Oh yaaaaa! The drink of the day… it is something I am looking so forward to. For those of you that have ever been on a cruise, you completely understand how fun the “drink of the day” can be, and this month’s downtempo podcast is inspired by just that.

You see, I have an upcoming vacation that I am excited about. I am not taking a cruise (this time) but, we are going to carry over that wonderful idea to our trip in to unspoiled Florida. Good scenery, good fun, good drinks, and good company… who could ask for more? Well I guess me, because a good soundtrack to listen to while sipping the drink of the day is always a good idea. That is what this month’s set is all about. It is leisure time!

You are going to find a menagerie of music styles in this month’s podcast. Jazz, Salsa, Bossanova (you know I love the bossas,) downtempo, chillout, funk… it is quite diverse. Is it cocktail hour yet?

Here is this month’s tracklist…

01. Nickodemus- Conmigo ft. Sammy Ayala & The Candela Allstars
02. Belladonna- Bossa Esfera
03. Milano Jazz Dance Combo- Sam Blues
04. Clarisse Albrecht- Voce Me Da´
05. Crystal Stafford- My Secret
06. Banda Dalai Lam- Ya Tak Lublu
07. Silvia Donati- Vamos Pra La ft. LTJ Xperience
08. Alternative Jazz Lounge- To The Moon
09. Count To 9- Jazzy Street
10. Sun & Soul Shades- Wembley’s Stomp (Fed Conti Mix)
11. Weather Pending- Midlands
12. Clara Moreno- Deixa A Nega Ginga
13. Wigald Boning- Bossa Beirut
14. Tape Five- Femme Libertan

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

Well I hate to say it… it is unfortunate… but the fact of the matter is that every podcaster comes to a point where he has a creative block. Moments become hours, hours become days, days become weeks… etc, etc, etc.

As an avid podcast subscriber, I have always hated when a DJ misses a show… don’t they know that we are waiting, patiently waiting, to listen to what they will bring us next? I hate when they do that… oh wait, I am guilty of just that! I am indeed sorry.

I did not post a podcast in January, the very month that the Chill with the Chola podcast turned two years old. I will try to make up for that throughout the year, posting an extra episode here or there if possible, or even better, finding more guest DJ’s to produce mid month episodes.

I finally found my muse after booking a trip to Chicago this coming weekend… I cannot wait! I am headed up to Chicago to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the girl that I love. To be in one of my favorite cities with my favorite person excites me to no end. A city full of romance, UNBELIEVABLE food, scenery, jazz/ blues, etc… I just cannot wait!

This month I have decided to revisit a classic “Chill with the Chola” idea… the Urban Cocktail Hour, inspired by the trip that I am about to make to one of this nation’s finest cities. The Urban Cocktail Hour is about celebrating the music inspired by the big city… jazz, funk, lounge, downtempo, jazzy hip hop… it is all here. If this set does not get your head bobbin,’ I am not sure what will. I hope that you will enjoy this month’s podcast with your favorite libations.

I would like to dedicate one of the most interesting, unconventional, and beautiful pieces of music in this month’s set (Jazzanova’s “Little Bird”) to my own little bird. XO.

Here is this month’s tracklist…

01. Funk Off- Magic Touch
02. Katalyst- All You’ve Got (Ft. Hau, Ru C.L., Yungun)
03. Fort Knox Five- Sao Funky (Parts 1 & 2)
04. Mario Biondi- This Is What You Are (Dim’s Hipster Jazz)
05. Khromozomes & Kristin Mainhart- Another Girl
06. Kero One- In All The Wrong Places
07. Roberto Roena- Take Five (Nicola Conte Remix)
08. The Apples- Killing (45 Mix)
09. Nitin Sawhney- Days of Fire (Ft. Natty)
10. Jazzanova- Little Bird (ft. Jose James)
11. The Stance Brothers- Capricorn
12. The Bird And The Bee- Polite Dance Song
13. Kenichiro Nishihara- From Time To Time (ft. Gregg Green)

And by the way… a big phat tuba bassline with a tenor sax solo just makes me want to get down!1 minute 46 seconds… that sh!t gets the f@ck down! I just thought that you should know that

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

Sour… yea, the last month has left a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for so many positive things in my life that overall, I feel pretty good. However, the loss of an old friend and two family friends this month has been a little overwhelming.

That being said, I heard a lyric in a song in this month’s downtempo podcast that yanked me right out my melancholy madness. To quote Matsi… “my cup isn’t half full, it’s overflowing.” I think that is the perfect way to look at life. No matter how tough things might be for you at the moment, I think that it is important to look around you and see all of the wonderful things that you DO have and, to thank God for each and every one of them.

I think a lot of us have been overwhelmed by the darkness that tends to make its way in to our lives from time to time. As Americans, every time we turn on the TV lately, we seem to be reminded of it. A scary economy, a wild election year, loss of jobs, bad weather…WHATEVER… it seems to be everywhere.

In this month’s downtempo podcast, I have really worked to put together a show with songs that just put a smile on my face… I hope it does the same for each of you. Take some time this weekend, say a prayer for someone that needs it, do something nice for a complete stranger, snuggle with the one that you love most (it’s SO good for the soul,) read a book, take a nap, pour a drink, listen to some positive music, and hang out with friends and family. Enjoy a “Happy Hour for the Soul,” be happy, and remember, from darkness… comes light.

This month’s podcast is dedicated to Christopher “Casper” Venuti and the friends and family he leaves behind. I hope angels dig beatboxing as much as we did. I raise my glass of Vodka Soda with a Twist of Lemon… for you.

Here is this month’s tracklist…

01. Beatfanatic- Cookin (Funky 7 mix)
02. Mo’ Horizons- Green Day (Alister Johnson Remix)
03. Sono Rhizmo’- My House
04. Matsi- Free
05. Poncho Sanchez- Watermelon Man (Dan the Automater Rmx)
06. Louie Austen & Senor Coconut – Reality (Senor Coconut Rmx)
07. Seu Jorge- Cuidar De Mim
08. Chairlift- Bruises
09. Flow Dynamics- Bossa for Bebo (Lack of Afro mix)
10. Lefties Soul Connection- Its your Thing- Hey Pocky a Way
11. Jamie Cullum- Frontin’ (Live)
12. Jose James- The Dreamer
13. The Dynamics- Feel Like Making Love
14. Sonny J- Sonnrise

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

In the past year I have been given the opportunity to seek out independent artists and labels that I dig, and, to try to give them the credit that they truly deserve by hopefully providing a medium that they can use to expose the world to what they do best.

While my doors are always open, last month I put out an “open call” for independent artists to submit their music AND, for listeners to recommend artists that I might enjoy. I had a great response and this month’s show has been defined by the people that contacted me!

In this month’s episode of the “Chill with the Chola” podcast, I would like to introduce you to a selection of music submitted from new artists and, new music from old friends of the show. The show is an eclectic mix of genres from underground hip-hop, nu-jazz, chillout, and downtempo and mixing this set has left me feeling kind of like a mad scientist. Well, maybe like a crazy conductor of a super cool symphony! ENJOY!

Thanks to all of you that contacted me this month!

Here is this month’s tracklist…

01. DeepThinkers- I Got Ya Back
02. Ology Project- Take The Time
03. Airpushers- Push That Air ft Golden
04. Musetta- We Will Fade Out
05. Auditory Canvas- Self Portrait
06. Kush- Sweet 3
07. Fabio Nobile- Fly to the moon rmx 45 mb
08. Ame one- Umbra (Down Tempo Remix)
09. Torso- Ultraviolet weekend
10. Sharif D- Endless Summer
11. Softys- One More Night
12. Third Day- Show Me Your Glory (Worldwide Groove Corporation Rmx)

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

I decided it was time to get back to some Jazz influenced music this month and found a great selection of songs. I played this set at a little dinner party this weekend and it was the perfect tonal background for a great meal and intimate conversation. Enjoy!

Next month I would love to post a show created entirely with listener submitted music. I have received quite a few promotional CD’s, Albums, and MP3′s alike from independent artists, record labels, and fans of the show. So, if you are a downtempo artist, or, know someone who is, feel free to contact me at << EDIT >> to find out more information about how to send me your music for consideration. This is a great opportunity for up and coming artists to expose over 5000 active subscribers worldwide to their music, so, don’t be shy! If your music is selected, I will of course provide links back to you.

Here is this month’s tracklist…

01. Joash- Salome
02. Kevin Yost- Rush Hour
03. Quasimode- The Land Of Freedom
04. Musetta- Nicotine
05. Christian Prommer’s Drumlesson- Beau Mot Plage
06. The Lawries- Sailboats
07. Clara Hills Folkwaves- Everything ft Marc Mac
08. Azymuth- Caca A Raposa (DJ Venom Re-edit)
09. Simbad- After The Dance ft Melo (Raw Fusion Edit)
10. Black Mighty Orchestra- Rua Escondida
11. Sunaga T Experience- Versiliana Samba
12. Jazzanova- The Sirens’ Call

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

For the last couple of months I have really wanted to put together a show that featured some cool downtempo House music to really round off the year and come full circle. My January 2007 show featured some great Chicago, Latin, and Deep House tunes and I really wanted to get back to some of that. So this month I have switched gears a bit compared to the last couple of month’s podcasts which have featured a lot of lounge, bossa nova, downtempo, etc. However, this is a very chilled out set which is quite jazzy and funky!

This month’s podcast starts off with some pretty dramatic Latin influenced House music that is bound to energize you with its syncopation. I find myself tapping my toes and dancing in my seat every time I listen to it. After the initial dose of Latin flavor, a great selection of jazzy and funky vocal house is the special of the day. The set wraps up with some very sexy vocal tunes with a distinct R&B influence.

Be sure to tune in next month for Chill with The Chola’s “Best of 2007 show.” I will pick my favorite artists from past episodes and feature a song from each of them!

01. Louie Vega & The Elements Of Life ft Anane- One Dream (Big Game Mix)
02. Jazztronik- Inner Flight
03. Loja Do Cacao- Na Rete Um Gol
04. Rasmus Faber & Clara Mendes- Demanda (Miguel Migs mix)
05. Miles Numan- Tropical Paradise
06. Janice Chainy- This Feeling (Gabriel Bauza Extended Mix)
07. Crystal Re-Clear- I’m Dancing (Timmy Vegas Remix)
08. Dom Navarra- When You Fall ft Monique Henry (Art & Pleasure Remix)
09. Kevin Yost- Round Bout Midnight
10. Slowly- Find Illusion ft Alison Crockett
11. UPZ- Pure Surprise ft DKP (House Mix)
12. Samantha James- Breathe You In
13. Miguel Migs- Don’t Stand There

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

Wow, I am running late on posting this month’s episode. Officially I give myself until the 9th of every month to post the episode and I needed every bit of that this month.

As I said in last month’s episode, I trained for an MS150 and rode the 150+ mile event September 29-30th. The bike ride ran on A1A for a portion of the ride which left us exposed and vulnerable to 30+ mph wind gusts, rain, sand, salt, and Red Tide being blown in to our faces. The experience left me sick and weak, but, I am feeling a lot better today and figured I needed to get some music posted for all of my loyal listeners to enjoy.

This month’s episode does not really have a “theme” but is a mixture of nujazz, acid jazz, lounge, and bossanova. Ultimately, I wanted to create something loungey and cool to listen to while enjoying some beers during Oktoberfest. I will keep the text portion of the podcast short this month and let the mix speak for itself! ENJOY!

Here is this month’s tracklist…

01. Rivera Rotation- Jericoacoara Surf
02. BossaCucaNova & Roberto Menesc- Telefone
03. Meloman, J Lanza- Icui & Pachito
04. Mo Horizons- Green Day (Una Mas Trio Remix)
05. Ology Project- Third Eye
06. Timax- Funky Brasilia
07. Flevans- 12 Apostles
08. The James Taylor Quartet- Mincemeat
09. The Juju Orchestra- Nao Posso Demorar
10. Jimpster- Groove Jumping
11. Kevin Yost- Bring It
12. Waxolutionists- Restored
13. DJ Vajra & Othello- Once Again
14. Black Fuse- As Human We Dream
15. Pilot Jazou- You Changed My Life ft Roberta Malerba
16. general fuzz- Cream

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

After taking a two month hiatus from the loungey side of chillout, I decided it was time to get back to the roots of this show and head “Back to the Lounge!” Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed creating the last two podcasts, but, there really is something about jazzy bossa novas, sambas, and acid jazz that bring a smile to my face.

This set really has a kind of “summer feel” to it. It is the perfect mix to throw on while chilling out by the pool with some cocktails but it could also be played in the coolest of hipster lounges. Heck, I even dug it last night while I was reading a book! It is an all around great set for lounging out.

Here is this month’s tracklist…

01. Mo Horizons – Green Day (12 Inch Mix)
02. Error 404 – Summer Song
03. Fabio Nobile – Bossaroma
04. Naoki Kenji – Rain On
05. Marco Polo Cecere – Puro Prazer (Beach Mix)
06. Snorre Seim – Stokkaboogie
07. Lemonade Speedster – Desires
08. PepperMill – Cathodical Mirror Of Human Beings
09. Christian Prommer – Strings Of Life
10. Jef Stott – Funky Nawari (Drumspyder’s Midnight Snack Wrap Up)
11. Worldwide Groove Corporation – Mas Que Nada
12. Blu Mar Ten – Dolce Vita
13. Spooky – An Ending

If you enjoyed this month’s podcast I would like to bring two artists to your attention. The first is Fabio Nobile. Fabio hails from Italy and is probably the coolest jazz musician I have heard in years. Not only do his composition and arrangement skills blow my mind, he is a virsatile musician who plays percussion, bass, guitar, piano and more! I have wanted to play his music on my podcast for months and decided this month was the perfect opportunity. Be sure to check out “Fabio’s Myspace Page.

The second artist hails from Nashville, Tennessee… Worldwide Groove Corporation. Wow, I was surprised to hear such great lounge music come out of a city that is so well known for country music! I guess I have just become accustomed to chillout music coming from the west coast of the U.S. or from overseas. I found Worldwide Groove Corporation through their myspace page and purchased their debut CD Fever: Chillodesiac Lounge Vol. 1 the day it was released. It has been in heavy rotation ever since!

Chillodesiac Lounge Vol. 1 features a mixture of terrific original tracks, and, some of the most creative remixes/ rearrangements of classic jazz songs that I have ever heard! Worldwide Groove Corp have taken jazz standards such as “Tangerine,” “My Funny Valentine,” (one of my all time favorites) and “Mas Que Nada” and breathed new life in to them by creating amazingly hip, sexy, lounge arrangements that this generation as well as the next will enjoy! Buy this CD! You will love it.

This Podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License to support the interests of the original featured artists.

< < EDIT > >

I just wanted to invite all of my listeners to check out a new uplifting, positive House mix I posted on my Myspace BLOG. It is much more uptempo than the mixes I post here but is a fantastic set none the less! Check it out HERE.

Take some smoothed out lounge music, add a splash of hip hop, and stir in a little jazz for mixer and you have got an “Urban Cocktail Hour!” If you like your cocktail hours loungy and your hip hop jazzy, you’ll love this mix!

For this month’s mix, I found myself inspired to play music with a little more acid jazz and hip hop influence. I marked it “Explicit” because there are a few random curse words but it is far from offensive. There are plenty of sultry melodies, great vocals and smooth rapping to fill out this sexy hour long episode. I really think the live acts I saw this month influenced my choices in grooves. I saw The Roots and Solillaquists of Sound perform live this month and had a great time. Next week I am going to see Kid Beyond and cannot wait!

On a personal note, I submitted a remix of Vieux Farka Toure’s “Ana” to CCMixter.org’s remix contest. To listen to my remix CLICK HERE. I also built a new PC for music production that is so fast it makes my head spin!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this month’s episode,
The Chola

Here is the tracklist…

1. Black Mighty Orchestra- Ocean Beach (Cybophonia Cinematic Remix)
2. Pete Phunk- The Sunny Streets of New York
3. Johan Brunkvist- Downtempo Lounge (Acid Jazz Remix)
4. Joe Bataan- Chevere Que Chevere (Ursula 1000 Remix)
5. Guardner- All right
6. Jurassic 5- If you only knew
7. Harvey Lindo- Rugged Individuals ft Count Bass D
8. J Boogies Dubtronic Science- Try Me ft Goapele and Capitol A
9. J. Lang- Hip Hop for Dummies ft KCentric (Sucker Free mix)
10. Blue Monk- Doin’ Ma Thang
11. Revolution Void- Weekend Amnesia
12. Meloman and Patrick Petruchelli- Sy
13. Jimpster- Left and Right
14. Envelop- Hear my Answer
15. Soulstice- Fall in to You.