Scoop Jackson

Across from the Century Mall is the spot where DJs congregate like kids on Mark Foley's computer. It's been there for years and no one there would call this a comeback. But it has.

It's called Gramaphone. And if the name rings a bell--it should. Known back in the day as one of the formative vinyl spots in the city (when it was located at 2663 North Clark down the street, a block south of where it stands now), Gramaphone has found a niche audience in a world where all mega-stores aren't all Virgins and downloads are no longer done on the down-low.

Established in 1969, Gramaphone has been one of Chicago's architects for the building of house music. It's to music in this city what Soldier Field is to football. It's a landmark. Along with the now-defunct Importes Inc(on Plymouth) in the late-seventies and eighties, Gramaphone was the place where every DJ from Lou Devito to Jesse Saunders would go to dig in the crates to find those rare gems that would keep people spellbound on the dance floor while they weaved magic on the Geminis and through the Peavys.

Now it's everyone from the likes of Felix Da Housecat to Jesse De La Pena that come through. Pay visits, pay homage.

"We're still a store that caters to the DJ," manager Andy Moy says. Moy has been with the store since 1984, eleven years after Joe Gale took over as owner. He's seen firsthand how the changes in the music industry and technology affect the way record buyers approach retail. He is concerned about Gramaphone's future, but not completely worried.

"Our specialization to the DJ is what separates us. Our staff is comprised of probably the top ten percent of the DJs in the city. The knowledge you get from them about music and the customer service is unlike any other place you'll find."

And of that staff, Mike Serafini may be the godfather... of house music. Club record buyer by day, legendary DJ by night, Serafini's showcase on Monday nights at the Green Dolphin Street's Boom Boom Room may be the city's most influential existing house music session. And his association with Gramaphone only validates the store's importance to the city and the musical genre it represents.

So the next time you are up north and want to get a true and honest feel for where the musical soul of Chicago really is, visit the intimate store where the best DJs for years have called home, the place they spend their days before they go save lives at night.

Gramaphone Records, 2843 North Clark, (773)476-6846

(2006-10-10)

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