Cielo: Playtime is a double album mixed by Cielo resident DJs; Nicolas Matar and Willie Graff. It’s set to be released on Tommy Boy Records on June 9th, 2009.
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The Cielo compilation series has amassed a worldwide audience of seasoned dance music fans. Its ongoing success is a testament to the overall programming and underlying vibe at Cielo—a distinguished nightclub in New York—that celebrates quality dance music above all else. Both CDs are mixed and compiled by the DJs to incorporate each of their musical bearings and keen sense of musical style.
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Since it’s opening in 2004, Cielo has become an international club brand that specializes in world-class music, Funktion One sound, elite service and all-inclusive atmosphere. With Playtime, Cielo continues to uphold its status as a premiere club brand for both house music and electronic music in general.
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Disc one is entitled “Classic” and from the second you press play, you’ll understand why. The Terra Deva intro to Want Me Like Water tears through the speakers and we’re off. Charles Webster’s updated remix to his classic that was originally produced in 2001—under his Furry Phreaks moniker—proceeds to set the tone for the disc: big diva vocals, rolling bass lines, infectious grooving hooks and unadulterated soul.
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The Classic tracks have been thoughtfully selected, and masterfully programmed. Divas on the disc include greats like Kerri Chandler, Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle and the one-and-only Babara Tucker. Add a sprinkling of AtJazz, Kings of Tomorrow, Roberto Rodriguez, James Priestly, Dan Berkson and as already mentioned Charles Webster, and you’re left with a magnificent 70 minutes of classic New York sounds delivered in a fresh and up-to-date package.
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Calling the second disc “Nu-Classic” is a bold statement and it has a lot to live up to after disc one, but only time will tell whether it holds true. There’s certainly something memorable about the disc, with the recognizable Lonely One by Motor City Drum Ensemble taking second position in a 12-track line-up. The writing’s on the wall for some of the tracks to become classics with producers such as Kenny Larkin, Jimpster, Manuel Tur and DPlay, Henrik Schwarz and Sebo K all present and correct.
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Unfortunately having a selection of great tracks doesn’t necessarily mean that the impact of them mixed together will be greater than that of them individually. However, the second disc is programmed and mixed well. The first transition is a little more obvious than the others as the trippy, loopy sounds of Cirque De Soul by Kenny Larkin holds your attention and makes it an ambitious first track. As Lonely One is introduced a nice groove gets going. The rest of the disc delivers enough to keep you enjoying it but nothing really stood out and got my attention like the first disc. I’ve listened to disc two a couple of times preparing for the review and to be honest it’s not a touch on the first disc – but it works well in the supporting roll.
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All-in-all I recommend Cielo: Playtime. If you like good quality vocal house and a well thought out track selection then disc one is for you. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea because let’s face it diva vocals can be way more than you’re in the mood for, in which case you can save it for the house party and move onto disc two.

Either way if you’re looking for a trusty summertime compilation to get you though those long, hot evenings this might just be it.
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Playtime CD 1 ‘Classic’ Tracklisting:
1. Furry Phreaks-Want Me Like Water (Charles Webster 2008 Remix)
2. Lovebirds-Tuesday (Dub Mix)
3. Amana Melone-Caterpillar (Atjazz Remix)
4. Rocco-Somebody (NJ Mix)
5. Risk Soundsystem-The Sound is Yours (Kerri Chandler Remix)
6. Elements Of Life featuring Lisa Fischer & Cindy Mizelle-Into My life(Dub)
7. Azuni-Remember That Girl
8. Roberto Rodriguez-Besomebody
9. DJ Fudge-Wally
10. Kings Of Tomorrow Featuring Rae-Can’t Stop (Wahoo Remix)
11. Barbara Tucker & Tuccilo-One Desire (Barbara’s Desire Mix)
12. Robert Owens-Happy (James Priestley & Dan Berkson Remix)
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Playtime CD 2 ‘Nu Classic’ Tracklisting
1. Kenny Larkin-Cirque De Soul
2. Motor City Drum Ensemble-Lonely One
3. DFlex-Waltz (Kawabata Remix)
4. Herb LF-Down To The Sound
5. The Lost Men-Brothers and Sisters
6. Phonique & Kiloo-The Passion (Manuel Tur & DPlay Remix)
7. Version-The Brighter Side (Jimpster Dub)
8. Class 71-Alba Adriatica(Move D ‘The Smoke In Your Eyes’ Mix)
9. Ane Brun-Headphone Silence (Henrik Schwarz Remix)
10. Kiko Navarro & DJ Fudge-Maximal
11. Sebo K-Diva
12. Chic Miniature-Escandalo
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You can check out the Cielo: Playtime 30-minute mini-mix HERE. It’s out on Tommy Boy Records on June 9, 2009.

Tags: Cielo, Cielo: Playtime, House, New York, Nicolas Matar, Willie Graff