Alain Caron & Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

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!

Daryl Kellie & Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

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!

Eric Mongrain & Chad Cabernet Sauvignon

Erik Mongrain is a Canadian composer and guitarist. He uses a unique acoustic style with a wide array of different techniques, approaches and textures reminiscent of Michael Hedges. Erik taught himself guitar from the age of 14, beginning initially started with an electric guitar. But he developed an interest in classical and acoustic guitar after hearing the work of Bach. He taught himself to read music and began composing.

Early on he was inspired by the work of Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain, but when he was 18, he heard the work of guitarist Don Ross, which was a new revelation and he realized he’d found his niche. As he focused on a solo acoustic style, he was heavily influenced by the work of Michael Hedges and began to experiment with a technique known as lap tapping in which the player lays the guitar across their lap, and taps the strings on the fret board with both hands. He is one of the most unique guitarists on the musical scene today.

Airtap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfwaUYpf3lo

PercusienFa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S59a2xvzZQk&feature=related Fusions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FiLM4wI3_M&feature=related

A Ripple Effect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsstjT0Kb40&feature=related

Raindigger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8645NXG-iII&feature=related

Pandora’s Box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezRiiVpSmKc&feature=related

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

Confusion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzgF-LO211A&feature=related

I Am Not: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RkT4nvi8K4&feature=relmfu

Maelstrom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZkQtG2pgaU&feature=related

Silent Fool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFdzl0DKFSk&feature=related

I’m pairing Eric with a Chad 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.00). It’s a blend of California Red Hills and Howell Mountain Cabernet. The latter region generates some of the most expensive, yet fabulous Cab’s to come out of California. The Chad has a dark ruby color that explodes with red berry aromas and a sweet red raspberry and cassis palate. The long ripe berry finish leaves your mouth watering for more, just like the music of Eric Mongrain. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Rik Emmett and Chad Pinot Noir

Rik Emmett is a Canadian guitarist with a fair bit of gold and platinum hanging on his wall. Highlights of his career range from Best Guitarist at the ‘81 Junos to Best Smooth Jazz Guitarist in 2005, along with induction into the Canadian Rock Hall of Fame in ‘93, the Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Junos Hall of Fame in 2008.

Rik was a relatively unknown singer/songwriter/guitarist when he joined a newly-formed hard rock trio called Triumph in September of ’75. By ‘79 three albums had gone platinum in Canada and two charted in the States, receiving serious radio airplay. By ‘81 Triumph was firmly established as one of the premier touring rock acts in North America, with generous FM radio airplay support and a heavy rotation on the fledgling MTV cable channel.

In the next seven years, the band released ten gold albums, with four turning platinum in Canada. In the U.S., two went gold. Emmett’s name frequently appeared in guitar magazine polls and he won several prestigious awards, including Best Lead Guitarist nationally in 1981. The band was inducted into the Canadian Rock Hall of Fame in ‘93, the Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Junos Hall of Fame in 2008.

Among his peers, Rik Emmett is widely considered to be one of the most proficient and versatile guitarists of all time. Although he is best known as a premier rock guitarist, his playing style incorporates rock, blues, jazz, classical, bluegrass and flamenco techniques. Similarly, his songwriting and discography demonstrate his ability to employ and blend multiple genres and in April 2005, Emmett was lauded with the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year. I think you’re going to like his music. Enjoy!

Midsummer’s daydream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUyYz8a0Eu4

Taste of Steel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p-nUBOuP0

Saved by love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXhYMwzbw2k&feature=related

Taste of steel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p-nUBOuP0&feature=related

Anything you say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPkuHnyYLxo&feature=related

Up in the air: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3XdLlLBvm4

Lay it on the line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7LPISg_d8Q

Hold On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7JdCt75e9E

Bang on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzhhtEhkt9Y&feature=related

Out of the blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLz_-q-Oof4&feature=related

Ordinary man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWRS2BCyyu0&feature=related

Hold on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpe1vi8HbtQ&feature=related

Magic Power: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAbqsYItEBQ&feature=related

With Bruce Cockburn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Y_2iTZNKY

Layla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zdtqUh4rGw

Suitcase blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdiSR1rw4lI&feature=related

Blackbird: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAx77Ko7EEE&feature=related

Since the temperature/humidity index spiked back above 107 today, I’m going to pair Rik with a beautiful, light 2010 Pinot Noir from Chad Wine Company ($18.00). It has a nose of cherry and spice, with a medium ruby color.  It’s a smooth, easy drinking Pinot, with cherries,  strawberry, Asian spice on the palate.  Excellent persistence and lively on the back palate, with a kind of freshness rarely found in Carneros. Very nice wine and perfect for a steaming hot night in the Midwest, or anywhere else as you listen to the guitar genius of Rik Emmet. Enjoy!

Cheers!