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This is the 23rd release in the deluxe Now-Again Reserve Edition Series.
Court is Closed, equal parts psychedelic rock and deep funk, had a limited release of 500 copies and was rarely heard before Jones overdubbed horns on the album, remixed and augmented it with additional music, and issued it as the better-known Positive Vibes. Here we present both versions of the album, with a bonus LP containing Jones’ rare 7-inch single tracks and rehearsals, including unreleased tracks heard here for the first time.
Tracklist:
LP 1: Court is Closed (1973)
A1. Court Is Closed
A2. Inside Black America
A3. Times Are Hard, Friends Are Few
B1. Prelude To Hell
B2. Needle N’ Spoon
LP 2: Del Jones’ Positive Vibes (1973)
C1. Vibe-ing Theme
C2. Prelude Ta Hell
C3. Needle ‘N Spoon
C4. Cold Turkey
D1. Soul Of Black Folks
D2. Court Is Closed
D3. Inside Black America
D4. Times Are Hard, Friends Are Few
LP 3, Side 1: Singles & Rehearsal Tapes
E1. Mellow Vibes
E2. The Last Letter
E3. Afro-Funky-Isms
E4. Big Feet (Philly Raggae)
E5. Synthetic Me (Parts I and II)
E6. Brother Where Are You?
F1. Court Is Closed
F2. Attica
F3. Flute Jam
F4. Positive Vibes
Personnel:
-Court Is Closed –
Produced and Arranged by Del Jones
Assistant Production by Barry Hawkins, A. Deac Jones, Benny R. Mitchell
Photography by Stan Robinson
Personnel: Del Jones: Vocals; Tyrone Fisher: Guitar; Sam Brown: Guitar; Benny R. Mitchell: Bass; Jim Milton: Drums; Wayman Jones: Conga, Timbale, Miscellaneous Percussion, Backing Vocals; Len Cooper: Conga, Timbale; Leslie Burrs: Flute; Deke Jones: Backing Vocals.
Music and Lyrics by Del Jones, Hikeka Music, BMI.
Recorded circa 1972 at Regent Sound, Philadelphia by Dave Hewitt.
Originally released in 1973 on Hikeka Records HR-3331.
-Del Jones’ Positive Vibes –
Produced and Arranged by Del Jones
Additional Arrangements by Benny R. Mitchell
Assistant Production by A. Deac Jones,
Music Supervision by Herbie Jones
Music Direction by Benny R. Mitchell
Original Album Design by Tim Sanders and Deborah Simpson
Original Dedication. This album is dedicated to: Mr. & Mrs. Stan Robinson & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Simeon C. Jones Ben Jones & Family, Sim Jones & Family, Bro. Deac, Brother Karim, Bill Hawkins & Family, Ms. Ethel & Family, Lee Cultural Center, Ms. Johnnye Patterson, Ms. Madlyn Morris, Uncle Herbie & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Rodgers, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Tyler, My Daughters Dawn & Dale, My Son Del Nyerere, My Queen Bernita, and to all the Musicians who gave all to you, for me; plus you who struggle and you who will struggle tomorrow.
-Brother Del Jones.
Personnel: Del Jones: Vocals; Tyrone Fisher: Guitar; Sam Brown: Guitar; Benny R. Mitchell: Bass; Jim Milton: Drums; Wayman Jones: Conga, Timbale, Miscellaneous Percussion, Backing Vocals; Len Cooper: Conga, Timbale; Leslie Burrs: Flute, Tenor Saxophone; Deke Jones: Backing Vocals.
With Overdubs by: Tim Sanders: Guitar; Don Wilson: Keyboards; Joe Bryant: Conga; Bob Eure: Conga; Herbie Jones: Trumpet; George Kelly: Trombone; Joe Jefferson: Tenor Saxophone; Earl Swanson: Tenor Saxophone; Bertie King: Alto Saxophone; Edward Pizzaro: Baritone Saxophone.
Music and Lyrics by Del Jones, Hikeka Music, BMI.
Original sessions recorded circa 1972 at Regent Sound, Philadelphia by Dave Hewitt.
Overdubs recorded circa 1973 at Electric Lady, Manhattan, by Bernie Kirsh.
Originally released circa 1974 on Hikeka Records HR-3331, DM 68474.
Credits:
This anthology produced by Eothen Alapatt.
Licensed by Wayman Jones.
Liner notes by Jeremeigh A.M. Kergylle (fka Jeremy Cargill), with contributions and editing by Eothen Alapatt.
Restoration and remastering by Jason Bitner.
Tape restoration and transfers by Dan Johnson for Audio Archiving.
Vinyl transfers by Ben Lowrie.
Art direction by Errol Richardson.
LP, Digital. 2022. NA5218.
