The Death Whisperer Series

The Death Whisperer Series
The Death Whisperer Series available at https://www.amazon.com/author/dmichaelolive

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Tony Furtado & Belle Glos Pinot Noirs

At the age of 19, Tony Furtado won the second of two National Bluegrass Banjo Championships. But rather than launch out into a promising bluegrass career, he expanded creatively and picked up the slide guitar. The dexterity that he developed playing banjo served him well and it wasn’t long before he established himself as a solo folk artist complete with self-written songs and a voice to sing them. He’s toured with Greg Allman, Susan Tedeschi, Taj Mahal, Eric Johnson and shared the stage with the likes of Sonny Landreth, Keith Richards, David Lindley, Derek Trucks, and Norah Jones. His music hits the heartstrings of America as he draws for folk culture and current events transforming them into songs for the everyman. I hope you like him as much as I do.


Cypress Grove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LczW1qVbzns

False Hearted Lover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-6f6vFcKTk&feature=related

Live @ KINK Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs6yiOgbtbY&feature=related

Tony’s tune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uX74jx-Tsw&feature=related

Rove Riley Rove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INJVGjvkx80&feature=related

Jack Haggerty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHlfRDdqphA&feature=related

Thirteen Below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbViaR-xXo0&feature=related

Runnin down a dream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEyCJbdR8vo

Molly & Tenbrooks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71el6GvgpNo&feature=related

Paradise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyinFHBN9n8&feature=related

Swayback Jim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDcY8r8pqCo&feature=related

The Grenada Theater: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnBbjco_Fsg&feature=related

Stagger Lee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I841UQJs2co&feature=related

Slide Technique: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG_SfVPSgMk&feature=related

Hartford & Drakes Bay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_qlu9CU-wM&feature=related

Banjo Solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MahRcFrSrQo&feature=related


So tonight I begin reviewing some of the Pinot Noirs I had the opportunity to taste at a recent bash at my local wine shop. One could term it the ugly, the bad, and the good. Tonight we start with the ugly, but fear not, I have a good to go with it. The 2008 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone ($38.00) was rated 91 by Wine Spectator. They claimed it was bursting with aromas of cinnamon, caramel and hints of ginger-spiced tea. Must have been someone’s aftershave because I swear this is the first wine I’ve ever tasted that had no bouquet. And without the bouquet, there was no flavor. Very weak tasting. Interestingly, I reviewed Belle Glos’ entry level Pinot, the Meiomi, on July fourth of this year. In contrast, it had a wonderful bouquet of cranberries, cherries, plums and spice and a palate rich in berries with a touch of vanilla and oak. It was definitely a much better wine and cost only $22.00. My advice, get a bottle of their Meiomi Pinot Noir and tap your feet to the sliding sounds of Tony Furtado. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Richard Smith and the Wine Find of the Year

Richard Smith was born in Beckenham, Kent, England in 1971. At the age of five, he picked up the guitar and soon surpassed his father in six-stringed prowess. His hero was Chet Atkins and at the age of eleven met and played with Chet. I’ve included a song from that performance here. His repertoire encompasses a diversity of styles including those of Django Reinhardt, Les paul, Lenny Breau, Chet Atkins, and Jerry Reed. In 2001, he won the Winfield Fingerpicking Championship. He’s paired up with one of my favorites, Tommy Emmanuel and keeps pace with the speedster. I think you’re going to like him.


Little bit of blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZTUfYQMhhA&feature=related

Travis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KiJ6OuMlrg&feature=related

Guitar Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2fyfJzhV_I&feature=related

Chet Shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtF0ea8vyro&feature=related

With Tommy Emmanuel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8OMOObvJdY&feature=related

Ragtime Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppALom5tL-8&feature=related

Lullabye for Madeline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glyfGJqLCXk&feature=related

Theme to Masterpiece Theater: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9gbYA2Vk_8&feature=related

With Chet Atkins at age 11: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfzDltcAbFQ&feature=related

The Watkins Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrVLC6NRFFM

Windy and Warm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFm1ojp_KhY&feature=related

The Cascades: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv4U6eQYxQU&feature=related

Beatles Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKw1ZWlNxMM&feature=related

With Tommy emmuel Seranade to Summetime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7bFQSYg1yU&feature=related

With Tommy Emmanuel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e-88q4znyA&feature=related

Before I continue with my Pinot Noir tasting exploits, I thought I’d re-review a wine I would designate my “Wine Find of the Year,” namely the 2008 Klinker Brick Farrah Syrah ($20.00). It bursts onto your nose with tons of fruit and explodes in your mouth with blackberry, plum, dark cherry, and sweet chocolate. It’s got a port-like character but very drinkable with smooth tannins and an incredibly long finish. One bit of warning: it’s 15% alcohol so it’s got a kick, but don’t be put off. The fruit dominates this delectable elixir and it goes great with the guitar of Richard Smith. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Dave Mathews & Whitehaven Pinot Noir

Dave Matthews is in Omaha this week so I thought I’d do a bit of his music tonight. He really doesn’t fit the category of an “up-and-coming guitarist/performer.” He’s more of an OMG-it’s-DMB type. He plays a lot of closed chords, that is, he picks the strings he fingers without allowing the open strings to augment his sound. Some of his chords are killers on your hand. I once heard someone comment that they though he wasn’t a very good guitarist. Well, try playing a few of his songs and singing at the same time. I think you’ll find he’s quite good.


Tripping Billies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYqsz-THH0c

Ants Marching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUpec0kwCfo&feature=related

Grey Street: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkP7yBTu80Y&feature=related

One Sweet World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUnsqFPTBQo&feature=related

Stuck on you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBWLq_rh_i8&feature=related

Gravedigger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzJXr8kuefY

Crash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiiT7xCCsME&feature=related

Crush: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVMdt7Jf16A&feature=related

#41: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amvtyb-efbU&feature=related

Jimi Thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRnpYdKYgZg&feature=related

Two Step: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5MSFTDy5p0&feature=related

Seek up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwrk9xU7hgs&p=FD7A79B544BD66A2&playnext=1&index=3 1

Typical Situation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFJy3ip5u-I&feature=related

Christmas Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbdylEE-0e4&feature=related

Went to a Pinot Noir tasting last night where the wines ranged in price from $15.00 to $60.00 a bottle. I found it very interesting in that the ones I personally liked the best were all under $30.00. In fact, the three pricy-est ones didn’t thrill me at all. One was rated a 94 by several reviewers but tasted strongly of alcohol with very little fruit/cherry character so characteristic of Pinots. Another that cost about $45.00 and was rated 91, had no bouquet. Really. No aroma, and that’s not my allergies talking. I’ll review them through the week, but I thought I’d start with one I really love that was not offered. I’ve reviewed it before, but it’s the best Pinot I’ve tasted. It’s a 2007 Whitehaven Pinot Noir from New Zealand, usually about $30.00 list price but I get it on sale for $23-$24.00. Beautiful bouquet of bing cherry and strawberry that follow on the palate. It’s a delicious, light, easy-drinking Pinot with just enough oak to compliment the fruit and an impressively long finish. Enjoy a bottle as you listen to Dave.

Cheers!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young & Steltzner Claret

Crosby Stills Nash and Young is one of my all-time favorite musical groups. The harmonies they created are unique even today. Drawn from Buffalo Springfield (Stills & Young), the Hollies (Nash) and the Byrds (Crosby), they rose during the Woodstock era full of anti-Vietnam war sentiment with a different twist on traditional fold-type songs. Suite Judy Blue Eyes is probably their most recognizable tune. Their rendition of the Joni Mitchell song, Long Time Gone, hits the heart of the Woodstock emotion. Last but not least, check out Southern Cross, one of their later tunes. Enjoy.


Suite Judy Blue Eyes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXQR6RiB9zc&feature=related

Long time gone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50go7zlvnfg&feature=related

Carry on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWTz_lU5BY0

Helplessly hoping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLw1GaV1z2Y&feature=related

Teach your children: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az9Az6S1nus&feature=related

Wasted on the way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJgNxBbkmzQ&feature=related

In my life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a7CdCYv13w&feature=related

Blackbird: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wORwlCy3JDI&feature=related

You don’t have to cry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfjugnFrZMs&feature=related

Southern Cross: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kopNfhvCkHU

Gotta have a mello wine for CSNY and I’m going to suggest a Steltzner 2007 Claret ($18.00). It’s aroma is distinctively black cherry with a palate that adds black raspberry, mocha, vanilla, and a nice bit of oak to the mix. It has a long velvety finish from the ripe tannins. This wine is from the Napa region where prices can be considerably out of my $25.00 limit, but this one is one of the best I’ve had. Add in the under $20.00 price tag and it’s a winner. So smooth out your Wednesday hump day with CSNY and a glass of Steltzner Claret. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Joe Bonamassa & Peter Lehmann Layers

Although he’s been around for a while, Joe Bonamassa is just now becoming recognized for the great blues guitarist that he is. For me, a great blues artist combines musical virtuosity with a rasping voice that captures the emotional essence of the genre. Stevie Ray Vaughn had it. So does Joe. He’s a rare performer splitting time between acoustic and electric guitar work. I’ve included seven acoustic and six electric numbers for your listening pleasure. My favorite is his electric work on “Stop,” but there’s a lot of good stuff here. Hope you like him.


Shredding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmsGsovV0Bo

High Water: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqMzGb1VTDo&feature=related  

Unplugged @ the Bluebird: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXGnyc539LY&feature=related

Zaragossa Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF6W3P6LzFI&feature=related

Woke up dreaming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5B3FYUBPyo&feature=related

Unplugged & Unleashed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71_Qw_HtukI&feature=related

Live in Berlin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNMAq8arzUM&feature=related

Albert hall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwoNA67k2EI&feature=related

Stop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMXXnLSRdBE&feature=related

Ballad of John Henry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaCjPdtDBxo&feature=related

Burning Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_3TkbS6C5s&feature=related

Don’t burn down the bridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIMiKAIXHks&feature=related

One of these days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDcx_5N9qVo&feature=related

Blues Deluxe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn09Xn9JF5s&feature=related

I’m pairing Joe with a very interesting white wine, namely Peter Lehmann’s 2009 Layers ($13.00). I say interesting because it’s a blend of Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürtztraminer and Muscat picked from different vineyards throughout the Barossa and Adelaide regions. You’d think with a combination like this the wine would have trouble establishing an identity, but each grape contributes a unique character and flavor to produce an easy drinking and approachable medium-bodied white. The “Layers” name comes from the layers of fruit that give the wine its complexity. It’s a pale yellow-green color with a bouquet reminiscent of Semillon and Sauvignon blanc with green apple and citrus aromas. When it first hits the palate, I taste the Pinot Gris and unoaked Chardonnay, again with lemon, lime, crisp autumn apples, and a nice jolt of acidity. It finishes with the spicy notes of the Gewurtztraminer that linger for quite a while.

With all the different grapes, that’s a lot of balls to juggle but it is pulled off with finesse making it a great wine for sipping on a cool autumn evening watching the stars come out and listening to the blues of Joe Bonamassa. Have a great Monday. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Carlos Santana & Bearboat Pinot Noir

I love Latin rock and there’s no one better at it than Carlos Santana. His guitar sound is full of emotion and soul and combined with the body-moving Latin rhythms makes you want to get up and move. I’m in the process of preparing three science talks that I have to give over the next month and found myself doing a samba as I practiced my Powerpoint. That should take the focus off any flaws in my data because everyone will be too busy being horrified at my dancing abilities. I’d better stick to a more traditional presentation. One of my all time favorite albums (yes, I’m dating myself but when this first came out it was on vinyl) is Caravanserai. I now have it on CD. But I really love “Supernatural and have included many of the songs for this release below. Smooth is like a musical perfect storm: Rob Thomas’ perfect vocals, Carlos exquisite guitar, and a Latin rhythm that gets you moving. No more talk. Listen up!


Smooth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXp413NynFk

Corazon Espinada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP_0Jv4Mu3U&feature=related

Europa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frcA6Hk7Mfo&feature=related

Maria Maria: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVv-NMiT0uc&feature=related

Yaleo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNxznQ2ubZQ&feature=related

With Dave Matthews; Love of my Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBMRZo5fTeA&feature=related

With Nickleback: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJ6xJfTDaE&feature=related

With Chad Kroeger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSA-Djc-30&feature=related

Just feel better (Steven Tyler): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZROoUEFTJ1I&feature=related

Put your lights on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5a0OAtzrXE&feature=related

Exodus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81CcusXT7Y8&feature=related

Jingo with Eric Clapton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAf3gqdCrDs

The Calling with Eric Clapton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebcfbbeDFnw

She’s not there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMmlVtSXXZ8&feature=related

Once it’s gotcha: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtI0yviW9kw&feature=related

With a smooth operator like Carlos, I have to recommend a like wine: a 2007 Bearboat Pinot Noir. It has an aroma full of dark berries with a silky smooth palate of blackberry, cherry, red currents, and spice. Rich tannins with good acidity. It’s a Wine Enthusiast Editors Choice that rated 90. So get those hips moving and samba into the weekend with Bearboat and Santana. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Acoustic side of Rock & Calatayud Las Rocas Garnacha

Tonight I’m taking a look at a different side of a bunch of hard rocking blues guitarists and shredders. Each has put out some acoustic unplugged material that is quite classy. Who would’ve though Joe Satriani or Yngwie Malmsteen had a quieter side? Quiet, but still powerful. I love Yngwie with the symphony. Malmsteen is reputed to be the fastest picker in rockdom, but just to keep it honest, I’ve included an acoustic version of John McLaughlin’s Birds of Fire, played by McLaughlin himself. You tell me who’s faster.


Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Blue on Black: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee735pZ6kxk

Johnny Lang
Wander This World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtb6ey5no2U&feature=related
Try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1idFJiudDC8&feature=related

Stevie Ray Vaughn
Pride and Joy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZkLVinwR4E&feature=related
Life by the Drop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7SS0yezCU4
Twelve String Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrZ-83GZbz0&feature=related

Eric Clapton
Driftin Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkm3UOhGN-A
Key to the Highway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oei5PTADpPM&feature=related

Joe Satriani
May this be Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffWLZ3GoIlY
I Believe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9m-Q4aIjEE

Yngwie Malmsteen:
With symphony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0DCLrWzcjI
Guitarra Acustica: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz1VwVozwjE&feature=related

John McLaughlin
Birds of Fire solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQdHLkisVag&feature=related

My wife and I were in our hometown of Chicago last weekend enjoying some of our favorite comfort foods, one of which are Chicago hotdogs from Henry’s, a little greasy spoon on Ogden Avenue in Cicero. I was faced with a real challenge, namely, what wine goes with a hotdog smothered in mustered, relish, and onions? The answer: a Calatayud Las Rocas Garnacha 2007 ($12.00). Las Rocas, or "the rocks", is 100% Garnacha (Grenache), from vines that are 70-100 years old. Aging is split 60% in a tank and 40% in a barrel for a total of approximately 6 months. The wine is deep purple with aromas of cherry, plum, black raspberry, and what I finally decided was a touch of whiskey. It’s medium bodied with succulent dark fruit on the palate and nice acidity. Very smooth with enough strength to weather the mustard and onions on the Chicago “dogs.” Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 90 points. He didn’t say anything about how well it accompanies a hotdog, but believe me, it’s a great match. So enjoy a bottle while you listen to the acoustic side of some electric rockers.

Cheers!