What better way to celebrate Frankie Knuckle’s life and legacy than continuing to play his music. And here’s one well worthy of a spin, Frankie’s take on Paul Johnson’s Better Than This (the track’s also out on 7″ for Record Store Day in Dego & Kaidi’s 2000 Black and Soul Talk mixes, with the Frankie Knuckles mix forming part of the 12″ and digital package). Positive and uplifting house music with Mr Johnson on fine form, Better Than This takes us back with an old school sounding cut reminiscent of the great Ten City. Lush.
In Paul’s own words, here’s the story behind Frankie’s mix…
I am still reeling from the loss of the late great Frankie Knuckles.
Last year after writing the track ‘Better Than This’ and getting it mixed by the talented Ozzie Tripleo I sent it to Frankie to have a listen. I hadn’t seen him for over ten years – and then that was while catching a flight home from Ibiza – when I was working with Shaun Escoffery.
Through a FB exchange (almost a year to the date) I was surprised and overjoyed that he had remembered me from my CBS days and my work with Shara Nelson. Frankie asked me what I had been doing so I told him about my career in Further Education and the recent track I had worked on. I sent him my song, he listened to it and replied ‘Nice groovy tune! What’s the deal? What are you doing with it? I like it!’ On his return from Venice a couple of months later he had mixed ‘Better Than This’.
I very much doubt if this was his last mix – but it was an example of his wonderful generosity and kindness. The spirit of this composition, and the subsequent mixes on the ‘Areaboy Music’ label from me transcends the normal business transactions of the music industry.
The music is an expression of my freedom and the joy is knowing that others are willing to receive it. It certainly is not about sales, recording deals, egos etc. Frankie knew I didn’t have a recording a deal but I think he wanted to spread the joy that he detected! I am grateful that he gave this song his seal of approval and more than that – he gave me his time, talent and effort. What a gift…. and what integrity.
Something more of us could aspire to… Much love Frankie RIP.
Paul Johnson
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