Tribaljazz certainly displays a lot of variety and versatility on their self-titled album from Hidden Beach. Some selections feature Art Ellis on alto playing hard bop, there are Afro-Cuban jazz numbers, a bit of folklyric music, and a couple of harmless rap pieces, including one that pays tribute to
John Coltrane (with Ellis contributing some effective soprano-sax). Even
Jim Morrison of
the Doors makes a cameo appearance on "Riders on the Storm." In addition to Ellis, pianist
Quinn Johnson takes a series of excellent solos, the percussionists are well featured, and the many vocalists do a fine job. Although not recommended to purists of any kind because there are several styles of music represented on
Tribaljazz, sometimes on the same piece, everything they attempt works out. This CD is well worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow