TRIBAL TECH
A new name for me, it seems Tribal Tech's back catalogue of nine studio albums between 1985 and 2000 (the year they ceased activity as a band) has entirely passed me by. But I guess a twelve year gap between albums, as 2012 sees the release of their appositely, although predictably, titled tenth full-length, 'X', adds new weight to the phrase "long awaited" amongst their fanbase (I'm presuming they still have one after such a long period of inactivity). Interestingly, Spock's Beard, also signed to the same label, reached their tenth album two years earlier for which they also succumbed to banality in calling it 'X'. Music Theories Recordings will have to start imposing album titling rules, particularly amongst its progressive roster where 'X' will come to symbolise predictability, not progression. Fortunately, the music on Tribal Tech's 'X' is thoroughly progressive, or prog-fusion as I understand they're frequently labelled, although it's largely the fusion element that engenders the progressive one, for generically progressive they are not. Predominantly, the American musicians, namely guitarist Scott Henderson, bassist Gary Willis, keyboardist Scott Kinsey and drummer Kirk Covington, combine jazz with rock as well as nods towards the blues in the ten instrumental tracks on offer here.
Billed as fusion pioneers on the press sheet, I would instantly disagree as such a claim ignores legendary virtuoso John McLaughlin who should surely be the man credited as the pioneer of jazz/rock fusion in the early 70s, years before Tribal Tech came to be. Fusion pioneering arguments aside, 'X' provides a most engaging listen and, admirably, band members are said to have entered the studio equipped with only "musical sketches" rather than solid arrangements so I'm guessing the majority of what's been recorded contains a prominent improvised element, and it sounds as if that's the case. Instrumentations flow in a very natural manner as general motifs (undoubtedly their "musical sketches") are developed through each musician embellishing each other's performance with supplementary and counter ideas. There's the feeling that they're genuinely playing off each other's musical flourishes with bursts of virtuosity shining through on occasion rather than technical ability being a dominant force. It's the jam-like vibe at the core of each of the tracks that actually makes this an engaging listen, so the players' highly developed musical abilities are simply a bonus for those who revel in virtuoso musicianship. The virtuosity never seems to be misplaced, forced or overly emphatic, rather it contributes to the overall effect of the instrumentations instead of dominating them. Still, the fact remains, pioneers Tribal Tech are not but a damn fine jazz/rock fusion act they are.
Billed as fusion pioneers on the press sheet, I would instantly disagree as such a claim ignores legendary virtuoso John McLaughlin who should surely be the man credited as the pioneer of jazz/rock fusion in the early 70s, years before Tribal Tech came to be. Fusion pioneering arguments aside, 'X' provides a most engaging listen and, admirably, band members are said to have entered the studio equipped with only "musical sketches" rather than solid arrangements so I'm guessing the majority of what's been recorded contains a prominent improvised element, and it sounds as if that's the case. Instrumentations flow in a very natural manner as general motifs (undoubtedly their "musical sketches") are developed through each musician embellishing each other's performance with supplementary and counter ideas. There's the feeling that they're genuinely playing off each other's musical flourishes with bursts of virtuosity shining through on occasion rather than technical ability being a dominant force. It's the jam-like vibe at the core of each of the tracks that actually makes this an engaging listen, so the players' highly developed musical abilities are simply a bonus for those who revel in virtuoso musicianship. The virtuosity never seems to be misplaced, forced or overly emphatic, rather it contributes to the overall effect of the instrumentations instead of dominating them. Still, the fact remains, pioneers Tribal Tech are not but a damn fine jazz/rock fusion act they are.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Music Theories Recordings
Album
X
Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
58:27
RELEASE DATE:
26th March 2012
TRACK LISTING
1) Mech X
2) Got Faith 'N Phat
3) Time Lapse
4) Anthem
5) Palm Moon Plaza
6) Gravity
7) Working Blue
8) Ask Me A Question
9) Let's Get Swung
10) Corn Butter
2) Got Faith 'N Phat
3) Time Lapse
4) Anthem
5) Palm Moon Plaza
6) Gravity
7) Working Blue
8) Ask Me A Question
9) Let's Get Swung
10) Corn Butter
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
USA
"It's the jam-like vibe at the core of each of the tracks that actually makes this an engaging listen, so the players' highly developed musical abilities are simply a bonus for those who revel in virtuoso musicianship."
