House of Stevo

Where I've Been  |  House Blend  |  Mixes  |  Gallery  |  E-mail List  |  Contact  |  HB Gear  |  Suggested  |  Links

 
 
 

Suggested

Looking for new music? Want to create an interesting vibe at your next get-together? Listed below are a number of CDs, available from Amazon.com, I enjoy playing when I'm not playing. All work quite well for entertaining or just lounging.

 

Elemental Chill, Vol. 1: Fire

Elemental Chill, Vol. 1: Fire
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2002 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B00006SF9U
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The Elemental Chill Series is comprised of four CDs, each one representing a different element found in nature, Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each CD is carefully compiled to reflect the mood that each element evokes. Volume 1 in the Elemental Chill series, Fire, is a very upbeat affair. From relaxed, but sunny lounge, to bright, electronic pop, this compilation is the perfect accompaniment to an outdoor cocktail party or a day at the pool. Grab that sunscreen and soak up the vibes!

Nominated for The AFIM Indie Award for Best Electronica Album 2002.

 

Elemental Chill, Vol. 2: Earth

Elemental Chill, Vol. 2: Earth
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2002 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B00006SF9R
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The second in the Elemental Chill Series, Volume 2: Earth, has organic rhythms and deep, sensual grooves that hint at a slightly grounded vibe.

 

Elemental Chill, Vol. 3: Air

Elemental Chill, Vol. 3: Air
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2002 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B00006SF9V
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The third in the Elemental Chill Series,Volume 3: Air, is the quietest CD in the group with 15 tracks reflecting the chilled ambience of lightness. The epitome of chillout.

 

Elemental Chill, Vol. 4: Water

Elemental Chill, Vol. 4: Water
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2002 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B00006SF9O
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The fourth in the Elemental Chill Series, Volume 4: Water, offers a solid mix to accompany the late-night cocktail of your choice. Smooth from beginning to finish.

 

Elemental Chill, Vol. 4: Water

Hotel Costes, Vol. 1
Various Artists
Mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
© 2002 Wagram Records
ASIN: B00006RIN6
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The premiere collection that launched the popular series of compilations of music heard at the famed paris bar/restaurant. DJ Stephane Pompougnac serves up a sweet mix of downtempo electronica and old favorites from the likes of Grace Jones, Nitin Sawhney, Rinocerose, Yves Montand, Ballistic Brothers, Fantastic Plastic Machine, Dephazz and more.

 

Hotel Costes Vol. 2: La Suite

Hotel Costes, Vol. 2: La Suite
Various Artists
Mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
© 2002 Wagram Records
ASIN: B00006RIN7
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The second volume of music mixed by Stephane Pompougnac, of the successful Hotel Costes mix disc series. Pompougnac effectively captures the hip feel of the Parisian landmark, Translatable to any place in the World. His skills have made him the favorite mixmaster of thousands around the globe. Oustanding artists mixed here include: Pink Martini, Cesaria Evora Vs. Joe Clausell, Femi Kuti, Another Level, Lovetronic and many more.

 

Hotel Costes, Vol. 3: Etage 3

Hotel Costes, Vol. 3: Etage 3
Various Artists
Mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
© 2000 Wagram Records
ASIN: B000059T3U
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The third volume of music mixed by Stephane Pompougnac, of the successful Costes mix disc series. Since Pschent started the Costes series, many trendy restaurant and clubs have released their own 'downtempo' compilations. With Costes however, the mix is always fresh, interesting, and the packaging is great (check out the inside of Etage 3). Not just another lounge compilation... I'm sure you'll agree.

 

Hotel Costes, Vol. 4: Quatre

Hotel Costes, Vol. 4: Quatre
Various Artists
Mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
© 2003 Wagram Records
ASIN: B00005RD1I
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The fourth volume of music mixed by Stephane Pompougnac, of the successful Costes mix disc series. featuring Variety Club, The Method, Thunderball, Jon Cutler, Imada, Shantel Dr. Rockit and more.

 

Hotel Costes, Vol. 5: Cinque

Hotel Costes, Vol. 5: Cinque
Various Artists
Mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
© 2002 Wagram Records
ASIN: B00005RD1I
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The fifth volume of music mixed by Stephane Pompougnac, of the Successful Costes mix disc series. Pompougnac once again showcases his mastery of the art of the mix. With each volume, he strikes just the right blend, featuring familiar sounds, while introducing the listener to the new. The Costes series has become the standard by which all other similar collections are measured and this volume once again sets the bar even higher. From the striking cover to it's contents and aesthetics, the quality of this installment in the series is par excellence!

 

Hotel Costes, Vol. 6

Hotel Costes, Vol. 6
Various Artists
Mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
© 2003 Pschent Music
ASIN: B0000APV8U
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The venerable compilation series remains the ultimate reference of Parisian luxury and sophistication. Not only that, it has become an accepted trendsetting springboard for tracks to be adopted by DJ's in-the-know, advertising agencies, music specialists and aficianados. With this edition, Stephane Pompougnac has allowed his eclectic taste to dominate as he presents an impeccable and intimate mix of exclusive tracks in the pure spirit of Hotel Costes. There is no other like this series and you can always rely on each installment, having the best and most interesting lounge music available in the world.

 

Hotel Costes, Vol. 7: Sept

Hotel Costes, Vol. 7: Sept
Various Artists
Mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
© 2004 Wagram Records
ASIN: B0002PN5NW
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
DJ extraordinaire Stephane Pompougnac follows up his best-selling solo album with the seventh volume of music from Paris' Hotel Costes. The series continues to thrive in no small part due to Pompougnac's keen ear for the best of chillout and lounge music from around the world as well as his meticulous assembly of these great tracks. As anyone who has purchased and listened to any of the other mixes in the series might tell you, this is the music you'll be listening to over and over again for months to come. Expand your musical listening horizon and chill out with the best!

 

Vintage Chill, Vol. 1: Spring

Vintage Chill, Vol. 1: Spring
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2003 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B00008BRCU
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
In the world of chillout there is no better time to listen to music than when relaxing with a glass of wine. Vintage Chill Volume 1: Spring has been compiled precisely with that in mind. In keeping with Kriztal's global approach to music, they have compiled the very best of the current crop of chillout tracks representing artists from Tokyo to Vancouver, Milan to Miami. The Spring volume, compiled to reflect the mood of the season, is designed to slowly renew your senses and deliver you into a mood that's just getting going.

So find a friend or two, uncork your favorite vintage and drink a toast to the coming of warmer weather, April showers and the promise of the budding fruit in the vineyards.

 

Vintage Chill, Vol. 2: Summer

Vintage Chill, Vol. 2: Summer
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2003 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B00009QG5I
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
Volume 2 in the popular Vintage Chill series ,"Music for Wine Lovers", Summer, has a warm, outdoor feeling with plenty of Latin-infused rhythms to put you in the party mood. Scene: The terrace overlooks the vineyard in full fruit, the sun is hot, the wine is chilled and flowing, your guests are relaxed but the music is contagious and there is a wonderful sway in the crowd...

Volume 2: Summer continues in the Kriztal tradition of bringing you the most interesting collection of new lounge tracks as well as some recent favorites from all over the world. From Milan to Rio de Janeiro, Malmö, Sweden to Washington, DC, Zürich to Tokyo, Kriztal once again conjours up a meritage of international scope, a joyous nod to the pulse of global beats.

Go ahead, uncork a crisp Pinot Grigio and let the good times begin!

 

Vintage Chill, Vol. 3: Autumn

Vintage Chill, Vol. 3: Autumn
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2003 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B0000C0FA8
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The popular Vintage Chill series continues with the autumn edition. It's autumn - the grapes have been harvested and the crush is in full swing. This is the perfect time to stop and take stock of life's pleasures with a glass (or two) of your favorite wine. Vintage Chill - Autumn completes this setting with another eclectic lineup of great producers and musicians. This installment of "Music for Wine Lovers" contains more of the best in relaxing lounge music with just enough edginess to keep you pleasantly surprised from track to track.

Starting with the lush Billy Paul Williams interpretation of the signature standard, "Autumn Leaves" and continuing through to the final "Vai Vai'" by Thunderball, Volume 4 delivers that special autumn ambience and feeling with every selection.

 

Vintage Chill, Vol. 4: Winter

Vintage Chill, Vol. 4: Winter
Various Artists
Mixed by Charles Afton
© 2003 Kriztal Records
ASIN: B0000CDL6H
Order from Amazon.com

Album Description:
The Vintage Chill series comes full circle with the release of Volume 4 - Winter. Winter arrives signaling the end of the growing season and with it a time for celebration and reflection. Vintage Chill Winter covers both of these moods like a blanket of snow - the music is both relaxing and bubbly with the variety of rhythms and tempos that typify the Vintage Chill sound. This is the perfect year-end CD for quiet listening or as background while entertaining.

Track Highlights:
Jody Watley, one of the true dance divas of the 80’s, covers Peter Gabriel’s "Don't Give Up" - a gutsy move which Jody pulls off with an enchanting soulful vocal interpretation and a really sexy jazz/house groove backing her up.

While Ella needs no introduction, her timeless classic is remixed by Germany’s own De-Phazz. De-Phazz brilliantly deconstructs "Wait Till You See Him" into a smoky, downtempo soundscape that retains the sweetness of Ella’s vocals.

Hailing from Holland, Adani & Wolf have long been musical compatriots of Praful, a multi-talented saxophonist who is currently making waves at Smooth Jazz radio with his debut album. On "Where Will I Be (Sem Seu Amor)" Praful croons deliciously in Portuguese while laying down his smooth sax stylings to perfection.

Micatone, one of Germany's up-and-coming Nu Jazz artists, first appeared on the Vintage Chill Autumn collection and here they serve up a low-key and emotional track featuring the lovely vocals of Lisa Bassenge.

One of the most asked-about artists from our Elemental Chill series, Max Melvin delivers the appropriately titled "Slowburn", a soaring, string-laden chillout epic backed by congas and understated percussion that takes you on a romantic, lush, cinematic flight. Beginning with a feeling of the coming of dawn, Slowburn builds to an emotional and moving sonic trailride - guaranteed to become a chillout classic.