Thanks for joining the party. I will be listing my 10 favourite chill out tracks that best exemplifies my taste in auditory excitement. So grab half a glass of champagne, a red bull, and sit back and relax.
1. SIA ‘BREATHE’ (MYLO REMIX)(MUTE)
This has to be one of the most sensual productions I’ve heard in a long time. I received it during the Winter Music Conference in 2004. Its been in my CD case ever since.The best way to describe this song would be to paint a picture of a lovely lady awaking from a sweet dream while laying on silk sheets and singing into a Microphone.The vocal essence is flawless and Mylo’s unique style of blending the live strings with subtle synths gives this song a real organic feel.
2. MAXWELL ‘DON’T EVER WONDER’ (COLUMBIA/SONY) (EXTENDED VERSION)
This was Maxwell’s first real taste of Pop chart success. I’m into Art and Fashion and I remember when this hit radio during the summer of 95, Every bar,Art Studio, Fashion Show, and clothing shop, had this playing. I never got to meet Maxwell although he‚s from NYC and we were label mates but we do share some common values; We are hopeless romantics and cater to a unique Modern sound.
3. BRAND NEW HEAVIES ‘DREAM COME TRUE’ (DELICIOUS VINYL)
Another urban R&B classic.This is an obvious choice for me and since I’ve had the pleasure to work with Ndea Davenport; I’m one of the few lucky ones that can say that she is an amazing vocalist. I give much props to bands like Sweetback; SADE’S old band, and The Brand New Heavies for branding a new form of soul during the late 80’s and early 90’s. Jadakiss ‘WHY’ feat.Anthony Hamilton:(Interscope) Jadakiss is my favorite New York MC at the moment, bar-none. His flawless flow and undeniable production support has kept him in the limelight ever since The Lox dropped their first album.Anthony Hamilton‚s new urban soul style, Jada‚s conscious verses, and the D-Block sound blend perfectly in this NYC street anthem.
4. ROGER SANCHEZ ‘HEADWINDS’ (FREE)(STEALTH)
After playing this through the duration of last summer; I’ve gained a new appreciation for this song. It brings me back to my musical roots while displaying a strong spiritual side to this song. I keep my spirituality private so this is a chance for some of my old fans to share a personal experience and for my new fans to see another dimension to my musical background. I Love it.
5. RAW ARTISTIC SOUL ‘KANA’ FEAT. LAYGWAN SHARKIE (GOGO MUSIC)
Raw Artistic soul aka Phil Kullman has been putting together some wicked music these past few years and I’ve had a close eye on his sound and let me tell you; the man has enormous talent. He is beyond the common dance producer in that he is a programmer and an artist. He mixes afro, latin, disco, house, reggae, jazz, and soul into his innovative ‘One Cultural Groove’ sound.‘Kana’ is a perfect example of his versatility.
6. D‚ANGELO ‘SPANISH JOINT’ (VIRGIN)
An amazing fusion of conscious R&B lyric over a burning hot latin jazz style track Sounds like something The band Cymande would produce in 1972.This is actually my favorite D’Angelo album for every cut is pure quality.We miss you D’Angelo come back real soon !!!!!
7. DEEE-LITE ‘WHAT IS LOVE’ (ELEKTRA)
Innovation and beauty sprinkled over a dance groove at about 100 bpm‚s; Dee-Lite captures a brilliant moment in the history of groove.The theory of ‘Less Is More’ makes this song a true classic for me. Great track for me to enjoy while I’m in the Kangol Shop.What’s Up Marisol.Lol.
8. LISA SHAW ‘ALWAYS’ (NAKED MUSIC)
Ahh yes!!! I really love the vocals of Lisa Shaw. She has such a sensual aura about her. Its almost like you can feel her through the grooves of the vinyl. It’s so infectious and Miguel Migs always provides a really nice and groovy presentation. Hope I get an opportunity to record with her someday. I really enjoy most of the Naked Music Catalog, especially the Carte Blanche series.
9. CAFÉ DEL MARS 25TH ANNIVERSARY BOX SET. (CAFÉ DEL MAR MUSIC)
Café Del Mar was born to put beautiful music to Ibiza‚s sunset. Here are 45 tracks on 3 CDs of Café Del Mar classics.Words can’t describe how beautiful this music is and it confirms my undeniable passion and appreciation for ambient chill out grooves. Café Del Mar defines the personality of Ibiza by daytime until sundown.
