Armand Van Helden Presents Masterpiece

Grammy Award-nominated DJ, Armand Van Helden, follows in the footsteps of Goldie, David Rodigan, Andrew Weatherall, Fabio and Grooverider and Gilles Peterson in creating a three-disc musical journey charting his influences, inspirations and musical upbringing.

Armand takes us to Boston’s early house venue, The Loft, on the first CD. It is here he truly cut his teeth as a DJ and a nostalgic journey through the club’s legacy is followed by ‘Yacht Rock Don’t Stop’ the second of the three discs. An unexpected pleasure, Van Helden pays homage to his parents’ record collection with what is essentially an ’80s montage in musical form.

‘Masterpiece’ concludes with ‘Forever Freestyle’, an explorative mix embracing the short lived movement of freestyle. Soul-soaked, it’s a genre Armand Van Helden wants to bring back, potentially even through this very mix. It’s that kind of ambition that gives this album its soul and makes it a thoroughly enjoyable listen throughout.

Armand Van Helden’s ‘Masterpiece’ compilation is out now on Ministry of Sound. Check out a mini mix of the Masterpiece below.