Cap'n's Cabaret #21: Kansas City Shuffle

When the land is flat, you gotta make the music soar, or so the attitude seems to be in Kansas City (which, by the way, is in Missouri, not Kansas).  Here they swing like nowhere else with a smooth but transcendent sound epitomised by today's guest star, native son the legendary Count Basie.

Thank you TWA for today's travel arrangements...

KC is an up-and-coming burg a long way from the cowboy town of old. With climbing buildings that hug the confluence of the mighty Missouri and Kansas rivers, it's a skyline that makes an impact.  A city where west meets south while bringing in a slick urban vibe.  Wide skies, long days, prarie winds, Barbecue like nowhere else.  What could be a better incubator for a unique jazz sound? 

Enter William "Count" Basie and his fabulous orchestra.  He's bringing the piano to the head of the band, coaxing smooth sass from those ivories while the band jumps like nowhere else.  He sure is gathering a following, too.  A young local man sitting with me today, name of Charlie Parker, says he all but worships the man and vows to follow in his footsteps.  The way young Charlie handles the sax I think he might just.  But enough jaw jackin', here's the One O'Clock Jump, showcasing the predigious talents of the whole Basie orchestra:

 If you don't now know why KC is a happenin' place to be...well, there just ain't no helpin' you.

So, smooth like honey, and jumpin' like rum...I think a Bee's Kiss is in order to go with this sound:

Bee's Kiss Cocktail:

2 oz white Rum

1 oz Cream

Bar Spoon of runny Honey

Stir rum and honey in bottom of bar glass.  Add cream.  Shake very well over cracked ice.  Strain into a Cocktail glass.  No garnish.