Amongst the pivotal artists, labels and events that have shaped the long and storied history of House music, Prescription Classics Recordings ranks high on the list. Ever since its launch in 1993, the Chicago-based label has maintained a healthy reputation for quality deep, soulful House. Co-founded by two of the genre’s most legendary producers – Ron Trent and Chez Damier – Prescription Classics was fueled by the rare creative synergy the pair shared. Throughout the label’s short-lived zenith, (an infamous feud caused the duo to split in ‘96,) the imprint became home to a roster of significant players at the forefront of the movement such as Abacus, A Man Called Adam, Glenn Underground and Romanthony. Thanks to Chez and Trent who co-produced all the artists on their imprint, Prescription Classics built a slate of modern, timeless masterpieces that are still as gorgeous today as they were over a decade ago.
Now, thanks to a recent initiative by Trent himself (who now solely runs the label), select gems from the long out-of-print Prescription Classics back catalog are available, for the first time, in digital format. Gems like Trent’s classic Altered States and the ’93 piece Be My Friend/I Wouldn’t were some of the first vinyl joints to take the digital plunge. In May 2011, the label’s digital branch launched a tempting series of volumes titled From the Vaults featuring a select handful of memorable classics such as Chez & Trent’s Don’t Try It and Alton Miller’s Sometimes I Feel Like, which was originally released under his moniker, Last Session.
Yet the question at hand is: if Prescription Classics – along with Trent’s offshoot labels like Future Vision and Balance – claim to be vinyl-first labels and stem from a generation of purists, why go digi? According to label manager, Rob Mckay, the digital domination in today’s music industry is impossible to avoid. While vinyl will always be the top priority for Trent and his Prescription family, keeping up with the changing times is a reality they must face in order to maintain a strong pillar for House music.
“The project to digitalize Prescription Classic releases is something [Trent] wanted to do seeing that that style in this era is gaining popularity, and really setting the tone for what young people in the dance community want right now,” commented McKay.
However, the decision was more than just a question of supply and demand. “There was a small, influential time in music and Prescription was a very influential label at that time,” explained McKay. He continued to say that Trent & Co. feel that the Prescription music sound is more relevant these days and therefore “we really believe this will be a good time for this generation to have access [to the old Prescription catalog].”
Whether or not all releases will be digitized is still a decision Trent & Co. are working out – they aren’t willing to give it all up, not just yet. However, the digital library currently available is mouthwatering enough as it is. Here’s our run-down of essential listening from the Vaults.
Piano Track Ron Trent
Nothing says “Trent” like this hard-to-find dance classic. A well-crafted medley of grunting, heavy-hitting basslines and emotive, sunny piano melodies, this relentless cut is sure to lift you up into that feel-good, euphoric high only pure House music can do. Oh, and it’s almost ten minutes long, too.
The Dance (Full Gallery Mix) The Gallery Collective
Another genius production by Trent who is accompanied by the great Norma Jean Bell on sax. This is a deep, tribal number with African-inspired drum rhythms, paired with bouncy piano riffs and laden with deep whispers overhead – not to mention the beautiful spurts of Bell’s fluttering sax solos. This is one of the sexiest house numbers you’ll come across, if you ask us.
Que Tal America (The Mericana Mix) A Man Called Adam
Super deep, Latin-flavored, pitched down House by the Acid Jazz-turned-House music duo, A Man Called Adam. With a spine-chilling trumpet that kicks in mid-way, this is a more relaxed number than the aforementioned thumping cuts. Funky and rhythmic, this tune softly fuses together elements of Spanish song, jazz and Chicago house, and incorporates several instrumental surprises along the way.
Don’t Try It Chez & Trent
Stone cold classic – this is one of Chez & Trent’s best works together, and a testament to their unmatchable musical bond. Impeccably executed and produced, this cut is one of the team’s most flawless gems. The delicate house number glows with warm soundscapes, smooth basslines, and soothing, bittersweet vocals. Don’t Try It epitomizes house music as feel good medicine for the mind, body and soul.
The above releases are available as 320mp3 or wav download from Prescription Classic Recordings on halcyondigi.com
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Further Listening From halcyondigi.com | Prescription Classic Recordings
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