Sebastien Cloutier and Simi Cabernet

This will be my last blog for about two weeks as I’m traveling to Europe on business and doubt I’ll be able to write from afar. Tonight I’m featuring a Canadian guitarist, Sebastien Cloutier. He’s got electric chops that remind me a little of Steffan Shackinger, yet he also plays a very nice acoustic. The best place to find his music is on his MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/sebastiencloutier .

Lot’s of stuff for listening and some nice videos. I’ve placed a couple below, including several duets with Antoine Dufour, another Canadian guitar whiz and one of my personal favorites. Enjoy!

For All My Friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv6IrxRM2kM&feature=PlayList&p=A828CF892996A93C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=58
Sychronicity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hzgt-1AxZU&feature=related

Universe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59btS-Y4f6E&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=FC0717F8258F5221

Think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4cFxbcp4oI&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=FC0717F8258F5221&index=8 

Fluid Parallel (with Antoine Dufour): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AouNgDIluns&feature=related

Rockin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVmdaRbdMFg

Since Sebastien is a bit of a heavy prog rocker, I’m pairing him with a very nice 2005 Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (about $18.00). Like Sebastien, it’s bright with bunches of fruit like blackberries, dark cherries, and a touch of plum that burst onto your palate. Nice fruity nose too. It’s a pretty big wine, not wimpy, with a lot of body. Very nice wine for a dinner of beef or for just sipping in front of the fire with a copy of my latest book, Twice Fallen. See you in two weeks.

Cheers!

John Renbourn & La Storia Zinfandel

When I was in high school, a friend of mine who was anything but a guitar player, bought an album entitled “The Lady and the Unicorn” by John Renbourn. That was my first exposure to Celtic music and I’ve loved it ever since. Back in the 60’s he played with the group Pentangle along with another outstanding acoustic guitarist Bert Jansch. That was as the beginning of the rise of the folk era of music which later competed with the psychedelic scene for dominance in the late 60’s. His music is very peaceful listening. Hope you enjoy him.

Sweet Potato: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EH3Bh3Sc2k&feature=related

Bunyan’s hymn/I saw three ships: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMvyd6xetPY&feature=related

English dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_U4Jsp3nv0

The Snows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBHEQNdio9Q&feature=related

Cannonball Rag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C9c0KpTtfo&feature=related

Lord Franklin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n02qyrlBUk

The South Wind/Blarney Pilgrim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEy-tPyy-vw

Blues Run the Game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikzJrcVPScY&feature=related

Great Dreams from Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikzJrcVPScY&feature=related

The Lady Goes to Church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moWGb7hOyKk&feature=related

And along with a very classy guitarist I’m going to pair a La Storia Zinfandel from Trentadue Winery (usually about $26.00 but I got it on sale for $20.00). This a dark rich wine with a strong fruity bouquet. Lots of jammy fruit on the palate and a long lingering finish. Very smooth with a touch of mocha on the finish. This is everything a Zin should be. Enjoy!

Cheers!