Boyce Avenue No. 2 & Willakenzie Pinot Noir

I reviewed Boyce Avenue last October, but I like their music so much, it calls for an encore. The group’s review is the same as before, but the songs are all new. I know you’re going to like them.

Boyce Avenue is a Puerto Rican-American acoustic rock group consisting of the brothers Alejandro, Daniel, and Fabian Manzano. They’re named after a combination of two streets they lived on as kids. 

They formed in 2004 after Daniel (bass and percussion) moved back to Florida after graduating from Harvard law School. Alejandro (lead vocals and guitar) and Fabian (guitar and vocals) were attending the University of Florida, but dropped out to form the group. Since 2007, they’ve been posting videos of both original and covers of popular songs, many of which have received over 10,000,000 views and have been released as digital EPs by their own independent record label, 3 Peace Records. They have over 700,000 subscribers to their YouTube channel (including me).

They’re firm risk-takers and believing in the strength of their online presence, they booked a solo show in New York in January 2009. It was their first ever performance in the city and surprised label and industry experts who thought it was a huge gamble, because the show was a sellout. Later in the year, the group performed for an estimated 25,000 fans in the Philippines and followed with a successful whirlwind tour of the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

They are, in my opinion, one of the finest acoustic rock groups to hit the scene. Alejandro’s guitar and vocals are amazing and the percussion accompaniment by Daniel and the augmenting guitar of Fabian plus several outstanding guest guitarists, vocalists, and pianist, makes them one of my favorites. Hope you like them as much as I do.

Radioactive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jskyqPEIiG4

Titanium: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA_CNajQpJY

Here without you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxWEvV9zYj4

Just the way you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhFSgnvKqm4

What makes you beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmZArPW3wzc

Broken angel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fB4gAt5Jrw

Use somebody:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMRssA4UoKo

Need you now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjb8OZm3Pjs

With arms wide open: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkVX3ZEElXY

Mirrors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvEZUbzqqyM

Roar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqoHPzqUkZo

When I was your man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8tEcMjV_zE

Jar of hearts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTlUu0a9oWc

Skyscraper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ3r-rXUABI

Mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asKaiRpW0Z4

Half of my heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpTu85fsqCU

Fast Car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4zCOHFrLVY

Airplanes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d9YmSSg7Pw

We found love/Dynamite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpxGBLAuy74

Superman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw3tYiAFVfg

Drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfAh3uDXWEo

Breakeven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4rvGGFt7LU

I was out in San Francisco last week and had a 2010 WillaKenzie Estate, Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir ($23.00). It’s ruby red in the glass with a fragrance of strawberry, cherry, and herbs. The wine is light with a palate of juicy cherries, rhubarb, strawberries, and a hint of caramel. The tannins are mild and the wine hangs onto your tongue with remembrances of more strawberry and cherry. Very nice Pinot that perfectly compliments Boyce Avenue.

Cheers!

Back from the road

Well, haven't blogged for a while. Been traveling a bit. Visited Washington D.C., one of my favorite towns to roam around. Lots to see, the Smithsonian is incredible, and I'm always drawn to the National Gallery for their art collection. It's so easy to get around using the Metro...and very cheap. $7.50 for an all day pass.

Interestingly, National airport has one of the best airport restaurants I've ever seen. It"s called Cibo's Bistro and Wine bar. Great food. This time I had an Ahi tuna BLT. It's an ahi tuna filet with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, pesto aioli, on a ciabata bun. With a glass of Chateau St. Michelle Riesling, outstanding!

A new wine tonite, 2006 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir. I think it's usually about $27.00 but I found a sale for $23.99 so it fits here. This wine requires some breathing. Open the bottle and let it breath for thirty minutes or more. It really opens up the bouquet. The WillaKenzie is a medium-bodied pinot with concentrated plum, black cherry, and currant flavors along with earthy spices. It has a slight nuance of oak woven in which yields a smooth velvet mouth and subtle finish. Very nice.

Had another bottle of my favorite Cartlidge and Brown Pinot Noir. I think it's probably the best Pinot I've tasted, especially at $16.00 a bottle. I like it so much, I just ordered a case from my local wine shop. Happy sipping.