Twelve Tribes

Description

Twelve Tribes is an instrumental album by the American keyboardist, composer, producer and arranger Richard Souther, released on Narada Equinox in August 1990. The album was recorded April-May 1990 with Eric Persing producing. All compositions by Richard Souther except “Companero” co-written with Eric Persing. According to All Music Guide “Souther’s creative use of ethnic rhythms and instruments adds a new level of sophistication to his accessibility.”

To the casual listener, this rich blend of light jazz meets world music (internationally influenced) instrumentals is both enjoyable and full of meaningful musical expressions. To the musician or serious music connoisseur this project is a delightful education in the use of sound textures, rhythmic imagery and studied dynamic.

Souther’s highly acclaimed works on Sparrow’s Meadowlark Series won him popularity in the contemporary Christian music market, and now this second project for the secular Narada Equinox label has given him even broader based musical success, hitting #13 on Radio and Records’ “New Adult Contemporary” charts.

The songs and musical concept of ‘Twelve Tribes’ all revolve around the scattering abroad of the Old Testament 12 tribes of Israel and were inspired, in part, by Souther’s love of the melodies and rhythms of the world. Using polyrhythms (i.e. 5/4 timing over a 4/4 beat) and true musical sensibilities, Souther utilizes his talents on the acoustic piano, various synthesizers, samplers, and synthesized bass, drum and percussion machines.

The album also features Abe Laboriel, a great choice for ethnic rhythm bass, also laying down a fine nylon string guitar part on «All in Good Time»; Efrain Toro, a top-drawer acoustic percussionist; Justo Almario, with soulful soprano saxophone solos on «City Lights/Western Sky», «Trade Winds», and «Hands Held Apart»; Randy “Randoo” Mitchell an acoustic guitar; and Steve Tavaglione on E.W.I. violin. Add to this troupe the well-versed Eric Persing handling sound design and additional keyboards and you’ve got a first-rate team to contribute to and to complement the goals of ‘Twelve Tribes’.

This album is extremely good for driving, flying, or sailing too… or you can just sit down in your living room, turn it up and let this colorful music scatter you abroad among the emotions and beat of the twelve tribes. [Bruce Adolph, CCM, April 1991]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/twelve-tribes/723590010)

CD tracklist:

01. City Lights/Western Sky – 4:19
02. Simple Joys – 4:13
03. Trade Winds – 5:15
04. Native Shores – 2:50
05. Companero – 3:55
06. Go The Distance – 3:31
07. Twelve Tribes – 4:36
08. All In Good Time – 4:54
09. The Summit – 5:21
10. Hands Held Apart – 3:17

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Narada Equinox.