Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Top 20 of 2015



Well, it's that time of the year again. That time when every music blog and station on the planet issues their own Top 10/20/100/whatever for the twelve months past.

Not being one to be left standing, or having all you listeners and followers wonder why I didn't issue one, I decided to pool everyone's choices (taken from the weekly Top Ten) and compile a This is Lounge Top 20 of 2015. of our own.

I'm sure that you are all in suspense, wondering who made it to number one!

Wait no further, for that honour goes to the Maestro of Chillout, Michael e!!!! I'm sure that you agree, that this man has done so much for the genre. 

Congratulations, Michael! I'd like to think that the honour is truly special, despite the fact that we are still in our infancy as a station (18 months, actually), and your continued support and your grassroots "word-of-mouth" spreads the word about our existence., and continues to help keep us on the air.

So, without further ado, I give you the Top 20 of 2015, plus some Honourable Mentions (in no particular order).





Honourable Mentions



Saturday, December 26, 2015

The Top Ten



Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

We're all in holiday mode here at This is Lounge. The music has been programmed and the staff is spending their time with their family.

Therefore, the Top Ten will remain as is for another week. Thanks again for tuning in, and thanks for any generous donations.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 19 December 2015


Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas, my fellow loungers!

This is the last Top Ten list before Christmas, so allow me to wish everyone peace and happiness over the holidays. Thank you for tuning in over the year, and enjoying the music. Thank you for supporting the station and the artists we play. Your donations are always welcome in keeping the music alive.

As we head into the final days before Christmas, the chart continues to evolve. St. Germain hits number one, and Daniela Nardi's Espresso Manifesto follows in behind in the number two spot.

Herb Alpert's take on the jazz classic, Take The A Train, continues to enjoy a welcome place on the chart, as it sits at number three.

Christophe Goze enters the chart this week after Bubbing Under for a while, with his breezy, summery tune, The Nightly.

Speaking of Bubbling Under, we have four jazz tracks that are all Canadian artists! We here at the station enjoy bringing the talent of this country to light, and we have three artists with New Releases added this week.

Barbra Lica's recent Christmas CD sees two tracks getting some major airplay - Christmas On The Beach (a fitting title for the music we play here, and Noel a Paris, a song who's sentiments are well understood, no matter what the language is.

Jill Barber is one who has released an album of songs in our other official language, but this month she has blesses us an EP of Standards, of which her cover of the classic 60's song, Sukiyaki, appears. 

Also released just in time for the holidays, local Toronto Smooth Jazz guitarist, Rob Tardik's Moments album sneaks into Bubbling Under, with the song Eros, added to the playlist a couple of days ago.

Once again, a big thank you for your support. We all love something for free, but during this gift-giving season, take a moment to give back, with a donation to the station. Your generosity supports new music, as well as internet costs, and with a planned new website we we'll need continued funds to get that project up and running.

Also, your continued financial support of the artists through your favourite digital media retailers keeps them alive as well. 

Thanks for your word-of-mouth support that brings new listeners. It is always most appreciative when you can spread the word. After all that shopping, take a few minutes to chill. Or listen while preparing that sumptuous Christmas dinner.

Happy Holidays and Peace on Earth..... Imagine.



Bubbling Under


Saturday, December 12, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 12 December 2015


Between the hectic pace of Christmas shopping, and those dreaded seasonal office parties, thanks for taking some time for yourself, some time to reflect and relax, and tuning into This is Lounge.

As the year draws closer to a close, a heartfelt Happy Holidays to all my personal, web, and Facebook group friends. You are all spread out across this planet, but we share a close kindred spirit in our love of a specialized genre of music. Your love and inspirational posts have helped influence me and the music I play on the station. Thank you....grazie.....merci.....

Now, to the Top Ten.....

This week, Marijan makes it to number one, no doubt he is close to sharing that position with the original artist of the song, Drake.(...who, in turn, is battling it out with Adele on the Pop charts of the world!)

St. Germain slips into number two, and Canadian-Italian Daniela Nardi and her Espresso Manifesto round out the top three. 

As Da Drillah slips below the top ten, Quiet Nights Lounge and their track, Waterfalls, makes the well-deserved move into the chart from it's Bubbling Under position. 

Seeing that is tis the season, what better way than to see a New Release Christmas song appear to be Bubbling Under! Barbra Lica's recent Christmas Present release is a joy to listen to. Often mistaken for fellow jazz singer, Stacey Kent, this Canadian's sweet tone will break your heart. We've chosen a couple of tracks to play - Christmas On The Beach is an upbeat, but fittingly titled chillout sentiment, while Noel a Paris is a timely track that I feel continues the healing process of a few weeks ago.

To all you romantic loungers, a big thank you for tuning in and supporting the station and it's artists. Spread the word, and grow along with us.


Bubbling Under


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Cocktail Nation - Best of 2015

Well, it's time for Koop to take his annual Christmas vacation, but before he turns off the mike for a few weeks, he's compiled a couple of "best of' shows for you to enjoy, and reacquaint yourselves with. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas from the Cocktail Nation!

www.cocktailnation.net


The Best of 2015: Part One

Some stand out tracks for 2015 in the world of Lounge and Exotica and this week we play some of them as we count down the tracks in what I like to call the best of the best for 2015 plus we replay some of our interviews with the stars of lounge and tiki.

Tiki Delights - Cosmopolitan
Kim Nazarian with John Pizzarelli - Gotta Be This Or That
James Spencer - In a Blue Mood
Jimmy Borges - Luck Be A Lady
Jetset Unlimited - The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Daniel Pemberton - Bugs Beats And Bow Ties
Perry Beekman - SWonderful
Tikiyaki Orchestra - Idol Worship            
Seth Mc Farlane - No One Ever Tells You
Uptown Jazz Quartet - He Was The Cat
Satin Chaps - Stompin
Jimmy Psycho - Thunderbirds
Codename Carter - Perfect Clarity Perfect Cut
Tiki Delights - Swank
Robert Drasnin - La Mer Azure
Tiki Cowboys - Blue Tiki





The Best of the Best Product Releases 2015


This week, the best product releases of 2015 from movies books and websites, photography and, of course, the best lounge and exotica from across the globe.

Voodoo Organist - Rattlesnake Rhumba
Cocktail Inn- Days Of Wine And Roses
Jack Costanzo - Latin Fever
Stacey Kent- Le Premier Bonheur Du Jour
Jetset Unlimited - The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Combustible Edison-Millionaires Holiday
Dinah Shore - It Had To Be You
Martini Kings - Two Fools
Laurie Allyn - Your So Bad For Me
Buddy Greco - Autumn In Rome

Nathan Haines - Cocktails
Tiki Lounge Crew - Smoke and Lager
Warren Barker - Flute Route




Friday, December 4, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 5 December 2015


Merry Christmas, loungers! It is now December and officially Christmas season! I'm sure that you've been enjoying those memorable classics of the season on This is Lounge. They do bring an added touch to the playlist...a nice change from the Pop station fare, don't you think?

Anyway, let's have a look at this weeks Top Ten, shall we?

Ms. Del Rey continues her reign as Queen of number one, topping the chart again this week. Marijan's cover of Hotline Bling continues it's parallel rise along side the original in the Pop charts. Sliding into number three this week is St. Germain, with his laid-back lament, Mary L.

Nice to see Daniela Nardi's cover of Joe Barbieri's song move up a few notches. Both are very talented musicians, and are more than deserving of a spot on the chart and playlist here.

Welcome to Matteo Brancaleoni's Italian classic, Senza fine, joining the chart at number ten this week. We also find a new Bubbling Under track this week getting some interest and airplay - The Dining Rooms' Space Is The Place, taken from their new release, Do Hipsters Love Sun (Ra)? Something a little different, The Dining Rooms sound has a bit of a change this time around. This new song is like chillout from a dream - The sound is true, but the feeling seems a little askew, if you know what I mean. Whatever the case, I hope you enjoy it.

Please be sure and support all of the stations artists through your favourite digital retailer. Thank you for your financial support of the station. Your kind donations continue to help bring you the sounds you love.


Bubbling Under


Saturday, November 28, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 28 November 2015


Happy Saturday to all you fellow loungers! Has the Christmas feeling started to take hold of you yet? The chill is in the air, and the air(waves) are filled with Chill.....and Jazz.....and Easy Listening....

I'm sure that all around you, in stores and in offices, the sounds of Christmas have been playing for the last week or so. We here at This is Lounge have resisted including our Christmas playlist until the first of December. Any earlier, (to me, anyhow) it smacks of commercialism, creating that urge to shop. But here at the station, it's for the enjoyment of the sounds, so come Tuesday, you'll begin to hear the sounds of the season on This is Lounge.

Now to the Top Ten! Lana has done it! Lana Del Rey's Art Deco jumps into number one this week, taking down SAMBOX to number three, and leaving room for Herb Alpert to sneak into the second position.

The popularity of Drake's Hotline Bling worldwide is not lost here, as Marijan's solo piano version continues to gain ground, moving into number four.

Welcome to the HDD Experience, as their track, Bitter Sweet Baby, joins the Top Ten at number ten.

The big news this week in the world of Chill, was the release by Christophe Goze on Thursday of his new single, The Nightfly. A breezy, smooth jazz track that certainly evokes warm summer nights, The Nightly is a welcome addition to Bubbling Under this week.

As always, thank you for your support of the artists and the station. 


Bubbling Under



Monday, November 23, 2015

Cocktail Nation 383 SPECTRE Spies

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's. (I am working on getting the preview to broadcast, so please be patient.)

This week on the show, we talk Bond, and look at the new Bond film Spectre. We also play some spy-fi tunes and check out an interesting story about a former Bond gal who has gone back to her younger days for a recreation of her famous role.


Martini Kings -You Only Live Twice
James Bond Sextet - Live And Let Die
Spy Fi - 007/Goldfinger
John Barry Orchestra - Underground Lair     
John Barry Orchestra - On Her Majestys Secret Service
Vic Flick - Diamonds Are Forever                    
Elliott Fisher - Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Monty Norman - Dr No's Fantasy
David Arnold -Vesper
Count Basie - From Russia With Love
Shirley Bassey - Goldfinger
James Bond Sextet - Moonraker


Saturday, November 21, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 21 November 2015


Welcome back, loungers. As we are closing in on the Christmas season, I am reminded of the sentiments of the season, and how some parts of the world cannot accept things like "good will toward men". My prayers continue to go out to the city of Paris, as it recovers.

That being said, French musician SAMBOX has taken the number one position. His music continues to be a part of the healing process, as life gets back some kind of normalcy there.

Lana Del Rey has followed into second, as we see the rest of the chart shift.

Finally jumping into the lineup, from Bubbling Under, is Chillscape. Speaking of Bubbling Under, a new artist has just made the list. Quiet Nights Lounge joins us with a beautifully chilled piece called Waterfalls.

Looking ahead, stay tuned to the station as we begin programming the annual Christmas tunes mixed in with our regular playlist. As the stores have already begun selling Christmas product, and playing Christmas songs, I believe they have started little too early. 

So, beginning Dec 1, This is Lounge kicks off the songs of the Christmas season. Thanks for listening. Thank you for your financial supportive the station and the artists we play. 


Bubbling Under



Sunday, November 15, 2015

Cocktail Nation 382 New Tiki Delights


Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

This week on the show we are joined by Darren Long, who reveals a brand new Tiki Delights song for you, plus new music from Kim Nazarian, who teams up with John Pizzarelli for a cool little track. I have a movie review for you, a cool gift idea for the Sinatra fan in your life or just to spoil yourself with, plus a very interesting way Johnnie Walker has been advertised.


Rachel Caswell - Agua De Beber
Hollywood Studio Orchestra - Pink Panther Theme
Tiki Delights - Cosmopolitian                           
Tikiyaki Orchestra - Zero Gravity                             
David Carbonara Bunny's Bop                                    
Elmer Bernstein - Night Mood                        
Calvin Keys - Honeysuckle Rose
O Som Do Jazz - Nana
Skip Heller - Lonely  
Kim Nazarian with John Pizzarelli - Gotta Be This Or That         
Robert Irving III - Energy
Jackie Gleason - Allez Vou, Go Away
Joey Altruda - Cocktails With Joey
Bobby Darin - The More I See You
Al Hirt - Music To Watch Girls By
Herbie Mann - Fever


Saturday, November 14, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 14 November 2015


Once again, last night, the free world suffered from the views and actions of the few. The vicious attacks in Paris has left the world heartbroken. But they are strong and will survive, as they always have since the world war. The attack on a music venue, especially, hits all of us really hard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope that all my fellow loungers and musicians in that city are safe.

Ironically, Color Majesty's tome to the City of Lights, remains atop the list today, as does fellow Parisian, SAMBOX. Lana Del Rey has not given up her third place position either. This is an unprecedented positioning.

St. Germain, a fellow Frenchman, comes in at number four, while Marijan's cover of Drake's hit continues to move up.

Joining in from Bubbling Under is Italian-Canadian Daniela Nardi and her Espresso Manifesto band. Taken from her Canto album, Gira E Rigira is a cover of Italian crooner Joe Barbieri's song. Also, the indie chillout track, You Need Me, by Da Drillah, wins a position at number ten.

Thank you for supporting the station and the artists. Please take the time to click on the Donate button on the right if you like and appreciate the sounds of the station. Your support helps keep the music coming. And support the artists here, through your favourite online retailers. Your support helps keep their music coming, as well.


Bubbling Under


Thursday, November 12, 2015

Cocktail Nation 381 The Last of the Secret Agents

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EDST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

It's another Euro spy special with Kramer and this week he looks atthe movie, The Last Of The Secret Agents. We also talk about the day a test pilot barrel rolled a 707 airliner, lots of events to attend and the very best lounge from across the globe.

http://www.cocktailnation.net/

Tiki Lounge Crew - Martini Nova
Henry Mancini - Shot In The Dark
Nancy Sinatra - Last of the Secret Agents
Chet Baker - Time After Time         
Dave Brubeck - Spring In Central Park
Edmundo Ros - What A Difference A Day Made
Martini Kings - Killer Joe        
Tiki Joe's Ocean - Mai Tai Mambo
Peggy Lee - Fever
Oscar Peterson - Band Call
Michelle Lordi - You're My Thrill
James Spencer - A Kooper Kocktail
Linda Lawson - Mood Indigo
Narco Lounge Combo - The Palms
Bob Thompson - While We Are Young
Dawan Muhummad -Yesterdays



This is Lounge Bonus!!!!!!!
Watch the film direct from here!!!!

Saturday, November 7, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 7 November 2015


It seems that my little corner of the world this week was blessed with what is known as Indian Summer, a phenomenon that brings above seasonal temperatures. 

The same could not be said for drastic changes in the Top Ten this week, as no one fell off the chart. This week saw a rejigging of everyone's positions, leaving Color Majesty atop the list with Paris. Speaking of France, SAMBOX moved in behind to the number two position, as Lana Del Rey's quick rise rounded out the top triumvirate of the list. 

A new addition to the Bubbling Under list is an advance release from Matteo Brancaleoni's new album, Made in Italy, which will see a release date of next Friday.

My notes here this week are "short and sweet", as they say. So, on to the list....which you have probably already snuck a peek at already. 

Thanks for supporting the artists through your favourite legitimate download site, and that you for your financial contributions to this listener supported station.


Bubbling Under



Sunday, November 1, 2015

Cocktail Nation 380 The Wonderful World of MPS

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EDST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

This week, we take a look at the German jazz record label MPS and we're joined by a man with an extensive knowledge and collection of the music, in that of James Spencer, who this week I have allowed to program the music for the show from his personal collection. Also on the show, the passing of Irish actress Maureen O'Hara, plus we examine The Art Of Doing Very Little, and finding you some cool parties to attend across the globe.


The Singers Unlimited -The Famous Sounds of MPS
The Singers Unlimited - We’ve Only Just Begun
The Nelson Riddle Orchestra - My Life   
The Third Wave - Wave’s Lament                                   
Art Van Damme And Flutes - How Will I Forget       
Oscar Peterson - Alice In Wonderland                                    
Pete Jacques Orchestra and Singers - Bacana                             
The Hi-lo’s - Quiet Night of Quiet Stars
Horst Jankowski Orch/Singers - How Short Is The Time To Love 
Horst Jankowski Orchestra/Singers - Das ist der Morge
Ulla Wiesner and The Addy Flor Orchestra - Dieses Jahr
George Shearing - Bluesette                                      
The Third Wave - Stormy
Perry London Orchestra  - Bernardo                                          
Ella Fitzgeral/Ernie Hechschner - A House is Not A Home.           
The Singers Unlimited - We Could Be Flying  




Seems that life took up a lot of my time last week, so I missed posting show number 379. To listen and/or download, click here, to access Koop's archive listing.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 31 October 2015


 As the countries of the world (that celebrate it) prepare for Halloween today, I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to check out the new Top Ten, and perhaps tune in while preparing for those adult costume parties. I'm afraid I don't have any scary Halloween music scheduled for today. Perhaps I'll start seeking out some suitable tracks for next year.

This week, we finally saw the fall of Sven Van Hees from his number one spot, relinquishing the position to Lee Ritenour's beautiful Waltz for Carmen. My friend, SAMBOX, finally has some movement this week, after hovering in the middle of the chart for so long. It seems the French are showing strength as Color Majesty's Paris succeeds to the number two position.

The French are not the only ones squeezing airplay at the station. The Italians are still in the game. With the loss of Papik's Io Inamorata, (featuring that wonderful crooner Matteo Brancaleoni) from the Top Ten, we find a new track bubbling under from local Italian-Canadian artist, Daniela Nardi and her Espresso Manifesto group. Like Papik, she is famous for her 2006 tribute, The Songs of Paolo Conte.

Amongst Daniela's covers on her latest work, Canto, is a track by another Italian artist, Joe Barbieri.   Called Gira E Rigira, we are proud to add this to the This is Lounge playlist. Hopefully, I can find the time to do a small feature story here on the blog with regards to this new album.

I seem to be unintentionally waving a patriotic flag here, as we see another world renowned Canadian, Emilie-Claire Barlow, jump in at number ten with her cover of Diane Tell's massive 1980 hit, Si j'etas un Homme.

Also Bubbling Under this week, we find a new track from British chillout artist, Chillscape. Already playing his beautiful Ocean Spray, we add his latest, By The Lake, a beautiful Autumn inspired track perfectly suited for this time of year. Posted less than two weeks ago on Soundcloud, he is offering up the track as a Free Download. Check it out.

As always, please support these artists through your favourite online store, legally. Use the links provided below to help with that.


Bubbling Under


Saturday, October 24, 2015

The Top Ten - week ending 24 October 2015


For all of you readers outside of North America, and unfamiliar with Major League Baseball, then this will be of no consequence to you. My apologies. For the last few weeks, nay, the last few months, Toronto has been gripped with the chance that our beloved Blue Jays baseball team would once again go all the way in the World Series. Sadly, our dreams were dashed last night after a hard fought battle against the Kansas City Royals was lost. Toronto's fever has broken. We can no return to some sort of normalcy. Thanks to the Blue Jays for exciting this city, and Canada!

OK, enough sports. My tribute hand thanks has been made. Now on to the music.

Wow, and what a week for music. Herb Alpert and St. Germain gave us some great new sounds in the mix this week. On a smaller scale, Marijan's beautiful piano cover of Drake's current worldwide hit, Hotline Bling, has given us a new appreciation of the track from a different perspective.

Consequently, two spots opened up this week, making room for two out of the three. 

Sven Van Hees continues to hold the top spot, with Lee Ritenour's beautiful Waltz for Carmen making a move towards that coveted position.Sadly, dipping below the tenth position, Daniel Pemberton and one of Papik's tribute tracks are gone.

Bubbling under, as of yesterday, is Toronto jazz vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow, and a track from her release (yesterday), Clear Day. Scroll down to see the separate post on this wonderful artist's new work.

As always, please support these and all This is Lounge artists through you favourite legitimate digital download site.


Bubblinh Under