Curation is the art of a good dinner party. You have to put on your chefs hat and choose the best dishes from your repertoire - not to forget the drinks to go with them. You set the ambience. And of course, you choose the dinner party playlist.

If you're wondering what vibe to set, don't panic - I'm on hand to help out. This list traverses blues, soul, pop, motown, jazz and electro, with a selection of great artists. I hope they can inspire you to start creating the perfect chilled out dinner party playlist. Enjoy the vibes!

Dionne Warwick

Soulful 60’s Pop

Influenced by gospel, jazz, R&B and soul, Dionne Warwick is a sophisticated singer with an undoubtedly soulful and distinctive voice. First finding success around the 1960’s, she has stood the test of time and is still singing at the time of writing. Of her recent work, it’s most likely you’d recognise her from the single Nothing’s Impossible, which features Chance the Rapper. I can tell you from experience that she’s an excellent addition to a dinner or cocktail party playlist. 

Songs we’d recommend:

• Loneliness Remembers What Happiness Forgets
• Do You Know The Way To San Jose
• Walk On By

Waldeck

Jazzy Electro-Swing

Waldeck’s album Ballroom Stories is considered one of the most influential in the unusual genre of electro-swing. Klaus Waldeck is an interesting artist - musical as a child, he returned to music after graduating from law school after a stint as a copyright lawyer. His songs often feature singers with distinctive voices, most notably including Patrizia Ferrara. 

Songs we’d recommend:

• Midsummer Night Blues
• One Of These Days
• Our Day Will Come

The Emotions

70’s R&B and Soul

The Emotions are in fact a group composed of three sisters from Chicago. You may have heard Best Of My Love, perhaps their most popular single, and they also featured on the Earth, Wind & Fire track Boogie Wonderland. They’d be an excellent addition to a dinner party playlist that is funky and up tempo without being intrusive.

Songs we’d recommend:

• Best Of My Love
• So I Can Love You
• Walking The Line

Eve St. Jones

Jazz / lounge copies of songs you already love.

If you want a dinner party vibe that’s so laid back it’s almost horizontal then soft jazz could be the way to go. It’s particularly fun to add a few covers of popular songs that your guests will know. Eve St. Jones reimagines hits with relaxed rhythms, soft vocals and sultry sensuality. 

Songs we’d recommend:

• I Feel It Coming
• I Only Want To Be With You
• If You Leave Me Now

Amy Winehouse

Needs no introduction…

One of the biggest voices in pop music during the 00’s, Amy Winehouse is a staple addition to any dinner party playlist. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 20 years since Back in Black first our charts - but Winehouse’s blend of soul, jazz, R&B, and pop still carries a distinctively raw and emotive delivery. Hits like "Rehab," "Back to Black," and "You Know I'm No Good" are anthems of the troubled yet immensely talented persona that was taken from us far too soon.

Songs we’d recommend:

• Valerie - Live at BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge
• Love Is A Losing Game
• Me & Mr Jones

Otis Redding

Straight Up 1960’s Southern Soul

One of many to emerge from the Southern Soul music community in the 60’s, Otis Redding has had an enduring influence and legacy. His rich, gritty, and impassioned voice was capable of conveying a wide range of emotions with incredible depth and sincerity and his lyrics resonate across borders, genres and generations.

Songs we’d recommend:

• My Girl
• (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
• Cigarettes And Coffee

B.B. King

Iconic American Blues

He’s one of the most influential guitar players of all time, and in the running for the most influential blues musicians. And we think he’d fit right in at your home cocktail party. B.B. King’s music is raw and emotional, ranging from slow, soulful ballads to upbeat, energetic numbers. One to listen with for the last Old Fashioned of the evening, for sure.

Songs we'd recommend:

• Why I Sing The Blues
• The Thrill Is Gone
• Bring It On Homes To Me

Four Tops

Infections 60’s Motown

You’ve surely heard the catchy opening “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” somewhere. It is in fact the 60’s band Four Tops, whose smooth harmonies and timeless hits extend far beyond their most famous song. Energetic and emotional, their infectious energy is the ideal way to create a buzz at the dinner table.

Songs we'd recommend:

• I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bun)
• Loco in Acapulco
• Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got)