Del Jones - Dance Of ‘De Elder [Universal Cave Records]

From the mind of Philadelphia legend Del Jones, the jazz-funk musician and social justice activist behind Positive Vibes and The Court Is Closed, comes a cult favorite finally getting its due. Originally released on CD in 1999, Dance of ‘De Elder is an epic work from his later period, where Jones' unmistakable vocals and undeniable funk deliver his characteristic blend of history, justice, and Afrocentrism to reinforce his timeless mandate: “DANCE // RESPECT YOURSELF.”

This 12-inch maxi-single marks the track's vinyl debut and includes five remixes for today's dancefloors. Lil Dave elevates the song into deep, soulful, high-tempo house; Pheels reinterprets the vocals over a heavy, psychedelic, percussive dub; Sweater adds brilliant ascending synths that rekindle Jones' chorus as a joyful decree; Universal Cave offers an extended, dub-treated, late-night acid trip; and Street Orchestra proposes a mix with a powerful MPC beat that could well have fit into the original release.

When we found a copy of the Dance Of ‘De Elder CD, the main track quickly became an anthem for the Universal Cave collective, which we played whenever we could. Early in the morning, late at night, or mixed over other tracks at parties, we couldn't stop listening to it and knew it had to reach a wider audience. We hope this edition helps Jones' music and message reach DJs and dancers worldwide.