Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Walter Thomas's “Chicago Knights” LP features a retrospective of songs written and released between 1987 and 2009, primarily with the Roland 1824 and the Fostex 8 track reel to reel. Channeling the spirit of underground soul and dance music specifically rooted within the greater area of Chicago, Illinois–a city known for its deep and healthy soul and r&b roots–this compilation features 7 of its 8 tracks on vinyl for the very first time.
The intro track "I Wanna Get Witcha" dates back to 1987, holds a proven track record of kicking off many a dance floor, rocking clubs worldwide in a blur of boogie-funk, disco, and soul. "Immaturity" and both versions of "Fed Up" echo the emotional differences and tensions between lovers in a spat. "Magic City" served as the anthem and homage to its namesake roller skating rink in 90s-era Waukegan, IL. While "Chicago Knights" is a relentless mid-tempo groove inspired by the aggressive motorists that dominated Chicago roadways, "2nd Chance" drops the tempo to a slow r&b roll, preaching the ethos of love, peace, and forgiveness. Last but certainly not least, "E&J's" was a real commercial jingle used for a once legendary BBQ joint "E&J's" in Illinois: a short bonus track to close out the LP. These 8 tracks are just a touch of Walter’s expansive body of work, and we’re stoked to bring them to you on wax.
Walter Thomas “Chicago Knights”
CQQL-028
Release Date: 04/03/2026
cqqlrecords.com/catalog/cqql-028
cqqlrecords.bandcamp.com/album/chicago-knights
Walter Thomas's “Chicago Knights” LP features a retrospective of songs written and released between 1987 and 2009, primarily with the Roland 1824 and the Fostex 8 track reel to reel. Channeling the spirit of underground soul and dance music specifically rooted within the greater area of Chicago, Illinois–a city known for its deep and healthy soul and r&b roots–this compilation features 7 of its 8 tracks on vinyl for the very first time.
The intro track "I Wanna Get Witcha" dates back to 1987, holds a proven track record of kicking off many a dance floor, rocking clubs worldwide in a blur of boogie-funk, disco, and soul. "Immaturity" and both versions of "Fed Up" echo the emotional differences and tensions between lovers in a spat. "Magic City" served as the anthem and homage to its namesake roller skating rink in 90s-era Waukegan, IL. While "Chicago Knights" is a relentless mid-tempo groove inspired by the aggressive motorists that dominated Chicago roadways, "2nd Chance" drops the tempo to a slow r&b roll, preaching the ethos of love, peace, and forgiveness. Last but certainly not least, "E&J's" was a real commercial jingle used for a once legendary BBQ joint "E&J's" in Illinois: a short bonus track to close out the LP. These 8 tracks are just a touch of Walter’s expansive body of work, and we’re stoked to bring them to you on wax.
Walter Thomas “Chicago Knights”
CQQL-028
Release Date: 04/03/2026
cqqlrecords.com/catalog/cqql-028
cqqlrecords.bandcamp.com/album/chicago-knights
