The Positive Force With Ade Olatunji

Little detail is widely known about the group behind Oracy, The Positive Force, accompanied by the poet Ade Olatunji. While it is their lone recorded outing, issued in 1977 on Pamoja Records, there are indications that the project lasted for some time and was connected to a larger constellation of creativity and cultural togetherness in Detroit. One member recounts, “I remember Detroit being a cultural hotbed in 1977. There was poetry, theater and music everywhere.” When entering the studio, the group settled on their title, Oracy, which they took from Wole Soyinka’s term for oral literacy, a practice deeply connected to their own.

One of the most righteous soul jazz albums of the 70s, a unique session of poetry, percussion, and jazz put together by the ultra-hip Positive Force! Not to be confused with the soul group of the same name, this combo was a spiritual jazz ensemble featuring poet Ade Olatunji reciting some of his works, plus additional percussion, piano, bass, and keyboards. The tracks unfold with a simple, easy-going approach that's really beautiful -- redemptive, hopeful, and free-thinking with a great vision for the future, and a keen ear to challenge the status quo. Titles include "The Afrikan In Winter", "Beautiful Flower", "Praise Song", "Guerilla Warfare", and "Poem For My Lady".