Phil Ranelin: Vibes From The Tribe (180g) Vinyl LP

Pure Pleasure 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 (also just reissued), 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.” 2018 analog remaster on 180g vinyl reissued by Pure Pleasure with Ranelin’s blessing; recommended.

• official 2018 repress approved by Phil Ranelin
• 180g black vinyl
• analog remaster
• limited edition
• music label: Pure Pleasure 2018

reviewed by nick nightingale 11/2018