Artesa Pinot Noir & a Bass Guitar Extravaganza

Tonight, I’ve got a really nice 2007 Pinot Noir from Artesa (Artesa Carneros Pinot Noir). It’s normally about $25.00 a bottle, but it was on sale for $19.00. Beautiful garnet color with a bouquet of strawberries and cherries. On the palate, the nose is repeated augmented by hints of chocolate and light tannins. Very smooth drinker. An excellent Pinot Noir.

And to go with the wine, I’ve got something different. When I started reviewing guitarists, I mentioned that since I used to be a bass player (note the past tense) I liked a bit of “da funk” in my guitar music. Thus you hear a lot of slappers and tappers here. Well, tonight I decided to give y’all a taste of da funk. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite bassists. The list is by no means complete. Victor Wooten was reviewed individually so I didn’t repeat him here. But these are some of the best in a diversity of genres. Hope you enjoy them!

Jeff Berlin
Tears in Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiC5Xc5f7HE&feature=related
Bebop Solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH0MiOEIG2M&feature=related
Jaco & Jeff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw3BV7V7ZbQ&feature=related
With Frank Gambale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6at4jSG3cUc

Mark King (with Level 42)
Mr. Pink Bass solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKI8pFqWm0s
Love Games: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXZoowWAPZA
Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k3gxj4nrW4
The Chinese Way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k3gxj4nrW4

Billy Shehan:
Misc. song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9bG8hwZ9Bo&feature=related
Bach???: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVd-6EynSKM&feature=related

Alain Caron:
Slap solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkOYGlI-zoo&feature=related
Ink Illusion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITQd2NtbOKA&feature=related

Jaco Pastorius
Portrait of Tracy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXOnhzoC-i8&feature=related
Teen town: One of the greatest bass songs ever written or played.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91gqmiVXomA&feature=related
Birdland: Great song. One of my favorites by Weathereport
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNSLCdXhmGA&feature=related

Dominique Di Piazza
With John McLaughlin & Trilok Gurtu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QstxltuJ-xY
Little Rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCdGO2PZC-0
Improvisation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpZbaoBrc_E

Kai Eckhardt
Solo #1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsuYOg-KS3A
Solo # 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4RWt_dyba4&feature=related

Rocco Prestia
Funk Bass Lesson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6x--c9SZak
Only So Much Oil On The Ground: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5txk-Y9EM

Cheers!