Pete Huttlinger and Layer Cake Cote du Rhone

Tonight I’m featuring a man whose guitar playing is amazing. Pete Huttlinger is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. In 2000, he won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. He did a stint touring with John Denver and played the guitar on Denver’s Grammy wininng CD, “All Aboard.” He’s performed on numerous other Grammy nominated projects. He was also nominated for an Emmy for the music he composed and performed for a PBS special and also played on the PBS Nature special “Let This Be A Voice.” In 2004 and 2007, he was invited to perform at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festivals. Accolades aside, listen to his stuff. I love what he does with Stevie wonder’s “Superstition.” In fact, I included two performances for your listening pleasure. He reminds me a bit of Adam Rafferty, one of my all time favorite acoustic guitarists. Of course, Pete’s also one of my favorites. Enjoy!

Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRamobGYBCE&feature=related

Superstition II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17dtwjr5R6E&feature=related

Beatles Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuZCvOzkIa8&feature=related

Josie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swRvM_56zZI&feature=related

I wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUnqg7qDSlE

Sunny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd-tkYrxPdY&feature=related

Isn’t she lovely: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlneCJo5kHw&feature=related

My Cherie amour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6QBR-T__UM&feature=related

Darcy’s guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7j_cXUGzaw&feature=related

The Santa Rita Connection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pn17Wl4mNY&feature=related

Things are looking up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crtCKwh2YPU&feature=related

Felicidade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfRQYtebncw&feature=related

The View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqxuS1Ib2Jg


I’m pairing Pete with a French Layer Cake wine. However, Layer Cake Cote du Rhone (2006; $16.00) is a bit different than most other Rhones. Rather than being a blend, it’s pure Syrah sourced from the region around Châteauneuf du Pape. The bouquet is a combination of cherry and strawberry with a hint of black pepper. The palate is loaded with cherry augmented by flavors of chocolate and spice with a very nice lingering finish. This is the third Layer Cake wine I’ve reviewed and I must say I’m impressed. For the money, they are delicious wines with good value. Pete Huttlinger, Layer Cake Cote du Rhone, and Friday night. What could be better?

Cheers!