Erik Mongrain
(born April 1980 in Montreal, Québec, Canada) is one of my favorite acoustic
guitar innovators. He grew up in Canada and began teaching himself how to play
guitar at the age of 14. His early influences were Michael Hedges and Don Ross,
the latter another fantastic Canadian guitarist. His style has evolved over the
years I’ve been listening to him, getting more and more complex and reflecting
a variety of moods. He’s an innovative player and composer who uses alternate
tunings and some rather unorthodox techniques as he weaves his intriguing
melodies.
His trademark
“lap-tapping” technique is fascinating to watch and hear. Alternatively
hammering and strumming the strings with the extended index finger of his right
hand while generating percussive rhythms on the guitar’s body his fist and knuckles,
he produces sounds that ring like bells as he taps out a melody with his left
hand. His 2006 YouTube video of “Airtap” (see below) generated 10,000,000
views.
He’s released
three albums: 2006’s “Fates”, 2008’s “Equilibrium”., and 2012’s “Forward.” While
his CDs are excellent, if you get a chance to see him live, do it. You’ll
witness one of today’s guitar virtuoso’s.
PercusienFa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUQzXQhAgvw
Aftermath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOgRKhZO4NM
Salvation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRHYejhQVbE
Equilibrium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNpIoCuvHfg
Pandora’s box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFAo2Wevkoo
Mais Quand?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1vVVqYIfeQ
A Ripple Effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKQ5yrLVHE4
I’m pairing Eric with a 2012
Volver ($15.00), a single vineyard Spanish wine made from 100% Tempranillo. The
wine is deep ruby in color and explodes with aromas of black cherries,
boysenberry, and exotic spices. The palate follows the nose adding blue and
blackberries and closing with a long lingering spiciness. Ordinarily I would
drink this hearty wine in the winter months, but we’ve had some unseasonably
cool weather this summer, a welcome change from our usual summer inferno, so
the Volver paired with lap-tapping Eric Mongrain is a perfect combination.
Cheers!
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