Ranelin was born in Indianapolis, and lived in New York before moving to Detroit in the 1960s. He played as a session musician on many Motown recordings, including with Stevie Wonder.

In 1971, he and Wendell Harrison formed a group called The Tribe, which was an avant-garde (J)azz ensemble devoted to black consciousness. Alongside it he co-founded Tribe Records. He released several albums as a leader in the 1970s, and continued with The Tribe project until 1978.

Following this, Ranelin worked with Freddie Hubbard Norman Connors, Ella Fitzgerald, Art Pepper, Teddy Edwards, Gerald Wilson, Vi Redd, Freddie Redd, Marcus Belgrave, Wendell Harrison, Harold McKinney, Ray Appleton, Roy Brooks, Sarah Vaughan, Larry Gales, Tootie Heath, James Spaulding and the all-star Luckman Jazz Orchestra at the Disney Concert Hall.

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Summer/Fall into Autumn Jazz Concert Series +

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From: The desk of Phillip Ranelin:

"DALILI's VIRGO BIRTHDAY BASH!"

"A EVENING WITH DALILI"

A Celebration Of The Community Contributions And The Birthday 
Of Jazz Promoter, Social Activist, Singer, DALILI PIERSON! & 
A Memorial For Briggie Hubbard (Sept.14th) Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's Late Wife

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Music By The Phil Ranelin Jazz Ensemble:

Tribe Chief Maestro Phillip Ranelin, Ensemble Leader - trombone

Personnel:  Ensemble feat. -

 Don Littleton - drums "Birthday Boy" (Sept. 14th)

 Michael Alvidrez - bass

 *Mahesh Balasooriya*

*(sub. For: originally scheduled pianist, Aaron Provisor, confirmed)*

 Randal Fisher - sax

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Two Sets (9 PM & 10:30 PM) $20 cover charge, No Drink Minimum

Eventbrite: (search) *Advance Tix (highly recommended w/ privileges. Available NOW!)*

 CALENDAR Event

"Comprehensive American website for (J)azz enthusiasts and professionals" 

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