this is a complete classic shorts loving every minute

house music

Money's Too Tight (To Mention)

In the beginning. There was an idea.

It was April 1st - 2014.

Although Frankie had passed the evening before, most news sites weren't reporting his passing till the next day, so I thought it was a really bad April Fools joke. His protégé David Morales confirmed the news to the world of Dance -- "I am devastated to write that my dear friend Frankie Knuckles has passed away today. Can't write any more than this at the moment. I'm sorry"

The last time I think the passing of someone famous had my jaw on the floor like that was Michael Jackson. The King Of Pop .. and the Godfather Of House. The tributes for him online, in the press, TV and radio were really something else. From the Irish Times to mainstream UK TV news saying "the man who created House music has died" to Pete Tong saying he "needed a stiff drink" after his tribute to him, the Mayor Of Chicago appearing on American news, every single decent to great DJ on Twitter ... right upto the president of the United States saying Frankie was a "trailblazer who captured our attention and ignited our imaginations" ... that he did Barack - that he did!

My earliest experience of a Frankie Knuckles tune was owning a 7" copy of the "Whistle Song" - a House track that still sounds fresh 24 years on. As my vinyl collection increased so did my love of The Frankie Sound and all things that had those magic words on them ... "Def Mix" (his co-productions with Morales) and "Classic Mix" which were usually his solo remixes laden with glorious pianos and, in Frankie's own words, "all that pretty stuff".

Fast forward about 12 years and Im in Spirit nightclub (now Academy) on Dublin's Abbey St and Im finally getting to see Frankie play live after missing him numerous times when he played Dublin's Pod and more.

There are some moments in a club that will stay with you forever. That first time in your mid to late teens you actually get into one, despite the doorman looking at your dodgy ID (and probably haircut!) with a knowing smile. Your first snog in a club with that girl you've had your eye on all Summer. That moment in a club when all your worries are a distant memory and the music has it's friendly but firm grip on you.

It was either late 2003 or early 2004 when Frankie had his unyielding hold over about one thousand clubbers in Spirit nightclub and when I finally got to see one of my DJ heros. Frankie did not simply play or mix songs that night. To me he was more like an evangelist with headphones, preaching the virtues of House music to the assembled masses from that famous Spirit pulpit in the sky. Frankie was the DJ's DJ.

Then he played it.

Shapeshifters' "Lola's Theme" ... the breakdown, the Disco sample, the irresistible vocal hook and the bedlam that ensued when Frankie mixed it in that night in Spirit are 5 minutes that I can still clearly remember. "What a fooking tune!" said one part of my brain, another was jostling for attention with "go up and introduce yourself to the great man!" ... but it wasn't to be that night.

Its 2005 and Frankie is back in Dublin. Back in Spirit. Back with with his big warm smile. Back with his bag of glorious music to play for us. This time around I know the promoter of the gig so he looks after myself and a few friends with guestlisting and a VIP table upstairs. We're there from the start of the night. Its a Sunday night in Dublin, pre "the R word", numbers are good and steady coming in and Frankie is already on warming up the room slowly and gracefully.

The table we're given is maybe 15 feet away from the DJ box so I get up and go for it. "I just wanted to shake your hand Frankie, thank you for all you've done for Dance music and DJing" were the words I managed to get out when finally meeting him. Now Id heard he was a very quiet, very humble man so I wasnt too surprised when all he said back was "thank you", followed by "its a quiet start isnt it?" - I assured him it would pick up as Id heard there was a great buzz all month leading upto the gig. He nodded and smiled and I smiled back and left him to it. In my time clubbing and DJing Ive been lucky enough to meet Carl Cox, Tall Paul, Tony Di Vit, Paul Oakonfold and interview everyone from Avicii to Candi Staton ... but there was a certain joy to meeting Frankie that night that I'll always remember fondly, probably above all those.

Ive only two small regrets about that night; not bringing my copy of the Dance music bible "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" for Frankie to sign as planned ... and not having a camera with me to get a snap with the man - this was a few years before we started carrying the power and functionality of a small PC in our pockets with smartphones.

Two hours later and Frankie needn't have worried. It wasn't a Bank Holiday Sunday and Id say about 60% of the crowd there were up at 8am the next day .... and yet - there it was - a full house, or close enough to it, to witness and appreciate the master at work. Thank you Frankie.

Its two days after Frankie's passing and I start thinking "a Soundcloud mix is in order here" for me to pay my own tribute to the man. So I start coming up with a shortlist of my favourite ten Frankie productions and remixes. "This will be a quick mix" I remember thinking. 

I put them to one side and go to bed with the iPad for my usual fix of Netflix and catch up on some emails. Well that was the plan! Instead I start watching House music documentaries and interviews with Frankie on YouTube and Ive a lightbulb moment - "what if I was to put Frankie's thoughts and insights over his tracks during this mix?"

The next day I start editing Frankie's comments on my trusty Cool Edit 2 and the initial bones of what was to become "Thank You Frankie" starts to take shape. Over the following days Id discover more documentaries that featured Frankie speaking and more and more of his music.

So much music!

Ive since listened to over 300 of Frankie's remixes and productions and eventually got it down to, what I feel, is his very best 30 or so - not an easy task to do, but a *very* enjoyable one. There were so many gems from Frankie's discography that Id either forgotten about or had escaped me due to his massively prodigious output.

There were re-edits of re-edits of re-edits of re-edits to get it sounding how I liked from the perspective of Frankie telling us a story, and I was also mindful that I wanted the main section of it to flow like a DJ mix - just like Frankie would have wanted ;)  There was also the huge amount of wondrous downtempo remixes of his to keep in mind and to put it all in an order that made sense and gelled well together.

What I thought would be a 2 day project turned into a very enjoyable marathon, with a hour or so done on it a day and at one stage I gave it a break for a few months. The process included listening to and editing the hours of Frankie speaking about his career that are online and listening to hours and hours of his production legacy. The mix would often be close to what I thought was completion only for me to discover another great interview from him or a forgotten classic and a large part of the tribute had to completely re-done. But if something is worth doing, its worth doing right ... right?

Thank you for House music. 

Thank you for the DJing. 

Thank you for the productions. 

Thank you for being the Godfather.

Thank you Frankie x
 
_________________________-

TRACKLISTINGS and some history behind the production of this documentary 


Frankie Speaks: “There’s a small story behind this record” 

The Mayor of Chicago speaks about Frankie at the Frankie Knuckles Memorial Day 

Intro Sweeper 

CHAPTER ONE: Frankie’s Early Years

Frankie Speaks – details about the history of “Tears” 

1)	Frankie Knuckles presents Satoshi Tomiie - Tears (Classic Vocal Mix) 

Frankie Speaks – the history behind his remix of  “Let No Man Put Asunder” – his first ever remix 

2)	First Choice – Let No Man Put Asunder (Frankie Knuckles Remix) 

Frankie Speaks: - talks about the learning the craft of editing and cutting tape

Frankie Speaks – talking about his break into the club business. He began as a Light DJ for Larry Levan in the Continental Baths. Larry and Frankie were friends for many years and in some ways Larry was his mentor. Frankie remembers how he would get his first experiences of DJ'ing when Larry would take extended toilet breaks. 

3)	Nightwriters – Let The Music (Use You) 

Frankie Speaks – the story of how Derrick May gave him his first 909 drum machine and how important the kick drum and bassline are in House Music 

Frankie Speaks – the history behind the production of The Whistle Song 

4)	Frankie Knuckles – The Whistle Song 

Frankie Speaks – Some history behind his residency in The Warehouse 

5)	Michael Jackson – Rock With You (Frankie's Favourite Club Mix).(This remix is said to be Frankie’s all time favourite remix production of his)

Frankie Speaks – About his work in a record shop and how it helped with his DJing

Frankie Speaks – Remembering the first time he heard the term “House music” 

Frankie Speaks – on working with classically trained musicians and Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson 

Frankie Speaks – the history behind the ‘Where Love Lives” 



CHAPTER TWO – In The Mix with Frankie. Frankie’s most prodigious years in production
 
6) Alison Limerick – Where Love Lives (Classic Mix)

7)	Gabrielle-Sunshine (Frankie Knuckles Classic Club Mix) (NOTE: one of my highlights of putting this together was coming across this forgotten gem. Definitely one of Frankie’s lesser known (and amazing) remixes. This soars in all the right places. 

Frankie Speaks – on being asked if he had to choose DJing or studio work, which would he pick? 

8)	Luther Vandross & Janet Jackson - The Best Things In Life Are Free (Classic 12'' without Rap)

9)	Toni Braxton - Un-Break My Heart (Frankie Knuckles Franktidrama Club Mix)

Frankie Speaks – on what he looks for in songs when remixing them

10)	Jackson 5 - Forever Came Today (Frankie Knuckles Late Night Antics Remix)

11)	Frankie_Knuckles – Rain Falls (David’s 12” Soakin Wet Mix 

Frankie Speaks – on DEF Mix and working with his long time studio partner and protégée David Morales

12)	L.A.Mix feat. Kevin Henry - Love Together (Frankie’s American Lovers 12'')
13)	Sounds Of Blackness - The Pressure (Frankie Knuckles remix) (Accapella only) 
14)	Luther Vandross - Power Of Love (Love Power) (Frankie’s “The Absolutely Fabulous Club Mix”)

Frankie Speaks – his fond memories of growing up in the same area as Luther

15)	Michael Jackson-You Are Not Alone (Frankie Knuckles’ Franctified Club Mix)

Frankie Speaks – on record stores starting to name genres after the music he was playing in the Warehouse 

16) Diana Ross - Someday We'll Be Together (Def Mix) (Jason Dee’s EQ Remaster) – NOTE: this was impossible to find as a CD rip, it seems to be one of the rarer Frankie remixes out there/ So I eventually found a vinyl rip and re-EQ’d it. The combination of the amazing Diana Ross and Frankie was worth the effort though 



CHAPTER THREE – Frankie’s comeback, the Director’s Cut years. 

After a self imposed 10 year sabbatical from the studio Frankie returns with a classic remix for Hercules & Love Affair. His Director’s Cut project saw him reunited with Eric Kupper who he had worked with many years before on “The Whistle Song”. For me this is probably my own favourite remix of his. The production on all these songs are spectacular. 

Frankie Speaks – the history behind his studio comeback. It was just after he had lost a foot to diabetes. 

17)	Hercules & Love Affair – Blind (Frankie Knuckles’ Vocal remix)
18)	 Candi Staton - Hallelujah Anyway (Directors Cut Signature Praise)

Frankie Speaks – on how he fought back after losing a foot to diabetes 

Frankie Speaks – on his philosophy of DJ'ing. Mixing Vs Song selection

19)	Shapeshifters - Nothing But Love For You ( Director’s Cut Breathtaking Adventure mix) (Jason Dee’s “Praise Lola” re-edit) 
20)	 Frankie Knuckles presents Director's Cut starring Inaya Day - Let's Stay Home (

NOTE: I discovered this song in early 2013 via Frankie’s now famous Boiler Room DJ set. It was the finale of that gig and after much Googling I finally found out what it was. This is among my favourite 5 productions of Frankie’s. 

21)	Duke Dumont feat. A.M.E. – Need U (100%) (Director's Cut Signature Mix) (NOTE: This was never officially released as part of the Duke Dumont single. A bit of a rarity and one of Frankie’s best last works) 

22)	 Hardsoul feat Ron Carroll - Back Together (Directors Cut Classic Club Mix (SNIPPET)

Frankie Speaks – on how the ten year break from the studio made him appreciate it more 

23) Frankie Knuckles pres. Director's Cut featuring Jamie Principle - I'll Take You There

Frankie Speaks – “Every Weekend” 

24)	Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill (Frankie Knuckles Director's Club Cut) 

Frankie Speaks – on who began the whole House music DJ'ing movement

25)	Curtis McClain - The House Music Anthem (Director's Cut Retro Signature Mix) 

(NOTE: I chose this version over the original as I feel the kick drum and overall production is much better. It was also a nice way to bring this period of Frankie’s production full circle and back to his older stuff) 

Frankie Speaks – Another story of him remembering the first time he heard the term “House music” 




CHAPTER FOUR – Frankie’s Adventures In Downtempo: his slower remixes during the Def Mix years. Some of his very best stuff here.

Frankie Speaks – on the background of making “Its Hard Sometimes”

26)	Frankie Knuckles featuring Shelton Becton – It’s Hard Sometimes (12” Mix)

27)	Rufus & Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody (Frankie’s Hallocinogenic Version)

Frankie Speaks – on taking risks and chances on clubs

28)	 Swing Out Sister – Not Gonna Change (Classic Club Mix)

29)	 Inner City - Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin' (Knuckles-Morales Def Mix) 

(NOTE: One of Frankie’s most beautiful remixes, one of my favourites) 

30)	Adeva - Beautiful Love (Classic Club Mix).

(NOTE: the slowest Frankie production on this mix or that Ive ever come across. It’s also one of his very best. Amazing, amazing stuff. I got goosebumps the first time I heard the last minute or so of this track when Adeva starts really belting it out)




CHAPTER FIVE – Epilogue


Frankie Speaks – on the music that inspired him the most

31)	MFSB – Love Is The Message (SNIPPET) 

Frankie Speaks – on being the first DJ to play Derrick May’s “Strings Of Life” 

32)	Rhythm Is Rhythm – Strings Of Life 

Frankie Speaks – on DJ'ing for 24 hours 

33)	Frankie Knuckles featuring Jamie Principle – Your Love

Frankie Speaks – on the history of Your Love 

Frankie Speaks – on why Your Love is so special 

OUTRO 

The gathered thousands of people at the Frankie Knuckles Tribute Day on June 3rd 2013 at Millennium Park in Chicago shout “WE LOVE YOU FRANKIE!” 



Credits: 

Only for promotion & support. No copyright infringement intended. For promotional purposes only. All rights reserved to their respective owners.

Conception and all production of this documentary © Jason Dee 2015 

Radio airplay of this tribute on specialist stations is allowed but please drop me a line first via Soundcloud mail or jasondeezone (at) gmail.com

Thanks to: Colin and Kim for the voiceovers and the various people who interviewed Frankie over the years, without his thoughts on various things this project wouldn’t have been as satisfying to do. 

House Music All Night Long! x 

Jason 

PS - for the audio purists I will be uploading this mix in full fat Wav format in the next week - this download is @ 320kps 




Jason Dee Presents ... Thank You Frankie

Captain Sky - Super Sporm (SoulSeduction DJ Friendly Edit)

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SIETESOLES - UGLYHOUSE MIX [24/2015]

Follow Darius Kramer on Soundcloud, Mixcloud, Facebook and hearthis.atdariuskramer

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Biography:
Darius is a self proclaimed "House Addict". He fell in love with the house sound as a teenager living in Montreal back in the early '90s when he would stay up late on Friday nights and record a dance mix show on Montreal radio. He was hooked from then on. He then proceeded to start mixing with one tape deck and a CD player and never looked back.
When he moved to Vancouver in the late '90's, he started buying records almost daily and spent most of his free time at his favourite record stores at the time, Bassix and Mekanix records. Over the next few years, Darius held various residencies and ran 2 club nights in Vancouver, playing alongside such talent as Lawnchair Generals and Johnny Fiasco, as well as playing at numerous after hours and raves.
Today, Darius is happily married with a young son, but his love for house music hasn't died. Darius was busy making a name for himself in the underground scene in 2015 with mixes released around the world on such labels as House Salad, Reason2Funk, Uglyhouse, Little Routine, Selecta Music, Leven Underground and House Jet Radio just to name a few.
He also launched the hugely successful "Soul Room Sessions" podcast showcasing the soulful/jazzy side of house music with guest mixes from some of the biggest names in the game and the series is still going strong in 2016!


Tracklist:
1) The Rainbow Song - Art of Tones
2) Clap Your Hands (J Fader Remix) - Doc Link
3) Brand Spankin' New - Ed The Spread
4) Saxology - Ed The Spread
5) The 12am Groove - Tom Conrad
6) Angry Cabbie - Ryan Truman
7) The 12am Groove - Tom Conrad (Mixback)
8) Day In Day Out (Vox Mix) - Johnny Fiasco
9) Today Is The Day - Iban Montoro & Jazzman Wax
10) Save The World - Matthew Brian
11) Crystal Vibes - Jovonn
12) Machines - Ryan Truman
13) S.O.S (Deeper In It Remix) - Jacob Poe Feat. Alexander East
14) Stuff Your Dad Liked - Fouk
15) Elapse - Arturo Garces
16) Beatin' The Breaks (Fouk Remix) - Music In The Trees
17) Very Hypnotic - Phil Greenwood
18) Jazz Trippin' - J Fader
19) Oh Whoa - The Stoned
20) Feel Like I Do (Giano Edit) - Disclosure
21) New Heights (Version 2) - Chris Simmonds
22) Walking In Circles (Original Mix) - Ed The Spread
23) El House Y El Jazz - Ritmo Du Vela
24) Backdraft - PC Pat & Claud Santo
25) Space Cadets - weS
26) Moonshine - KenLou
27) Jacking The Groove - Iban Montoro & Jazzman Wax
28) Blackback (Sample That) - J Fader
29) East To West Coast (Original Mix) - Disco Ball'z
30) Oscid Groove (Original Mix) - Yan Gordo
31) Jazz Once Again (Original Mix) - Funkyloco
32) Wire Up! (Original Mix) - El Funkador


Darius Kramer

So What Radioshow 78/Darius Kramer

Traxsource

DJ Mes - FEEL LIKE GETTING DOWN (Angelo Ferreri Remix) // MFR041

DJ Mes - FEEL LIKE GETTING DOWN (Original Mix) // MFR041

A night with Detroit Swindle LIVE, celebrating our upcoming release on @Melodymathics feat. @KiNK & @FabriceLig

Previews here : http://www.triplevision.nl/release/MMOS003/

Massive thanks to everybody for the warmth, love and happiness troughout the night.

Find more music on :
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Jason Dee Presents ... Thank You Frankie

Jason Dee (DJ/Producer)

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