Our Review
Guitarists George Fletcher and Pete Pashoukos are The Tequila Mockingbirds, a humorous name for a jazzy duo that produces mighty fine music. Based in Saratoga Springs, New York, the two present Christmas Time of Year for the holidays, a nice blend of the familiar and the not-so-familiar.
The album opens very well with a high-energy Linus & Lucy, an endearing instrumental that had me tapping my feet from the first bar. My favorite cut is the fabulously constructed Medley: Take 5/Carol of the Bells/We Three Kings/My Favorite Things, which is also the longest track (just under six minutes). It's a pleasing amalgam of exciting, emotive guitar conversations across a spectrum of cool holiday numbers.
Christmas Time of Year is not just about instrumentals; there are several low-key, textured vocals. Fletcher's bluesy & angst-ridden It Ain't Christmas Without You is the cream that rises to the top--sweet!
Funny name, and a fine offering. The Tequila Mockingbirds' Christmas Time of Year is a lively gift package for the holiday season. Why not unwrap it?
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)
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From the liner notes:
The Tequila Mockingbirds are:
George Fletcher: Guitars, bass, vocals
Pete Pashoukos: Guitars, vocals
Guest musicians: Dennis Cotton (drums) and Mike McDonough (bass)
From the artist's Website:
"[U]nique gumbo of acoustic blues, jazz, gypsy jazz, classic rock and originals..."
The Tequila Mockingbirds
Christmas Time of Year
Artist link
Label: Drezdon Records
Length: 37 minutes
Genre: Jazz
Release: 2007
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Linus and Lucy |
| Greensleeves |
| Medley: Silent Night/Little Drummer Boy |
| Christmas Time of Year |
| Into the Night |
| Medley: Take 5/Carol of the Bells/We Three Kings/My Favorite Things |
| Upon This Manger |
| It Ain't Christmas Without You |
| Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas |