Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Trombonist Phil Ranelin alongside Wendell Harrison founded Tribe as a community enterprise and record label in Detroit in the 70s that went on to have a huge impact. Its musical legacy lives on through plenty of vital albums, not least Vibes From The Tribe. The Japanese Edition of the original album now arrives on Groove Diggers complete with an obi-strip and six spellbinding tunes that have all been remixed and remastered from the original multi-track tapes or lacquered directly from master tapes. It is as good as spiritual jazz gets, frankly.

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.