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A New Message From The Tribe ...Jazz Great Wendell Harrison Is Back With A New Release, "It’s About Damn Time," His First As A Leader In Seven Years

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Co-founder of the legendary Tribe record label and collective in the 1970's, Jazz saxophonist Wendell Harrison has long been known for creating exciting projects, having played with important jazz artists such as Eddie Harris, Grant Green, Eddie Jefferson and Sun Ra, as well as Motown artists Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.

Hot on the heels of a successful reunion with the original Tribe members that yielded an album and international tour with Techno artist Carl Craig, Wendell Harrison has assembled a pianoless quartet, featuring driving rhythms and the high quality of musicianship that listeners have come to expect from this jazz legend. This new group, also featuring guitarist Vaughn Klugh, bassist Damon Warmack, Dan Schmatz on percussion, and Gayelynn McKinney and Djallo Djakate on drums can be heard on It's About Damn Time.

A highlight of the upcoming album is the guest appearance of celebrated R&B artist, Amp Fiddler on Harrison's primal “Love Juice." In addition, actress/singer Linda Boston lends her voice to the soulful “Take Time Out," written by pianist Pamela Wise.

The album was recorded in Harrison's WenHa studio in Detroit, Michigan during the winter of 2011 and features original compositions. Driving bass lines, high-energy guitar and Harrison's signature tenor saxophone all bear testament to a funky style that harkens back to his legendary 1970s releases.

It's About Damn Time also marks Wendell Harrison's return to the vinyl format for the first time since “The Carnivorous Lady" in 1988. The LP will be issued together with a CD copy of the album, plus four bonus tracks. The album will also be available for download on iTunes and elsewhere.

From the liner notes written by producer, John Shetler: “While most musicians his age drop out of the scene and just keep doing the same old thing, Wendell is always paying attention. He knows what's happening. He's been working in Detroit and all over the world, keeping his chops sharp and hunting for something new to inspire him. That's why he's playing more tenor then he has in a long time. That's why he's back on vinyl for the first time in over two decades. That's why he's playing with the best younger players in Detroit and elsewhere."

It's About Damn Time is available now at www.cdbaby.com.

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