Kelly Joe Phelps has established himself as a virtuoso guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He mixes folk, blues, and a little bit of jazz and has garnered accolades from the likes of Bill Frisell, Steve Earl, and Cameron Crowe. He’s been featured on NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ and ‘Prairie Home Companion’ as well as numerous BBC and other national radio shows throughout Europe, Australia and Japan. Kelly Joe is a versatile improviser with the ability to put a new spin on a song every time he plays. His imaginative style merges multiple styles of music into his own unique blend. I hope you like him.
Country Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aSCeN01BFA
Beggar’s oil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p7DUKzMR30&feature=related
Tight to the jar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBmqfM74sIY&feature=related
Window Grin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO8oFckRLM8&feature=related
Big Shakey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJZKb7up8vE&feature=related
Handfull of arrows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMI9_P0_sNw&feature=related
Hellhound on my trail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clnMRT-VK74&feature=related
I been converted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX7MSOjdeGk&feature=related
River Rat Jimmy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP1O7ogdkyE
I’d be a rich man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09ddTXpDUek&feature=related
Plumb line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NH-0GtqpYg&feature=related
With Corrine West, River’s Fool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbb9xDj8KtM
With Corrine West, Whiskey Poet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZk_r7aud3E&feature=related
I used to keep the fact that I drink wine from a box a family secret. That was before I discovered Octavin wines. I reviewed their Silver Birch New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc back on July 27th, 2010 and was blown away at the incredible quality and value in this box of wine. Well, I’ve got two more to review and tonight, we’re pairing Kelly Joe with their Monthaven Merlot. It’s a well-balanced Merlot with aromas of cherry, plum, and dark berries that follow on the palate. It’s more on the dry side than jammy, which for me is just how I like my Merlot. Nice long finish. I’m astounded by the quality of these wines-in-a-box. They’re enough to make me give up glass—then again, maybe not. So tell Paul Giamatti and the movie Sideways to take a long walk off a short pier, get your self a box of Octavin’s Monthaven Merlot, and relax to the soulful sounds of kelly Joe Phelps. Enjoy!
Cheers!
The Death Whisperer Series
The Death Whisperer Series available at https://www.amazon.com/author/dmichaelolive
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Acoustic Covers Vol. 2 & Mount Langi Ghiran “Billi Billi” Shiraz
Volume two of acoustic guitarists doing covers of well known songs and I have to admit I went a little crazy. I couldn’t decide who to include…so I included all of my favorites. Jacques Stotzem is a contrast in styles. He plays some of the most lyrical and beautiful compositions, but underneath that sensitive exterior lies the heart of a rocker. I never imagined hearing Purple Haze on an acoustic guitar. And just in time for Halloween, check out the California Guitar Trio’s version of Tubular bells. Play that in the background as the kids come for trick or treat. Adam Rafferty is one of my all time favorite guitarists. He’s got a new YouTube channel that doesn’t seem to play anything, so I put the old videos on tonight’s blog. Just listen and disregard the notice that may show up on some of them. Last, but certainly not least, Tommy Emmanuel is as close as one gets to an acoustic shredder. He is amazing and if you want to hear more, check out my 6/28/09 blog. Enjoy!
Jacques Stotzem: (Reviewed 1/30/10)
With or Without You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQagK7mA0Aw
Fields of Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mecdFGOqclM&feature=related
Purple Haze: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7G0CPmAqrY&feature=related
Voodoo Child/Moonchild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfIX4dw9WXs&feature=related
Shape of my Heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Uj_mX_UP8&feature=related
Heart of Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxr4TJRh844&feature=related
California Guitar Trio (Reviewed 1/1/10)
Bohemian Rhapsody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNNcMDZn2Qk
Tubular Bells: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2OCF1ar0kk
Classical Gas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g01fVqSBww
Adam Rafferty (Reviewed 11/12/09)
Rock with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWz9y9k7DIo
I wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fdwOEPfznk
Thriller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZQuU8rE1LE
Off the wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP0T7-M_wWM&feature=related
Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiXCyISQSdE&feature=related
With Tommy Emmanuel; Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVuIfpIuLWk&feature=related
Tommy Emmanuel (Reviewed 6/28/09)
Day Tripper/Lady Madonna: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYzajpeAWuA
Here comes the sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOw6gCPDEQ8&feature=related
House of the rising sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIWSVTaytOw&feature=related
Heartbreak Hotel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVFt5sS4gRE&feature=related
To accompany this round of cover experts, I recommend a 2008 Mount Langi Ghiran “Billi Billi” Shiraz ($15.00). It’s dark red in color with aromas of plum, cherry and chocolate. The wine feels full in the mouth. Flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and coffee spiced with pepper linger through a long finish. It’s not jammy, but rather dry, a good thing in my book. As the wine sat exposed to air for about an hour, it really opened up and showed good balance of fruit and spice. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Jacques Stotzem: (Reviewed 1/30/10)
With or Without You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQagK7mA0Aw
Fields of Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mecdFGOqclM&feature=related
Purple Haze: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7G0CPmAqrY&feature=related
Voodoo Child/Moonchild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfIX4dw9WXs&feature=related
Shape of my Heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Uj_mX_UP8&feature=related
Heart of Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxr4TJRh844&feature=related
California Guitar Trio (Reviewed 1/1/10)
Bohemian Rhapsody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNNcMDZn2Qk
Tubular Bells: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2OCF1ar0kk
Classical Gas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g01fVqSBww
Adam Rafferty (Reviewed 11/12/09)
Rock with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWz9y9k7DIo
I wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fdwOEPfznk
Thriller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZQuU8rE1LE
Off the wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP0T7-M_wWM&feature=related
Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiXCyISQSdE&feature=related
With Tommy Emmanuel; Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVuIfpIuLWk&feature=related
Tommy Emmanuel (Reviewed 6/28/09)
Day Tripper/Lady Madonna: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYzajpeAWuA
Here comes the sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOw6gCPDEQ8&feature=related
House of the rising sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIWSVTaytOw&feature=related
Heartbreak Hotel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVFt5sS4gRE&feature=related
To accompany this round of cover experts, I recommend a 2008 Mount Langi Ghiran “Billi Billi” Shiraz ($15.00). It’s dark red in color with aromas of plum, cherry and chocolate. The wine feels full in the mouth. Flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and coffee spiced with pepper linger through a long finish. It’s not jammy, but rather dry, a good thing in my book. As the wine sat exposed to air for about an hour, it really opened up and showed good balance of fruit and spice. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Acoustic Covers vol. I and Domaine Fournier Les Belle Vignes Sancerre
I’m back from a vacation that included stops in Boston and Kansas City as well as a drive up the coast of Maine. Tasted lots of new wines and had a couple of memorable dinners that I will describe and recommend in the coming week.
I’m always amazed at how some of the acoustic guitarists I’ve reviewed over the past two years can take a song performed by an entire band and reduce it to an incredible solo song for guitar. I’m going to do a two-part special on these guys and their creative guitar work. Tonight, I’m featuring the work of three of my favorites: Andy McKee, the late Eric Roche, and Kelly Valleau. Andy is an incredible picker with a tone that is rich. Check out his work on the harp guitar on “Into the Ocean.” Eric has always been one of my favorites. His percussive style is often imitated, never duplicated. You can hear it on “She Drives Me Crazy” and “Teen Spirit.” Kelly Valleau is an outstanding classical guitarist with a twist as you’ll see when you listen to his renditions of covers of songs by Metallica, Pink Floyd, and Kansas. Quite a far cry from a traditional classical musician. Hope you enjoy Acoustic Covers Volume I.
Andy McKee
Everybody wants to rule the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foJ-Fs6DWZM
Into the Ocean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzIhPp6T_s
Stairway to Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8t0mKCaz5I&feature=channel
Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHFcg1Bg83w&feature=channel
With Jacques Stotzen: Come together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyeDFyryvtA
Eric Roche:
Jump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J045nbHuKrE
She Drives Me Crazy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-tO6IFwBXI&feature=related
Teen Spirit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zxZcUrfX0o&feature=related
Kelly Valleau:
Another brick in the wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gInwUzAOxj8
The Unforgiven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfsHNbhlCXA
Mad World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpJXJX2EzK4
Dust in the Wind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlD6oVNmDLA&feature=related
The Scientist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sLH1MeXnUY
Oasis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybm6quoKOec&feature=related
As readers of this blog may know, I love Sauvignon Blanc, and while some of my favorites hail from New Zealand, the French versions, known as Sancerre, are just as delicious. So tonight I’m featuring a 2008 Sancerre from Domaine Fournier Les Belle Vignes. It’s a lively, pale gold that opens with a floral aroma laced with citrus and develops on the palate with the tastes of grapefruit and lemon laced with an undertone of green apples. It has a dry, clean finish that lingers nicely. At $20.00 a bottle, it’s in the range of the New Zealand SB’s and a much better value (and tasting experience) than many of the overpriced and overrated California versions. Autumn is upon us, (but you’d never know it here in Nebraska where we had a record high of 91 today) so grab a bottle of Sancerre and kick back to some great acoustic guitar. Enjoy!
Cheers!
I’m always amazed at how some of the acoustic guitarists I’ve reviewed over the past two years can take a song performed by an entire band and reduce it to an incredible solo song for guitar. I’m going to do a two-part special on these guys and their creative guitar work. Tonight, I’m featuring the work of three of my favorites: Andy McKee, the late Eric Roche, and Kelly Valleau. Andy is an incredible picker with a tone that is rich. Check out his work on the harp guitar on “Into the Ocean.” Eric has always been one of my favorites. His percussive style is often imitated, never duplicated. You can hear it on “She Drives Me Crazy” and “Teen Spirit.” Kelly Valleau is an outstanding classical guitarist with a twist as you’ll see when you listen to his renditions of covers of songs by Metallica, Pink Floyd, and Kansas. Quite a far cry from a traditional classical musician. Hope you enjoy Acoustic Covers Volume I.
Andy McKee
Everybody wants to rule the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foJ-Fs6DWZM
Into the Ocean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzIhPp6T_s
Stairway to Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8t0mKCaz5I&feature=channel
Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHFcg1Bg83w&feature=channel
With Jacques Stotzen: Come together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyeDFyryvtA
Eric Roche:
Jump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J045nbHuKrE
She Drives Me Crazy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-tO6IFwBXI&feature=related
Teen Spirit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zxZcUrfX0o&feature=related
Kelly Valleau:
Another brick in the wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gInwUzAOxj8
The Unforgiven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfsHNbhlCXA
Mad World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpJXJX2EzK4
Dust in the Wind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlD6oVNmDLA&feature=related
The Scientist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sLH1MeXnUY
Oasis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybm6quoKOec&feature=related
As readers of this blog may know, I love Sauvignon Blanc, and while some of my favorites hail from New Zealand, the French versions, known as Sancerre, are just as delicious. So tonight I’m featuring a 2008 Sancerre from Domaine Fournier Les Belle Vignes. It’s a lively, pale gold that opens with a floral aroma laced with citrus and develops on the palate with the tastes of grapefruit and lemon laced with an undertone of green apples. It has a dry, clean finish that lingers nicely. At $20.00 a bottle, it’s in the range of the New Zealand SB’s and a much better value (and tasting experience) than many of the overpriced and overrated California versions. Autumn is upon us, (but you’d never know it here in Nebraska where we had a record high of 91 today) so grab a bottle of Sancerre and kick back to some great acoustic guitar. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Friday, October 1, 2010
John Hammond & Storybook Mountain Zinfandel
I'm taking a week off from blogging after tonight. Going on vacation so I'll see ya when I return, but I'll leave off with a real treasure. John Hammond is a force of nature. He is the quintessential acoustic blues troubour, playing his guitar, with a rack harmonica around his neck, and an intensely expressive voice. He was instrumental in the blues renaissance that began in the late 50’s and early 60’s and, as a passionate ambassador of the genre, is responsible for keeping alive many of the classics by Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis, and Skip James. He began playing guitar while attending a private high school, and he was particularly fascinated with slide guitar technique. Once he saw his idol Jimmy Reed perform, he was never the same. He attended Antioch College in Ohio on a scholarship for a year, but left to pursue a career as a blues musician. By 1962, with the folk revival starting to heat up, Hammond had attracted a following in the coffeehouse circuit, performing in the tradition of the classic country blues singers.
Later, in 1966, while he was living in New York’s Greenwich Village, Hammond was approached by a young Jimi Hendrix, looking for work. Hammond put a band together, and got the group work at the Cafe Au Go Go. By that point, the coffeehouses were falling out of favor, and instead the bars and electric guitars were coming in with folk-rock. Some time later, Hendrix was approached by Chas Chandler, the bassist with the animals, who took him to England to record. Hedrix is dead but John still plays on.
Hammond has played with Eric Clapton, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Duane Allman, Mike Bloomfield, JJ Cale, Tom Waits, The Band, John Lee Hooker, and many, many more. He’s won several Grammy’s and had a ton of Grammy nominations. He’s a classic and if you like Delta Blues, you’re gonna love him. Enjoy!
Mother-in-Law blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiV__rVvn8M&feature=related
Kind Hearted Woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub9pgtuQWQ8&feature=related
I got rambling on my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qT1XiHFztk&feature=related
Drop down Mama/Come on in my kitchen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnEp6ogjKXE&feature=related
Foolin around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFRvlUmRdA0&feature=related
Sail on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmzjqZkkX7A&feature=related
Slick Crown Vic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Rvv8v7AOg&feature=related
Found True Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEpL0aq27DM&feature=related
Who do you Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNVvMnmE2CI&feature=related
She’s tough: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1Mflptyp8A&feature=related
Up the line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMjk3Jvn3Qc&feature=related
Fattening Frogs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXn1NJPWUdw&feature=related
Heartache blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHHYG2FsOes&feature=related
Lightening Slim cover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3gcVpnRqks&feature=related
Jitterbug Swing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFRYQmBil7A&feature=related
Come find out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZDtGxoeEWM&feature=related
Get behind the mule: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcWrRgnpw1w&feature=related
One classic deserve another so I’m recommending a 2006 Storybook Mountain Macayamas Range Zinfandel to enjoy with his music. Just over my usual price limit at $26.00 on sale, but it’s worth the extra buck. Macayamas Range Zinfandel is Storybook Mountain's signature estate wine. It's a classic, beautiful, wildly fruited Zin. You don’t usually use the word “elegant” for a Zin, but in this case, it’s appropriate. Deep red in color and packed with varietal character without being jammy, the wine’s bouquet is filled with raspberry and blackberry aromas. On the palate, it starts with bright, fresh boysenberry flavors with wild fruit overtones that transition to black raspberry as it airs. It’s got some serious structure and length of finish, almost Bordeaux-like. But it’s still a Zin, friendly, fun, and sure to brighten anyone’s mood in the dead of winter as it summery character recalls better weather. So get yourself two bottles of this classic wine. Drink one now as you listen to the classic blues of John Hammond and lay the other away for one of those cold nights in January when summer seems so far away. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Later, in 1966, while he was living in New York’s Greenwich Village, Hammond was approached by a young Jimi Hendrix, looking for work. Hammond put a band together, and got the group work at the Cafe Au Go Go. By that point, the coffeehouses were falling out of favor, and instead the bars and electric guitars were coming in with folk-rock. Some time later, Hendrix was approached by Chas Chandler, the bassist with the animals, who took him to England to record. Hedrix is dead but John still plays on.
Hammond has played with Eric Clapton, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Duane Allman, Mike Bloomfield, JJ Cale, Tom Waits, The Band, John Lee Hooker, and many, many more. He’s won several Grammy’s and had a ton of Grammy nominations. He’s a classic and if you like Delta Blues, you’re gonna love him. Enjoy!
Mother-in-Law blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiV__rVvn8M&feature=related
Kind Hearted Woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub9pgtuQWQ8&feature=related
I got rambling on my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qT1XiHFztk&feature=related
Drop down Mama/Come on in my kitchen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnEp6ogjKXE&feature=related
Foolin around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFRvlUmRdA0&feature=related
Sail on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmzjqZkkX7A&feature=related
Slick Crown Vic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Rvv8v7AOg&feature=related
Found True Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEpL0aq27DM&feature=related
Who do you Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNVvMnmE2CI&feature=related
She’s tough: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1Mflptyp8A&feature=related
Up the line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMjk3Jvn3Qc&feature=related
Fattening Frogs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXn1NJPWUdw&feature=related
Heartache blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHHYG2FsOes&feature=related
Lightening Slim cover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3gcVpnRqks&feature=related
Jitterbug Swing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFRYQmBil7A&feature=related
Come find out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZDtGxoeEWM&feature=related
Get behind the mule: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcWrRgnpw1w&feature=related
One classic deserve another so I’m recommending a 2006 Storybook Mountain Macayamas Range Zinfandel to enjoy with his music. Just over my usual price limit at $26.00 on sale, but it’s worth the extra buck. Macayamas Range Zinfandel is Storybook Mountain's signature estate wine. It's a classic, beautiful, wildly fruited Zin. You don’t usually use the word “elegant” for a Zin, but in this case, it’s appropriate. Deep red in color and packed with varietal character without being jammy, the wine’s bouquet is filled with raspberry and blackberry aromas. On the palate, it starts with bright, fresh boysenberry flavors with wild fruit overtones that transition to black raspberry as it airs. It’s got some serious structure and length of finish, almost Bordeaux-like. But it’s still a Zin, friendly, fun, and sure to brighten anyone’s mood in the dead of winter as it summery character recalls better weather. So get yourself two bottles of this classic wine. Drink one now as you listen to the classic blues of John Hammond and lay the other away for one of those cold nights in January when summer seems so far away. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Kirk Lorange & Wild Horse Pinot Noir
Kirk Lorange is an outstanding slide guitarist, little known outside of his home country Australia. He’s not new to the scene having been a professional guitarist since the late sixties. While he’s played in a plethora of musical groups, I think he’s best known for his teaching techniques, particularly for his book and videos, Plane Talk, and a website, http://www.guitarforbeginners.com/ that has over 100,000 subscribers. His acoustic work is amazing, but his electric tone and slide work is killer. If you want to learn a few licks, sit down and watch. Enjoy!
Yuppy Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMkcE87CzCg&feature=fvw
Blackwood strut: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJOMYmKvXak&feature=channel
Never mind the rain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaClvtQwTJ0&feature=channel
Come a long way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNK8kfB8_CQ&feature=related
Rust red dust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDawEHIl1z8&feature=related
Sixteen twenty-five: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL6HvTcqdLk&feature=channel
Little wing improv: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN5M7YoEMm4&feature=channel
The water is wide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG8mFVkQZ4s&feature=channel
Georgia on my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcKSz1IUNqI&feature=channel
Scratch my itch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhxEBbFZTsM&feature=related
Three piece suit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alwi0kKjE6o&feature=channel
Salt wind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URC38mUZplE&feature=related
Slow blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok6mktRrD0Y&feature=channel
Stormy Monday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C56N6H1JdLs&feature=channel
I’m going to recommend a 2007 Wild Horse Pinot Noir to go with Kirk. It has distinct floral notes in the aroma along with a bit of strawberry and cherry. In the mouth it opens with intense flavors of black raspberry, cranberry, and strawberry and finishes with a bit of rhubarb. Wild Horse is low on acid, rich and soft with a ripe, yet fresh feel. Very nice at $23.00. So pour yourself a glass, plant yourself in front of your computer screen with a guitar in your lap, your preference of a glass or metal slide on your pinky, and try playing some blues. Enjoy!
Cheers.
Yuppy Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMkcE87CzCg&feature=fvw
Blackwood strut: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJOMYmKvXak&feature=channel
Never mind the rain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaClvtQwTJ0&feature=channel
Come a long way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNK8kfB8_CQ&feature=related
Rust red dust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDawEHIl1z8&feature=related
Sixteen twenty-five: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL6HvTcqdLk&feature=channel
Little wing improv: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN5M7YoEMm4&feature=channel
The water is wide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG8mFVkQZ4s&feature=channel
Georgia on my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcKSz1IUNqI&feature=channel
Scratch my itch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhxEBbFZTsM&feature=related
Three piece suit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alwi0kKjE6o&feature=channel
Salt wind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URC38mUZplE&feature=related
Slow blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok6mktRrD0Y&feature=channel
Stormy Monday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C56N6H1JdLs&feature=channel
I’m going to recommend a 2007 Wild Horse Pinot Noir to go with Kirk. It has distinct floral notes in the aroma along with a bit of strawberry and cherry. In the mouth it opens with intense flavors of black raspberry, cranberry, and strawberry and finishes with a bit of rhubarb. Wild Horse is low on acid, rich and soft with a ripe, yet fresh feel. Very nice at $23.00. So pour yourself a glass, plant yourself in front of your computer screen with a guitar in your lap, your preference of a glass or metal slide on your pinky, and try playing some blues. Enjoy!
Cheers.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Pat Metheny and Eight Songs Shiraz
I’m in Washington D.C. tonight, getting ready to present my research on improving the surgical removal of tumors at a science conference. I’m going to kick off the week with one of the finest jazz guitarists on the face of the earth, namely Pat Metheny. Pat was born in Kansas City on August 12, 1954 into a musical family. He started out playing the trumpet at the age of 8, but switched to guitar at age 12. By the age of 15, he was working regularly with the best jazz musicians in Kansas City. At 18, he was the youngest teacher ever at the University of Miami, where he met and joined forces with another young prodigy, Jaco Pastorius. Check out the video of the two young’ins playing an early gig. At 19, he became the youngest teacher ever at the Berklee College of Music, where he also received an honorary doctorate more than twenty years later (1996).
While he was at Berklee, he hooked up with vibraphone great Gary Burton and began a three year stint traveling and performing with him. It was while working with Burton that he developed his trademark playing style that blends the loose and flexible articulation customarily reserved for horn players with an advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility. His playing and improvising are deeply grounded the jazz tradition of melody, swing, and the blues, yet he brings a modern sense of composition to his music. Look carefully at his unorthodox picking style that includes using the rounded, thick end of the pick. Also, check out the Pikasso guitar made for him by luthier Linda Manzer. With 42 strings it must have monster bracing to keep the top from exploding.
Over the years, Metheny has won countless polls as "Best Jazz Guitarist" and has garnered 17 Grammy Awards spread out over a variety of different categories including Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, Best Instrumental Composition. In fact, his group won an unprecedented seven consecutive Grammies for seven consecutive albums. What’s even more amazing to me, road warrior that I am, is that he has spent most of his life on tour, averaging between 120-240 shows a year since 1974. Talk about frequent flyer miles, the guy’s probably on par with George Clooney’s character in the movie, Up In The Air. He’s a tremendous musician and his music is a great way to kick off the week. Enjoy!
Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvaVQZP6A_M
Have You Heard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApI-zA6suXE&feature=fvw
As It Is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSONbye6n98&feature=related
Into the Dream (Check out the weird Pikasso guitar): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XYkcNmdQu0&feature=related
With Jaco Pastorius: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qo4RC1Qd2w&feature=related
Last Train Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g6nPYyIS_I&feature=related
Slip Away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyOLSy1RtpI&feature=related
Close to Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9F9bjhrgvM&feature=related
Here to Stay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6JlE_xRRes&feature=related
Heat of the Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlzuzRNqEHU&feature=related
Spring Ain’t here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqdzFSFVF2E
Phase Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRNT-TRARpY&feature=related
To go with the mello sounds of Pat Metheny, I recommend a 2000 Peter Lehmann Eight Songs Shiraz (normally $30; on sale for $20.00). It’s rare to find a ten year old wine like this, especially at my local grocery store. It has a northern Rhone nose that belies a classic Aussie palate of blackberry, black cherry, coffee, and chocolate, accented by exotic spices and a finish that seems to go on forever. This is a really nice Shiraz that ten years of aging have made into a great wine. Wine spectator gave it 92 points. Combine it with the music of Pat Metheny and you’ve got a perfect score. Enjoy!
Cheers!
While he was at Berklee, he hooked up with vibraphone great Gary Burton and began a three year stint traveling and performing with him. It was while working with Burton that he developed his trademark playing style that blends the loose and flexible articulation customarily reserved for horn players with an advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility. His playing and improvising are deeply grounded the jazz tradition of melody, swing, and the blues, yet he brings a modern sense of composition to his music. Look carefully at his unorthodox picking style that includes using the rounded, thick end of the pick. Also, check out the Pikasso guitar made for him by luthier Linda Manzer. With 42 strings it must have monster bracing to keep the top from exploding.
Over the years, Metheny has won countless polls as "Best Jazz Guitarist" and has garnered 17 Grammy Awards spread out over a variety of different categories including Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, Best Instrumental Composition. In fact, his group won an unprecedented seven consecutive Grammies for seven consecutive albums. What’s even more amazing to me, road warrior that I am, is that he has spent most of his life on tour, averaging between 120-240 shows a year since 1974. Talk about frequent flyer miles, the guy’s probably on par with George Clooney’s character in the movie, Up In The Air. He’s a tremendous musician and his music is a great way to kick off the week. Enjoy!
Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvaVQZP6A_M
Have You Heard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApI-zA6suXE&feature=fvw
As It Is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSONbye6n98&feature=related
Into the Dream (Check out the weird Pikasso guitar): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XYkcNmdQu0&feature=related
With Jaco Pastorius: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qo4RC1Qd2w&feature=related
Last Train Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g6nPYyIS_I&feature=related
Slip Away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyOLSy1RtpI&feature=related
Close to Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9F9bjhrgvM&feature=related
Here to Stay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6JlE_xRRes&feature=related
Heat of the Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlzuzRNqEHU&feature=related
Spring Ain’t here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqdzFSFVF2E
Phase Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRNT-TRARpY&feature=related
To go with the mello sounds of Pat Metheny, I recommend a 2000 Peter Lehmann Eight Songs Shiraz (normally $30; on sale for $20.00). It’s rare to find a ten year old wine like this, especially at my local grocery store. It has a northern Rhone nose that belies a classic Aussie palate of blackberry, black cherry, coffee, and chocolate, accented by exotic spices and a finish that seems to go on forever. This is a really nice Shiraz that ten years of aging have made into a great wine. Wine spectator gave it 92 points. Combine it with the music of Pat Metheny and you’ve got a perfect score. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Jimmy Page & Pinot Noirs
Do I really need to say anthing about Jimmy Page? I first heard him after he joined the Yardbirds upon Jeff Beck’s departure. I can remember cranking the volume of my Mom’s black Chevy Impala as I cruised the night to the pulsating beat of “Whole Lotta Love.” Their first album (yeah, vinyl) was one of my favorites and of all the songs on it, “Since I Been Lovin You” was a mind-blower. Friday night and time to kick back. Enjoy!
50 Years of Jimmy Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv_mNtI9P3o
Chopin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZXG0fNUUXs&feature=related
Stairway to Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFik1D1zPhQ&feature=related
Top 10 solos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcIn4dG6fBc
Classic rock documentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG56zsFdebo
Arena-Heavy Metal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk3r677iDWY
Heart full of stone (Yardbirds): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0D-s0zTI4
The Immigrant song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eQWnkxXjvQ&feature=related
The song remains the same: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBAewzK4EC8&feature=related
Since I been loving you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN-xBupbXRM&feature=related
Whole lotta love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnbWZmZ_9go&feature=related
Tonight’s Pinot Noir comparison is rather striking. First up is a 2008 Guarachi Family Sonoma Coast Pinot ($42.00) that Wine Spectator rated a 94. They said it was “impressive for its richness, depth and layers of ripe cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit, shaded by loamy earth and black licorice notes that continue to build and expand. Full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish that focuses on the fruit themes.” I’d agree with some of their comments, but what I noticed most was the alcohol that dominated and drowned out the cherry fruit. In fact, the alcohol crushed any nuances on the palate, although they became somewhat more apparent (red fruit and vanilla) on the finish. Rather than blow forty bucks on this one, let me recommend something more in my “under $25.00 price range.”
With its bright ruby color, the 2008 Cartlidge and Browne Pinot emphasizes the wine’s classic ruby and garnet fruit. C&B is flush with strawberry richness, stony minerals, and smooth spices on the palate and nose. The mouth feel has a juicy, soft sweetness and wonderful, understated texture. It’s a solid American Pinot Noir, and as Robert Parker and the Wine Advocate state, “This winery is known for its excellent bargins and this Pinot is better than some five times the price,” especially at $14.00 a bottle. Like Jimmy Page, C&B Pinot Noir isn’t pretentious, just awesome. Enjoy!
Cheers!
50 Years of Jimmy Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv_mNtI9P3o
Chopin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZXG0fNUUXs&feature=related
Stairway to Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFik1D1zPhQ&feature=related
Top 10 solos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcIn4dG6fBc
Classic rock documentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG56zsFdebo
Arena-Heavy Metal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk3r677iDWY
Heart full of stone (Yardbirds): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0D-s0zTI4
The Immigrant song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eQWnkxXjvQ&feature=related
The song remains the same: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBAewzK4EC8&feature=related
Since I been loving you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN-xBupbXRM&feature=related
Whole lotta love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnbWZmZ_9go&feature=related
Tonight’s Pinot Noir comparison is rather striking. First up is a 2008 Guarachi Family Sonoma Coast Pinot ($42.00) that Wine Spectator rated a 94. They said it was “impressive for its richness, depth and layers of ripe cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit, shaded by loamy earth and black licorice notes that continue to build and expand. Full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish that focuses on the fruit themes.” I’d agree with some of their comments, but what I noticed most was the alcohol that dominated and drowned out the cherry fruit. In fact, the alcohol crushed any nuances on the palate, although they became somewhat more apparent (red fruit and vanilla) on the finish. Rather than blow forty bucks on this one, let me recommend something more in my “under $25.00 price range.”
With its bright ruby color, the 2008 Cartlidge and Browne Pinot emphasizes the wine’s classic ruby and garnet fruit. C&B is flush with strawberry richness, stony minerals, and smooth spices on the palate and nose. The mouth feel has a juicy, soft sweetness and wonderful, understated texture. It’s a solid American Pinot Noir, and as Robert Parker and the Wine Advocate state, “This winery is known for its excellent bargins and this Pinot is better than some five times the price,” especially at $14.00 a bottle. Like Jimmy Page, C&B Pinot Noir isn’t pretentious, just awesome. Enjoy!
Cheers!
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