Tribal Tech
Illicit
The Story
"Illicit" was Tribal Tech's 1992 spit-in-the-face to corporate radio and record companies who would have the public believing "light jazz" is really fusion. The opening track, "The Big Wave," is a convincing spoof of a light jazz radio station found in any big city in the United States. The track begins with a cheerily cheesy tune, which sounds like something that might be played on one of the many 'wave' stations. Then the drums increase in tempo and volume until the original melody is obliterated, whereupon the band launches into some very loud, very edgy and highly syncopated playing--the hallmark of Tribal Tech. "Illicit" features two improvisational numbers, "Riot" (named for the L.A. riots happening nearby at that time) and "Aftermath" (also pointing out the riot's devistation). Bottom line--this album sounds like a live-in-the-studio record, with a raw, cutting sound and less slickness in the overall production. Highly recommended to all fusion fans.
The Music
06:27 | The Big Wave | Instrumental |
05:43 | Stoopid | Instrumental |
06:39 | Black Cherry | Instrumental |
05:58 | Torque | Instrumental |
07:28 | Slidin' Into Charlisa | Instrumental |
08:12 | Root Food | Instrumental |
06:57 | Riot | Instrumental |
03:19 | Paha-Sapa | Instrumental |
05:22 | Babylon | Instrumental |
07:03 | Aftermath | Instrumental |
The Artists
Scott Henderson | Guitar, Production |
Gary Willis | Bass, Production |
Scott Kinsey | Keyboards |
Kirk Covington | Drums |
Jim Snowden | Executive Production |
George Nauful | Executive Production |
Peter R. Kelsey | Production, Engineering |
Jimmy Busceme | Engineering Assistance |
T.J. Helmerich | Guitar Engineering |
Tom Baker | Mastering |
Michelle Laurencot | Art Direction |
Nathaniel Welch | Photography |
Thom Thompson | Cover Concept |
Recorded under armed guard during the L.A. riots April '92 at Cherokee Studios, Hollywood, CA.
Mixed at Ground Control, Santa Monica, CA. Mastered at Future Disc Systems, Hollywood, CA. |