April 03, 2015

FRANKIE KNUCKLES RETROSPECTIVE

Frankie Knuckles​ died a year ago. A double cd of his music, selected by the man himself, are out now. And a really cute t-shirt. All proceeds benefit the Elton John Foundation/Frankie Knuckles Fund. On Defected Records​. I couldn't link to their release so I copied it.



Defected are honoured to announce the release of House Masters Frankie Knuckles, a charity release in collaboration with Def Mix Management and the estate of Frankie Knuckles.

House Masters Frankie Knuckles is a project that began in February 2014, with Frankie hand-selecting the productions and remixes he wanted to include on a retrospective release of his illustrious career. On the sad news of his passing on 31 March 2014, the project was duly paused. Now, with the creation of The Frankie Knuckles Fund established in partnership with the Elton John Aids Foundation, the release will finally see the light of day, with all profits being donated to the charity.

Frankie Knuckles left behind perhaps the greatest house music legacy that ever was or ever will be, having made dance music at a spiritual level for nearly four decades.

He established both his name and his legacy with the sound he created. Labelled ‘house’ after the Chicago club, The Warehouse, where he played during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, it was a sound that has been copied and adapted – but crucially never bettered – by literally thousands of DJs and producers since.

The outpouring of respect, praise and love from every quarter following his death showed just how far his influence reached, and just how much he had meant to people from all walks of life.

“I miss my friend dearly. Words cannot describe my emptiness and I derive my strength from the memories that will be with me for the rest of my life. The music that we made together with our hearts will always sooth me when I take a listen.” David Morales.

The tracklist for House Masters Frankie Knuckles includes many of the most influential and highly-regarded records from the Grammy-winning producer, including ‘Tears’, ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and ‘Baby Wants To Ride’ alongside seminal remixes for Alison Limerick, Inner City, Chaka Khan, Hercules & Love Affair, First Choice and Pet Shop Boys.

“In the beginning there was Frankie Knuckles. His legend transcends the movement that he helped create. His many incredible production influences still bring House, Soul and Disco to dance floors all over the world.  I consider myself truly honoured, not only to have played and danced to his music but also to have worked with Frankie at Cooltempo, A&M:PM & Defected.” Simon Dunmore

The release will be accompanied by a limited edition commemorative t-shirt, available exclusively from the Defected online store, with all profits being donated to the Frankie Knuckles Fund.

“The Elton John AIDS Foundation is honoured to be administering a new Fund in memory of Frankie Knuckles. This fund will support the Foundation’s work with young men of colour around the World, particularly gay men, who are often subject to severe discrimination and abuse and who struggle to get compassionate information and treatment about HIV and AIDS.” Anne Aslett, Elton John AIDS Foundation

The passing of Frankie Knuckles may have left a gaping hole in many of our lives, but the music lives on.

Defected presents House Masters Frankie Knuckles is out 26 April 2015 (2CD and digital) on Defected Records - order the CD / t-shirt  / bundle from DStore now. 100% of the profits will be donated to the Frankie Knuckles Fund.

A video interview with Frankie conducted by Simon Dunmore will be released 31 March at 10.00 BST.


Tracklisting:

CD1
01. Frankie Knuckles featuring Jamie Principle ‘Your Love’
02. Frankie Knuckles presents Satoshi Tomiie ‘Tears’ (Classic Vocal)
03. Frankie Knuckles ‘The Whistle Song’ (Sound Factory Mix)
04. Alison Limerick ‘Where Love Lives’ (Classic Mix)
05. Hercules & Love Affair ‘Blind’ (Frankie Knuckles Remix)        
06. Frankie Knuckles featuring Roberta Gilliam ‘Workout’ (1992 Vocal Mix)
07. Frankie Knuckles with Jamie Principle ‘Baby Wants To Ride’
08. Andrea Mendez ‘Bring Me Love’ (Classic Frankie)
09. Frankie Knuckles ‎’Only The Strong Survive’ (Club Mix)
10. Frankie Knuckles ‘It's Hard Sometime’ (FK Classic Club)
11. Adeva ‘Beautiful Love’ (Extended)

CD 2
01. Inner City ‘Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin'’ (Def Mix)    
02. Sounds Of Blackness ‘The Pressure’ (Frankie Knuckles Classic Mix)
03. The Nightwriters ‘Let the Music Use You’ (Club Mix)
04. First Choice ‘Let No Man Put Asunder’ (12" Frankie Knuckles Remix)
05. Frankie Knuckles ‎’Rain Falls’ (FK Original)
06. Rufus & Chaka Khan ‘Ain’t Nobody’ (Hallucinogenic Version)
07. Loose Ends ‘Hangin’ On A String’ (Frankie Knuckles Club Mix)
08. Frankie Knuckles featuring Adeva ‘Too Many Fish’ (Classic Frankie Version)
09. Lisa Stansfield ‘Change’ (Knuckles Mix)
10. Pet Shop Boys ‘Left To My Own Devices’ (Frankie Knuckles Royal Piano Version)
11. Frankie Knuckles presents Director's Cut featuring Jamie Principle ‘I’ll Take You There’ (Director’s Cut Classic Signature Mix)

http://defected.com/news/house-masters-frankie-knuckles/