Brilliant album by trumpet master Marcus Belgrave on the iconic Tribe label out of Detroit. The label was founded in 1972 by trombonist Phil Ranelin and tenor man Wendell Harrison, both appearing on this title. We also have Roy Brooks and Billy Turner on drums, Lorenzo Brown on bongos, Ed Pickens on electric bass, Harold McKinney on electric piano and Daryl Dybka on Moog synthesizer. Fantastic group.
The music is a mix of post bop, jazz funk and spiritual jazz. The blend of these genres they create is very engaging and highly interesting. Definitely a quintessential 70’s jazz album.
The sound quality of this LP is very appealing to me. Great recording. Very natural and organic sounding. Detailed and balanced.
Right now, two of my favorite tunes on the album is the title track and “Marcia’s Opal”. Top notch tunes all the way through though.
A very rare one, like all Tribe titles from what I’ve gathered. I’ve listened to a few of the others as well and I’m aiming to dive deeper. Phil Ranelin’s “The Time Is Now!” from 1974 is a really good one that I had the opportunity to acquire but it didn’t materialize. Will keep my eyes open for more, but it will be tough to find another one of these elusive titles for sure. Anyway, very happy to have ”Gemini II” on the shelf now, probably one of the best on the label.