WJLB Tracks

In 1989, Derrick May was in full flow. As Rhythim Is Rhythim, he was releasing landmark records on Transmat, while his residency at Detroit’s The Music Institute and weekly WJLB show placed him alongside The Electrifying Mojo and The Wizard (Jeff Mills).

For one broadcast, May built a 15-minute megamix in his studio and used it to open the show. Blending his own tracks and versions into one continuous set, it captures his DJ style at the time and features unreleased takes of Nude Photo 88 and Strings Of Life.

The original WJLB master tapes are lost, and no official recording is known to survive. Thankfully, home tapings did. One cassette, preserved by Richie Hawtin, made its way to us and has now been carefully restored and mastered with May’s approval.