Tal Wilkenfeld & Brazin Zinfandel

So, whilst I was cruising the electrons looking for recordings by Jeff Beck, I came across Tal Wilkenfeld, a 24 year old phenom from Australia. She first picked up the guitar at 14 and at 16, left home and headed for Los Angeles where she switched to bass. She’s had a meteoric rise that includes playing with jazz greats like Chic Corea, blues & rock artists Susan Tedeschi and the Allman Brothers, and touring with Jeff Beck as well as an endorsement deal from Roger Sadowsky Guitars (great basses!).

Beck is one of her biggest fans, who is quoted as saying, "What can I say about Tal Wilkenfeld? How does one describe an astonishing talent? The answer is, you don't. You listen, and watch, as 45,000 people did in Chicago at the Crossroads Festival 2007. I have witnessed special moments in my time, but to see all those 'dyed-in-the-wool' blues fanatics and guitar freaks go berzzzzerk half way through her solo left me emotional, and that is an understatement. The word proud is barely adequate." Not a bad person to have behind your career!


Enough chat. Check her out. Enjoy!

Serendipity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK03pYCLJho

River of Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQgd1fmPI1k&feature=related

Table for One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu6zUwDv-o4&feature=related

Truth be Told: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4zO6HPgQ3w&feature=related

With Chick Corea, Lenore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpNKwwGFC4o

With Oteil Burbridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2idCMAyU5jc&feature=related

Solo (with Jeff Beck): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf-J_sJB29Q

Duet with Jeff Beck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDgkbLw4qkw

Bass Solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0jxOagbqK8

Snake Oil Solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRghs-dB9BA

Cause we’ve ended as lovers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIFFRHBCPzA

When I first saw her videos, I thought she couldn’t be 21 yet. Technically, I suppose I shouldn’t review a wine while I’m discussing a minor’s work. Thankfully, she’s now 24, so let me introduce you to a 2007 Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel ($20.00). I really like this wine. It’s got a nose full of berries and spice. Its palate is complex with notes of berries, coffee, figs, chocolate, vanilla, and pepper. It was a double gold medal winner at the 2009 California State Fair wine Competition. I liked it enough to buy three more bottles. Excellent!

Cheers!