Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad "Phil Ranelin & Wendell Harrison (Jazz Is Dead 016)" CD

★Imported version for domestic distribution
★With obi/Japanese commentary

The label JAZZ IS DEAD has become one of the most prominent labels in the LA underground and jazz scene thanks to the 10 albums of the first series, which were successfully completed despite the COVID-19 pandemic, when live events, the origin of the label, could not be held. Now, the sixth installment of the second series is here. This sixth installment features Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison, founders of the legendary Tribe, one of the most important labels in the world of spiritual jazz in the 70s, which has had a huge influence on black music, including the rare groove scene and the Detroit dance music scene!

After Motown moved to LA in 1972, Tribe was founded by Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison, who released many classic albums, including Message from the Tribe, and were not just a jazz label run by black people in Detroit. Their music and independent activities, uninfluenced by major labels, have been highly praised by posterity. They have collaborated with younger generations, such as the project Tribe, which literally recreates the music of Tribe with the original members in a modern sound, which was called for by Carl Craig, a member of the second generation of Detroit techno, and Build an Ark, led by Carlos Niño, so it was only natural that they would finally perform with Jazz Is Dead!

The album slowly opens with a passionate saxophone performance, and the opener "Genesis" transforms into a sensual and intense jazz funk in the middle, grabbing the hearts of longtime fans. The album is followed by "Running with the Tribe", "Fire in Detroit", and "Metropolitan Blues", which are song titles that show that the spirituality of the band has not been lost, building up expectations. While the album is permeated with spiritual and black jazz sounds, Adrian and Ali's skill in changing the flavor of each song, such as the solemn "Fire in Detroit" and the Detroit-like funk and rock-incorporated "Ursa Major", keeps the listeners from getting bored. What's even more surprising is the performance of the two main players, Ranelin and Harrison, who show no signs of aging. This masterpiece, which can be called the latest "Message from the Tribe", has been born by these two, who are still active at over 80 years old!

■Track list