1974 Del Jones’ Positive Vibes “Del Jones’ Positive Vibes” on Hikeka Records

1976 7” 45 Del Jones’ Positive Vibes “Big Feet (Philly Raggae) / Afro-Funky-Isms “ on Nia Records

Yeah, after a fresh spin it would be hard to conclude anything other than that this badass Philly grail remains the single greatest Black Empowerment/Political statement/Historical Narrative funk record ever recorded. Every track is a heavy-groove commentary on heroin, the justice system, prison, the city, the streets, and the overwhelming need for communal positivity. While there’s plenty of a familiar Last Poets, Gil Scott vibe, right down to the killer conga/percussion section it’s the heavy, sludgy, propulsive bass of composer Benny R. Mitchell that’s the concrete floor of the outfit, and the reason we’re all here. Great turns on electric piano from Don Wilson, and stomping tenor fills from Earl Swanson, formerly of a little outfit called King Coney And The Hot Dogs. Del Jones (eventually became Nana Kuntu) delivers a combo of banging Schoolhouse Rock outtakes and some funkier Snoopy/Guaraldi action, if Vince had penned tunes like “Inside Black America” and “Needle N’ Spoon”.

Hikeka Records has exactly two releases, and Del Jones has exactly two records, so they’re well-suited, but the limited run is a deep shame, because it’s GREAT. And actually, the first record IS this record in a different pinstripe suit, because it began as “Case Is Closed” and sold 500 copies, so Jones added horns, overdubbed additional percussion, amped up the funk, and re-released it. Either way, I LOVE the soul, the funk, the attitude, the intellect, the psych edge, the stoned echoplex, the willingness to take a side, the naiveté, and, of course, mostly importantly, the stone-cold groove. This action is so deep it practically tastes like 1973 Philly, and it turns out that’s a pretty cool thing. Top Castle Wax Action!