Adam Rafferty is one of the funkiest acoustic guitarist out
there and, of course, one of my favs. He had quite the childhood starting with
his birth and upbringing in
Harlem that led to getting hooked playing blues guitar at age 6. When he turned
10, he had the dubious honor of getting mugged in front of his apartment
building. By the age of 12 he was
playing in a hard rock band then got ripped off by a club owner on his first
gig at 15.
He
started playing professionally at 19 and at 20 he was playing an after hours
joint in Harlem on 137 street and Adam Clayton Boulevard where he says the band
leader regularly
drank himself into to oblivion and threatened customers with
a 10 inch kitchen knife.
Adam’s
played everywhere from the New York City subway to the upscale music rooms and
concert halls of New York and Europe. He’s one of the most prolific producers
of YouTube (millions of viewers) and instructional videos as well as two books
explaining how to play his arrangements. He’s particularly well known for his
arrangements Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson songs, but if you’ve never seen
him combine playing two simultaneous melodies while accompanying himself as a
human beatbox on Herbie Hancock’s Chameleon, you’ve led a deprived life. It is
not to be missed. Oh, and you might want to check out his version of Stevie
Wonder’s “Superstition.” Best I’ve ever heard…Oh hell, while your at it, his
version of one of my all time favorite Michael Jackson songs, “The Way You Make
Me Feel” is incredible. And I used to do George Gershwin’s “Summertime” in
coffee houses when I was playing professionally…but not like him.
Sigh, oh
to be so talented.
Human Nature: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNxiE1edUNg
Storm wind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMEMfJM4QsA
The Hippie Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAmtVpZKd64
Yesterday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeCLOgFqNsU
Can’t buy me love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6nvBRc0DfM
Higher ground: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZakmPbXhBUM
The way you make me feel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T10El7IG1VE
Black or white: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkju__lOlk8
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLF7-Ui94AI
Lovely day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjY-KQz5p5s
Summertime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DwZHV5cbYI
Rock with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWz9y9k7DIo
Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1CZqlEb8H4
Chameleon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnvd6etRlHk
I’ve said several times that my favorite wines for summer
are Sauvignon Blancs, Rieslings, Rosés, and Pinot Noirs. They’re light, crisp
and fruity which certainly goes well with Nebraska’s summer heat. Tonight I’m
suggesting a very nice Riesling to sip while you listen to the amazing Adam
Rafferty. The 2011 Chateau St. Michelle Dry Riesling ($7.50) is just what its
name implies. Drier than the usual Riesling, crisp, refreshing, and loaded with
aromas and flavors of peaches, apples, and lemon-lime with a honeyed finish. It’s
also a bit higher in alcohol content (12%) than a standard Riesling, which to
me adds to its refreshment. All in all it’s a bright, juicy wine. Enjoy!
Cheers!
