:: Tribe World Ensemble - The Message Stick

Tribe World Ensemble

David Pendragon has done something truly amazing and that is exclusively ensemble an album via the Internet for the first time. Pendragon has enlisted the collaborators through Internet forums and independent music sites. He recorded basic tracks and sent them via email to prospective musicians and they in turn sent completed tracks back to the Canberra studio. Pendragon then assembled and mixed the album to what we have on the shelves: The Message Stick. David Pendragon inspired by the concept of an ensemble album comprised of artists who have never met, has utilised a previously untapped resource for such a work. Collaboration and obvious hard work brings inevitable results and this is not only the case for this great ensemble but it also emphasises that people still believe in music and originality.

The songs sound for themselves as they reflect genius at work with multiple contrasting audio elements. Each musician is prominent according to proximity, each boasting his or her respective expertise. Instruments evident are: violin, cello, sitar (an Indian style guitar, made famous by Ravi Shankar), lap-slide guitar, Native American flute and many others. With such an array of traditions, it is easy to become daunted with unfamiliarity but these are easily accessible which makes the credibility even stronger. You never know it could inspire you and your friends to seek out particular world music modes!