Hello, 2014, the year that stands tauntingly between a night of expectation and a morning of unreasonable migraines and to-do lists (pay 2011’s bills, turn into Heidi Klum, “think” less); today, I welcome you with only two requests. Stay unbearably light, and allow me to listen to more Steelism (Jeremy Fetzer and Spencer Cullum Jr.)
With classical training backing the guitar and pedal steel duo, Steelism’s music funnels 1960’s based beats, crossing between country, soul, surf-rock, and a hint of twanging psychedelia, to craft a sound that is as listenable as it is original. Their EP, The Intoxicating Sounds of Pedal Steel & Guitar, is just that; a meditative foray into an instrumental wonderland, where moments of Dylan’s Nashville Skyline and licks from the inimitable Dick Dale equally resonate. It is a reminder of the many cinematic moods evoked through the conversation of two artists, and paints the many landscapes traveled that birthed the group in Nashville, Tennessee.
The duo originally gave us this list of cocktail and record pairings to get us excited for Electric Western’s 1960’s dance party. But we think they’re just as fun to imbibe while preparing to spend this Friday night with them at the Basement, along with JP5 and special guests Andrew Combs and Takaya. RSVP here.
By Steelism:
1. Van Morrison—Astral Weeks (1968) | Hot Toddy
While you’re getting gussied up in your 60s best, stave off that winter cold with the healing powers of a Hot Toddy and Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks.
Steelism’s Hot Toddy Recipe:
3 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
1 Sugar Cube
1 Lemon Slice
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 Dash of Honey
Muddle a lemon slice with a sugar cube in your favorite mug. Add 3 oz. of Bulleit Bourbon, 1 cinnamon stick, and a dash of honey. Pour in 5 oz. of boiling water and enjoy!
2. Booker T. & the M.G.’s—Hip Hug-Her (1967) | Old Fashioned
There’s no better way to start a party than with Booker T. & the M.G.s and an Old Fashioned. Both are elegantly simple with 4 perfect ingredients: Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Booker T. Jones, and Al Jackson Jr. along with bourbon, fruit, sugar, and bitters.
Steelism’s Old Fashioned Recipe:
3 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
4 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
1 Sugar Cube
1 Orange Slice & Maraschino CherrMuddle and prepare the bitters, sugar cube, and orange slice in an old fashioned glass. Add 3 oz. of Bulleit Bourbon and 1 large ice sphere. Garnish with a cherry.
3. The Meters—Self-Titled (1969) | Sazerac
As midnight nears, get down to one of our favorite funky instrumental New Orleans dance bands while enjoying a New Orleans classic (and one of our favorite drinks), the Sazerac.
Steelism’s Old Fashioned Recipe:
3 oz. Bulleit Rye
½ oz. Simple Syrup
1-3 Dashes of Absinthe (to taste)
Peychaud’s Bitters
Lemon Peel
In a pint glass add 3 oz. Bulleit Rye, ½ oz. of Simple Syrup, and 4 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. Rinse a separate, frosted coupe glass in absinthe by adding a few dashes and swirling it around the glass. Stir the ingredients in the pint glass with ice and strain into the absinthe-rinsed coupe. Garnish with a lemon peel and take your taste buds on a trip to New Orleans on your New Year’s Eve holiday.
4. Dr. No Soundtrack (1963) | Gin Martini
Ring in the New Year feeling like a super slick British gent (the names Spencer Cullum Jr. and James Bond come to mind) sipping a Martini and jamming to one of our favorite themes.
Steelism’s Martini Recipe:
4 oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin
1 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth
1 Olive or Lemon Peel Garnish
Add the gin and dry vermouth listed above into a cocktail shaker with cracked ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass with a lemon peel or olive. Remember, shaken not stirred!
5. The Motown Story LP Box Set (1960s) | The Last Word
Finish the night off right with The Last Word cocktail, which originated in the home of Motown at the Detroit Athletic Club.
Steelism’s The Last Word Recipe:
1 oz. Beefeater Gin
1 oz. Green Chartreuse
1 oz. Maraschino Liqeur
1 oz. Lime Juice
Add the above ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass.
Lockeland Springsteen 