NEO TRIBAL VISION • PRIVATE SYNTH WAVE FUNK REISSUE CASSETTE TAPE

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Neo Tribal Vision was a musical trio active on Vancouver Island BC from 1982 to 1995. The founding members are Don MacGregor (vocals, flute, trumpet, keyboard and percussion ), Todd Harmon (congas, bongos and percussion) and Bill Konsorado (keyboards). Their self described styles of music “future primitive funk” and “tropical party” set them apart from other bands and the absence of guitar and bass gave listeners something different to groove on. A diminutive fourth member, ”Bruce” the TR 505 drum machine, often laid down a basic groove over which the band wove live percussion and melodies. Original compositions by Konsorado and MacGregor stemming from improvisations gave birth to instrumentals influenced by world beat flavours seasoned with synth pop. Edgy vocals full of social commentary penned by MacGregor added another dimension. As the band developed their original material they began to add their own take on other artist’s tunes and they had a set of danceable Talking Head songs, as well as some Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson gems in the repertoire. The band name Neo Tribal Vision was inspired by MacGregor’s delving into the writings of visionary Marshall McLuhan who foresaw a new tribalism evolving through electronic media. Popular at parties and dances, the band performed at many community halls on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and was the house band for fiestas at Gina’s Mexican Cafe in Nanaimo. Playing at festivals, family events and schools, “NTV” were happy to have avoided the bar scene and only ever had one bar gig at Harpo’s in Victoria where they opened for San Diego Rockabilly band the Paladins. Another memorable Victoria gig was opening for Donovan at the Roxy. After amicably deciding to disband, Neo Tribal Vision played their farewell performance on April Fool’s Day 1995 at Gina’s Mexican Cafe.