Description
The first installment in a series showcasing the signature works of the legendary DJ/producer Frankie Knuckles, who reimagined disco and soul at Chicago's The Warehouse and elevated house music—often dismissed as cheap at the time—to a major musical standard with its rich musicality.
Defected's 'House Masters Frankie Knuckles Volume One' is a compilation featuring carefully selected essential tracks from Frankie Knuckles' productions and remixes. Born in 1980s Chicago, his sound is distinguished by its musical maturity, going beyond simple beat repetition to incorporate rich chordal work, sophisticated arrangements, and soul-derived emotion.
These qualities are clearly evident in the included tracks, such as "Your Love" and remixes of Chaka Khan and Sounds Of Blackness. Smoothly layered synths, meticulously placed rhythms, and arrangements that make effective use of space achieve a high level of both club functionality and listening appeal.
This release also serves to support the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, contributing to initiatives that carry on his legacy, such as music education and medical research.
The first installment in a series that lets you experience the musicality that elevated house from mere dance music to a genre with rich expressive possibilities.
A1. Frankie Knuckles ft. Jamie Principle - Your Love
A2. Sounds Of Blackness - The Pressure (Frankie Knuckles Classic Mix)
B1. Loose Ends - Hangin’ On A String (Frankie Knuckles Club Mix)
B2. Frankie Knuckles - It's Hard Sometime (FK Classic Club)
C1. Hercules & Love Affair - Blind (Frankie Knuckles Remix)
C2. Frankie Knuckles with Jamie Principle - Baby Wants To Ride
D1. Chaka Khan - Ain’t Nobody (Hallucinogenic Version)
D2. Frankie Knuckles ft. Adeva - Too Many Fish (Classic Frankie Version)
TO COMMEMORATE THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING
DEFECTED HONOURS FRANKIE KNUCKLES WITH SPECIAL EDITION ‘HOUSE MASTERS’ VINYL
Defected celebrates the life and legacy of house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles with a limited-edition vinyl offering of his notable ‘House Masters’ release.
Marking ten years since his passing, join Defected in honouring the enduring legacy of house music pioneer. All proceeds of ‘House Masters: Frankie Knuckles’ will be donated to Frankie Knuckles Foundation as it was when the compilation was originally released back in April 2015.
“Frankie Knuckles, whom many consider to be one of the architects of house music is still highly influential to a new generation. Since his untimely passing ten years ago it has been incredible to see the continued outpouring of love and respect that he has received. His legacy is why the Frankie Knuckles Foundation exists. Through our work we honour him by supporting initiatives that he was passionate about: music education, AIDS and diabetes research, prevention and LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. This commemorative vinyl release of ‘House Masters’ in association with Defected will allow us to do just that!”
Frederick Dunson, Founder, President & Executive Director, Frankie Knuckles Foundation
The forthcoming vinyl releases will feature a selection of his finest productions and remixes including the seminal ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and remixes for Chaka Khan and Sounds Of Blackness.
