Craig Chaquico & Rita Medalla Real Carmenère

Tonight I’ve got a rocker turned smooth jazzer, namely Craig Chaquico. He was the lead guitarist for various incarnations of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship combining with the group on twenty gold records. In the early nineties, he moved in a different direction becoming an award winning solo contemporary instrumental artist, songwriter, and producer. Some my favorite recordings of his are those on which he teamed with Russ Freeman of the Rippingtons. He makes some of the most listenable music on the planet. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t include a number he wrote and performed with Starship, namely “Jane.” Hope you enjoy him.

Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRp9BiVQ58E&feature=related

With Russ Freeman, Riders of the ancient winds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y86ryfxsIVU

Find your way back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEjjh5SmtYg&feature=related

Café Carnival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyFEt74P8qY&feature=related

Dreamcatcher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhIRrP8r0Mg&feature=related

Forbidden Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOpPQ53Y5_4&feature=related

Afterglow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9hFfMfVspI&feature=related

Summer’s End: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXhtGaDLq7Q&feature=related

Gypsy Nights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjnthLSws2w&feature=related

Return of the eagle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqvFZMfixw8&feature=related

Shadow and light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOJlFs3Hp6U&feature=related

Mountain in the mist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSC2eDI8TMI&feature=related

Turquoise Moon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHdqxH70yo&feature=related

With Starship; Jane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXHnvKt6Ltc&feature=related

To keep you on track for the remainder of the week, I’ll pair Craig with a Chilean beauty: a 2008 Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenère ($16.00). It’s deep ruby red with a bouquet of black fruits and spice augmented by elegant oak and chocolate. Its palate is full of blackberries, chocolate, and coffee with a mouth feel that’s very smooth, almost creamy, developing a bit of spice as it’s exposed to air. A really delightful wine. Combine it with the music of Craig Chaquico and let it lift your mood for the rest of the week. Enjoy!

Cheers!