Just got back from a ten-day trip to Holland where I have several research collaborations. That explains my hiatus from posting. Tonight I want to introduce you to Guthrie Govan (born 27 December 1971 in Chelmsford, England), a brilliant master of all things guitar. Guthrie began playing guitar at the age of three, encouraged by his father, and initially learned mainly by ear. He studied English at Oxford for a year, but left to establish a career in music. In 1993 he won Guitarist Magazine’s Guitarist of the Year competition with his composition, “Wonderful Slippery Thing,” a version of which I’ve included below.
To me, what makes Guthrie stand out is his versatility. I’ve included videos of him playing in the style of many of the great guitarists of our time and don’t miss the one labeled, “Mimicking the Guitar Greats.” He’s got technique oozing out of every pore of his skin, but his sense of composition and melody weaves musical poetry with each song. Rather than being just a lightning fast shredder, he’s a guitar storyteller. So kick back and listen to “The Tales of Guthrie Govan.”
Robben Ford style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GOs7iLKaTI&feature=relmfu
Larry Carlton style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUZK9dasP8s&feature=relmfu
Albert King style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbJUs8QPxqc&feature=relmfu
Satriani style blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMznXdD4kX4&feature=relmfu
Mimicking the guitar greats: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaIzEo013iI&feature=related
Jam on a fretless guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PyOZhgQnvU&feature=related
Wonderful Slippery Thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc1tFoxTepM&feature=related
Chick Corea’s Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzlrfe3t3o0&feature=related
While I was visiting Groningen, I had a very nice 2009 Pinot Noir from La Forge Estates. It’s about $10.00 in the U.S. and a good buy. La Forge wines are made by Domaines Paul Mas from grapes mainly grown at the Domaine La Forge in the Languedoc. The main part of the vineyards is located on the East of the city of Carcassonne in the Languedoc, in Limoux. This area is one of the best adapted for growing Pinot Noir in the South of France, due to its altitude and the cooler temperatures. Its color is garnet red with a nose of strawberries, cherries, and spice with hints of vanilla. It’s a medium bodied wine with a palate that follows the nose and has good acidity. Nice finish and for $10.00, you won’t go wrong. Combine it with Guthrie’s virtuoso guitar and you’ve got a great way to end the weekend. Enjoy!
Cheers!
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