Igor Presnyakov & Layer Cake Virgin Chardonnay

Whilst surfing the web searching out new guitarists, I came across an incredible new artist, Igor Presnyakov. At least, he’s new to me. Born in Moscow, Igor is a guitarist/composer (and sometimes singer) who started out studying classical guitar, but now has an incredibly varied style and repertoire that includes pop, jazz and classical fused into a unique genre all his own. He’s been playing for over 35 years and now lives in the Netherlands (Viva le Orange for taking down Brazil in the World Cup!) What an incredible musician! I’ve selected a variety of covers that he’s arranged, including my favorite psyche-up song: Enter Sandman by Metallica. I think you’re gonna like him. Enjoy!


Beat it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeVsHYVoFxY&feature=related

Sweet Child ‘O’ Mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9oae5ClxaQ

Thunderstruck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bozbet6uko8&feature=related

Enter Sandman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FjJdIedl3Q

Poker face: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY53khFqGDU&feature=related

You give love a bad name: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqq1CVdsiYM&feature=related

Walk of Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3-rX_gdQD8&feature=related

Black or White: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXZG51tvYbU&feature=related

Poker Face: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY53khFqGDU&feature=related

Snow (Hey Oh): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxl2epHHO8c&feature=related

Kiss from a Rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmdFZrDLuG0&feature=related

Californication: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XYWblUqU0s&feature=related  

Hallelujah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yF5qBGZqNU&feature=related

Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FHOz0fDmr0&feature=related

Just the Two of us: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PchQyHIhkiM&feature=related

Englishman in New York: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hALsw_lwDCU&feature=related

Your Latest Trick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAStwYzUMis&feature=related

A Bit Of Funk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w197MmKHpA4&feature=related

I took two days off to strip and refinish my deck. Fun in the sun! My wife says I really know how to have a good time. Anyway, working in the heat, covered in stripper, stain, sawdust, and sweat has me in the mood for a French-style Chardonnay (after a shower, of course), so I’m pairing Igor with a 2008 Layer Cake Virgin Chardonnay ($14.00). It’s called “virgin” because it never comes in contact with oak. By French style, I mean it doesn’t taste like a crock of butter. Rather, it’s crisp with creamy lemon meringue pie, pineapple, and key limes on the palette. The finish is light and clean. This is my style of Chard. Many of the California Chardonnay’s have overpowering oakiness and cover up some fermentative flaws with a heavy buttery taste. If that’s your style, great, but for my money, this is a great wine for kicking back on my newly redone deck and listening to Igor’s music. Try a bottle. Enjoy!

Cheers!