Argintine Patriota & John Mayer

Back in 2001, I working in my home office, when a song came on my son’s radio that hooked me. It was Neon by an newbie on the block, John Mayer. Now, I know he’s a teen heart throb but I gotta tell ya, I’m a fan. He is one fine guitarist. His first CD, “No Room For Squares,” has some mighty fine acoustic guitar on it and Neon is my favorite. John plays a lot of chords, a lot of very difficult chords, and he’s excellent at improvisation. I’ve said in the past I’m a fan of the blues and this kid can play. I hear all the time that this guy or that kid is supposed to be the next Stevie Ray Vaughn, but in my opinion, John’s got the title. He’s Stevie and Jimi Hendrix rolled into one. His voice interesting but I really listen for his guitar playing.

I love his version of “Message in a Bottle,” but the song that is a real killer (besides Neon) is In Your Atmosphere. Beautiful lyric and really fine guitar playing. And by the way, all you bass players, if you don’t have John’s “Try” CD, you need to get a hold of it. Pino Paladino lays down some mighty fine bass lines. Hope you enjoy it.

Neon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M5cNcRcMk

Neon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzsEzD2fVwE&feature=related

Message in a bottle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmYys-ZjNrg&feature=related

No Such Thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya93JWrdxFc

Heart of Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS8NvoMudy8

In Your Atmosphere- little known but really beautiful, moody song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMVQ1synlaU

Love Song for No One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NuCuTOiqeo&feature=related

John Mayer Trio with Steve Jordon (drums) & Pino Paladino, one of my favorite bassists
Good Love is on the Way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Nx6rzYBAc&feature=related

Wait until Tomorrow (by J. Hendrix): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bww30yl3Jps&feature=related

I got a woman—Steve Jordon lays down an incredible beat! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RckfbOm84Qc

I’ve been reading a lot about the wines of Argentina and Chile and I realized, I’ve never tried one. Well, I was perusing my local wine shop and they were having a sale on Tikal Patriota: $19.00. So I says to myself, “Self, why not try this one?” And I did. Keep in mind I knew very little about Argentinian wines other than their two most frequently used grapes are Malbec and Bonarda. The Patriota is a blend of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec. According to their website, Patriota is aged in French oak for 12 months. I realized as soon as I poured it into my glass that it’s bottled unfined and unfiltered. It’s kinda of a hazy purple color. On the nose, there are strong notes of black cherry and blueberry. On the palate, you can taste both the berries plus raspberry, currents, and a hint of chocolate. Long, lingering finish. It’s not a subtle wine, rather it’s quite powerful. It’s most definitely a winner. After I drank it, I did a little research, I found that Robert Parker at Wine Spectator rated it 90 while Wine & spirits Magazine rated it 91, so I guess I picked a good one. “Try” it with John Mayer’s blues CD, “Try (pun intended).

Cheers!