Jerome Derradji – 122 BPM (The Birth Of House Music)

Being the proud owner of every release on Mitchbal and Chicago Connection Records the first thing I had to consider was if this 3 x CD release was worth purchasing. Of course like many other fanatics of the early sound of Chicago house I was lured in with the chance of hearing some previously unreleased tracks and because of that my review will concentrate on those. The only way I feel I can review those tracks is to compare them to other tracks already known to the outside world.

'Jackmaster' is much in the same vein as Mr Lee & Kompany's earlier track 'Can You Feel' with a more intense feel to it. Imagine a slightly less manic 'Work The Box' by Santos, with elements of White Knight's 'White Knight Jacks' and you might have some idea. 'When I Hear Music' could have easily come out on fellow Chicago label D.J. International and sounds almost like a Peter Black release with it's uplifting gospel inspired vocals and melodic but simple keys, somewhat like 'How Far I Go'. 'Do Dat Stuff' is a very simple but funky track indeed. Probably the hardest to define but no less the interesting for that. I don't know why but I was left with a 'Work It To The Bone' feeling although with it's early 80's influence this is a very different track indeed. 'Where Did My Love Go' is much like the other Libra Libra tracks with it's positive vibes set over a positive melody. Just as good as 'I Am Music' or 'I Like It' I'm surprised it never received a release. The last two have very little to do with the rest of the collection. 'I Synthesize' comes from another genre entirely. Sounding almost like a Detroit version of New Wave that would eventually turn into Techno....and 'Love Is The Answer', being a production from around 2006, is more a celebration track than anything else.

Spread out over three CD's with just about every Mitchbal / Chicago Connection release covered this is a must for anyone interested in those early days. It is easy to forget it wasn't just Trax and D.J. International that were responsible for this sound we all love, and this package is a reminder that needs to be made. The mix CD is put together with respect for the tracks that make it and is simply but effective with a nod to the past. The in-closed booklet is also a worthy addition and if like me you're mad about this stuff you'll find a moment to read it from start to finish and find yourself longing for the past. So was it worth purchasing? For me an absolute yes.