James Taylor & Crane Brothers Brodatious

Since today is Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d feature a man who, in my opinion, writes some of the best love songs, or for that matter, any kind of songs, namely James Taylor. I first saw him when I was in college with a band consisting of Leeland Sklar, Danny Lortchmar, and Carol King. Although I was a professional bassist at the time, I decided to get serious about the acoustic guitar, so I bought a book that taught his finger picking style and did some serious wood shedding. His guitar style is magical. He plays so effortlessly that you don’t realize how complex his picking is. He is a rare artist.


And for a rare artist, we need a rare wine: Crane Brothers 2005 Brodatious. I bought six bottles of this wine through Wine Access (www.wineaccess.com ) for about $22.00 per bottle. It’s a micro-cuvee with only a few hundred cases made each year. Brodatious is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon; 40% Merlot; and 10% Syrah. It’s deep purple in color with a bouquet of red currents, cherries, and vanilla. A swirl around the glass shows off its very long legs. The palate is layered with an initial burst of cherry, crème de cassis, and blackberry followed by a middle layer of dark berries, mocha, a touch of vanilla, and supple tannins. Very long finish. Unfortunately, it’s very hard to find, but if you see a bottle snatch it up. It’s a treasure you shouldn’t pass up. Happy Valentine’s Day!


Fire & Rain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T35WXFOmwI

Sweet Baby James: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EoNd_maBbY&feature=related

Close your eyes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_D0i7UC9UY&feature=related

Copperline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSSqnBfgBsQ&feature=related

You’ve got a friend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RPCFfudmU&feature=related

Handy man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzW1LEY125s&feature=related

Don’t let me be lonely tonight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iDul2ElFGI&feature=related

Chili Dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGiv1t3Reg8

Angry Blues/Twist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqiVuKdOhr8

Steamroller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQYdCQSGl5A&feature=related

Country Road: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujkbzu7jpTI&feature=related

Carolina in my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX-51Fei5fA&feature=related

Something in the way she moves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dnpY5unArc&feature=fvw


Cheers!