Chicago Knights [LP], Walter Thomas, Vinyl

Walter Thomas’s “Chicago Knights” LP features a retrospective of songs written and released between 1987 and 2009, primarily with the Roland 1824 and the Fostex 8-track reel-to-reel. Channeling the spirit of underground soul and dance music specifically rooted within the greater area of Chicago, Illinois—a city known for its deep and healthy soul and R&B roots—this compilation features 8 of its 9 tracks on vinyl for the very first time.

The intro track "I Wanna Get Witcha" dates back to 1987 and holds a proven track record of kicking off many a dance floor, rocking clubs worldwide in a blur of boogie-funk, disco, and soul. "Immaturity" and both versions of "Fed Up" echo the emotional differences and tensions between lovers in a spat. "Magic City" served as the anthem and homage to its namesake roller-skating rink in 90s-era Waukegan, IL. While "Chicago Knights" is a relentless mid-tempo groove inspired by the aggressive motorists that dominate Chicago roadways, "2nd Chance" drops the tempo to a slow R&B roll, preaching the ethos of love, peace, and forgiveness. Last but certainly not least, "E&J's" was a real commercial jingle used for a once-legendary BBQ joint, "E&J's," in Illinois: a short bonus track to close out the LP. These 9 tracks are just a touch of Walter’s expansive body of work, and we’re stoked to bring them to you on wax.