シカゴのThe Warehouseでディスコとソウルを再構築し、当時チープと見られがちだったハウスを豊かな音楽性でメジャー水準へ押し上げた伝説のDJ/プロデューサーFrankie Knucklesの代表仕事をまとめたシリーズ第1弾。

Defectedによる『House Masters Frankie Knuckles Volume One』は、Frankie Knucklesのプロダクションとリミックスの中から重要曲を厳選したコンピレーション。1980年代シカゴで生まれた彼のサウンドは、単純なビートの反復にとどまらず、厚みのあるコードワークや洗練されたアレンジ、ソウル由来の情感を取り込むことで、ハウス・ミュージックをより音楽的に成熟させた点に大きな特徴がある。

収録される「Your Love」やChaka Khan、Sounds Of Blacknessのリミックスでは、その資質が明確に表れている。滑らかに重なるシンセや緻密に配置されたリズム、空間を活かした展開によって、クラブでの機能性とリスニングとしての完成度が高いレベルで両立されている。

また本作はFrankie Knuckles Foundationへの支援という意味も持ち、音楽教育や医療研究など、彼の遺志を継ぐ活動へと繋がっている。

ハウスを単なるダンス・ミュージックに留めず、豊かな表現を持つジャンルへと引き上げた音楽性を体感できるシリーズ第1弾。

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.