Jazz Room Records reissues rare 1983 holy grail ‘Ronnie April’s Positive Energy’
Legendary UK DJ Paul Murphy and his superb Jazz Room Records continue with the onslaught of impressive releases in 2024 with a “must-own” reissue of the holy grail LP, titled Positive Energy, Volume 1, from New York-born saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist Ronnie April.
Originally released in 1983 on his own Jude Records imprint, the nine-track album saw very little success, which unfortunately resulted in the disappearance of all but a few copies. Fast-forward a number of years later, the track “Snowflake” became a staple among the jazz dance scene. This brought renewed attention to this release, and helped drive the price of the few circulating original copies to skyrocket in price.
Keeping with a similar vibe, the majority of the rest of the recording stays with a more uptempo groove that has a slight Brit-Funk feel, and features other standout cuts like “Dancer’s Theme”, “Sure, Sure, Sure”, and “Diamonds For Ida” to name a few.
Limited to just 500 copies only, and no plans for any further pressings, I expect this one to fly off the shelves quickly. Shoutout to Paul Murphy and Jazz Room Records for finally making this obscure classic available again. Definitely one of the reissue releases of the year!
Ronnie April’s Positive Energy – ‘Volume 1‘
(Originally released: 1983 / Jude Records)
(Reissued: 2024 / Jazz Room Records)
- Peg-Leg Ape
- Rasmonde
- Dancers Theme
- Jazz You
- Snowflake
- Sure, Sure, Sure
- Diamonds For Ida
- Ballad For Sir James (Chinook)
- Peg-Leg Ape (Chaser)
