C Is For Cosmopolitan

'C is for Cosmopolitan' features lush, rich, fill-the-room piano-based original compositions. On piano is the classically trained and technically adept Larry Tarof (aka 'Dr L' from Ottawa, Canada). Drawing on classical influences such as Rachmaninoff, Debussy and Chopin, musical theatre influences such as Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz and jazz influences such as Oliver Jones, Vince Guaraldi and Michael Feinstein, the chord arrangements, harmonies and counterpoints are alive and complex, and hopefully satisfying for the listener. Arpeggios and runs permeate the arrangements to round out the sound. Always musical, never merely virtuoso. Joining on drums for the uptempo numbers is the versatile Carlo Maragno. The first thing you'll notice is that these drums don't just keep the beat. Varied influences are drawn from to energize the already rich and active piano arrangements into a heightened musical place. Whether the straight ahead 'Nightcap', the 6/8 'Morning Glory', the samba-like 'Caipirinha' (the national drink of Brazil), the title track or any of the others, the drums are truly their own musical instrument. Joining on cello for two of the ballads is the expressive Sonya Matoussova. Her emotional phrasing and interpretations lift the already lush piano arrangements to a truly romantic place. There are some piano solos, too. Listen for the multiple voices of melody, counterpoint and harmonic interest. In particular, 'Rick's' is reminiscent of the smoky bars of 'Casablanca'. Dr L's music sets the ideal mood for private parties, drinks establishments, and personal contemplation. --------------------------------- Nightcap suite: 1. Nightcap -- Emin, straight ahead 4/4 2. Bellini -- Cmaj, straight ahead 4/4 3. Morning glory -- Emin, 6/8 Waiting for Ellie suite: 4. Waiting for Ellie -- Eb maj, ballad, lots of counterpoint 5. Mint Julep -- Cmaj, 4/4 uptempo 6. Pink Lady -- Eb maj, ballad, lots of counterpoint 7. Manhattan -- Fmaj, ballad 8. Kahlua -- Fmin uptempo 'A' section, modulated keys from there, softer middle section 9. Caipirinha -- Am samba-like base 10. Rick's -- nominally Fm, think the movie 'Casablanca' C is for Cosmopolitan suite: 11. Allegro -- Cmin 4/4, Ab blues middle section 12. Andante -- nominally Gmaj 13. Presto -- Cmin 4/4 opening, modulations from there Solo piano bonus: 14. Manhattan -- Fmaj ballad 15. Pink Lady -- Eb maj, ballad, lots of counterpoint All compositions 2006-2009 Larry Tarof/Dr L's Music.