Wendell Harrison Organic Grooves 18 Items

A rather obscure and fantastical 45 byAmerican jazz clarinetistand tenor saxophonistWendell Harrison. A moody dusty fingers style downtempo cover of Stevie Wonder's sleeper Rocket Love from the LP 'Hotter Than July'. This one seems to have passed by many collectors, including myself, I was only turned onto it recently despite loving Wendell's catalog. credits releases January 27, 2023

Wendell Harrison was born in Detroit in 1942 where he began formal jazz studies for piano, clarinet and tenor saxophone. At 14, while still in high school, Harrison started performing & recording professionally with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Grant Green, Sun Ra, Hank Crawford … and many others.

In 1971, Harrison began teaching music at Metro Arts (a multi-arts complex for youth) where he also connected with Marcus Belgrave, Harold McKinney and Phil Ranelin…soon after they formed the (now legendary) Afro-centric Tribe record label and artist collective. Tribe used the Metro Arts complex as a vehicle to convey a growing black political consciousness. Wendell Harrison also published the very popular Tribe magazine, a publication dedicated to local and national social and political issues, as well as featuring artistic contributions such as poetry and visual pieces.

In 1978 Harrison and McKinney co-founded Rebirth, a non-profit jazz performance and education organization, in which many notable jazz artists have participated. Around the same time Wendell Harrison also created the Wenha record label and publishing company, which released many of his (now classic) recordings as well as those of other artists, such as Phil Ranelin, Doug Hammond and Reggie Fields (The Real ShooBeeDoo).

In the early 1990s, Wendell Harrison was awarded the title of “Jazz Master” by Arts Midwest. This distinction led Harrison to collaborate with fellow honorees and gave him the chance to tour throughout the United States, Middle East and Africa. Even to this day Wendell Harrison's recordings for the Tribe, Wenha and Rebirth labels have a large worldwide fanbase.

It is on Rebirth that Harrison released the opus: Birth OF A Fossil (1985), which we are proudly presenting you today.

Birth OF A Fossil is a monster of an album featuring an all-star line-up that includes Dennis Rowland (Count Basie) on vocals, Duke Billingslea (Martha Reeves) on bass guitar, Pamela Wise (Tribe) on keyboards and Lorenzo Brown (Marcus Belgrave, Strata Records, Dennis Coffey) on percussion.

On this fantastic sounding album (produced by the maestro himself) the listener is invited to experience a synthesis of what has been and what is now. The record shows Wendell’s trademark proficiency on saxophone, flute and clarinet…and although you can hear the 80ies creeping in with a smoother fusion sound, more synths, and R&B vocals… this remains a very spiritual (and soulful) jazz record. From the first to the last note you get an irresistible blend of soul jazz combined with funky electric instrumentation…a groovy sound which is very much of its time, yet overtly timeless and as relevant today as it was back when it was initially released.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever vinyl reissue of ‘Birth Of A Fossil’ since its release in 1985. This official reissue is now available as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies) and comes with the original artwork.

Record Store Day 2023 first time on vinyl release limited to 500 copies on 180g vinyl. Rare 1990 Detroit Jazz Album by Tribe Founder Wendell Harrison

Wendell Harrison was born in Detroit in 1942 where he began formal jazz studies for piano, clarinet and tenor saxophone. At 14, while still in high school, Harrison started performing & recording professionally with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Grant Green, Sun Ra, Hank Crawford … and many others.

In 1971, Harrison began teaching music at Metro Arts (a multi-arts complex for youth) where he also connected with Marcus Belgrave, Harold McKinney and Phil Ranelin…soon after they formed the (now legendary) Afro-centric Tribe record label and artist collective. Tribe used the Metro Arts complex as a vehicle to convey a growing black political consciousness. Wendell Harrison also published the very popular Tribe magazine, a publication dedicated to local and national social and political issues, as well as featuring artistic contributions such as poetry and visual pieces.

In 1978 Harrison and McKinney co-founded Rebirth, a non-profit jazz performance and education organization, in which many notable jazz artists have participated. Around the same time Wendell Harrison also created the Wenha record label and publishing company, which released many of his (now classic) recordings as well as those of other artists, such as Phil Ranelin, Doug Hammond and Reggie Fields (The Real ShooBeeDoo).

In the early 1990s, Wendell Harrison was awarded the title of “Jazz Master” by Arts Midwest. This distinction led Harrison to collaborate with fellow honorees and gave him the chance to tour throughout the United States, Middle East and Africa. Even to this day Wendell Harrison's recordings for the Tribe, Wenha and Rebirth labels have a large worldwide fanbase.

It is on Wehha in 1990 that Harrison released (and self-produced) the opus: ‘Fly By Night’ which we are proudly presenting you today. ‘Fly By Night’ is a monster of an album featuring an all-star line-up that includes Doug Hammond (Mingus, Lonnie Liston Smith) on drums, Kirk Lightsey (Chet Baker, Calvin Keys) on piano, Cecil McBee (John Hicks, Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane) on bass, Jaribu Shahid (Sun Ra) on contrabass and Pamela Wise (Tribe) on Piano. Harrison is killing it here with this selected ensemble (guys he grew up with in Detroit in the late 50’s, when hard bop was the thing and Miles and Coltrane were the heroes of the day). This group of talented veterans are taking this classic album to unseen heights.

On ‘Fly By Night’ the gloves come off…no more jazzy-funk or poppy-jazz. Wendell picks up his tenor for one tune but the remainder of the sessions he performs on clarinet. Wendell’s mastery coaxes the sweet piquant sound of the instrument and as it re-emerges in the contemporary jazz scene. The eight handpicked tunes demonstrate the fertile new directions Wendell Harrison has been working on, combing standards with a fresh new approach.

On these amazing recordings (recorded at the Rebirth Studios in Detroit) the listener is invited to experience a synthesis of what has been and what is now. The record shows Wendell’s trademark proficiency. All of the above makes this incredible record both timeless and as relevant today as it was back when it was initially released.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents ‘Fly By Night’ for the First Time on vinyl (the album was only released as a limited compact disc back in the early nineties). This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies) with obi strip. This vinyl edition also features the original painted front cover artwork by Virgil Grady (known for his work with Tribe records) and back photography by acclaimed Detroit scene photographer & author Barbara Barefield, whose work has appeared in many renowned publications such as The New York Times, LA Times, People magazine and countless others. Released exclusively for Record Store Day (uk/europe) 2023 and available in participating stores on April 22, 2023.

* North American White Vinyl Edition * Limited 180g White Vinyl Edition (500 copies) with obi strip * Rare 1990 Detroit Jazz Album by Tribe Founder Wendell Harrison * First Time ON Vinyl
Wendell Harrison was born in Detroit in 1942 where he began formal jazz studies for piano, clarinet and tenor saxophone. At 14, while still in high school, Harrison started performing & recording professionally with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Grant Green, Sun Ra, Hank Crawford … and many others. In 1971, Harrison began teaching music at Metro Arts (a multi-arts complex for youth) where he also connected with Marcus Belgrave, Harold McKinney and Phil Ranelin…soon after they formed the (now legendary) Afro-centric Tribe record label and artist collective. Tribe used the Metro Arts complex as a vehicle to convey a growing black political consciousness. Wendell Harrison also published the very popular Tribe magazine, a publication dedicated to local and national social and political issues, as well as featuring artistic contributions such as poetry and visual pieces. In 1978 Harrison and McKinney co-founded Rebirth, a non-profit jazz performance and education organization, in which many notable jazz artists have participated. Around the same time Wendell Harrison also created the Wenha record label and publishing company, which released many of his (now classic) recordings as well as those of other artists, such as Phil Ranelin, Doug Hammond and Reggie Fields (The Real ShooBeeDoo). In the early 1990s, Wendell Harrison was awarded the title of “Jazz Master” by Arts Midwest. This distinction led Harrison to collaborate with fellow honorees and gave him the chance to tour throughout the United States, Middle East and Africa. Even to this day Wendell Harrison's recordings for the Tribe, Wenha and Rebirth labels have a large worldwide fanbase. It is on Wehha in 1990 that Harrison released (and self-produced) the opus: ‘Fly By Night’ which we are proudly presenting you today. ‘Fly By Night’ is a monster of an album featuring an all-star line-up that includes Doug Hammond (Mingus, Lonnie Liston Smith) on drums, Kirk Lightsey (Chet Baker, Calvin Keys) on piano, Cecil McBee (John Hicks, Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane) on bass, Jaribu Shahid (Sun Ra) on contrabass and Pamela Wise (Tribe) on Piano. Harrison is killing it here with this selected ensemble (guys he grew up with in Detroit in the late 50’s, when hard bop was the thing and Miles and Coltrane were the heroes of the day). This group of talented veterans are taking this classic album to unseen heights. On ‘Fly By Night’ the gloves come off…no more jazzy-funk or poppy-jazz. Wendell picks up his tenor for one tune but the remainder of the sessions he performs on clarinet. Wendell’s mastery coaxes the sweet piquant sound of the instrument and as it re-emerges in the contemporary jazz scene. The eight handpicked tunes demonstrate the fertile new directions Wendell Harrison has been working on, combing standards with a fresh new approach. On these amazing recordings (recorded at the Rebirth Studios in Detroit) the listener is invited to experience a synthesis of what has been and what is now. The record shows Wendell’s trademark proficiency. All of the above makes this incredible record both timeless and as relevant today as it was back when it was initially released. Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents ‘Fly By Night’ for the First Time on vinyl (the album was only released as a limited compact disc back in the early nineties). This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g White North American vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies) with obi strip. This vinyl edition also features the original painted front cover artwork by Virgil Grady (known for his work with Tribe records) and back photography by acclaimed Detroit scene photographer & author Barbara Barefield, whose work has appeared in many renowned publications such as The New York Times, LA Times, People magazine and countless others.

Limited Record Store Day 2023 Edition.
Cover with a beginning seam split at the upper edge.
Includes OBI.
Record is close to VG+.

The Tribe co-founder’s debut, remixed from the original mutli-track master tapes under the direction of its creator and lacquered by Bernie Grundman. Now-Again presents the denitive Tribe Records reissues. Deep, Spiritual Jazz of the highest order. The Tribe label, one of the brightest lights of America’s 1970s jazz underground, receives the Now-Again reissue treatment. This is your chance to indulge in the music and story of one of the most meaningful, local movements of the 20th Century Black American experience, one that expanded outwards towards the cosmos. In the words of the collective themselves, “Music is the healing force of the universe.” Included in an extensive, oversized booklet, Larry Gabriel and Jeff “Chairman” Mao take us through the history of the Tribe, in a compelling story that delves not just into the history of the label and its principals, but into the story of Black American empowerment in the latter half of the 20th Century. The booklet features never-before-seen archival photos and rare ephemera from Tribe’s mid-1970s heyday.

The Tribe Records co-founder’s lost album, rumored to exist no more. Mastered from the original tapes and lacquered by Bernie Grundman. “As I thought about reecting on an aggregate of music for this album, I projected my attitude and spirit while living and working here, in Detroit, Michigan. We are earning and learning a new way of life, which explicitly tells us to become self-reliant in taking care of our families and each other. Government hand-outs are not an option for us.” -Wendell Harrison The first ever issue of this Spiritual Jazz album. The Tribe label, one of the brightest lights of America’s 1970s jazz underground, receives the Now-Again reissue treatment. This is your chance to indulge in the music and story of one of the most meaningful, local movements of the 20th Century Black American experience, one that expanded outwards towards the cosmos. In the words of the collective themselves, “Music is the healing force of the universe.” Included in an extensive, oversized booklet, Larry Gabriel and Jeff “Chairman” Mao take us through the history of the Tribe, in a compelling story that delves not just into the history of the label and its principals, but into the story of Black American empowerment in the latter half of the 20th Century. The booklet features never-before-seen archival photos and rare ephemera from Tribe’s mid-1970s heyday.

Why you'll love it...
Clarinetist, saxophonist and Tribe Records cofounder are just a few words that describe Wendell Harrison and how he changed music. For the first time since its 1985 release, the legend's Birth of a Fossil is available on vinyl and features Pamela Wise, Dennis Rowland and Duke Billingslea.

"Farewell To The Welfare Is Now Available In A Limited Edition Teal Vinyl Pressing
The Tribe Records co-founder’s lost album, rumored to exist no more.
Mastered from the original tapes and lacquered by Bernie Grundman.
“As I thought about re ecting on an aggregate of music for this album, I projected my attitude
and spirit while living and working here, in Detroit, Michigan. We are earning and learning a
new way of life, which explicitly tells us to become self-reliant in taking care of our families
and each other. Government hand-outs are not an option for us.”
-Wendell Harrison
The first ever issue of this Spiritual Jazz album.
The Tribe label, one of the brightest lights of America’s 1970s jazz underground, receives the Now-Again reissue treatment.
This is your chance to indulge in the music and story of one of the most meaningful, local movements of the 20th Century
Black American experience, one that expanded outwards towards the cosmos. In the words of the collective themselves,
“Music is the healing force of the universe.”
Included in an extensive, oversized booklet, Larry Gabriel and Jeff “Chairman” Mao take us through the history of the Tribe,
in a compelling story that delves not just into the history of the label and its principals, but into the story of Black American
empowerment in the latter half of the 20th Century.
The booklet features never-before-seen archival photos and rare ephemera from Tribe’s mid-1970s heyday."
.

»The compositions we play are reflective of the music of our times whereby we play Jazz, Rock, and African music with its poly or many rhythms. I wrote all the tunes on this particular LP and it is written as a suite in 5 movements which means that the music can be performed along with poetry and dancers. On our last LP called “Message From The Tribe” we featured the compositions of our very talented composer, arranger, and trombonist Phil Ranelin. On one side he wrote all the compositions and on the flip side I wrote all the tunes. This album was produced by us on the Tribe record label. As far as the music on “Evening With The Devil” is concerned it really speaks for itself. In addition to the music it features some relevant poetry by two very talented young poets named Oba and Vajava who are also members of a very excellent theatre group in Detroit called The Black Messengers.«
Extract from the sleeve notes of this album by Wendell Harrison.

Tribe co-founder and saxophone legend Wendell Harrison’s 1973 leader debut!

Following the 1972 release of Message From The Tribe, the second release from vaunted spiritual jazz label Tribe, was co-founder Wendell Harrison’s solo debut, An Evening With The Devil. Originally included on the A-side of Message From The Tribe’s first version (the edition featuring a photo of a quay on the cover), the release of An Evening With The Devil in 1973 saw the suite fully realized, with two additional songs and studio knowhow making the album a true spiritual jazz masterpiece. Opener “Mary Had An Abortion” is part-spoken word poetry and part-free jazz freak out, but as Harrison’s gravelly baritone intermingles with atonal piano lines, it transcends the limitations of both. “Consciousness” is in a similar vein, with cymbal crashes and drum fills serving as a backdrop for a poem with references to police brutality and racism that seem as relevant now as they were 50 years ago.

“Angry Young Men”, originally recorded on Message From The Tribe, is now split into two parts and placed at the end of the A-side and opening of the B-side, physically and musically bridging the original suite with the new compositions. A horn line that could only be described as angry descends over an aggressive drum pattern, and as Tribe regulars Marcus Belgrave, Phil Ranelin, Charles Moore, and William Austin take turns soloing, the rhythm section seems to get more aggressive, undulating under these solos that take the song’s message and express it through simple notes. But it’s Harrison’s extended solo on the B-side that truly makes the song. He starts out almost subdued, playing fairly standard hard-bop lines over minimal accompaniment. But he quickly picks up, letting his horn honk and screech, with flurries of notes that almost sound like screams. The rhythm section matches him, building and building until Harrison plays the head once more - finally allowing the band to return to normalcy.

In comparison, album closer “Rebirth” is almost calm, with Marcus Belgrave playing a somber melody over a bed of rumbling percussion. It practically sounds like a requiem, until five major chords are struck by the band, ending the album on a literal joyous note. If Harrison hoped to express death and rebirth with this final song, the juxtaposition of the two completely disparate sections does a perfect job.

The hallmarks of a Tribe album are all over An Evening With The Devil. It’s spiritual and technical, and words simply don’t do it justice (despite my best attempts). Yet it also stands out among the Tribe releases by being one of the first. The DIY aesthetic and iconic design language are all there, but when presented with a sound that could only be described as raw, these early recording techniques are just right. The only way to truly experience the album is to put the needle to the groove, and let the music of Wendell Harrison wash over you. P-vine is proud to be reissuing Wendell Harrison’s An Evening With The Devil with modern remastering and an obi-strip on limited edition black vinyl.

Originally released in 1981, the second release from Wendell Harrison’s Wenha label (following Dreams of A Love Supreme), Organic Dream is one of the finest records to come out of Detroit’s DIY jazz scene in the 80’s. Album opener “Ginseng Love” is as smooth as butter, with warm analog synth strings and a gentle groove, over which Harrison plays saxophone, clarinet, and flute. His playing is as energetic as ever, with his free jazz tendencies tempered by mellow R&B influenced phrases. This is followed by “Winter”, a ballad that sees Harrison on clarinet playing with acoustic backing, showing off a softer side of Harrison’s playing that rarely gets the attention it deserves. However, things quickly pick up with “Love Juice”, a disco-boogie number perfect for any dance party. Staccato guitar rhythms, and a bouncing bassline combine to create a groove so perfect you’ll be nodding your head even just thinking about it. Harrison’s playing is louder and freer, with lines clearly inspired by the great R&B and pop saxophonists of the 80’s. “The Wok”, highly regarded by many as one of Harrison’s best compositions, is a mellow funk track, and despite its brevity, contains some of the deepest grooves in Harrison’s 80’s discography. As the name would suggest, oriental sounds are incorporated with funk grooves to create a sound that defies immediate characterization, but is fantastic nonetheless. With modern remastering and an obi-strip this album has never looked or sounded this good! Don’t miss Wendell Harrison’s Organic Dream, from P-vine Records!

Established in 1985 by Tribe co-founder Wendell Harrison, Rebirth Records would become something of a rebirth for Harrison. The label’s inaugural release, ‘Reawakening’ saw him expressing a renewed interest in jazz, beginning with album opener ‘Winter’. Tribe and Wenha contemporary Harold McKinney’s magnificent piano playing, forms the basis of the rhythm section, over which Harrison plays fiery clarinet lines previously unheard of outside of New Orleans. In sharp contrast to the energizing spiritualism of ‘Winter’, ‘Love Dream’ is a laid-back bossa. The brawny baritone of Leon Thomas, Harrison’s sunny flute, and backing vocals from a who’s who of Detroit’s Jazz scene all combine to make the ultimate Bossa tune. Throughout the album, Wendell Harrison leads a rotating cast of musicians, including Tribe co-founder Phil Ranelin, Harold MicKinney, and Pamela Wise (Harrison’s second wife and the , bringing together their immense talents to create a spiritual jazz album quite unlike anything else. Remastered with contemporary technology and techniques, and reissued with an Obi-strip ‘Reawakening’ is a record you absolutely must not miss!

Wendell Harrison was born in Detroit in 1942 where he began formal jazz studies for piano, clarinet and tenor saxophone. At 14, while still in high school, Harrison started performing & recording professionally with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Grant Green, Sun Ra, Hank Crawford … and many others. In 1971, Harrison began teaching music at Metro Arts (a multi-arts complex for youth) where he also connected with Marcus Belgrave, Harold McKinney and Phil Ranelin … soon after they formed the (now legendary) Afro-centric Tribe record label and artist collective. Tribe used the Metro Arts complex as a vehicle to convey a growing black political consciousness. Wendell Harrison also published the very popular Tribe magazine, a publication dedicated to local and national social and political issues, as well as featuring artistic contributions such as poetry and visual pieces. In 1978 Harrison and McKinney co-founded Rebirth, a non-profit jazz performance and education organization, in which many notable jazz artists have participated. Around the same time Wendell Harrison also created the Wenha record label and publishing company, which released many of his (now classic) recordings as well as those of other artists, such as Phil Ranelin, Doug Hammond and Reggie Fields ("The Real ShooBeeDoo"). In the early 1990s, Wendell Harrison was awarded the title of 'Jazz Master' by Arts Midwest. This distinction led Harrison to collaborate with fellow honorees and gave him the chance to tour throughout the United States, Middle East and Africa. Even to this day Wendell Harrison’s recordings for the Tribe, Wenha and Rebirth labels have a large worldwide fanbase. "Dreams Of A Love Supreme" is a monster album that features an all-star line-up that includes Phil Ranelin on trombone, Harold McKinney on Keyboards and Roy Brooks on percussion. Although you can hear the 80ies creeping in with a smoother sound, more synths, and disco/R&B vocals … this remains a very spiritual (and soulful) jazz record. The record’s an irresistible blend of soul jazz combined with funky electric instrumentation … a groovy sound which is very much of its time, yet overtly timeless and as relevant today as it was back when it was initially released.

Wenha’s inaugural release! From Wenha and Tribe co-founder Wendell Harrison comes Dreams Of A Love Supreme with the never before-reissued 7” single “No Turnin’ Back / Rocket Love” for the first time ever!

Following the untimely collapse of Tribe Records, Tribe co-founder Wendell Harrison established the Wenha record label in 1980, followed that same year by its inaugural release : Dreams Of A Love Supreme. Spirituality and themes of Black Consciousness are apparent throughout, yet compared to the fiery hymnals of its namesake, or even the funky avant-garde jazz of The Tribe, Dreams Of A Love Supreme is mellow - a reflection of the changing landscape of Detroit’s jazz scene. Electric guitars and pianos twinkle behind Harrison’s always impressive playing, with soft tones tempering the fiery spirituality of his solos. Featuring many of Detroit’s greatest musicians, including Tribe co-founder Phil Ranelin (Tb.), Harold McKinney (pf.), and Roy Brooks (perc.), Dreams Of A Love Supreme is filled to the brim with spiritual jazz royalty! Reissued for the first time ever alongside a never before reissued 7” single “No Turnin’ Back / Rocket Love”, as well as one of our iconic obi-strips, everything about this screams deluxe! Don’t miss Dreams Of A Love Supreme (Deluxe Edition) available only from P-vine Records!