Tuesday, December 3, 2013
EDM vs. "The Underground"
Do You Know Jack?
Wether it be old school, Chicago-style deep house, acid house from the 90's, or a recent techno banger, the name "Jack" always seems to come up somewhere. Is this "Jack" a real person, or is the phrase a slang term for something else? The answer is… it's not that simple.
Originally, the term "Jack," or "jacking," referred to dancing back in the old days of the warehouse parties in Chicago where house music began. Initially, the dance similar to "grinding," but later it became more of a "freestyle-esque." The fact that is "Jack" was considered to be a "free-style," type of dance indicates that the dance allowed for self-expression and personalization. When house music came on at a party, you expressed your feelings through the music, creating your own unique movements to go along with the music you were listening to. The dancer didn't have to conform to a strict dance style; the dancer danced the dance, rather than the dance dancing the dancer (boy, that was a tongue twister…. but you get my point.) You came together as one with others at a party, but you weren't all conforming to one set style of dancing. You were being yourself. Later on, the meaning of "Jack" took on a deeper meaning. It didn't just refer to a style of dancing anymore. What do I mean, you ask? I'll allow this Mr. Fingers unforgettable vocal answer the question of what "Jack" eventually became:
Originally, the term "Jack," or "jacking," referred to dancing back in the old days of the warehouse parties in Chicago where house music began. Initially, the dance similar to "grinding," but later it became more of a "freestyle-esque." The fact that is "Jack" was considered to be a "free-style," type of dance indicates that the dance allowed for self-expression and personalization. When house music came on at a party, you expressed your feelings through the music, creating your own unique movements to go along with the music you were listening to. The dancer didn't have to conform to a strict dance style; the dancer danced the dance, rather than the dance dancing the dancer (boy, that was a tongue twister…. but you get my point.) You came together as one with others at a party, but you weren't all conforming to one set style of dancing. You were being yourself. Later on, the meaning of "Jack" took on a deeper meaning. It didn't just refer to a style of dancing anymore. What do I mean, you ask? I'll allow this Mr. Fingers unforgettable vocal answer the question of what "Jack" eventually became:
Now some of you might wonder,
"Who is Jack, and what is it that Jack does?"
Jack is the one who gives you the power to jack your body!
Jack is the one who gives you the power to do the snake.
Jack is the one who gives you the key to the wiggly worm.
Jack is the one that can bring nations and nations of all Jackers together under one house.
You may be black, you may be white; you may be Jew or Gentile. It doesn't make a difference in OUR house.
And this is fresh.
This clip really crystalizes the meaning of "Jack."
Today, the spirit lives on in our clubs…
What is "Jack," to me? Jack is more than a style of dancing. Jack is the groove personified. Jack is the passion in the air at a party. Jack is the vibe, Jack is the beat. Jack is the Holy Spirit of house music. As long as house is properly respected, appreciated, and loved, Jack will always be among us. Now… LET THERE BE HOUSE!
And in the music we love. Check this track that German producer Sidney Charles put out last month.
What is "Jack," to me? Jack is more than a style of dancing. Jack is the groove personified. Jack is the passion in the air at a party. Jack is the vibe, Jack is the beat. Jack is the Holy Spirit of house music. As long as house is properly respected, appreciated, and loved, Jack will always be among us. Now… LET THERE BE HOUSE!
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