Artist: Various Artists
Title: Definitive Classics #001
Label: Definitive Recordings
Cat. #: DEFCLAS001
Format: Digital
Release Date: 9th June 2023
Tracklist:
01 Blunted Dummies – House For All (Thee John Acquaviva Edit) (Remaster)
02 Chuck Phulasole – Wanna Be With You (Remaster)
03 Jetstream – Seriously (Remaster)

After acquiring the catalogue of legendary Canadian house label Definitive Recordings earlier in the year, Get Physical Music is proud to present a new various artists series that focuses on some of its most classic cuts. Definitive Classics #001 features newly remastered music from Blunted Dummies, John Acquaviva, Chuck Phulasole and Jetstream.

This cult Canadian label was founded by John Acquaviva, Richard Hawtin, and Karl Kowalski in 1992 as an embodiment of their vision for house music. “Not too hard, not too soft” was the mantra and it built up a fine body of talented artists who made a real impact on the global underground and helped to foment a unique identity for Definitive Recordings. John Acquaviva will continue to A&R for the label and work closely alongside the Get Physical team in this new era. The label’s signature sound is showcased here with the first fantastic EP in the new series.

First up is Shawn Caesar and Ty James aka Blunted Dummies’ ‘House For All’ which became an anthem soon after its 1993 release. It’s a John Acquaviva edit presented here and is a brilliant raw and deep cut with chunky drums offset by light-emitting chords and a hooky vocal sample that brings a playful touch.

Chuck Phulasole is the pseudonym of Toronto based soul & funk artist John James. He became a mainstay of the label with this house focused project and here his ‘Wanna Be With You’ sounds as good as ever. It’s a jazzed-up and loose-limbed house cut with plenty of US soul, dusty drums and a heart-wrenching vocal over a funky, knotted bassline that cannot fail to make a mark.

Last of all is Jetstream’s ‘Seriously’ which was the first-ever release on the label and the only ever tune that Karl E. Kowalski put out under the alias. It’s a superb one, though, that hits hard with driving grooves overlaid with smeared chords. The power of the drums is matched by loopy piano refrains that provide and irresistible emotional release.

This series shines a vital light on what has been a hugely influential label in the history of house music.