DMichaelOlive

Joe Bonamassa & Storybrook Mountain Zinfandel

2012-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

It’s been a loooonnnngggg week and nothing helps me unwind better than some driving blues guitar, and Joe Bonamassa is one of the premier blues guitarists around. He was born and raised in New Hartford, NY, where his parents owned and ran a guitar shop. With a great-grandfather and grandfather who both played trumpet, and a father who plays guitar, Bonamassa credits his parents with fostering an appreciation of music in his life as early as he can remember. When he was a young child, he would listen to his parents' record collection, and recalls sitting with his parents on Saturdays, listening to Guitar Slim, Bonnie Rait, Jethro Tull, Eric Clapton, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

He received his first guitar from his father at the age of 4, and by age 7 he was playing Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix. He cites three recordings as his biggest influences: John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher’s Irish Tour, and Cream’s Goodbye. As he says in the interview in the second to last link below, one day his father brought home a tape of Cream’s Goodbye concert at the Royal Albert Hall. He watched everything Clapton did and later learned the licks by heart. Life in the blues lane took off after that.

The last two links will take you to Joe’s entire 2011 two hour concert at the Royal Albert Hall. If you like the blues, you’re gonna like Joe.

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

Last Kiss: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0lIZHspjXU&feature=related

Stop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWty_lD1ZLA&feature=related

Sloe Gin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46UFXQVSnKs&feature=related

Woke up dreaming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry4NCejMZ7E&feature=related

Had to cry today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IN-qpLNQ3w&feature=related

Dustbowl: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDH8Zl09pCw

Acoustic Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gItGaQBzsYQ&feature=related

Lonesome road blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10RyetlCG0g&feature=related

One of these days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amPWsd4Sv54&feature=related

Just got paid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0APsJ9U3N0&feature=related

Cradle rock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW6fFNkeNc0&feature=related

Royal Albert Hall Concert Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIXAywCS5Vs&feature=related

Royal Albert Hall Concert Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhWzpTMgNSU&feature=related

I’m pairing Joe with a 2008 Storybrook Mountain Mayacamas Range Zinfandel ($24.00). This wine is normally about $34.00, but my wine shop had a sale, so it qualifies for my review. It’s also one of my favorite Zins. The wine is deep purple with a bouquet of fresh picked blackberries tinged with exotic spices. The flavor is full of sweet blackberries, tart raspberries, and vibrant strawberries with black pepper accents. After a long week, this is the perfect wine for unwinding with some of the best blues guitar you’ll ever hear. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Alain Caron & Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

2012-02-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

I feels like this week just keeps dragging on and on, so who better to kick us through the last two days of the week than one of my favorite bassists, namely the Canadian Alain Caron. Alain’s career took off when he won an amateur music contest at the age of 11. At the age of 14 he discovered jazz, the musical style that became his passion in life.

In 1977, he began playing with a group of musicians who eventually formed the super fusion band UZEB. The group called Montreal its home and Alain began doing side work as a studio musician and jamming in jazz clubs when the group was idle. Eventually, this self-taught musician found his way to Boston’s Berklee School of Music where he performed nightly with the likes of David Kikovsky, Tom Harrell, Sal Nestico, Frank Tiberi, Jerry Bergonzi, and Bob Moses.

He returned to Montreal to focus mainly on UZEB as the group gradually evolved into a more mature band, playing sophisticated fusion. Between 1981 and 1990 UZEB recorded ten albums and sold over 400,000 copies, performing concerts in more than 20 countries.

Caron has toured with Mike Stern, Frank Gambale, Biréli Lagrène, Didier Lockwood, Tiger Okoshi, Billy Cobham, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Dennis Chambers, Alex Acuna, Don Alias and Gino Vannelli performing concerts in more than 30 countries

In 2007 The University of Quebec, awarded him an honorary doctorate and he is the only musician to have ever received this honor. As of today, Alain has released more than 20 records, solo or with the group UZEB as well as 25 recordings with collaborators or as a guest artist. He was ranked Best Bass player for 10 years in the row by magazine The Jazz Report. I could go on and on, but I think his music says it all. Enjoy!

Turkey loose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5uin7Clzs4

No left turn on Tuesday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-Vbc4MOsq0&feature=related

Signal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1mhfXJp-y4&feature=related

Slam the clown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bu8TVgRJtk&feature=related

D-Code: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL1Vc5-YHh4&feature=related

Solitude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-ZuraldENM&feature=related

Trouble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxwU0T52aY4&feature=related

Feel the bass day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR-oOUFWzxE&feature=related

Grand Café: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92j-4PSjd6g&feature=related

Cross Checking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4c_BlnZHVg&feature=related

The Bump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-XoF9P9Cm4&feature=related

Donna Lee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK4Z1JFUX-g&feature=related

I’m pairing Alain with a 2009 Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Napa Valley. Chad makes spectacular Cab’s and this one is especially good. The deep purple wine explodes with a bouquet of raspberry and boysenberry. It’s dense on the attack with lots of purple fruit, cassis, and supple tannins. I bought a case of it thinking it would last through the winter. It won’t. It’s a wonderful pick-me-up for a dreary week, especially paired with the music of Alain Caron. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Davy Graham & Sergio Aligheri Poderi Del Bello Ovile

2012-02-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

We got a foot of snow last night and expect 6-8 more inches during the day, so it’s a good day to sit by a fire with a glass of excellent wine and listen to one of the most influential figures in folk guitar music, none other than the great Davy Graham. Graham was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England to a Guyanese mother and a Scottish father. He never studied music theory, but self taught himself to play the piano and harmonica. Then, at the age of 12, he took up the classical guitar. As a teenager, he was greatly influenced by a folk guitar player named Steve Benbow, who had traveled widely with the British army and whose guitar style was influenced by Moroccan music.

Davy is best known for his pioneering use of the DADGAD tuning, which is widely used by fingerstyle guitarists today. Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Martin McCarthy, Paul Simon, and Jimmy Page were strongly influenced by his style and music. At the age of 19, Graham wrote what is probably his most famous composition, the acoustic guitar solo “Anji”, named after his then girlfriend. The tune spread through generations and has become a rite of passage for acoustic guitarists. It has a quirky rhythm with a haunting, beautiful melody. The hardest part in playing it is that there are two beats to every bass note instead of the usual one. It’s one of my favorite acoustic tunes.

Graham was never interested in fame and fortune but had a childlike, obsessive enthusiasm for music that never left him until his death in 2008. He would give a free private concert just for the asking. His spontaneity made him unpredictable. In the late 1960s, he was booked for a tour of Australia, but when his plane stopped in Bombay for an hour, he changed plans and spent the next six months wandering around India. Through his wanderings, he picked up musical styles from around the world and is often credited with founding world music. You can hear the influence of the Oud on the song “Fakir.”

He retired in obscurity, engaging in charity work and teaching as well as suffering through periods of drug use. In 2008, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died on December 15^th of that year. So, while those of you on the coasts go about your usual Saturday tasks, we, in the Midwest will be enjoying a day of rest. Can’t go anywhere, so I intend to listen to Davy’s music with a cup of coffee (the wine will come later), and work on my newest thriller novel. Join me, and enjoy Davy Graham.

Anji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n8cxvzol3E&feature=related

All of me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7Si_glXOzc&feature=related

City & Suburban blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZWtNYDz1So&feature=related

Capricho arabe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLu3DninoYk&feature=related

Seven Gypsies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucE4Wfb_iFs&feature=related

How long, how long blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usflOEMTAeI&feature=related

Fakir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcTUL51tubU&feature=related

Jubilation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDzNNDkS2kQ&feature=related

Better get it in your soul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIvracsLU6I&feature=related

Cocaine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fclb_pY7kvE&feature=related

She moves through the fair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvpTVn_Ltzc&feature=related

Sita Ram: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98to5-2ZuGQ&feature=related

Lute Tune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEWbGpKAUPU&feature=related

Lost lover blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7ioY3qgJUc&feature=related

Hoochie Coochie Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdX6sBchmLg&feature=related

I am a rock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Mhtk2jtWE&feature=related

Ballad of a Sad Young Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXOAD5gwei8&feature=related

Money Honey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7c1O-rs34&feature=related

Walkin the dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTPMWhPdYu0&feature=related

Since Davy Graham is a world musician, I’m pairing him with a 2009 Sergio Aligheri Poderi Del Bello Ovile from Tuscany. Toscana is perhaps the most famous of all Italian wine regions and is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines. The Poderi Del Bello Ovile is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 5% Ciliegiolo. It’s deep ruby red with ripe berry and herb aromas with notes of spice, coffee, and vanilla. It’s medium dry with good baked fruit flavors of raspberry, cherry, and pepper with fine tannins and a fruity finish. It reminds me of a summer day, which, when one is in the middle of a blizzard, isn’t a bad thing. For those of you in the Midwest, listen to Davy’s music, and if you can’t get to a wine shop because of the snow, grab whatever you’ve got and file this for future reference. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Daryl Kellie & Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

2012-01-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

If I had to describe Daryl Kellie in one word, it would be smooth. He is one of the finest acoustic guitarists around, and cites a diverse group of influences from Metallica to Coltrane, and his percussive style is very polished and unique.

He started playing the guitar at the age of 12 and was completely self-taught until, at the age of 15, his school music teacher arranged free guitar lessons for him. Through formal teaching, he learned music theory and proper guitar technique.

As any professional knows, nothing beats playing publically in jam sessions for honing your chops. Daryl seized every opportunity he could find and had the opportunity to jam or attend teaching sessions with several well known guitarists, including jazz great Martin Taylor.

Beginning in 2006, he worked as a session guitarist and bassist with a few different groups. Daryl’s experiments with percussive techniques began in 2008 and he is one of the most proficient guitar “drummers” I’ve heard. Many of the songs I’ve included below are unique. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a guitarist do a Beyonce number but Daryl performs “Put A Ring On It” admirably, although he can’t dance as well as Beyonce. Then again, she can’t handle a guitar like Daryl. Also, don’t miss his work on a unique 10-string guitar. One of my favorite numbers, however, is his smoky rendition of “Those Shoes.” Hope you enjoy his music.

Those Shoes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm64LBRaT7o&feature=related

Michael Jackson Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58nv8tVRLX4&feature=related

Single Ladies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0co60k5JvU&feature=related

The power of love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yV3eS_VU98&feature=related

Let her go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY6CDgaKkXw&feature=related

It Must Be Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1WohSMbfQs&feature=related

15: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_H2IbSYwJw&feature=related

Super Mario Theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH7k5bqxtuI&feature=related

My Friend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngz0keR62Ao&feature=related

La La La: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbJv7hQoSH8&feature=related

Last Friday Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOuEGdWL2eU&feature=related

Jack’s Dream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhqEPQ-IpUs&feature=related

The past is dead for everyone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhuOTlvXCp0&feature=related

10 String guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIz3FunbRgQ&feature=related

Since I described Daryl’s style as smooth, it’s only fair that I pair him with a similar wine. So, I recommend a 2009 Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. I’ve had his Cabernet before and loved it, so when I saw the reserve I figured I couldn’t go wrong. I was right. The wine is deep purple with a wonderful bouquet of raspberry and currents. Dark fruit and rich cassis dominate the palate with just the right amount of tannin. I recommend you let it air for about an hour before drinking, although once the aroma hits your nose, that may be difficult. If you can hold off, you’ll be sipping an incredibly smooth elixir that pairs perfectly with the music of Daryl Kellie.

Cheers!

Shaun Hopper and Santa Lucia Vineyards Pinot Noir

2012-01-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

Shaun Hopper was born and raised in Adel, Georgia. He picked up the guitar at the age of 12 after hearing a street musician fingerpick a Nirvana song outside a local arcade. He studied with a series of excellent teachers, learning music theory and classical methods, but probably his most influential teacher was the great Sam Pachetti (previously reviewed here)who taught him Celtic and fingerstyle arrangements.

Shaun started his professional career in 2002 playing bass and touring with several rock and country bands, but even after a late night gig, he’d return to his hotel room and pull out his acoustic guitar. Eventually the call to solo fingerstyle guitar was too strong and, after honing his craft, he competed in the 2007 Winfield National Fingerpicking Championships where he won “Best Instrumental song for his composition, “Autumn Of Any Year.” That same year he won 2^nd place in the singer-songwriter competition in Eddie’s Attic’s Shootout held in Atlanta each year. The Atlanta Constitution awarded him the title of “Best Musician on the Rise (2007).

Since then he has opened for The John Jorgenson Quintet, Pierre Bensusan, The California guitar Trio, Muriel Anderson, and Switchfoot and has co-written songs with Tommy Emmanuel. Most recently, he signed with Steve Vai’s Most Favored Nations Label and produced his 2010 latest CD, “Lower Case Letters.” So, “Come Together” and enjoy a master guitarist plying his craft.

Come together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jsIne_sYoM

Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk6XS7zOWNM&feature=related

Over the line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzqqelh6EyM&feature=related

Overjoyed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8rZnpvOCAc&feature=related

Bohemian Rhapsody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSuaSEKu0ZQ&feature=related

No such thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRz1Su08iz4&feature=related

Paper Orchid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BhCdhiZpD8

Singing through the storm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koczXygKlWU&feature=related

Merrily kissed the Quaker’s Wife: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZdSv_wFKvE&feature=related

Charlie Brown theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVUDThJLffs&feature=related

The String Poet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrKAA1VTgQU&feature=related

Miss Judy’s Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo99fpLPUm0&feature=related

First ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RuD9gNPPFs&feature=related

Merrily kissed the Quaker’s wife: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZdSv_wFKvE&feature=related

Irish Jig Jam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej15kQHB1_M&feature=related

At the dim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8pFMK--Ag4&feature=related

I’m going to pair Shaun with a 2009 Siduri Santa Lucia Vineyards Pinot Noir ($24.00). This is a big Pinot, dark ruby colored, with a bouquet of cherries and cinnamon. It’s full of the flavors of delicious tart cherry, vanilla, and allspice, sweetening a bit on the finish. It’s medium bodied, well balanced, and overall just stunning. So get a fire in the fireplace, pour yourself a glass of this wonderful Pinot Noir, and give a listen to the music of Shaun Hopper.

Cheers!

Stevie Ray Vaughn & Domaine Saint-Amant Grangeneuve

2012-01-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

I’ve been out of commission due to business travel and a death in my wife’s family. While in Chicago for the funeral, I saw a sign advertising skiing at Alpine Valley Wisconsin and at the same time a Stevie Ray Vaughn came on the radio. Since he died in a helicopter crash after a concert at Alpine Valley, I thought it only appropriate to do a tribute to him.

Vaughn was a driving musical force for the blues between 1980 and 1990, melding it with rock as no one else had ever done, nor has anyone approached his accomplishments since his death. He drew equally from bluesmen like Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Albert Collins, rock & roll players like Jimi Hendrix, and jazz guitarists like Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery, developing a uniquely eclectic and fiery style that sounded like no other guitarist, regardless of genre.

In 1977, Stevie formed the band Triple Threat Revue, featuring bassist W.C. Clark, and vocalist Lou Ann Barton. Barton left the band suddenly in 1979, leaving Stevie to take over the vocals and the group became Double Trouble, the name inspired by the Otis Rush song. Double Trouble initially featured Jack Newhouse on bass and Chris Layton on drums. Then in 1981 Tommy Shannon joined on bass and one of the greatest power trios ever was set.

The pressures of his soaring professional career took its toll and Vaughan and he sank deep into alcoholism and drug addiction to the point that he collapsed and cancelled three weeks of European concert dates in 1986. He returned to the States and a successful recovery, becoming drug and alcohol free until he died. The band’s last recording, In Step, appeared in June of 1989, peaking at number 33 on the charts, earning a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Recording, and went gold just over six months after its release.

On August 26, 1990, their Alpine Valley gig concluded with an encore jam featuring guitarists Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Stevie, his brother Jimmie Vaughan, and Robert Cray (Sweet Home Chicago). After the concert, Stevie Ray boarded a helicopter bound for Chicago. Minutes after its 12:50 a.m. takeoff, the helicopter crashed, killing Vaughan and four other passengers. He was only 35 years old.

Crossfire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsHXd4rQnW0

The House is a Rockin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wD-vv1sRU&feature=related

Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX-GJ46kiCo

Mary had a little lamb: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nFRi3TSkY8&feature=related

Texas Flood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLw7nozO_U

Life without you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAv5ZuuSxSI&feature=related

Voodoo Child: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=purPKiG5__A&feature=related

Pride & Joy Acoustic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZkLVinwR4E&feature=related

Guitar Hurricane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oQWVtbKEdw&feature=related

Leave my girl alone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dkq2jdgNCI&feature=related

Sweet Home Chicago, Alpine Valley, 26th August 1990: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7akw6yyWw4&feature=related

Death announcement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Ymx3o4aPQ&feature=related

Life by the drop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7ZPMScX9-k&feature=related

Stevie’s music calls for a simple, yet elegant wine, so I suggest a 2009 Domaine Saint-Amant Grangeneuve (~$15.00) from the southern Rhone. If I had to pick only one extraordinary bottle of wine that really impressed me in the last year, it would be this one. This is a beautifully crafted blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Viognier. It’s suitable for everyday drinking, yet could grace a white linen-covered table.

The wine is a gorgeous purple with aromas of red raspberries and a touch of pepper. It’s rich and mouth-filling, yet smooth and not overly sweet. This one of the best wines I’ve tasted. So glad I have five more bottles to enjoy with the sophisticated blues of Stevie Ray Vaughn. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Peter Luha & Laurent Riverdy Sancerre

2012-01-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Peter Luha is a 37 year old guitarist from Slovakia with one of the most diverse styles I’ve ever heard. Of course that’s probably a product of his influences that include Deep Purple, Van Halen, the Beatles, Queen, Guthrie Govan, Paco de Lucia, John McLaughlin, Tommy Emmanuel, and Victor Wooten. He plays play a number of instruments including bass guitar, which is apparent in the first song, Slap. But don’t miss the sweep picking workshop video. Malmsteen, move over! I’ve tried to give a representation of his range of styles below, including funk, jazz, and classical selections. Of course, as a former bassist, Slap and Jump to Spain are my favorites. Enjoy!

Slap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM0PkfqGmIE

March in Catalonia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlyluQnHFNs

Jump to Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgDdQqCyVBw

Boss Loop Contest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efVbZ5hl5Mc

Rondo ala Turka: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puWJ27Vwf_E

Lonely day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_09JmsvNrw&feature=related

My Memories of Andalusia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S-yIPRJRjE&feature=related

Flight of the bumblebee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSs90q9RLeg&feature=related

Romance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRJX-9GmmnQ&feature=related

Sweep picking workshop ala Malmsteen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je7YRdfFmQA&feature=related

Classical Breeze: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV0pnZ7T8ms

Caprice No. 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUu54DuJEAs

Partita: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu592o6T1mY

Midnight Atelier in Paris: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9tVR3L10wA

Minuet in G: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP_IfNLm-co

Bouree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsTSzWHDqks

I love Sauvignon Blancs, especially Sancerres. The latter can be a bit pricey, so imaging my surprise when perusing the wine offerings at Trader Joe’s, I found a Sancerre from Laurent Reverdy for $13.00. I figured at that price I couldn’t go wrong and I was pleasantly surprised. This is not a special occasion wine, rather it’s a Tuesday-night-quaffer. It’s light golden colored with aromas of lemon and fresh grass. The palate has more citrus with a bit of white pepper. It’s tart, but with a balanced finish. It isn't nearly as interesting as some of the higher priced Sancerres that I’ve had, lacking the subtlety and depth that this varietal is capable of showing, but still, given its price, it's hard not to appreciate it for what it is: Great mid-week sipping. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Year End Guitar Review and Champagne

2011-12-29T20:44:00.000-08:00

Last blog of the 2011 year calls for a review of some of my favorites that I’ve reviewed in the past 12 months. I’ve included a mix of styles, genre’s, acoustic, and electric. There’s a lot here (47 songs) so take your time, grab some champagne, and welcome the New Year in with some of the best guitarists around.

Davy Knowles

Saving myself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swU5og9-UaE

Come Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgYAScGdd9Y&feature=related

Riverbed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyJSduGyy1w&feature=related

Mark Kroos

Indigo Child: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2p0RAPR9js

The demons were gone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikuLzJmx9QM&feature=related

Guthrie Govan

Wonderful Slippery Thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc1tFoxTepM&sns=em

Orange Jam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71izserFcek&sns=em

Funky Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEubiUaDq0o&sns=em

Kelly Valleau

Mad world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpJXJX2EzK4&sns=em

Dust in the wind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlD6oVNmDLA&feature=related

Don’t stop believing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sni0J8xXec&feature=related

Eye of the Tiger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgrG4bu2JeQ&feature=related

Michael Hedges

Jitterboogie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnaEZaUMk-s&feature=related

Watchtower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqGHE5GqZ44&feature=related

Gimme Shelter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prF59Qp1mTc&feature=related

Tim Hawkins

Dog’s on fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O5cGUs2OM4&feature=related

Old rock stars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKeCmTCDV4

Things you don’t say to your wife: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK2OakMoW_c&feature=related

Don Ross

Michael Michael: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkidVP0AcQ8&feature=relmfu

Klimbim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBwM9VqmxQE&feature=relmfu

Tight Trite Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OYyIJUTKEI&feature=related

Alvin Youngblood Hart

Illinois Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nhk2GJAfvg

Hellhound on my trail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lgFAwbjYsU&feature=related

Gallows Pole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_T89f6IVxw

Roy Rogers

Walkin blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW08Rc802MQ

The sky is cryin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rZVz3O47yo&feature=related

Money Maker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a2e7aB0t8I&feature=related

Matt Schofield

Lay it down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag14mqNPJiU

Black cat bone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj0STCuNamI&feature=related

Gareth Pearson

Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e64DJemlUec&feature=relmfu

Beauty of discipline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNKs6fU7X6g&feature=relmfu

Paranoid android: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiC35isSciM&feature=related

Steven King

Rhapsody in blue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XzZJ8pIr3M&feature=related

Blue Rondo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tRoJjw_9bA&feature=related

Birdland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nleBVdSSDrY&feature=related

Preston Reed

Ladies Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=356ViUx1Ktc

Shinkansen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5dtkIXBKes&feature=related

Eric Johnson

Classical Soul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAhtFjetqdc&feature=related

Song for life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMK0ybEaDaI&feature=related

Song for George: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z7_QRTM96M&feature=related

Lawson Rollins

Fire Cadenza: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ9PRzIyzFA

Persian Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZS1Dsk2GPU&feature=relmfu

Ben Lapps

Phunkified: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLQS27yQZYY

Going to California: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Xo8iYn16Q&feature=related

Joe Robinson

Fireflies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41MGqy9-wGA&feature=related

Emily: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7ZyHxVrDyc

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

So, it’s New Year’s Eve and what are you drinking? Beer…pullease! A fru fru martini? Get serious. New Years Eve calls for sparkling wine and lets face it, when it comes to sparkling wine, there is champagne and then there is everything else. The others are good, but they're not champagne.

But champagne is usually associated with megabucks, something that for most of us in this economy isn’t feasible. For that matter, it’s never feasible for me. No wine region in the world has done a better job than Champagne of creating a mystique about itself. The one common feeling associated with champagne is joy and happiness. But the trick is getting that happy feeling without breaking the bank while at the same time finding something that’s good.

Champagne is no sure thing. Producers baby their more expensive vintage Champagnes using the best grapes, grown in the best soils while basic champagnes may receive the consideration and resources of a neglected child. But fear not, there are good ones that are reasonably priced and consistent from year to year.

At the top of the price list, I recommend Pol Roger Brut Réserve ($35). This is a very consistent champagne and great value from one of the premier small Champagne houses. It’s medium bodied and well balanced.

One of my favorites, Nicolas Feuillatte, is a particularly reliable Champagne, a good value at almost every price level. The brut is full bodied, with lingering flavors and, although not completely dry, well balanced. It costs around $28 a bottle. I prefer the Rose ($39.00), which has delicious strawberry fruit overtones.

Lanson Black Label (~$30.00) has juicy acidity complemented by mineral and citrus flavors. Likewise, Louis de Sacy Brut Grand Cru NV (~$29.00) is full-bodied with a creamy texture and persistent flavors.

Depending upon your tastes, you may prefer a little sweetness in your champagne. If so, try Moët & Chandon's White Star (~$28.00) that’s specially formulated for the American market, which is thought to prefer some sweetness. It’s labeled Extra Dry, which paradoxically is a step sweeter than brut.

But just to be fair, California produces some excellent sparkling wines (only a wine made in the Champagne region of France can truly bear the moniker champagne) and many of the great French champagne houses have California properties that turn out great wines at great prices. Two examples are Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley (~$20.00) and Chandon Blanc de Noir ($20.00). The former is from the makers of Cristal, the champagne of Rock Stars and starts off with a bit of toasted brioche that transitions into flavors of citrus, green apples, and pears. The latter is from the makers of Dom Perignon and features the crispness of Chardonnay and deeper flavors of tart cherries and strawberries from Pinot Noir. It’s a wonderful wine that my wife and I love to drink just because.

I’m posting this early so you have time to pick up a bottle that suits your tastes in time for New Year’s Eve. So forget the other stuff and pick up a bottle or two from one of these producers and get happy for the New Year. Stay safe!

Cheers!

Joe Robinson & Domaine St. Pierre Cotes du Rhone

2011-12-23T18:09:00.000-08:00

Tonight’s featured artist is going to blow your mind. His technique is amazing, his sense of composition brilliant, and his song writing beautiful. I found him surfing the web about two years ago and I marvel at his talent.

At just 20 years old, self-taught Australian guitarist Joe Robinson has accomplished what most musicians can only dream of. He recorded his first CD at age 14, and won first place on 2008’s Australia's Got Talent at 16. The following year, Robinson took the top title at the World Championships of Performing Arts.

He’s begun augmenting the covers he plays by writing his own music and I’ve included several numbers below. Don’t miss “Emily,” a poignant love song on which he sings.

One of the judges of Australia’s Got Talent had it right when he said that it was because of young guitarists like Joe that he gave up the instrument. Me too. Enjoy!

Beatles Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU-0cCRbNCQ&feature=related

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

At Crossroads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-UImUDu5s&feature=related

Over the rainbow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESX2QItWQtE&feature=related

Midnight in Nashville: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNXLc_9fLkE&feature=related

Borsolino: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ovwd6UE40U&feature=related

Daddy Longlicks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxabxU6cx-w&feature=related

Fireflies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41MGqy9-wGA&feature=related

Jiffy Jam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PEOnpYz7ME&feature=related

Fleabites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0urEdeRQi1M&feature=related

Royal flush: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXC3SX0Jo7E&feature=related

Time jumpin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ngY_pDLFiw&feature=related

Misty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3imk7LGDslM&feature=related

Isn’t she lovely: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D62XepKEAPw&feature=related

Into the blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBk9vCu8rPU&feature=related

Blue Moon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSXaKicOti8&feature=related

Struttin it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNfGdbrvqbg

Emily: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7ZyHxVrDyc

I’m pairing Joe with a 2009 Domaine St. Pierre Cotes du Rhone. It’s deep ruby in color, bursting with aromas of red raspberries and blackberries. It explodes in the mouth with flavors of dark berries and cassis finishing with mild tannins. It’s a wonderful Cote du Rhone with the richness of a liqueur that coats the mouth with berry goodness and yet it’s a very balanced wine. It’s especially impressive at the price of $15.00. Pick up a bottle and enjoy the holidays with the music of one fine guitarist. Merry Christmas!

Cheers!

Ben Lapps & Ojai VIneyards White Hawk Syrah

2011-12-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

Ben Lapps is a 15 year old guitar phenom and my thanks to Rick Daley for bringing my attention to him. His debut album, The New Color, features almost all original music in his own unique playing style. His influences range from Justin King (Phunkified), to Michael Hedges (Reverie), to Eric Roche (Per-cu-lator). Ben’s sense of rhythm is mesmerizing to hear and watch as he pounds out a rhythm on the top of his guitar. When he saw a video of Justin King playing "Square Dance" on YouTube, he couldn't help but change his guitar playing direction. He has quite a sense of composition as demonstrated by his version of “Going to California” that shows roots in Led Zeppelin. But the ultimate expression of his style is expressed in the first track below, namely the infamous Justin King song "Phunkdified." There’s a great deal of intensity expressed in his music and I hope you enjoy it.

Phunkified: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLQS27yQZYY

The New Color: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci3-doysFms&feature=related

Knock on Wood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRNZ8Jdl7Cc&feature=related

Jasper’s Street: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG3e3LBWZXI&feature=related

Square Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBEg9I5MUq0&feature=related

Reverie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9XS_eSGJfg&feature=related

Going to California: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Xo8iYn16Q&feature=related

Perc-u-later: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg7oyFnd5M8&feature=related

For the West: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oujha6nrgQQ&feature=related

See, the Sky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihKGAkOSpzs&feature=related

Since I’m discussing “guitarist finds,” I’ll pair Ben with a real wine find. I was stumbling through a local liquor store and found a closeout sale on a variety of miscellaneous bottles. One of them was a 2005 The Ojai Vineyard Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard Santa Barbara County marked down to $22.00. That’s a steal as I believe it usually runs around $40.00. For me, Syrah is a great holiday wine and this one is fantastic. It’s a deep violet with explosive aromas of dark berry preserves, incense, violets and exotic spices. Juicy red raspberry and and blackberry flavors flow over the palate, soothed by velvety tannins and excellent minerality. As it airs, it picks up a bit of sweetness and gingerbread spice that lasts through the finish. The only bad thing was they only had one bottle. So, peruse your wine shops and supermarkets. You never know what you’ll find.

Cheers!

Sam Pachetti & Baigorri Tempranillo

2011-12-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

Sam Pacetti is quite a talent on the guitar. His picking style is reminiscent of Leo Kottke and Chris Proctor while his vocals remind me of the coffeehouses where I used to play back in the early 1970s. He debuted his first recording, “Solitary Travel” at the age of 22. He learned to play the guitar from his flamenco-playing Cuban grandfather then went on the pursue classical guitar studies. He fuses American traditional folk music with English reels and ballads, following in the footsteps of the great English guitarist Martin Simpson whose songs he often plays. He’s a storyteller as well as a musician and listening to him is a great way to kick back and unwind. My Dad used to play "Eight More Miles to Louisville" and this brings back fond memories of him. Enjoy.

Drowned Lovers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2vopYMiXe4

That’s all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLBNdxN_2ZY

Shawnee Town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dFLhF1RGeg

At the Warehouse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwtT5S73GO0&feature=related

Eight more miles to Louisville: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf4BqlQkS7k&feature=related

Layover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpLzv6BS59Y&feature=related

Only then will your house be blessed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPG0y8whpjQ

Richland Woman Blues, Jelly Roll, Back porch boogie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-Dawyltou4&feature=related

See you in my dreams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQEVBkXBPnI&feature=related

Bach Prelude #1 in D minor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGGIcwgcRkQ&feature=related

Augustine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FdzSn95jWM&feature=related

Christians and the Outlaws: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-rnX1H_7k4&feature=related

Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu3dOLHoxOM

While I was in the Netherlands staying with a friend, he opened a bottle of Bodegas Baigorri 2005 Crianza made of 100% Tempranillo. About $15.00 in the U.S. The wine is aged for 12 months in new French oak and has a nose of spice, black cherry, blackberry and subtle note of oak. The palate is juicy with layers of cherry, raspberry, and vanilla with a long spicy finish. This is an elegant Rioja with excellent structure and balance. A great wine for listening to some excellent guitar as the weekend winds to a close.

Cheers!

Lawson Rollins and Crozes Hermitage Les Jalet

2011-12-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a grueling European business trip—Amsterdam, Paris, Groningen, and Leiden all in seven days. Didn’t sleep much, but had some great science discussions, met with old friends, and drank some nice wines. I had today’s guitarist in the que for posting, but thought I’d move it up since Duane Pemberton (Facebook Friend) posted one of Lawson’s amazing videos.

When I first heard Lawson Rollins some years ago, I was blown away, not just by his technical proficiency, but his passionate interpretations of free-flowing Latin jazz, easy listening bossa nova, melodic classical pieces, and fiery flamenco, were an astounding combination of guitar styles. He has received critical acclaim through numerous collaborations, radio airplay, and the admiration of his guitarist peers. Guitar Player Magazine wrote, "Rollins seduces in so many ways that it's almost unfair. His classical tone is gorgeous, his technique is impeccable, his subtle genre blending is compelling."

Lawson developed a love for the Spanish guitar in his mid-teens through the recordings of classical guitar maestro, Andres Segovia. Through private study with several guitar teachers and master class workshops, Lawson developed his own expressive voice on the guitar and honed what, in my opinion, is an uncommonly dexterous classical fingerstyle technique.

By his early twenties, Lawson's sense of rhythm, compositional ability, and love of improvisation led him in the direction of the improvisational freedom of Latin jazz and rhythmically enticing Spanish folk guitar styles. After graduating with an English major from Duke University and a graduate degree from the London School of Economics, Lawson moved to Washington, D.C. and in 1998 partnered with guitarist Daniel Young to form the genre-busting Latin guitar fusion group Young & Rollins. In 2007 after years of successful partnerships, Lawson moved to San Francisco to pursue his ambitions as a soloist. His style combines salsa, Latin jazz, blues, samba, bossa nova, flamenco, and classical music, all based on around a solid foundation of sparkling technical ability. I hope you enjoy him.

The Fire Cadenza: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ9PRzIyzFA

Santa Ana Wind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g9HvbKiHNc&feature=fvwrel

Improvisations on Persian Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZS1Dsk2GPU&feature=relmfu

Southwind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHb0tilEtLU&feature=related

Migration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOZTWFNpjT8&feature=related

Into the Light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOWIKMmiWN0&feature=related

Havana Heat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeLQA12aRes&feature=related

Echos of Madrid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65wEH9Kb_ZM

Espiritu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn86Rvrm5Fg

Moonlight Samba: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyRS1Ix4bAA

The Awakening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB5vsRbOWws

Capetown Sky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owfeGZ2C1Y

Footprints: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88AKPpAvK0A

Persian Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZS1Dsk2GPU&feature=relmfu

Since I spent some time in France last week, I’m going to pair Lawson with a 2008 Crozes Hermitage Les Jalet from Paul Jaboulet-Aîné that I enjoyed there. Crozes-Hermitage is an appellation for wines from an area on the eastern bank of the Rhone River, to the north and south of Tain L'Hermitage town. Its name, “jalets,” comes from the the Old French word for the pebbles left by alpine glaciers, as can be found at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Crozes-Hermitage wines are made almost exclusively from Syrah.

Like any good Syrah, its color is dark ruby and displays fragrant red and dark berry fruit scents. Its supple dark cherry and raspberry flavors are accompanied by some peppery spice and friendly tannins. The finish is silky with a bit of lingering sweetness. It went well with my steak tartare, just as it goes well with the music of Lawson Rollins. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Susan Tedeschi & Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

2011-12-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

One again I find myself wide awake at 4:00 AM in a foreign country. Fortunately the day looks light: A 3 hour ride on a high speed train to Paris, the afternoon free, and an evening dinner with a scientist who could be a very exciting collaborator. But for now, how about some music? Born November 9, 1971, Susan Tedeschi is a blues and soul musician who has received multiple Grammy nominations. She’s known for her soulful singing and blues guitar, and her marriage to Derek Trucks, the slide playing blues guitarist for the Allman brothers has enhanced her music by adding an extra dimension to her creativity.

Back in 1995, her then boyfriend, Boston musician Tim Gearan taught Tedeschi how to play blues guitar. It must have set her on fire because it was then she really began to hone her skills on the instrument. Since then, she’s opened for the likes of B. B. King, John Mellencamp, the Allman Brothers Band, and Buddy Guy. In 2003, she even opened for the Rolling Stones.

Musically, she’s been influenced by Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Freddie King, and Doyle Bramhall II. In 2001, she married Derek Trucks whom she met when she was the opening act on the Allman Brothers Band’s 1999 tour. With Tedeschi’s powerful vocals and Derek Trucks playing incredible slide guitar, they compliment one another like no other blues couple and now tour as the Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band. And if you want to see two of the greatest slide guitarists add a bit of Allman Brothers flavor to Tedeschi’s act, check out Comin Home. Warren Haynes wailing like no other can. If you like the blues, you’re going to love them. Enjoy!

Little by little: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9I6lQNK6Ok

Comin Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEhRsEk4iZw&feature=related

Anyday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXD6cYOPBFI&feature=fvwrel

Ain’t no use: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFrFHKgWacA&feature=related

Get out of my life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWezyb9ijNk&feature=related

Let the good times roll: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZWJgo2jyCM&feature=related

Space Cowboy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eb_UXDxUbs&feature=related

Rock me right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5yVkoLhByw&feature=related

Just won’t burn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSZ7IV3lJYg

Angel from Montgomery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlcP3FOTM0U

When I left Lincoln, winter had hit with a vengeance, meaning snow, ice, cold, and crummy driving. It makes me long for the days of summer and sitting in the yard with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, I’m going to live in that memory and suggest you get a bottle of Cloudy Bay Sauv, chill it, and stare at a picture that reminds you of summer, even if you do have the fireplace going.

Along with the Sauvs from Kim Crawford and Whitehaven, Cloudy bay is one of my favorite New Zealand wines. Its color is a pale green with fragrances of ripe stone fruit and citrus. The subtle grapefruit flavor that I so love in New Zealand Sauvs comes out in the palate, zesty and succulent. This is a plush Sauv with a lingering crisp finish. Oh yeah, can’t you just feel the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine…that’s James Taylor going to Carolina, which doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Here in the Netherlands, I’ll let the memory cut through the cold drizzle and take me back to blues on the iPod and a classic Sauvignon Blanc in my glass.

Cheers!

Jan Akkerman & Clayhouse Syrah

2011-12-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

I’m in the Netherlands on business right now, so it’s only appropriate that I present a great Dutch guitarist. Jan Akkerman (born 1946) has done almost anything a musician can possibly do. He’s worked with musicians like BB King, Charlie Byrd, Cozy Powell, Claus Ogerman and Ice-T, besides being a former member of internationally acclaimed bands such as Brainbox and Focus. He’s made more than a dozen solo records that lean toward jazz-fusion and smooth jazz in a style reminiscent of Larry Carlton. Jan combines elements of rock, jazz, blues, classical and modern dance music creating a unique signature sound and style.

On stage, Akkerman has appeared several times at the Swiss Montreux Jazz Festival and the Dutch North Sea Jazz Festival as well as on countless tours around theatres and stages far beyond Western Europe to countries like Japan, Russia, Brazil, and Indonesia. Being a big fan of Larry Carlton, I’ve quickly become a fan of Jan and I think you will too. Enjoy!

Central Station: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfHhz2_hGag

Solo Acoustic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAdiSc3c3l8

Hocus Pocus finale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BiRCvfARGE&feature=related

While my guitar gently weeps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32X_vMgloow&feature=related

Akkerman-Rosenberg Trio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzRv9k_JoYs&feature=related

With Leoni Jansen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-XhInSeAX4&feature=related

Blues Café: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6plgx2ppsU&feature=related

In the Mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzdcEKtU6CQ&feature=related

Palace of the king: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGG96TLhiGg&feature=related

Tranquilizer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2CdKcOI5XM&feature=related

Cool in the shadow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiHJ7FMtqT4&feature=related

Shame on you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNkpOmvtvGQ&feature=related

Blind baby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSXdB66e5kc&feature=related

Hocus Pocus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFDW9b_ejfI&feature=related

I’ll pair Jan with a 2005 Clayhouse Syrah ($15.00) that I tried on a recent trip to Chicago. The wine is a dark ruby colored wine with and aroma tinged white pepper and slightly floral notes that give way to rich black cherry, cedar and cola flavors while supported with smooth tannins and a hint of vanilla. Pairs well with a guitar legend. Enjoy!

Cheers!