Don Alder & Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé Provence

To kick off the week with a bang, I’m featuring an amazing guitarist. In fact, I haven’t seen anyone close to him since I discovered Tommy Emmanuel years ago. Don Alder is an award-winning fingerstylist with a style that resembles Jimi Hendrix’ aggressive approach more than the usual acoustic guitarist. Stemming from his rock roots, he’s developed an unorthodox, aggressive right-hand technique that involves pulling the strings rather than plucking them. Because he doesn’t anchor his pinkie, it allows him to swing his wrist when he plays so he can use up and down strokes when he picks. He also does a lot of frailing like a banjo player and although it allows for fast picking, it kind of compromises his tone, which is why he uses the percussive techniques to fatten it up. Make sure you check out Choiwaru or Rogue. He wrote it in the key of E without tapping or any other augmentation. Some pretty cool shredding.

Alder is actually portrayed in the movie Heart of a Dragon (released last year in the U.S.A.), and he plays guitar on the soundtrack. It’s about a car accident Alder was in with friend Rick Hansen that left Hansen handicapped. As a result, in 1985, he put his music career on hold to assist his lifelong friend with his quest to create awareness for the potential of people with disabilities and to generate funds for spinal cord research. The World Tour inspired millions of people throughout the 34 countries visited and raised 26 million dollars. Today, Don still works with Rick in a vital role at the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, which has had an impact of over 200 million dollars in the field of spinal cord injury.

Alder has won some very prestigious competitions including:

1st - 2011 Gutiar Idol Worldwide - held in London UK


1st - 2010 Guitar Player Magazine, Gutiar Superstar Contest - North America 


1st - 2007 Inernational Fingerstyle Championships Winfield, Kansas

As you listen, you’ll see why. Hope you enjoy him as much as I do,.

Into to Acoustic funk Guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKRl-e-tyko

Choiwaru: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OMPAZy1iA

Blue shift principle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP2E2nSTSlk

Vancouver City Limits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyc-m-Iqu5c

He said she said: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVTQGrRmz48

Not a planet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-buc1T1Lr80

Circuitous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQuy2g5iOH8

Ms. Diana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao8FDKvgAaM

Funk on a Wingert Guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUPjIK_659o

Man from Lady Lane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwSXAWQAYsU

Double cappuccino: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMzjQU5HAAk&list=PL08F2A5A0592AE1F1

Finger’s fingers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8bR3Jghrfc

The wine I have for you tonight is a summer favorite. Pale salmon in color, the 2012 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé Provence is delicate and fresh with plenty of strawberry fruit and a long finish. It’s 73% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, 8.5% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvedre and a fabulous Rosé.

Chateau d'Esclans is found nestled in the depths of Provence, home of the finest Rosés.  The winemaker at the helm of this gorgeous property in Provence is Sacha Lichine (son of Alexis Lichine). The wine is vinified in temperature controlled stainless-steel vats without barrel fermentation to keep the freshness and all the vivid berry fruit flavors.

Intensely perfumed aromas of redcurrant, strawberry, blood orange and rhubarb, with sfloral and mineral overtones, it displays a sense of power behind the delicate flavors of dried cherry, licorice, cream and spice and finishes with notes of dried mango and hints of honey and at $$18.00 it’s a steal. You’ll love it with Alder’s music. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Jason Becker &Alain Jaume et Fils 2010 Réserve Grand Veneur Rosé

Jason Becker was born in 1969 and raised in Richmond, California. He graduated from Kennedy High School where he blew his schoolmates away when he performed Yngwie Malmsteen’s Black Star with his band at a talent show. It was in high school that Becker met Marty Friedman and began playing as the duo Cacophony. They put out two albums, Speed Metal Symphony and Go Off, and toured Japan and the U.S. and while they never went mainstream in the U.S., Europeans embraced their music and they sold out everywhere they went.

At the age of 20, he joined David Lee Roth’s band, replacing Steve Vai. While recording the A Little Ain’t Enough album in 1989, he won the Best New Guitarist award from Guitar Magazine. As he was preparing for the subsequent tour, Jason complained of what he called a "lazy limp" in his left leg. He was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease) and was given three to five years to live. He could barely finish the recording, with his weakening hands. The album was completed in 1991, but Jason couldn’t go on the supporting tour due to his inability to perform anymore.

He eventually became completely debilitated and even lost the ability to speak. He communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Although his ALS robbed him of his ability to walk, talk, move, and play guitar, he still remains mentally sharp and, with the aid of a computer, continues writing songs. In the back of his Perspective CD that was released in 1996, Jason states, "I have ALS. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind." If you want to be inspired by a man who has overcome one of the most tragic diseases to ever affect a human being, check out his website: http://www.jasonbecker.com . Enjoy!

Altitudes:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wFoSbjXB68

Perpetual Burn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qCQLyb0-mI&feature=related

Bach & Air: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1doC_H4Yguk&feature=related

Hot for the teacher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnnY3BxCoEk&feature=related

Arpeggios: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaE3RDPqabA&feature=related

Paganini’s fifth caprice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-Vz-7WAKg4&feature=related

Serrana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2cmbawrA0o&feature=related

Mozart Symphony in G: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10tD46Oxykw&feature=related

Little Wing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7JokPOFF7Q&feature=related

Drop in the bucket: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V53k5mjL4Q&feature=related

Bouree in E minor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0PGra6n4oo&feature=related

Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfBz0xgLp-0&feature=related

I’m pairing Jason with a very nice summer red, the 2010 Alain Jaume et Fils Réserve Grand Veneur Rosé (Côtes du Rhône; $15.00). The Grand Veneur Rosé is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault. Lots of black cherry and raspberry flavors with a touch of pepper complimented by aromas of dark berries and lavender. At this price, it’s a terrific wine and compliments the shredding of Jason Becker harmonized with the Fourth of July fireworks that are exploding all around me right now. Happy fourth.

Cheers! 

Eddie van Halen & Roederer Brut Sparkling Wine

Well, I’m back from the Netherlands where I have an incredibly successful research collaboration. In fact, I’m so pumped, I need a little pump-it-up music, so in honor of the Dutch, I’m featuring one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, namely the flying Dutchman himself, Eddie van Halen.

Born in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, Eddie van Halen is the son of a musical father who got him music lessons early in life. Eddie and his brother Alex started playing music together in the 1960s. Eddie played classical piano and later drums, while Alex played the guitar. But Alex wanted be a drummer and it so upset Eddie, that he decided to take up the guitar out of spite.

In 1972 the Van Halen brothers formed a band called "Mammoth" featuring Eddie as lead vocalist/guitarist and Alex on drums. They were joined later by vocalist David Lee Roth . The band later changed its name to Genesis, but discovered the name “Genesis was already being used, so in 1974 they again changed their name this time to "Van Halen". They started out playing backyard parties and on a flatbed truck at Hamilton Park. Van Halen grew the band’s popularity by playing clubs in Pasadena and Hollywood. Gradually they rose to fame on the Los Angeles music scene as Eddie became recognized for his guitar wizardry. They’ve sold over 80 million records and are the 19^th best selling artist/group of all time.

So kick out the jams with some brains-against-the-wall rock and roll!

Jump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlq0lYB3iSM

Tatoo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WfQ-hV3WtA

China Town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4df49v43Ss

Blood and Fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPWpWvLuJyA&feature=relmfu

Dance the Night Away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOC9PMhB29c&feature=relmfu

Panama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpEM63likgY&feature=relmfu

She’s the woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VANKEZ2auSk&feature=related

Hot for teacher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVMGoKSDFOs&feature=related

Everybody wants somebody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w86uPARykI&feature=relmfu

Live without a net concert:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuwNyR3KYew&feature=related

When a research collaboration goes as well as the one from which I just returned, it calls for champagne, or at least, the American version of champagne. I picked up a bottle of Roederer Estate Brut, the first California sparkling wine produced by the champagne house of Louis Roederer. Roederer is also the manufacturer of Cristal, which goes for about $200.00 a bottle. However this American cousin can be had for $20.00, more my style. This is a delicious sparkling wine with elegant pear, apple, and nutty aromas that rise to the surface on tiny fine bubbles. Roederer Brut is really well balanced with a creamy feel and apple citrus flavors followed by a clean, bright finish. It’s made from 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir and it’s lip-smacking good. You can find it just about anywhere, so if you’ve got something to celebrate, grab a bottle, put on some Van Halen, and turn up the volume. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Tom Ward & Xavier Gigondas

Tom Ward was born in Tasmania, Australia in 1983. He began classical studies in 1997 at St. Cecillia School of Music with violinist & guitar teacher Matthews Tyson. There he received two music Diplomas. By 2001 Tom had won first place in numerous music competitions and released his first CD ‘Tasmanian Sunrise’.

In 2001, on full scholarship, Tom started his Bachelors in Music under the mentorship of Timothy Kain at the Australian National University. He received a first class honours degree in 2005. During this period Tom also had the opportunity to study with artists Geoffrey Lancaster, Pavel Steidl & Carlo Barone.

He’s received numerous awards for his playing including:

*Tasmanian Composer of the Year (2000) (Australian Society of Musicology & Composition).

*Foundation for Young Australians, Australia Day Young Citizen of the year (2003).

*1st Place in the ensemble section (guitar trio) at the Australian International Guitar Festival (2004).

*1st place, Open Instrumental section, Hobart Eisteddfod (2004).

*Finalist at the International Gisborne Music Competition New Zealand (2004).

He’s a real, live, shredding classical guitarist as you’ll see watching his videos. Enjoy!

Introducing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BudOnxI7NxM

Fantasy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPv22wxyM6s&feature=related

Caprice No. 24: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MXGcuZaE0w&feature=related

Etude No. 7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zuV-THmWbM&feature=related

Etude No. 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNFBlEnrU0g&feature=related

Dansa Brasileira: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpEVzBadp8E&feature=related

Prelude No. 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruA3zl5aF-s&feature=related

Bailalaika: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rNt-rzLqN0&feature=related

Recuerdos de la Alhambra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyNevtGB-8E&feature=related

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

El Colibri: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_yj9B8hllE&feature=related

Pitt Street Mall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0VUTCdNGpU&feature=related

Busking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWlk4cnhUkw&feature=related

To capture the essence of classical music, I suggest 2009 Xavier Gigondas ($22.00). I bought four bottles of this wine and was very disappointed in the first one. Just not what I expected. However, I let the second bottle breathe for 2.5 hours and it made a considerable difference. The wine really opened up displaying a rich bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, and violets. It’s deep purple colored with a palate that exhibits lots of fruit with a full mouth-feel. The Xavier Gigondas is composed of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah from vines that average 80 years in age. Just to be sure, I opened a third bottle last night and gave it the same treatment. Again, it was very nice. And with the classical guitar shredding of Tom Ward, it makes for a great way to spend a chilly evening. Enjoy!

Cheers!