Joe Bonamassa & Peter Lehmann Layers

Although he’s been around for a while, Joe Bonamassa is just now becoming recognized for the great blues guitarist that he is. For me, a great blues artist combines musical virtuosity with a rasping voice that captures the emotional essence of the genre. Stevie Ray Vaughn had it. So does Joe. He’s a rare performer splitting time between acoustic and electric guitar work. I’ve included seven acoustic and six electric numbers for your listening pleasure. My favorite is his electric work on “Stop,” but there’s a lot of good stuff here. Hope you like him.


Shredding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmsGsovV0Bo

High Water: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqMzGb1VTDo&feature=related  

Unplugged @ the Bluebird: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXGnyc539LY&feature=related

Zaragossa Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF6W3P6LzFI&feature=related

Woke up dreaming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5B3FYUBPyo&feature=related

Unplugged & Unleashed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71_Qw_HtukI&feature=related

Live in Berlin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNMAq8arzUM&feature=related

Albert hall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwoNA67k2EI&feature=related

Stop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMXXnLSRdBE&feature=related

Ballad of John Henry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaCjPdtDBxo&feature=related

Burning Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_3TkbS6C5s&feature=related

Don’t burn down the bridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIMiKAIXHks&feature=related

One of these days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDcx_5N9qVo&feature=related

Blues Deluxe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn09Xn9JF5s&feature=related

I’m pairing Joe with a very interesting white wine, namely Peter Lehmann’s 2009 Layers ($13.00). I say interesting because it’s a blend of Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürtztraminer and Muscat picked from different vineyards throughout the Barossa and Adelaide regions. You’d think with a combination like this the wine would have trouble establishing an identity, but each grape contributes a unique character and flavor to produce an easy drinking and approachable medium-bodied white. The “Layers” name comes from the layers of fruit that give the wine its complexity. It’s a pale yellow-green color with a bouquet reminiscent of Semillon and Sauvignon blanc with green apple and citrus aromas. When it first hits the palate, I taste the Pinot Gris and unoaked Chardonnay, again with lemon, lime, crisp autumn apples, and a nice jolt of acidity. It finishes with the spicy notes of the Gewurtztraminer that linger for quite a while.

With all the different grapes, that’s a lot of balls to juggle but it is pulled off with finesse making it a great wine for sipping on a cool autumn evening watching the stars come out and listening to the blues of Joe Bonamassa. Have a great Monday. Enjoy!

Cheers!