What makes Tribe by Enrico Rava notable?

'Tribe' received critical acclaim for its sophisticated compositions and energetic performances, solidifying Rava's influence in contemporary jazz. The album has been praised for its unique blend of modernity with classic jazz elements, earning favorable reviews from outlets like JazzTimes and All About Jazz. When 'Tribe' was released in 2011, Enrico Rava was already an established figure in the jazz world, having built a career since the 1960s. This album came as a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to innovate while remaining true to jazz traditions, following notable works like 'New York Days' in 2008.

Tribe works well if you're into vibrant improvisations with emotional depth, cathartic moments of spontaneous expression and thoughtful soundscapes for reflection.

How many songs are on Tribe?

Tribe has 12 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Released 15 years ago today

Tribe

Enrico Rava · 2011

64 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of jazz where lyrical trumpet lines intertwine with intricate rhythms and expressive improvisations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Amnesia — Opening the album, this track sets a contemplative mood with its haunting melodies and rich harmonies that invite deep listening.
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Tears for Neda — This poignant piece pays tribute to Neda Agha-Soltan, combining emotional depth with stunning improvisation that highlights Rava's lyrical style.
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Tribe — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, featuring a dynamic interplay between musicians that showcases the collective spirit of jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate compositions with expressive improvisation, showcasing Rava's jazz mastery.

What we noticed

The final track, 'Improvisation', serves as an extended exploration of themes introduced earlier in the album, allowing for a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant improvisations with emotional depth
cathartic moments of spontaneous expression
thoughtful soundscapes for reflection
engaging conversations between instruments
for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

prefer structured and predictable sound
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'Tribe' was released in 2011, Enrico Rava was already an established figure in the jazz world, having built a career since the 1960s. This album came as a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to innovate while remaining true to jazz traditions, following notable works like 'New York Days' in 2008.
Stylistic neighbors: Paolo Fresu· Tomasz Stańko· Mark Turner