Tripping On Mushrooms With Marshall Jefferson

‘Godfather Of House,’ Marshall Jefferson, takes us back to Chicago rave territory, serving up his 1996 classic, ‘MUSHROOMS,’ three-ways; Freakin909-style.

Recognized as one of the founding fathers of House Music, Marshall Jefferson (US) has a career that spans more than three decades. Recently, his musical journey entered an exciting new chapter, following the launch of his fast-rising label, Freakin909; co-captained by UK duo, House Of Virus.

Jefferson undoubtedly, embodies something very special. His ability to genuinely bridge the gap between the old and new school scene’s, whilst staying true to his roots, sits at the foundation of his label; reverberating that lyrical notion, made famous by industry colleague, Eddie Amador, that,” not everyone understands House music; it’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing.” Thankfully for us though, Jefferson was actually there in the warehouses, garages, and clubs of Chicago, when House music was first conceived; a connection that allows us to glimpse the past, while we, ‘move [our bodies]’ with Jefferson in the present. This ability to offer genuine snap- shots to the House days of yesterday – captured through music – is why tracks, such as ’MUSHROOMS,’ remain etched in our memory; able to dominate dance floors, 20 years later.

‘MUSHROOMS,’ was first released on 12” Vinyl in 1996, with Marshall Jefferson and Noosa Heads (Chris Liebing & Andrew Wooden), joining forces on the trippy collaboration. In the original version, Jefferson uses spoken word prose, to recount a psychedelic mushroom-trip he once had in Florida; which literally had him, “walking on clouds.” As Jefferson’s narrative unfolds before our ears, organic tech-infused house beats, come to life against a progressive synth-scape; mirroring the ebbs and flows of this unforgettable, and real-story.

Over the last 20 years, ‘MUSHROOMS,’ has been remixed by the likes of Justin Martin, Salt City Orchestra and Boogies Pimps. Now in 2016, Freakin909 has us tripping hard on a remix EP that truly captures the euphoria of the original; featuring the label bosses themselves (Jefferson and HOV), alongside some of the industry’s most exciting players, in Tom Finn, Want More, and Cant Say No. With support from the likes of Carl Cox, whom premièred the Marshall Jefferson – Mushrooms (House Of Virus & Tom Finn

Remix) at Awakenings ADE last year (2015), the explosive power of this release is evident. Yet, the ‘MUSHROOMS REMIX EP,’ gives us so much more than just skilled musicality. Jefferson, and Freakin909, are keeping that,’ soul notion,’ alive; and that is after all, what House music has always been about.

By Cassandra Kemp