B-Tribe | pt

B-Tribe or the "The Barcelona Tribe of Soulsters" is a musical project of the German-born musician and producer, Claus Zundel ("The Brave"), also known for his Sacred Spirit project. Driven by the use of Classical Spanish guitar, and other elements of flamenco music, mixed with trip-hop like, ambient tunes. All the albums were recorded in Zundels's own studio on Ibiza, Spain. Spanish musician Paco Fernandez plays guitars and cello parts are performed by Frankfort Radio Orchestra member Eric Plummetaz. B-Tribe first hit the music scene in 1994 with Fiesta Fatal!, the single of that title "Fiesta Fatal!" becoming a #1 Dance hit in Europe.[1]

B-Tribe was born into a niche (coming out that same year was Enigma's "The Cross of Changes", while Deep Forest's self-titled album had come out in late 1993). "Fiesta Fatal!" and "Suave Suave" (which was released in 1995) became part of a less commercial side of the so-called World music scene that was growing in popularity in the United States during the mid-90s. The Brave released the third B-Tribe album "Sensual Sensual", the music of which is darker and less dance driven. It feels more ambient, melancholic and classical although there are definite drum rhythms. A popularity which would be evidenced in 1997, arguably the peak of the genre's popularity, with the release of the first Pure Moods album. B-Tribe did not make the cut for "Pure Moods", the album, but the rendition of She Moved Through the Fair from 2001's "Spiritual Spiritual" was featured on the compilation "Pure Moods IV". The album "Spiritual Spiritual" is the most ambient album by the project. Only a handful of tracks feature a distinct drumbeat and the cello features in only one song on the album.[2]

B-Tribe's last album to date was the aptly titled "5" in 2003; it features songwriting and vocal contributions by African supermodel Luna Mohamed. .