A-T-5 040 Chip E Jack Trax
I'm reading Bob Stanley's book Yeah Yeah Yeah. It's a history of pop music trends from 1952 up until the early 2000s (I think). I'm currently reading the section on Philly soul. There's obviously lots of mentions of early disco records (of the up tempo R&B type) which the consensus agree emerge around 1974. What is missing from the story is disco had begun its development well before the first disco records
The same is true of house music in Chicago, the scene, the fashion, the dances, the clubs, were there and had been there for some time before Jesse Saunders' remake of the Mach b-side 'On And On' (a Stars On 45 style disco medley). Jesse Saunders' released 'On And On' was released in January 1984. He also release a handful of HiNRG tracks under various names, with Vince Lawrence
Marshall Jefferson hears 'On And On' and isn't impressed, he thinks he can do better and hearing this record gives him the confidence. Jefferson says 'On And On' inspired everyone to make a record and get it out. Farley "Jackmaster" Funk believes Jesse Saunders had no intention to make a house record, he just wanted to be Prince!
Jamie Principle's 'Your Love' had been around for a while but wasn't pressed up onto wax until 1986 (is it?). The other real contender for first house record is Chip E's EP 'Jack Trax'. House wasn't widely used as a term, Jack was bigger. Mike "Hitman" Wilson says Chicagoans went mental for jack. According to Joe Smooth (who played on 'Jack Trax') Chip E. embraced the scene. Mike Dunn would say 'It's House' from 'Jack Trax was the first real house record on wax. The EP is the first to use the words Jack and House
So what do we have
Mirage featuring Chip E. - Time To Jack the original version off 'Jack Trax'. The bassline is lifted from 'Life Is a Jungle' by Kikrokos
Mirage featuring Chip E. - MB Dance
Mirage featuring Chip E. - It's House
Chip E. Inc Featuring K. Joy - Like This (House Mix) this is a separate release not on 'Jack Trax' - with Kimberly J. Salter on vocals and J.M. Silk
