground of the time – and titles include "Mary Had An Abortion", "Vol II Angry Young Man (parts 1 & 2)", "Consciousness", and "Rebirth". LP, Vinyl record album

A real treasure from the Detroit scene of the 70s – a never-issued Tribe Records album by Wendell Harrison, and one that's got a bit more of a soul/funk vibe than some of the other sessions on the label! The album's a key missing piece of the puzzle in Harrison's career – not as avant as some of his earlier recordings, but still a bit less polished than his later work too – with a strongly spiritual group that also features Ron English on guitar, Harold McKinney on keyboards and moog, and the great Phil Ranelin on trombone! Tracks are long, and overflowing with soul and spirit – and titles include "Tons & Tons Of BS", "Farewell To The Welfare", "Heavenese", "He's The One We All Know", and "Where Am I". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most righteous albums ever issued by the always-righteous Tribe Records label of Detroit – a really collective effort, one that features ensemble vocals and spiritual jazz – all pulled together by pianist Harold McKinney! The album showcases a group named Voices Of The Creative Profile – formed by McKinney to accompany his Creative Profile instrumental group – and the overall style is a great blend of spiritual soul jazz that gives equal time to the voices and instruments in the set. Gwen McKinney heads up the vocal ensemble, and other players on the set include Wendell Harrison on flute, Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Billy Turner on percussion, and Ed Pickins on bass. Also features some cool moog from Darryl Dybka – and titles that include "In The Moog", "Freedom Jazz Dance", "Dolphin Dance", "Heavenese", "Ode To Africa", "Out Of The Blues", and "Cornerstone". Features a bonus 7" single – with the tracks "Ode To Africa" and "Jelly Loa". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most righteous albums ever issued by the always-righteous Tribe Records label of Detroit – a really collective effort, one that features ensemble vocals and spiritual jazz – all pulled together by pianist Harold McKinney! The album showcases a group named Voices Of The Creative Profile – formed by McKinney to accompany his Creative Profile instrumental group – and the overall style is a great blend of spiritual soul jazz that gives equal time to the voices and instruments in the set. Gwen McKinney heads up the vocal ensemble, and other players on the set include Wendell Harrison on flute, Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Billy Turner on percussion, and Ed Pickins on bass. Also features some cool moog from Darryl Dybka – and titles that include "In The Moog", "Freedom Jazz Dance", "Dolphin Dance", "Heavenese", "Ode To Africa", "Out Of The Blues", and "Cornerstone". CD features two bonus tracks – versions of "Ode To Africa" and "Jelly Loa". CD

It's hard to get more powerful and progressive than the message this title – an indication that the record is one of the boldest in the Tribe Records catalog from the 70s – which is saying a lot, given the force of the legendary Detroit label! Trombonist Phil Ranelin is at his best here – not just as a soloist, but also as a guiding spiritual force – as he works here with a very progressive ensemble who are somewhere between Sun Ra's Arkestra and some of the loft jazz groups to come – effortlessly mixing free instrumental solo passages with more rhythmic pulsations – adding in electric elements in just the right way, to almost create a cosmic tension in the acoustic core of the performance. Keith Vreeland is listed as the pianist – and we're not sure if it's him who plays the weird and wonderful keyboards on the record, but they're totally great – mixed with Ranelin's work on trombone, plus Wendell Harrison on tenor, Marcus Belgrave on flugelhorn, Charles Moore on trumpet, and Harou El Nil on alto – plus strong work from two drummers, George Davidson and Bili Turner, each in one side of the mix – and bass from John Dana or Reggie Fields. This is message-oriented spiritual jazz at its best – and titles include "13th & Senate", "Black Destiny", "Time Is Running Out", "He The One We All Knew", and "The Time Is Now For A Change". LP, Vinyl record album

It's hard to get more powerful and progressive than the message this title – an indication that the record is one of the boldest in the Tribe Records catalog from the 70s – which is saying a lot, given the force of the legendary Detroit label! Trombonist Phil Ranelin is at his best here – not just as a soloist, but also as a guiding spiritual force – as he works here with a very progressive ensemble who are somewhere between Sun Ra's Arkestra and some of the loft jazz groups to come – effortlessly mixing free instrumental solo passages with more rhythmic pulsations – adding in electric elements in just the right way, to almost create a cosmic tension in the acoustic core of the performance. Keith Vreeland is listed as the pianist – and we're not sure if it's him who plays the weird and wonderful keyboards on the record, but they're totally great – mixed with Ranelin's work on trombone, plus Wendell Harrison on tenor, Marcus Belgrave on flugelhorn, Charles Moore on trumpet, and Harou El Nil on alto – plus strong work from two drummers, George Davidson and Bili Turner, each in one side of the mix – and bass from John Dana or Reggie Fields. This is message-oriented spiritual jazz at its best – and titles include "13th & Senate", "Black Destiny", "Time Is Running Out", "He The One We All Knew", and "The Time Is Now For A Change". Very cool 2LP pressing – with alternate takes of three tracks on the album! LP, Vinyl record album

It's hard to get more powerful and progressive than the message this title – an indication that the record is one of the boldest in the Tribe Records catalog from the 70s – which is saying a lot, given the force of the legendary Detroit label! Trombonist Phil Ranelin is at his best here – not just as a soloist, but also as a guiding spiritual force – as he works here with a very progressive ensemble who are somewhere between Sun Ra's Arkestra and some of the loft jazz groups to come – effortlessly mixing free instrumental solo passages with more rhythmic pulsations – adding in electric elements in just the right way, to almost create a cosmic tension in the acoustic core of the performance. Keith Vreeland is listed as the pianist – and we're not sure if it's him who plays the weird and wonderful keyboards on the record, but they're totally great – mixed with Ranelin's work on trombone, plus Wendell Harrison on tenor, Marcus Belgrave on flugelhorn, Charles Moore on trumpet, and Harou El Nil on alto – plus strong work from two drummers, George Davidson and Bili Turner, each in one side of the mix – and bass from John Dana or Reggie Fields. This is message-oriented spiritual jazz at its best – and titles include "13th & Senate", "Black Destiny", "Time Is Running Out", "He The One We All Knew", and "The Time Is Now For A Change". CD

Way way more than you might guess from an album with Motown in the title – and instead, a set that may well be one of the best we've heard from Geri Allen in years! Yes, the tracks are mostly numbers from the classic years of the famous soul label – but the presentation is quite different – mostly solo piano, with Geri stretching out in these fluid, spiritual ways that go far past any familiar melodies, and which really make the songs deeply her own. Plus, the set also features some tremendous guest work from Marcus Belgrave on trumpet on three tracks – stretching out with the kind of righteous, expressive tones that have made us love him from the days of Tribe Records onwards. David McMurray also guests on alto on one track – but the bulk of album is solo piano from Allen, on titles that include "The Smart Set", "Space Odyssey", "Inner City Blues", "Stoned Love", "Itching In My Heart", "Tears Of A Clown", "That Girl", and "Grand River Crossings". CD

One of the key records from the Detroit Tribe Records scene of the 70s – a masterful blend of spiritual jazz and deeper ideas, and maybe the greatest record ever cut by trumpeter Marcus Belgrave! The set was originally issued on the Gem Eye label in 1974, in a pressing of only 1000, the record's done nothing but increase in legend since – and for good reason too, given that the Tribe pressing got wider circulation, and other reissues have really helped establish the legend of the music! The groove picks up in the same domain as the better Art Ensemble Of Chicago records of the late 60s and early 70s – with the rubbery funk electric bass lines and celestial groove of the funkier moments, but deeper sounds of more spiritual points too. Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave plays in a beautiful ensemble, packed with Tribe labelmates – Wendell Harrison on tenor sax & percussion, Phil Ranelin on trombone, and Harold McKinney on electric piano. Roy Brooks and Billy Turner are on drums and percussion, and the expansive vibe is fleshed out with the help of Lorenzo Brown on bongos and Daryl Dybka on mini Moog. The record includes Belgrave's beautiful epic "Space Odyssey", which has a long flowing cosmic groove, nice electronics, and haunting trumpet solos. Other cuts include "Gemini II", "Marcia's Opal", "Glue Fingers (Parts I & II)", and "Odoms Cave". CD

Sublime 70s material from Art Blakey – a double-length set that pulls together most of the tracks from the albums Buhania and Anthenagain, and also throws in a previously unreleased number too! Blakey's groove at this point in his career is quite different than the Jazz Messengers style of the 60s – equally soulful, yet in very fresh ways – really stretching out to embrace the sounds and players of the new generation – with Woody Shaw's trumpet and Carter Jefferson's tenor making some especially strong appearances – and some really standout electric piano work from Cedar Walton, which shapes the sound of the set wonderfully. Jon Hendricks turns in some beautiful vocals on versions of "Moanin" and "Along Came Betty" – and other tracks include the famous "Mission Eternal", sampled by Tribe Called Quest – plus "Without A Song", "Gertrude's Bounce", "Siempre Mi Amor", "One For Trane", "Fantasy In D", and "Chant For Bu". CD

An amazing album that has Art Blakey completely reinventing himself for the 70s! Blakey shifts from straight hardbop to kind of a modal soul jazz groove, touched with some of the electric playing of the younger jazz generation, but not enough to qualify as fusion or funk. Instead, he's working with some great younger players – like Carter Jefferson, Woody Shaw, and Michael Howell – hitting a groove that reminds us of some of the best underground soul jazz on labels like Muse or Strata East. Includes the amazing long groovers "Mission Eternal" and "Chant For Bu", a famous Tribe Called Quest sample – plus new electric piano versions of "Moanin" and "Along Came Betty", both of which feature vocals by Jon Hendricks. CD

An amazing album that has Art Blakey completely reinventing himself for the 70s! Blakey shifts from straight hardbop to kind of a modal soul jazz groove, touched with some of the electric playing of the younger jazz generation, but not enough to qualify as fusion or funk. Instead, he's working with some great younger players – like Carter Jefferson, Woody Shaw, and Michael Howell – hitting a groove that reminds us of some of the best underground soul jazz on labels like Muse or Strata East. Includes the amazing long groovers "Mission Eternal" and "Chant For Bu", a famous Tribe Called Quest sample – plus new electric piano versions of "Moanin" and "Along Came Betty", both of which feature vocals by Jon Hendricks. LP, Vinyl record album

An amazing album that has Art Blakey completely reinventing himself for the 70s! Blakey shifts from straight hardbop to kind of a modal soul jazz groove, touched with some of the electric playing of the younger jazz generation, but not enough to qualify as fusion or funk. Instead, he's working with some great younger players – like Carter Jefferson, Woody Shaw, and Michael Howell – hitting a groove that reminds us of some of the best underground soul jazz on labels like Muse or Strata East. Includes the amazing long groovers "Mission Eternal" and "Chant For Bu", a famous Tribe Called Quest sample – plus new electric piano versions of "Moanin" and "Along Came Betty", both of which feature vocals by Jon Hendricks. LP, Vinyl record album

A nice, if a bit obscure, recording featuring Bluiett's compositions for a larger group, with a stellar lineup that includes Chief Bey, Michael Carvin, Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Abdul Wadud, Reggie Workman, Olu Dara, Don Pullen and others. There's a strong pulse and some heavy African influence here, buoying Bluiett's robust playing, and Dara's trumpet offers up some nice lines, which we don't hear often enough on recordings. Mining a vein that pulls from some of the other more overtly Afro-centric out jazz explorations of the time, this set stands up nicely alongside more groove and vamp oriented material like the Tribe records stuff from the same era. "Glory (Symphony For World Peace)" features a large group, "Nioka" is a duet with Don Pullen and "Oasis – The Well" is a septet side. LP, Vinyl record album

Keyboardist Julius Brockington really takes off here – in a style that's not quite funk, not quite jazz – and which has some of the unique sophisticated changes that Gene Harris was bringing to his Blue Note records in the mid 70s! Like Gene, Julius already has a strong background on the keys – and here, he's able to open up and create all sorts of new rhythms in his music – working on organ, piano, and even a bit of Arp – in a combo that features Steve Turner on alto and flute, Jim Wilson on trumpet, and Garry Langston on guitar! The vibe is great – sophisticated, but funky too – and very unusual compared to other albums of the time. All the material is original – and titles include "Gettin' Into It", "Lost Tribe", "Jaded Jackie", and "In the Back of the Churchyard". (Soul, Jazz) CD

Amazing lost sounds from Detroit – a previously unissued album from pianist Kenny Cox – best known for his late 60s albums on Blue Note, but working here in a really righteous style, and using a fair bit of Fender Rhodes as well! The album's a lost gem from the Strata label – home to Lyman Woodard's Saturday Night Special album – and there's definitely a side to this record that's shared with that one – a bit more laidback, definitely, but equally soulful, and mixed with spiritual jazz elements that echo the style of Kenny's Tribe Records contemporaries on the Detroit scene. Other players include Charles Moore on flugelhorn, Buzz Jones on soprano sax and flute, Ron English on bass, and Skeets Curry on electric guitar – and in addition to Fender Rhodes, Cox also plays clavinet, mellotron, and Arp as well! The set's got a bit of vocals – from Fito Foster and Nengue Hernandez – but the main focus is instrumental, and the long tracks really have the group spinning out beautifully. Titles include "Clap Clap The Joyful Noise", "Samba De Romance", "Island Song", "Lost My Love", and "Beyond The Dream". CD

A great bit of work from the hip LA scene that centered around the Nimbus label at the end of the 70s – a collective who work together here with the same spiritual jazz modes you'd find on labels like Tribe or Strata East! The group features some bigger names from the scene, including some solo Nimbus acts – plus some other overlooked players – a lineup that includes Henry Franklin on bass, George Bohannon on trombone, Wilbert Hemsley on tenor, Dadesi Komolafe on flute, Jeff Clayton on baritone, and Gary Bias on alto and soprano sax. The album's also got some beautiful vocals from BJ Crowley – who co-leads the group, and sings out with a proud righteousness that recalls some of Dee Dee Bridgewater or Jean Carn's early early soul jazz recordings. The tracks are all long and spiraling numbers – never really "out", but in a free searching mode that's a perfect platform for the piano work of the other co-leader, Kaeef Ruzadun. Titles include "One Step Out", "Flashback Of Time", "All Praises Due", and "Stars In Lightyear Time". CD

A great bit of work from the hip LA scene that centered around the Nimbus label at the end of the 70s – a collective who work together here with the same spiritual jazz modes you'd find on labels like Tribe or Strata East! The group features some bigger names from the scene, including some solo Nimbus acts – plus some other overlooked players – a lineup that includes Henry Franklin on bass, George Bohannon on trombone, Wilbert Hemsley on tenor, Dadesi Komolafe on flute, Jeff Clayton on baritone, and Gary Bias on alto and soprano sax. The album's also got some beautiful vocals from BJ Crowley – who co-leads the group, and sings out with a proud righteousness that recalls some of Dee Dee Bridgewater or Jean Carn's early early soul jazz recordings. The tracks are all long and spiraling numbers – never really "out", but in a free searching mode that's a perfect platform for the piano work of the other co-leader, Kaeef Ruzadun. Titles include "One Step Out", "Flashback Of Time", "All Praises Due", and "Stars In Lightyear Time". CD

Fantastic work from this Australian big band of the 70s – a group who had all the soulful inspiration of the Clark Boland Band from a few years before, but who also work in a funkier 70s style too! There's a nice mix of electric instrumentation in the rhythms, and although singer Kerrie Biddell is on a few tracks, the instrumental moments are mabye even better. Titles include the fantastic "Dirty Feet", which starts with hard drums, and comes in with off-kilter guitar, in a very Tribe Called Quest-y sort of way! We don't know if this has been sampled by anyone, but man oh man, it should be! The record's got some other funky tracks – like "Limp Dropper" and "Col's Dilemma" – both great too. LP, Vinyl record album

Sublime spiritual jazz from the 70s scene in Detroit – and a record that really represents an evolution of the previous sounds that you might have heard on the Motorcity's Tribe Records! The sound here is straightforward and soulful – a bit of electricity at the bottom and some fluidly gliding horn work on the top – plus some key vocals from a group that includes Kim Weston in the lead, supported by other female singers – in a righteous mode that really makes the best tunes sparkle! Other players include Phil Ranelin on trombone, Nasi Hafiz on vibes, Miller Brisker on tenor and piano, and Sylvia Truner on harp – all working together in a largeish group with the best spiritual energy of groups on Strata East! The whole thing's great – a beautiful lost treasure, and the kind of record that's rarely carried off so perfectly – and titles include "Song For M", "A Little Love For You", "Mark I", "Ja-Mil", "Nobody Had To Tell Me", "Arjuna", and "Now You're Gone". LP, Vinyl record album

A massive classic from Lou Donaldson's funky years with Idris Muhammad on drums – an album that's filled with lots of bottom-heavy grooves, plus some great work on alto, guitar, and organ! Muhammad's drums are in fine fine form here – right up there with his other LD Blue Note work, if not even better – and the rest of the lineup features Leon Spencer and Lonnie Smith on organ, Ted Dunbar and Melvin Sparks on guitar, and Blue Mitchell on trumpet – all top-shelf players who really make the album kick nicely. Titles include the classic cut "Pot Belly", which was sampled by Tribe Called Quest and about a hundred others – plus "Curtis Song", "Sassie Lassie", "Love", and a version of "Tennessee Waltz" that's even a nice one too! LP, Vinyl record album

Wonderfully creative work from Pierre Dorge and his New Jungle Orchestra – a set that often features gentle, sensitive musical moments – although always handled with the sort of offbeat style we've come to expect from Dorge! Pierre is at the head of the group on guitar, and other instrumentation includes tenor, soprano sax, bass clarinet, trombone, piano, and trumpets – plus some nice use of percussion to help underscore the Africanist leanings of the rhythms. Dorge composed the album as a celebration of the elephant – and you can definitely hear that focus in the way the horns come together – often with a joyous sort of feel that reminds us a bit of the rare use of saxes in the work of Dollar Brand. Titles include "Oda Eugenia", "A Night In Hong Kong", "Malam Lagu", "Sunday In Zurich", "Wedding Music", "To Mr Dolphy", "Malamin Jobarteh", "Moonlight In The Woods", and "From The Same Tribe". CD

Kahil El'Zabar reinvigorated his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble a few years back, and the results have been a really stunning reworking of his legacy on the Chicago scene in the 80s – especially on the great run of albums on the Spiritmuse label! All the rhythmic, hypnotic qualities of Kahil's past music informs these sounds – but there's also maybe more majesty and more spiritual power overall – as El'Zabar's work on a variety of percussion instruments is matched with bold baritone work from Alex Harding, and tremendous trumpet from Corey Wilkes! Kahil's vocals are also fantastic – an element that he never used this strongly in the past, and which open up a lost possible career as a soul singer from the more righteous side of the spectrum. The set also features work from James Sanders on violin and viola, and Ishmael Ali on cello – both musicians who add to the majesty of the music – on titles that include "Burundi", "All Blues", "Can You Find A Place", "Great Black Music", "Open Me", "Kari", "Return Of The Lost Tribe", and "Passion Dance". CD

Kahil El'Zabar reinvigorated his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble a few years back, and the results have been a really stunning reworking of his legacy on the Chicago scene in the 80s – especially on the great run of albums on the Spiritmuse label! All the rhythmic, hypnotic qualities of Kahil's past music informs these sounds – but there's also maybe more majesty and more spiritual power overall – as El'Zabar's work on a variety of percussion instruments is matched with bold baritone work from Alex Harding, and tremendous trumpet from Corey Wilkes! Kahil's vocals are also fantastic – an element that he never used this strongly in the past, and which open up a lost possible career as a soul singer from the more righteous side of the spectrum. The set also features work from James Sanders on violin and viola, and Ishmael Ali on cello – both musicians who add to the majesty of the music – on titles that include "Burundi", "All Blues", "Can You Find A Place", "Great Black Music", "Open Me", "Kari", "Return Of The Lost Tribe", and "Passion Dance". LP, Vinyl record album

Kahil El'Zabar's working here with the Infinity Orchestra – a very large ensemble of musicians from the south of France – pulled together by Kahil for this special performance! A core trio of Americans is at the lead – El'Zabar on percussion, Ernest Dawkins on alto, and Joseph Bowie on trombone – but the larger group supports their work wonderfully with a full complement of saxes, trumpets, and trombones – and a huge amount of African percussion that creates a very earthy feel. There's a few vocal moments on the set too, as well as a slightly unfortunate use of turntable work too – and titles include "Soul To Groove", "Nu Art Claiming Earth", "Return Of The Lost Tribe", and "Speaking In Tongues". CD

One of the all-time keyboard classics of the 70s – a completely different album than any other set from pianist Ronnie Foster – done with this laidback, open-ended groove that was years ahead of its time! The album's in some ways a blueprint for some of our favorite jazz-based hip hop – and although Ronnie's playing organ, on most of the cuts, he handles the instrument more like it's a Fender Rhodes! The set's a masterpiece in funky jazz, done with a sinister, soulful groove – with these amazing rhythms from players who include Gene Bianco on harp, Arthur Jenkins on congas, George Duvivier and Gordon Edwards on bass, Jimmy Johnson on drums, George Devens on vibes, and Gene Bertoncini on guitar – served up with some amazing arrangements from soul maestro Wade Marcus. Titles include the massive cut "Mystic Brew", which is a tasty Tribe sample – plus lots of other goodies like "Chunky", "Summer Song", and "Don't Knock My Love". CD

One of the all-time keyboard classics of the 70s – a completely different album than any other set from pianist Ronnie Foster – done with this laidback, open-ended groove that was years ahead of its time! The album's in some ways a blueprint for some of our favorite jazz-based hip hop – and although Ronnie's playing organ, on most of the cuts, he handles the instrument more like it's a Fender Rhodes! The set's a masterpiece in funky jazz, done with a sinister, soulful groove – with these amazing rhythms from players who include Gene Bianco on harp, Arthur Jenkins on congas, George Duvivier and Gordon Edwards on bass, Jimmy Johnson on drums, George Devens on vibes, and Gene Bertoncini on guitar – served up with some amazing arrangements from soul maestro Wade Marcus. Titles include the massive cut "Mystic Brew", which is a tasty Tribe sample – plus lots of other goodies like "Chunky", "Summer Song", and "Don't Knock My Love". CD

Fred P offers up two very fresh takes on these cuts from the team of Nicola Conte and Gianluca Petrella – both nice and long, and with a sense of flow that's really wonderful! "African Spirits" comes across with a tribal house sort of vibe – lots of live instrumentation on percussion and trombone, but also a percolating groove that stretches into more house-based energy as the tune moves on! "Tribes" follows a similar groove – also stretching way past 10 minutes as Fred builds the whole tune nicely out of acoustic elements layered into the rhythms! (New Grooves, Jazz) 12-inch, Vinyl record

Tremendous work from Azar Lawrence – part of a great return to form the reedman has had in recent years – and, if anything, a run of music that's maybe even greater than his legendary sides from the 70s! Lawrence is razor-sharp throughout – spinning out bold, soulful lines on tenor and soprano sax – with a quintet that includes Nicholas Payton on trumpet, Benito Gonzalez on piano, Essiet Okon Essiet on bass, and Jeff Tain Watts on drums! Payton's got a fire that may well surpass his own recent albums – and Lawrence provides a set of original compositions that soar to the stars from the very first note – really wonderful tunes that include "Venus Rising", "Gandhi", "Lost Tribes Of Lemuria", "The Seeker", "One More Time", and "Rain Ballad". CD

A gem from the great Lloyd Miller – backed by modern Brit jazz funk maestros The Heliocentrics – and a credit to the legacies of all involved! Miller has worked timeless, hypnotic magic on an array of Middle Eastern and Asian instrumentation throughout his career, here playing piano, Indian santur, clarinet, Chinese sona, sitar, wood flute, oud and more – and this effort stands strongly with his best. He's accompanied by the masterful Malcolm Catto & The Heliocentrics – showing as much depth and versatility as ever in largely acoustic and improvisational setting – and the bottom line is that it's just as wonderful as their work with Mulatu. As much as we've flipped out over the Heliocentrics efforts as headliners to date, it's quite stunning how well they work backing such influential and legendary figures. Essential! Includes "Electricone", "Nava", "Mandala", "Spiritual Jazz", "Bali Bronze", "Modality", "Salendro", "Pari Ru", "Lloyd's Diatribe", "Fantasia" (Pts 1 & 2), "Chahargah", "Sunda Sunset" and more. CD

Definitely a special space from Carlos Nino – a record that seems to even deepen the sound of some of his recent cosmic explorations – to take Nino into territory that's far beyond jazz or much of his other modes too! The set features a bit of guest work from Iasos – an artist you'll know from his homegrown 70s meditative explorations – and that music really seems to inspire both Nino and Farmer Dave Scher, who work together here in a mix of percussion, lap steel, pedals, keyboards, and effects – to weave these very complex sonic tapestries, but with a quality that feels very organic, and every bit as at peace with the world as the image of the cover. The CD features a full album's worth of material, plus 6 more reworked remixes of the core tunes – and titles include "FriendshiptribeFire", "Cascaderience", "Espacio Especial", "Enterthadreeeam", "In theWoodsbytheOcean", and "Trippppp" – the last of which really sums up the spirit of the album! CD

One of the sweetest sets ever cut by organist Ron Levy – and a record that's done very much in the mode of the older Prestige soul jazz and jazz funk that first inspired his work! Of course, that relation to Prestige is no surprise – given that Ron's working here with Melvin Sparks on guitar and Idris Muhammad on drums – who both help give the record a feel that's a lot more classic than you might expect for the date. But the real star of the set is Levy, whose clean, lean lines on the Hammond B-3 recall the early genius of Charles Earland at its best! Titles include "Zim Zam Zoom", "Lost Tribes", "Sons Of Abraham", "Last Go Round", "Silver Cannonball", and "Lonely Avenue". (Deep Funk, Jazz) CD