There are only a few names in the dance community that actually deserve to have the label "legend" attached to them. David Morales, Junior Vasquez, Shep Pettibone, and Tom Moulton are just a few that come to mind. Along with these, one should add Frankie Knuckles. This Grammy winning mixer/producer/DJ has been on the scene since the 70s and has even been dubbed the "Godfather Of House" by his legions of fans. His unique blend of sounds has graced recordings by everyone from Chaka Khan to Diana Ross to Toni Braxton. Along with remixing other artists, Frankie has made a few classic house tracks on his own. One of those is "The Whistle Song." First released in 1991, this song was a number one smash in its original incarnation fifteen years ago. It has now been updated by Knuckles himself along with assistance from Eric Kupper.
Songs like this are truly a throwback to a simpler time. In a landscape that is dominated by lots of bass and drums, this song relies on a flute and a filtered rhythm track to get you moving. Sweeping piano riffs are a signature sound on any Knuckles mix, and this tune is no exception. For eleven glorious minutes, the listener is invited to enjoy a musical ride that is seldom heard in the nightclub scene today. It's light and airy yet totally danceable and fun. No thumping, no sirens, and no repetitive synth lines here. In fact, if you ever do hear this song at a club, it will be during a Sunday tea dance or early in a DJ's set. As lovely and upbeat as this song is, most DJs won't give it a prime time spot. Not much has been changed for this 2006 update. Frankie and Eric tighten the groove and add some filtering effects here and there, but overall it stays true the original. This is the way house music used to be! It's nice to see one of the originators returning to bring it back to the forefront. Hopefully we will see more of this style returning to the dance floor in the coming months.
