Frankie Knuckles

First released back in 1991, ‘The Whistle Song’ is now firmly cemented in house music history. It is rumored that Frankie Knuckles originally played it on a reel-to-reel tape machine at the original Sound Factory, until it was so hot he had to press it to vinyl. The rest, as they say, is history. After becoming a number one smash on release 22 years ago, it remains one of the genre’s most seminal works to this day.

Now to coincide with the 25^th anniversary of DefMix, Frankie has revisited the track, teaming up with the record’s original producer Eric Kupper and reworking it under his Directors Cut pseudonym. Handling the track with upmost respect they succeed in bringing a revitalized and contemporary sound without loosing any of the original’s charm. This is a track that comes from the halcyon era of house, way before repetitive synths, big drops and earth shattering sirens, and it is the same nuanced ears and deft hands that direct the new version. Building the track around the sublime signature flute melody, sweeping piano riffs and a rolling danceable back beat, the 2012 update continues as the feel good and uplifting song that it was always intended to be. Out tomorrow, 'The Whistle Song' will also feature on 'Frankie Knuckles pres. Tales From Beyond The Tone Arm', his forthcoming compilation album.