Now-Again keep the Detroit black jazz vibes flowing with Tribe Records co-founder Phil Ranelin’s Vibes From The Tribe, original copies of which are currently trading hands for as much as a grand. Straight up, it’s all about track 1 side 1 “Vibes From The Tribe (Prelude)” with that razor-sharp open drum intro (who sampled this?) and high rolling bass and horn licks. The whole album is solid; less political than Phil & Wendell Harrison’s Message From The Tribe, and Phil’s proto-rap sing-songy vocals do just fine when you’re all burnt out on Gil Scott-Heron. 18 minute free jazz suite “He The One We All Knew” encompasses the entire B-side, also check out the uplifting vibes of “Wife,” “For The Children” and the extra funky “Sounds From The Village.” Part of Now-Again official Tribe Records reissue program, don't sleep on the rest of them. Recommended.
- black vinyl pressing
- remixed + remastered from original master tapes
- includes 12" booklet w/ extensive liner notes + rare photos
- music label: Now-Again Records 2022
reviewed by nick nightingale 11/2018