Cocktail Notes || EP. 5 "So What", by Miles Davis || Classic Martini

Happy Thanksgiving! For the next four weeks, I’ll be doing a tribute to Miles Davis’ iconic album, “Kind of Blue”. This album was a departure from the high intensity tempos and frenetic chord movement of bebop. Instead, the album focuses on minimalism and improvisational freedom. The song “So What” features the minimalist musical concept of Modal Harmony, having only one chord for a majority of the song (Dm), interrupted by a brief foray into another chord (Ebm). The melody, written for bass, is a call and response with the rest of the band. The space created in this type of composition gives the song a slick, conversational feel. After years of playing it a certain way, I developed a new arrangement just for this recording. I tuned one string down so that I had access to a lower range, nearing the sound of a bass. This song is an example of how this “Cocktail Notes” project has challenged my creativity and pushed me to explore unfamiliar territory.

Nothing says minimalist more than a Martini, especially one with classic proportions. Originally, martinis were much sweeter and complex, calling for orange liqueur and sweet vermouth. Eventually, they evolved into equal parts gin and dry vermouth. The version featured here is the accepted classic version of a martini, 2 parts gin to 1 part vermouth. While some prefer just a rinse of vermouth (a very boozy, and gin-forward drink), the 2:1 ratio allows the subtle complexity of the vermouth to play with the botanicals of the gin. Coincidentally, the ratio of the ingredients in the Martini almost mirrors the ratio of the two chords in “So What”: 2:1. Both are standard repertoire to a person pursuing either craft. Cheers!

[November 26, 2020]