Chicago's Bin36 restaurant and the best acoustic performances

Been on the road these past two weeks and unable to blog, but while I was attending the American Society For Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago, my wife and I were able to visit our favorite restaurant, Bin36. If you ever get to Chicago, don’t miss this place, especially if you like wine and want to learn more. They have a marvelous selection of cheese flights so start with one as an appetizer. The wines can be ordered by the glass, bottle, or in a flight that consists of four different choices. The dinner entrees are tapas-style so you can mix and match, and everything we had was delicious. But our favorite wine of the night was their own Duncan & Sachs Proprietary Red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. It’s a deep red color with aromas of dark berries and a touch of mocha. The flavor is full of blackberries, plums, and healthy overtones of dark chocolate. Light on the tannins which is fine with me. We took a bottle ($17.00) back to our hotel for the next night. Outstanding!

And to compliment any ole wine you’re drinking, here’s a collection of what I consider to be some of the greatest guitar numbers, performances, and guitarist in the acoustic world starting with Michael Hedges and ending with Tommy Emmanuel. Enjoy!

Michael Hedges

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

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

Ragamuffin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ulWPVb8t44

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

Don Ross

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

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

Chet Atkins

Stars and Stripes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8BDYETDM5c

Leo Kotke

Vaseline Machine Gun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tew_fIhz3eY

Eric Mongrain

Airtap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbndgwfG22k&feature=relmfu

Andy McKee

Art of Motion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmE3QaGetn4

Kotaro Oshio

Dancing Crickets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oek5jiErMg4&feature=related

Calum Graham

Hella Good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-zCshXQTLo&feature=related

Eric Turnbull

Low C: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRahpP5WP68

Gareth Pearson

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

Mason Williams

Classical Gas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9nl3T31wI

Jake Shimabuko

Wes on Four: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlL75puYxsI&feature=related

T-Cophony

Closed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ummgtgt2zSI

Tommy Emmanuel

Blues Improvisation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBap_0FYYQs&feature=related

Sanitarium Shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJlyvV7zNx0&feature=related

Cheers!

Joe Bonamassa & Storybrook Mountain Zinfandel

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!

Rory Block & Klinker Brick Farah Syrah

Rory Block was born in Princeton NJ in 1949 and spent the beginning of her life in a small wood house with no plumbing, in the woods on a hillside in Neshanic. Shortly afterwards her family moved to Sullivan Street in New York, which is now part of Soho. After a few years her family moved to the West Village, which at the time was the remnants of low income row housing for immigrants. She grew up in a family where, on a good day, music, art and poetry were the most important things in life.

From early in her life, music became the absolute center of her being, and nothing mattered more. At the age of ten, playing a $4.00 Galiano guitar, she figured out "Froggy Went A'Courtin'" by slamming down on the E and then the A string and plucking out a melody. The guitar was an instrument of wonder and joy, her best friend.

At the age of fourteen she participated in the Sunday jam sessions in Washington Square Park where people stood around in clusters, pressing together to watch incredible musicians playing styles largely unheard of up north. David Grisman, Frank Wakefield, Jodie Stecker, John Herald, Roger Sprung, and Eric Weissberg were some of the bluegrass/country players, and John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur, Stefan Grossman, Marc Silber, Jack Baker and others played ragtime, blues, swing and early barrel house jazz. Her father eventually became the reigning impresario of the vital folk revival scene in the West Village, hosting regular Saturday afternoon jam sessions in his sandal shop after music in the park was banned.

One day in 1964, she heard an album called "Really The Country Blues", and from that moment on her life was dedicated to learning how to play blues. She spent untold hours and two years of her life with her ear glued to a speaker, determined to figure out each and every note and play the great songs with as much accuracy as she could muster out of a deep reverence for the music.

She started traveling to the Bronx to visit the Reverend Gary Davis to study his style. When teaching, the Reverend never slowed down to explain his music, he only played it at her with lightening speed and had a lot to say if she couldn't catch it.

In 1965, at a concert at the Village Gate, she met Son House, a blues God as far as she was concerned. As she watched him perform, rolling his head back, slamming the strings and almost choking on the intensity, she learned a deep lesson about the power of the music, which became an inseparable part of her.

I could write a lot more, but her music speaks for itself. So without further adieu, I hope you enjoy one of the blue's greatest proponents, an incredible musician with a voice that can make angels cry.

Silver wings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C58CGPMyFyM

Crossroad blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqTUoV67M60

Walkin Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2koew-g-xY

Misty Glen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha-WVlLO-zQ

Terraplane blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmR0_epz5OQ

Preachin blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ_PKvC4v7k&feature=related

Ramblin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6s1EfhD_A&feature=related

Old time blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUXSjaf7RMU&feature=related

Travelin blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk0J1ZOBobE&feature=related

Stand by me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzKYfFnqC3Y&feature=related

Lovin whiskey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y7XwKmUKSw&feature=related

If I had possession over judgement day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV43q_XZCPY

Along with one of my favorite blues musicians, I think it’s only proper that I pair her with one of my favorite wines, the Klinker Brick Farah Syrah (2009; $20.00). The wine is produced from vines with an average age of 85 years. It has a bright bouquet of wild strawberry, black raspberry, and plum, intermingled with exotic spice. The palate bursts with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, with supple tannins and good structure. The texture is silky and supple and the finish smooth and long.  It won double gold medals at the Long Beach and East Coast International wine competitions.

A gentle rain is falling as I write this from my home office and with the music of Rory Block and a glass of Farah Syrah, the night is magical. Hope you had a good weekend. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Ry Cooder & FlipFlop Riesling

Ry Cooder is one of my favorite eclectic guitarist, singers, and composers. He is known for his slide work which is among the best that ever played. He has a keen interest in roots music from both the U.S. and the world and had collaborated with musicians from a plethora of countries. His solo work is eclectic, encompassing folk, blues, Tex-Mex, soul, gospel, rock, jazz, and just about every style you can name. He was ranked 8^th on Rolling Stone’s list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. He’s played with way too many artists to mention including the Muppets (see Pigfoot Shuffle). I find his music to be playful and just downright fun. He was also the guitarist who played for Ralph Machio in his duel with Steve Vai in the movie Crossroads. Hope you like him.

Crossroads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28XK3V3ACzc

Feelin Bad Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIwYGZlBw9Y

The Dream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0bijVr4Y3E&feature=related

The Bourgeois Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoIKiw2PV7Q&feature=related

Police Dog Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6L4PU6kTSQ&feature=related

Diddy wah diddy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEs--oXEa5w&feature=related

Pigfoot shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQaSGAxIGkc&feature=related

Jesus on the Mainline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebj_e4VagcA&feature=related

Crazy about an automobile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LHno7Qambk&feature=related

Mercury Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPpJYvLsBco&feature=related
Vigilante Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4KmbUCwkyE&feature=related

Waitin for some girl: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mcO_E4Z1VQ&feature=related

Crossroads Duel with Steve Vai: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atw6F47UCYM

I’m going to pair Ry with a wine that I would term “fun”. Flipflop wines come in several varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Moscato and are priced at $7.00 a bottle. I’ve had all of them and can attest they’re great quaffing wines. What’s a quaffing wine? These aren’t wines you’ll find in a Michelin three star restaurant, rather these are wines when you come home midweek after a long work day and want something to put the fun back in life.  And at this price, they’re great value, especially since for every bottle of FlipFlop sold, Soles4Souls provides a pair of shoes to someone in need. So you can relax over a glass and know that you’re providing something for someone less fortunate. Tonight I’m reviewing the Reisling. It has a honey and peach aroma that’s followed by similar flavors augmented by a touch of apricot and citrus. Sitting out watching the stars, listening to the crickets, with a bottle of FlipFlop Riesling and the music of Ry Cooder is a great way to end the day. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Matt Scofield and Yering Station Shiraz Viognier

Matt Schofield was born in Manchester UK in 1977. From an early age he was immersed in the blues thanks to his Dad’s record collection. He became a professional guitarist at the age of 18 then spent four years with British Blues Diva and David Bowie prodigy Dana Gillespie, touring the UK, Europe and as far a field as India.

Seven years into his professional career, he formed his own band - a trio - with Hammond organist, Jonny Henderson and drummer, Evan Jenkins (now with BBC Jazz Award winner, Neil Cowley). The trio was unconventional in having no bass player, bass duties being handled on the Hammond organ, a format favored over the years by American bluesmen such as Albert King and Jimmie Vaughan. These days, however, Schofield has a bass player.

Schofield's seamless playing emulates the great styles of American blues guitar. He’s one of only two living British artists to be given a four star (excellent) rating in the Penguin Book of Blues Recordings and in 2007 Guitar and Bass Magazine picked Schofield as one of the "Top 10 British Blues Guitarists of All Time".  If you’re a blues guitar fan, you’re going to like him.

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

Black cat bone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSMOGTVFVP8&feature=related

2010 Montreal Jazz Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV-VJtYyWJI&feature=related

Siftin through ashes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5z8tjhVIRY&feature=related

Ear to the ground: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjiV_9KQiNs&feature=related

On my way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhLu9iW3Rqg&feature=related

Betting man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jytcoLz__yE&feature=related

Don’t know what I’d do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3cA1GkG0VY&feature=related

Funky blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILJ1KpoQGgg&feature=related

Uncle Junior: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfi9fKpm3yU&playnext=1&list=PLCCFD2B765C0C6A74

I’m pairing Matt with a 2006 Shiraz Viognier from Yering Station in Australia. Deep purple color with a perfumed bouquet of dark fruit and violets, the latter due to the 5% Viognier. The palate shows blackberry and cassis flavors, firmed by supple tannins, that add grip to the back end. This wine clings to the palate, leaving a dark berry preserve quality behind. It received ratings of 92 and 91 from International Wine Cellar and Wine Spectator respectively, and at $20.00 a bottle, it’s a steal. So kick off the Monday with some great blues and a wonderful wine. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Aki Tanaka & Antinori Chianti Classico Peppoli

Aki Tanaka is the 2010 winner of the Winfield International Fingerstyle guitar championship, outplaying 39 other guitarists to claim his title. He started playing at the age of 13 and was fascinated by American rock guitarists like Van Halen and Steve Vai. But several years later, a Japanese acoustic guitarist, Kotaro Oshio (reviewed here previously in 2010) caught his attention. Aki was  intrigued by Oshio’s ability to play drum, bass, and lead parts simultaneously on the acoustic guitar and decided it was a style he wanted to learn. He’s never looked back, playing as a solo performer ever since. I think you’ll like him.

Impromptu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4vLGPlGklk

My favorite things; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFPBT7iV6rQ&feature=related

Etude of the Sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK9rkACMV6Q&feature=related

Beat it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmES4RcNb1E&feature=related

Beatles medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6hJn02bkrQ&feature=related

Change the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb7ODADncfs&feature=related

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCAivdviawo&feature=related

Amazing Grace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb7ODADncfs&feature=related

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

I’m pairing Aki with a 2007 Antinori Chianti Classico Peppoli made from 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, and 5% Syrah. Deep red with aromas of red fruit and a touch of vanilla, its taste is full of raspberries, cassis, and chocolate. Its well-balanced and elegant with a fruity finish. Very nice, especially when you’re listening to the music of Aki Tanaka. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Van der Kamp's Tandem Pinot Noir and Rush

Friday night and I’m ready for some classic rock, so I’m featuring Rush, a Canadian power rock trio composed of Alex Leifson (guitars), Getty Lee (Bass & vocals),  and Neil Peart (Drums & lyricist). The band is known for its musicianship, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, as well as addressing humanitarian, social, emotional, and environmental concerns. All three members were and still are virtuosos on their respective instruments. Rush's music style has changed over the years, beginning with blues-inspired heavy metal on their first album, then encompassing hard rock, and progressive rock. As a group, Rush possesses 24 gold records and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records. Rush's sales statistics place them third behind the Beatles and Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band.

Leifson and Lee are a powerful combination. Leifson’s ability to wail on the electric, then move to melodic classical styles is incredible. And as a bassist, trying to sing complicated lyrics AND play dynamic bass parts as Getty Lee does, is quite a daunting task. Trust me, I’m a bassist. If you’ve never heard of Rush, but like an edgier sound, I think you’re in for a treat.

Tom Sawyer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNZru4JG_Uo&feature=related

Spirit of Radio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPuOGaoDeIE&feature=related

Limelight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUNxqE_3N0c&feature=related

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

Closer to the Heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEgXe-gQxX4&feature=related

Trees: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhFsQxl2M8o&feature=related

YYZ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbpzJRWz6rg&feature=related

Red Barchetta: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVGhqvl_8A&feature=related

Xanadu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTD1QW3SM60&feature=related

Show of Hands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYEmQN0IJyc&feature=related

In the Mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUGoJ5W1KfM&feature=related

Finding My Way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mav12Hm8fSs&feature=related

Farewell to Kings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu1UIEQ5QGs&feature=related

Circumstances: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49q59A8OhM8&feature=related

Anthem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbAho8V3tUE&feature=related

Garden Road: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_2cgHHK3fc&feature=related

Van der Kamp’s Tandem 2007 Pinot Noir. The Van der Kamp vineyard is the highest on Sonoma Mountain, and contains some of California’s oldest Pinot Noir. In case you haven’t heard, 2007 was as near-perfect a vintage as anyone is likely to see and the Van der Kamp Vineyard outdid itself. The aromatics of the Tandem yield all kinds of savory spices and floral notes that complement the bright red cherry and berry fruit, but it’s the texture and savory fruit flavor that is really compelling. Deep cherry/berry flavors, racy acidity, and soft tannins make this a wine that had me glad I bought four bottles. Definitely a classic wine for a classic rock group. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Greg Howe & Two Hands Angel's Share Shiraz

Had the business trip from hell this week. Got up Thursday morning at 2:30 AM to make a 5:45 flight to visit a collaborator at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. No problems until the return that evening. The flight back to Chicago was delayed 2 hours for no apparent reason then they had to do a special refueling procedure that took an hour. I missed my connection back to Omaha and stood in line for 1.5 hours waiting to get a flight out the following day. Of course, United was out of hotel vouchers, so I got a hotel on my own. The shuttle was late so my co-workers and I took a $20.00 cab ride to a hotel one mile from the airport. In a déjà vu the next day, the American ticket agent set new records for rudeness and the 3:30 PM American Airlines flight was two hours late. Finally made it home dog tired. So tonight, I need to let off some steam, therefore, I’m re-reviewing one of my favorite fusion guitarists, Greg Howe

Born December 8, 1963, Greg has been in the music business for thirty years and has released 9 CD’s. In 1996, he replaced Jennifer Batten as the guitarist on Michael Jackson’s HIStory tour. His self-titled first album ranks in the top ten shredder releases of all time. Lately, he’s moved back into jazz fusion and I’ve included a number of cuts from one of my all time favorite albums that he did with Victor Wooten and Dennis Chambers. His fiery guitar work is a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July.  Kicking off with some hot guitar. Enjoy!

Sunny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edVbz_uXJd0&feature=related

Come & Get It: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX9FEjjsPLE&feature=related

A Delicacy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EaRdYuWOeE&feature=related

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

Tease: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_lfL4ttOT8&feature=related

Crack It Way Open: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alvMjZvZGeo&feature=related

Bird’s Eye View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD-4RyrgMCQ&feature=related

Ease Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGTF2Y5iEn4&feature=related

Lucky Seven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhK5tokuy6k&feature=related

#1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ4znnwjNu0&feature=related

I Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tge4rePAS4&feature=related

Just Kidding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrSj110V0ko&feature=related

Three Toed Sloth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHu9WQndqDI&feature=related

The Portrait: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edI8L6hA1xU&feature=related

Quiet Hunter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnaBL4FBiOw&feature=related

Because Greg’s music is so powerful, I suggest a wine to match, namely Two Hands Angel’s Share  Shiraz (2009; $23.00).  The color is inky purple with a bouquet of red berries, mocha, vanilla, and spices. It has a bright, vibrant taste bursting with dark plum and blackberries with hints of coffee and chocolate. Great wine to match a great guitarist. Happy Fourth of July.

Cheers!

Guthrie Govan and La Forge Estate Pinot Noir

Just got back from a ten-day trip to Holland where I have several research collaborations. That explains my hiatus from posting. Tonight I want to introduce you to Guthrie Govan (born 27 December 1971 in Chelmsford, England), a brilliant master of all things guitar. Guthrie began playing guitar at the age of three, encouraged by his father, and initially learned mainly by ear. He studied English at Oxford for a year, but left to establish a career in music. In 1993 he won Guitarist Magazine’s Guitarist of the Year competition with his composition, “Wonderful Slippery Thing,” a version of which I’ve included below.

To me, what makes Guthrie stand out is his versatility. I’ve included videos of him playing in the style of many of the great guitarists of our time and don’t miss the one labeled, “Mimicking the Guitar Greats.” He’s got technique oozing out of every pore of his skin, but his sense of composition and melody weaves musical poetry with each song. Rather than being just a lightning fast shredder, he’s a guitar storyteller. So kick back and listen to “The Tales of Guthrie Govan.”

Fives: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yPEewaalik

Robben Ford style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GOs7iLKaTI&feature=relmfu

Funky Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEubiUaDq0o&feature=relmfu

Larry Carlton style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUZK9dasP8s&feature=relmfu

Bullet Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J503OvHWKko&feature=relmfu

Albert King style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbJUs8QPxqc&feature=relmfu

Satriani style blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMznXdD4kX4&feature=relmfu

Mimicking the guitar greats: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaIzEo013iI&feature=related

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

Jam on a fretless guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PyOZhgQnvU&feature=related

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

Waves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ct7qKCK8UM&feature=related

Chick Corea’s Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzlrfe3t3o0&feature=related

While I was visiting Groningen, I had a very nice 2009 Pinot Noir from La Forge Estates. It’s about $10.00 in the U.S. and a good buy. La Forge wines are made by Domaines Paul Mas from grapes mainly grown at the Domaine La Forge in the Languedoc. The main part of the vineyards is located on the East of the city of Carcassonne in the Languedoc, in Limoux. This area is one of the best adapted for growing Pinot Noir in the South of France, due to its altitude and the cooler temperatures. Its color is garnet red with a nose of strawberries, cherries, and spice with hints of vanilla. It’s a medium bodied wine with a palate that follows the nose and has good acidity. Nice finish and for $10.00, you won’t go wrong. Combine it with Guthrie’s virtuoso guitar and you’ve got a great way to end the weekend. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Arlen Roth and Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc

Known as "The Master of the Telecaster," Arlen Roth is a guitarist's guitarist. He is a highly regarded authority concerning "all things guitar." His first solo album won the Montreaux Critics' Award for Best Instrumental Album of the Year in 1978.

His legendary guitar prowess crosses all genres, all styles, and all types of guitar playing, including one of his specialties, slide guitar. He fluidly moves from folk and blues to country tunes, and has played some of the most resounding rock ever recorded. He is a master of acoustic ballads, (don’t miss his acoustic version of Layla included below that has been critically acclaimed as being better than Eric Clapton's version) and the most powerful version of "When a Man Loves a Woman" ever recorded, which Guitar Player magazine called "likely the most intense workout ever recorded on a Telecaster." And for you acoustic enjoyment, don’t miss his version of Anji. It’s a killer.

In addition to his recording and concerts, he’s considered an important influence on learning to play the guitar and other instruments around the world. In 1979, he and his late wife, Deborah, founded Hot Licks , a guitar learning resources company, the first to videotape famous musicians demonstrating their techniques and individual styles, creating an important historical as well as teaching legacy. I have a video of Rory Block and one of Keb Mo, both have helped my feeble style immensely…at east in my own mind. To date, the company has shipped over two million videos worldwide, while producing an extensive library of books and guitar-related materials. You’re gonna like this monster of a guitarist.

Blues Improv: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P769t-_7MKo

Tequilla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmuTcr7pUKM&feature=related

The art of blues soloing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHq8Xy3ByTU&feature=related

Heavy funk blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAdQohBt1Qs&feature=related

Treat her right with Jack Bruce: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z6ajBqBgC4&feature=related

House of the rising sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz6fxZYK4jE&feature=related

When a man loves a woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-AK5Nls57k&feature=related

Can’t stop loving you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVeQGwYc1iE&feature=related

Georgia on my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0sHJU00bt4&feature=related

Mrs. Robinson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNDVHjm7UWQ&feature=related

Anji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5KkETZsM3w&feature=related

Classical Gas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqXfic4doeg&feature=related

Don’t think twice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oytp4UxfhA&feature=related

Upstate Rag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaER3btofVA&feature=related

Toolin around with Sonny Landreth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwVJV-0-0K0&feature=related

Ballad of a thin man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AsWVKSX1Bg&feature=related

Layla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O02eF96r-w

My favorite summer wines are Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, and Reisling. New Zealand gets a lot of good press on their Sauvignon Blancs, but tonight’s American version can go toe to toe with the best of them. The 2010 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc ($16.00) hits with aromas of apples, pears, and citrus. The first sip feels almost effervescent in the mouth. It’s light and crisp, full of green apples and citrus with a finish reminiscent of a classic Sancerre. I am so glad I’ve got a case of it sitting in my cellar. A bottle of this and the music of Arlen Roth is a great way to welcome summer. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Dimitri Illarionov & Brancaia Tre

Dimitri Illarionov (born 1979) is a brilliant young Russian classical guitarist. In 1997, he graduated with honors from the Academic Music College at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, then studied at the Russian Gnesins's Academy of Music with Professor Alexander Frauchi, graduating cum laude in 2002. He studied with the Russian composer and guitarist Nikita Koshkin as well as prominent guitarists Carlo Marchione and Roberto Ausselll.

Dimitri is the winner and laureate of numerous international competitions in the USA, Spain, Italy, Poland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Russia. He took second place in the III Alexander Tansman International Competition of Musical Personalities (Lodz, Poland - 2000) in which piano, violin, cello, guitar and other instruments compete directly with each other. Dimitri’s success there was the highest place ever by a guitarist.  In October 2002 Illarionov won one of the most prestigious guitar competitions in the world – The Twentieth International Guitar Foundation of America Solo Guitar Competition (GFA – Miami, Florida, USA). He followed that in 2006 when he won prizes for best interpretations of the music of two of the best-known Romantic composers for guitar – the Francisco Tarrega Prize (Francisco Tarrega Competition in Benicassim, Spain) and the Agustin Barrios Prize (Agustin Barrios Competition in Nuoro, Italy). Currently, he is on a concert tour across Europe. He musical repertoire is diverse ranging from baroque to Renaissance, to modern. He is truly a bright rising star in the world of classical guitar. Hope you like him.

Las Abejas by Agustín Barrios: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ev6HXhENXQ&feature=related

Passacaglia by Tansman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WlQJ24qWNk&feature=related

Francisco Tarrega’s Carnival of Venice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn--js38c50&feature=related

Richard Johnson’s The Promise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaZCxAPV17Y&feature=related

Tango en Skai by Roland Dyens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaRpQKjBEJQ&feature=related

Aranjuez by Rodrigo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPRPz3jjLzE&feature=related

Un dia de Noviembre" by Leo Brouwer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-pPQM_LdSY&feature=related

Valseana (II) & Preludio e Toccatina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKG38G7SqHM&feature=related

Alexei Rybnikov "Andersen's Fairy Tales": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rt0oiL6gSs&feature=related

Virtuosos of Guitar concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO65JHmmIw0&feature=related

Skye Boat Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB8e-xNIDzo

I think European when I listen to classical guitar so I’m pairing Dimitri with the 2007 Brancaia Tre ($20.00). Tre means three and as the name implies, it’s a blend of predominantly Sangiovese with touches of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was the #10 wine in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2009 and it’s a spectacular value. Aromas of dark berries and fresh flowers are followed by flavors of raspberry, blackberry and coffee with velvety tannins and a long soft finish full of fruit character. The 2007 is the best of the vintages I’ve tasted of this wine, but you won’t go wrong with any of them. Beautiful wine and a brilliant guitarist make for a great way to end the weekend. Enjoy!

Cheers!