|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
Calendar Contact Equipment List
Artists' Comments Photo Gallery Links
COCKTAIL REVOLUTION
Cocktail Revolution creates a fine potion comprised of a rare balance of ingredients. Gently stirring together exceptionally talented musical artists of differing disciplines,
the group has a well lavored sound and direction that lends itself to the eclectic and
alluring nature of their original compositions. Rallying the audiencewith charisma,
talent and a sound that can't help but get you moving, Cocktail Revolution's acoustic
drum and bass, acid jazz, funk and ever surprising influx of musical styles may just become your new ritual.
While many jazz artists have tried to modernize their sound by throwing in a DJ, and many DJs try to warm up their electronic sound by tossing a saxophone or singer into their mix, the Cocktail Revolution has kept the integrity of an all instrumental group (no sequences or drum machines) and has adhered to the more modern sounds of drum & bass and electronica to produce a new, inspired groove and sound.
This new sound (which the band calls 'Urban Improv') has made the city sit up and take notice. Not only do the Revolution's grooves get crowds up and dancing, but several national and local musicians have been impressed and have sat in with the group, including Freddie Washington (The Crusaders, Whitney Houston), and Damon Woods (James Brown).
The Cocktail Revolution began in 2002 when Denver drummer Damien Hines (Future Jazz Project) asked his friend Zach Pietlock if his new jazz project could fill in at Blue 67. Pietlock agreed, even though his project was still only a mental image he'd been talking about to his friends. Pietlock scrambled to the phone to recruit the players he thought best to fulfill his musical vision and his promise to Hines. He made three phone calls: one to bassist Colin Mitchel, one to keyboardist Chad Aman and one to saxophonist Jon Hegel.
With no songs and no rehearsals, Cocktail Revolution took the stage at Blue 67. The audience heard a spontaneous set of improvised drum and bass-inspired jazz grooves for three hours. The band's skills and originality were such a hit that Cocktail Revolution was asked back to the club to play weekly. The Cocktail Revolution was born.
Now with bassist Artie Moore, the Cocktail Revolution continues to impress fans and critics.
In June of 2004, the Revolution performed for Toronto's "North By Northeast" festival, where they were named a "Critic's Pick" by Toronto's "Now" Magazine. The Revolution performs regularly at many outdoor festivals and at such clubs as DC-10, Dazzle, The Robusto Room and Herman's Hideaway.
Most recently, Cocktail Revolution was named "Best Jazz Band in Denver" at the 2006 Westword Music Awards Showcase.
Cocktail Revolution's current CD - a live studio recording with no overdubs - was meant to be mearly a demo but has sold hundreds of copies... wearing out the band's cd burners. The band's next full CD will be available early spring of 2007.