What started as a conversation about the universal language of music transformed into a focused 2 year journey, incorporating 50+ artists across multiple continents. Based in Portland, OR and touring internationally, flugelhorn & trumpet player Max Ribner has assembled an all-star cast of players who create the thematic storytelling entitled 1st Language.

This 11 song album features artists such as:

Bobby Sparks II - Keys (Roy Hargrove, Snarky Puppy)
Jarrod Lawson - Vocals, Keys
Mark Lettieri - Guitar (Snarky Puppy)
Saeeda Wright - Vocals (Prince)
Sharay Reed - Bass (Chaka Kahn, Kirk Franklin)

Starting from simple melodic mantras, 1st Language flows with the complexity brought by a full rhythm section, a 10 piece horn section, a 12 piece string section, an 8 person gospel choir and a 10 piece dance troupe from Ghana, Africa & Portland, OR. Max Ribner brings his unique voice and vision, drawing on the spontaneity of jazz, the arranging and orchestration of modern classical, and the reverence of universal spiritual music. After a year and a half of writing, arranging and tracking the album, the project caught the ear of Grammy winning mix engineer Ben Kane (D’angelo, PJ Morton, Emily King).

Completed in late 2020, amidst the din of COVID-19, national elections and an ongoing movement for equity and inclusion, 1st Language is a sonic calling together of our collective humanity.

11 Begin Again

10 Thank You

09 Relative

08 1 Step

07 Prayer

06 The ?'s

05 Yes Please

04 Honey

03 Generation

02 Not Free

01 1st Language

'Honey' Feat. Rising Appalachia.

Find more @ www.maxribner.com

Honey (Feat. Rising Appalachia)

What imagery, reflections & breakthroughs do you feel with this track?  

Check out the  album & updates @ www.MaxRibnerBand.com 

Sweet Drum - by Max Ribner Band

Max Ribner

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