Alan King
by Terry Matthew | Published June 2007 | 5 Magazine DJ Series Archives | Audio Archives
You know him. Even if you think you don't - believe me, you do. The influence of Alan King is everywhere in House Music. He's hosted thousands on his dancefloor through a career spanning three decades. An original member of the Chosen Few DJ crew, Alan and his cohorts spun at seminal stations in House Music's history, from the Tree of Life, Sauer's and the Loft.
In a September 2007 interview for 5, Chip E. remembered that the first time he ever heard this new form of music was at the Loft. He vividly recalled the first song he heard - "Disco Circus" - and also the DJ that was playing it: Alan King. Follow the genealogy - from the people that Alan turned on, to the people that they turned on - and you're talking about an influence on millions around the world.
In 2000, Alan returned from a 15 year "retirement" and he hasn't skipped a beat. You can hear Alan both at the Chosen Few Picnic July 7th at 63rd & Hayes, as well as at the first of the monthly 5 Magazine Release Parties, being held this month June 6th at The Dating Game (8926 S. Stony Island, 6pm-2am).
And, more to the point of this tribute, he's also done a mix for the June installment of the 5 Magazine DJ Series, available in for free limited CD promos around town as well as being available free for the downloading below.
"If I had to describe my style as a DJ, whether it's playing out live or making a mix CD, I guess I'd say it's very music-focused. I try to offer a seamless presentation of very good music, and then basically get out of the way for the dancer or listener to get into it. In my experience, when people hear 'their song' they don't want to hear only one minute of it or a lot of tricks."
"I make a lot of different types of mix CDs, depending on my mood or the intended audience. For this one, I really wanted to combine some new music with some of my favorite tracks from the last few years, topped off with some old school flavor. One of my passions these days is trying to introduce my fellow 'old heads' to some of the great house music that's still being made."
You can reach Alan at askhoop@aol.com.
Track Listing:
1.] Dennis Ferrer : Touch the Sky [King Street]
2.] Julie McKnight : Home (Knee Deep Club Mix) [Defected]
3.] Darryl D'Bonneau : A Better Way (83 West Club Mix) [Jellybean Soul]
4.] Etta James : Strung Out (Quentin Harris Mix) [CDR]
5.] Rockers Revenge : Walking on Sunshine (Hott 22 Rhodes Revenge Remix) [Gossip]
6.] Fertile Ground : Live In the Light (Copyright Re-edit) [Counterpoint]
7.] Black Wire feat. Barbara Mendes : Greatest Day (Matty's MFSB Dubstrumental) [Pata De Perro]
8.] Kenny Bobien : When (Karizma Kohesive Dub) [Home]
9.] Frankie Knuckles feat. Nicki Richards : I've Had Enough
(Shapeshifters Remix) [Noice]
10.] Curtis Mayfield : Move On Up (Eric Kupper Vocal Mix) [CDR]
11.] Gino Soccio : I Remember (Underdog Edit) [CDR]