Tribe

Label founded in Detroit by multi-instrumentalist Wendell Harrison and trombonist Phil Ranelin. Its concept was based on the “Tribe” collective (Harrison, Ranelin, Harold McKinney, Marcus Belgrave), aiming for creative, artistic, and economic self-determination for Black musicians. The label operated as a cooperative, focused on social consciousness and the Black Arts Movement.

This era saw the release of the label’s essential catalog, characterized by Spiritual Jazz, Soul-Jazz, and Modal Jazz with strong Funk and Post-Bop elements. Key initial releases included Phil Ranelin & Wendell Harrison’s seminal A Message From The Tribe (1972) and Marcus Belgrave’s Gemini II (1974). The sound was raw, experimental, and deeply reflective of Detroit’s social climate.

After the mid-1970s, the collective model faced commercial and distribution challenges common to small, independent labels. The core group slowly dispersed to focus on individual careers. Key later releases included Phil Ranelin’s Vibes From The Tribe (1976). The label largely ceased operations for new releases by the end of the decade, though the members continued their artistic work.

The original catalog gained significant cult status and high collectibility due to the rarity and quality of the pressings. Modern reissue campaigns (often by European labels like Soul Jazz Records) brought the music to a global audience. The label continues to release new material by founding members (e.g., Wendell Harrison, Phil Ranelin) and new Detroit artists, solidifying its legacy as a pivotal force in Black independent jazz.