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