Cocktails #7

Cocktails, Heartaches And Cigars was released in 2007 by Canadian pianist/guitarist Steve Dooks. This is a self-released project.

Learn how to make amazing cocktails, the principles and techniques to be a world class mixologist

Jazz pianist Beegie Adair has given Christmas & Cocktails the subtitle of An Intoxicating Collection of Jazz for Holiday Entertaining. That should get you thinking rosemary-infused Manhattans with Martha Stewart at the Pan Pacific rather than rye and no-name ginger ale in a dirty Airstream with Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Yes, this one is classy, if safe and predictable. Adair’s smoky versions of “Santa Baby” and “Sleigh Ride” transport you to the kind of high-end hotel lounges where the Christmas lights are all sparkling white, the piano player wears a freshly pressed tux, and the in-house decorator has dropped a couple of grand on poinsettias. Don’t let any of that stop you, however, from listening to Christmas & Cocktails while cleaning out the mobile-home shitter.

Legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter has since 2002 led a drum-less trio with the late pianist Mulgrew Miller and guitarist Russell Malone, sometimes referred to as the Golden Striker Trio based on the title of their debut album. Miller left the band in 2012 and was replaced by Donald Vega, a younger and very talented pianist who used to be based in Los Angeles. Cocktails at the Cotton Club is the new trio's first CD, recorded live in concert at The Cotton Club in Tokyo, Japan. Due to the instrumental mix and stylistic choice, the group has an atmosphere of high quality chamber music. The dynamic range is somewhat limited and there's nothing flashy or bombastic about their music, but that is on purpose and that is not the point. The point is in the art of improvisation and interplay. The real excitement starts after the themes are stated, and attentive listeners will be rewarded by the wealth of ideas expressed and the beauty of the three masters' improvisation. Highlights include the stunning interplay between Vega and Carter on "My Funny Valentine" and inspired solo by Carter on "Samba De Orfeu". Recommended!

A Mixologist's Quick Guide to Mixing, Matching, Making, and Mastering the Art of Creating Amazing Cocktails

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