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Tribal Sinfonia (The Tribe) Detroit, Michigan 1968-1972

 

We started out as "Soul Sextet" in 1968, but became "Tribal Sinfonia" in 1969. We were associated with "Cream Magazine" when it was on Cass Ave. In November of 1969, we did a radio broadcast sponsored by WKNR-FM with DJ Dan Carlisle in Jackson Prison. Every weekend, in "HInes Park", we held outdoor concerts that resulted in traffic jams; therefore, the concerts were moved to "Rouge Park."

Personnel: Denny Okamoto - Guitar/Vocals Dennis Falzon - Bass/Vocals Tom Mastal - Drums Mike Blevins - Organ Armand Angeloni - Sax/Flute Jerry Hubbard - Trumpet Larry Nemzin - Lead Trumpet. Influences: Sly, James Brown, B. S. & T, and Dr. John. Setlist Sample: I Just Wanna Make Love To You, Walk On Gildered Splinters, Stop, Raise Your Hand, Come Together. Equipment: Fender amps&.guitars/Hammond B-3 organ /Gretsch drums. Rehearsal Space: Drummers basement. Band Vehicles: Cars-truck rental Fashion Statement: Psychadelic/Soul Best Gig: Jackson Prison - warmed up Mitch Ryder. Live WABX broadcast, Detroit News coverage. I still have the article and tape. Also Grande Ballroom with Plain Brown Wrapper - All the Lonely People. (battle of horn bands.) Gig from Hell!: "Swingin Time" with Robin Seymour CKLW T.V. Had to pretend we were playing live. Last Gig: We created The New York Touring Company, an orchestra that performed Jesus Christ Superstar throughout the midwest. The cast included Marcy Levi (who wrote Lay Down Sally with Eric Clapton). Comments: Tom Mastal was the original drummer of "The Gang." Tom was also responsible for naming the band on the way to an audition at the State Fair Grounds.