Rory Block and Novy Syrah

Well, I have to apologize for my absence the past two weeks. I've been traveling on business and haven't had the time. However, tonight I'm featuring one of my favorite artists and an excellent Syrah to go with her music. What? You didn't know certain wines go with particular types of music? Well check this out.

Tonight, I tip the hat a lady: Rory Block. She is, in my opinion, the best interpreter of Mississippi blues today. Her voice weaves a spell on the listener, her guitar playing is peerless, and her song writing speaks of a lifetime. She is also an outstanding teacher. I have two of her teaching videos and she explains and illustrates things with a clarity I’ve not found in any other teacher. So, if you want to learn some blues, pick up her videos. And for heaven’s sake, get a few of her CD’s. Mine are heavily worn and several I’ve had to replace for the obvious reason that they get a lot of play time. She is the definition of musical finesse and grace. Check her out at http://www.roryblock.com/

Crossroad Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqTUoV67M60

Terraplane Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmR0_epz5OQ

If I had Possession over Judgement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV43q_XZCPY&feature=related

Preachin Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ_PKvC4v7k&feature=related

Travelin Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk0J1ZOBobE&feature=related

Ramblin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6s1EfhD_A&feature=related

Silver Wings: Rory’s voice can move me to tears. She expresses so much emotion, it sends chills down my back, and complimented by her guitar work…there ain’t none better! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C58CGPMyFyM&feature=related

And speaking of finesse and grace, while you’re listening to Rory, open a bottle of 2006 Novy Sonoma County Syrah (~$19.00). Its nose is full of berries and plums. It has pepper, spice and delicious currant, blueberry, and plum flavors with a long, elegant finish. The Novy Syrah is a wonderfully balanced wine full of finesse and grace…just like Rory Block’s music. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Best Red Wine of the Year & Guitarist Larry Carlton

Got a couple of treats for you tonight. First, an incredible Pinot Noir under $25.00. In the fall of 2008, the Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 was named the world’s Top Red Wine, beating 31 other red wine trophy winners at the International Wine Challenge, the world’s largest competition. It opens with a burst of dark fruit aroma heavily leaning toward jammy black raspberry and cherry and follows closely with the same on the palate with a touch or exotic spice. It’s a richly textured wine with a long finish. And at $24.00 at my local wine shop, this is one you’ve gotta try! New Zealand does it again. Maybe I’ll have to retire there.

And while your sipping a glass of this ambrosia, let me introduce you to Mr. Larry Carlton. Larry has long been one of my favorite guitarists. He played some of the guitar solos for the group Steeley Dan and I’ve included his version of Josie below. He was one of the premier session guitarists in L.A. for years before striking out with a number of different bands and ensembles. He is both an outstanding acoustic guitarist and electric guitarist. Originally a Stratocaster man, as his career progressed he began playing more and more on a Gibson ES335. In fact he’s called the 335 Man. He has a mello tone that’s very distinctive and recognizable. He can often be found playing with the group Fourplay, who, if you’ve never heard of them, would definitely be worth a listen. Many of the videos below are from his early career and one of my all-time favorites is “Don’t Give It Up." In fact, I like it so much, I’ve included two versions. Also, check out the dynamite duets with Robbin Ford, another of my favorites. Hope you enjoy Larry as much as I do.

Bubble Shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOn4AsqQSP0&feature=related

Smiles and Smiles to Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH8TJVwF1Yg&feature=related

Layla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqie9Q1qAuE&feature=related

Josie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhbETnpuFx0&feature=related

Mr. 335: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS1t8cSEtJA&feature=related

Minute by Minute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnnBYUGxau0&feature=related

Don’t Give It Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mffJZ2WR42o&feature=related

Don’t Give It Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23R6DYXWQI&feature=related

Oui Oui Si: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD_GyIwaneo&feature=related

Duet with Robbin Ford: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBS7BEPb1Jk&feature=related

Duet with Robbin Ford; Burnable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwt9eKDxbbM&feature=related

Duet with Robbin Ford; Put it Where You Want It: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpiDJ16BW0s&feature=related