Cocktail Notes || EP. 18 “Beyond the Vast Blue", by Branden Nguyen (featuring Justin Schrum) || Pianoman and the C
Season finale! The last original song I am featuring for this collection is “Beyond the Vast Blue”. I wrote this blues with a few challenges in mind: I wanted to utilize a 6/8 time signature, have a major sounding melody, and include a borrowed submediant chord. These compositional elements result in a song that evokes a nautical journey, wondering and wandering somewhere beyond the sea. It is my favorite composition in my blues collection. Accompanying me is my talented friend, Justin Schrum. Besides being an amazing pianist, he is also quite versed in wine knowledge. We have shared plenty of drinks, food, and discussions about drinks and food over the past years. After sharing this song with him, we found that this song resonates strongly with us. I have associated this composition with him ever since!
The cocktail I created to pair with this week’s original piece is called the “Pianoman and the C”. The inspiration behind this cocktail is a martini variation in which I incorporate elements of a caesar cocktail (a Canadian bloody mary variant). The one ingredient that distinguishes a Caesar from a bloody mary is the addition of clam juice---sounds strange, I know, but it gives the drink lightness and a sweet brininess that makes it addictive. I created this drink for Justin because of his love for martinis and happy hour shellfish. It was a perfect amalgamation of his two favorite treats.
The name itself has a playful meaning behind it too: it is a spin on the classic Ernest Hemingway novel, “The Old Man and the Sea”. The “Pianoman” refers to Justin, while the “C” could mean “Caesar” or maybe the C on the piano/key of the song. I enjoyed this cocktail quite a bit, but would probably swap in blanc vermouth for the dry vermouth. That would bring a sweetness to balance the savory and tart elements of the drink and highlight the fruitiness of the tomato juice. Cheers!
[February 25, 2021]