Tribal Tech "Illicit"

Tribal Tech "Illicit"

album cover

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.