Frankie Knuckles A New Reality

• Words: Peter Nicholson
• Label: Definity
• XLR8R Rating: /10

There are plenty of "Legends of House," but only one Frankie Knuckles. After a lengthy break from recording, the don is back with an album full of his patented big room, New York-style garage. He stumbles with a foray into R&B, but when Knuckles sticks to the genre he has helped define, it's tough to beat his silky blend of delicate keys, perfectly arranged strings, and relentless drum programming. With DefMix stalwarts like Satoshi Tomiie and Eric Kupper helping on keys, plus Jamie Principle, CeCe Rogers and the brilliant Nicki Richards on vocals, this is classy, timeless house music.