Acoustic Covers Vol. 2 & Mount Langi Ghiran “Billi Billi” Shiraz

Volume two of acoustic guitarists doing covers of well known songs and I have to admit I went a little crazy. I couldn’t decide who to include…so I included all of my favorites. Jacques Stotzem is a contrast in styles. He plays some of the most lyrical and beautiful compositions, but underneath that sensitive exterior lies the heart of a rocker. I never imagined hearing Purple Haze on an acoustic guitar. And just in time for Halloween, check out the California Guitar Trio’s version of Tubular bells. Play that in the background as the kids come for trick or treat. Adam Rafferty is one of my all time favorite guitarists. He’s got a new YouTube channel that doesn’t seem to play anything, so I put the old videos on tonight’s blog. Just listen and disregard the notice that may show up on some of them. Last, but certainly not least, Tommy Emmanuel is as close as one gets to an acoustic shredder. He is amazing and if you want to hear more, check out my 6/28/09 blog. Enjoy!


Jacques Stotzem: (Reviewed 1/30/10)

With or Without You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQagK7mA0Aw

Fields of Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mecdFGOqclM&feature=related

Purple Haze: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7G0CPmAqrY&feature=related

Voodoo Child/Moonchild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfIX4dw9WXs&feature=related

Shape of my Heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Uj_mX_UP8&feature=related

Heart of Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxr4TJRh844&feature=related



California Guitar Trio (Reviewed 1/1/10)

Bohemian Rhapsody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNNcMDZn2Qk

Tubular Bells: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2OCF1ar0kk

Classical Gas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g01fVqSBww



Adam Rafferty (Reviewed 11/12/09)

Rock with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWz9y9k7DIo

I wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fdwOEPfznk

Thriller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZQuU8rE1LE

Off the wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP0T7-M_wWM&feature=related

Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiXCyISQSdE&feature=related

With Tommy Emmanuel; Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVuIfpIuLWk&feature=related



Tommy Emmanuel (Reviewed 6/28/09)

Day Tripper/Lady Madonna: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYzajpeAWuA

Here comes the sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOw6gCPDEQ8&feature=related

House of the rising sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIWSVTaytOw&feature=related

Heartbreak Hotel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVFt5sS4gRE&feature=related

To accompany this round of cover experts, I recommend a 2008 Mount Langi Ghiran “Billi Billi” Shiraz ($15.00). It’s dark red in color with aromas of plum, cherry and chocolate. The wine feels full in the mouth. Flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and coffee spiced with pepper linger through a long finish. It’s not jammy, but rather dry, a good thing in my book. As the wine sat exposed to air for about an hour, it really opened up and showed good balance of fruit and spice. Enjoy!

Cheers!