Sungha Jung and Lois Gruner Veltliner

Sungha Jung, born 2 September 1996, is a South Korean professional acoustic finger-style guitarist who has risen to fame on YouTube, mainly through his South Korean audience. As of 2011, his channel had over 14 million views, with his videos getting a total of over 356 million views, as well as over 500,000 subscribers. If you follow his videos, you can watch him grow up. In his early years (of course he’s only 15 now), the guitar seemed to dwarf is tiny body, yet he still managed to play it like a pro. His repertoire is quite diverse leaning toward pop classics. I selected a few of my favorites, although you can find him all over You Tube. He’s quite a remarkable guitarist. Hope you enjoy his music.

Fragile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Fc9PWO3wE&feature=relmfu

Time after time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0N4SkIsV48&feature=relmfu

I’ll be over you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Z3axPqsxc&feature=fvwrel

You belong with me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8VJnaiB6xI

Lonely: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlvD50_ExGM

Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjm1-fHeUQ8&feature=fvwrel

This Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-qap_BpjDw&feature=related

More than words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gtDxjrKDUw&feature=related

Beat it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFjMP9qbZfw&feature=related

I’m yours: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyMQRVA2pnc&feature=related

River flows in you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_xFh7XFC_w&feature=relmfu

With you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p77tG3kTjc&feature=related

Don’t stop till you get enough: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7GdENQRt1Y&feature=related  

I don’t usually recommend a wine when I’m reviewing a minor, but after hearing this kid kill the guitar…I need a drink. So, since his style is so listenable, I’m pairing him with a 2009 Lois Grüner Veltliner from Fred Loimer vineyards in Austria. The Lois Grüner Veltliner was produced using fruit sourced in vineyards near Langenlois and Kamptal and sells for about $14.00.

It’s kind of a cross between a Pinot Grigio and a Sauvignon Blanc with a bouquet of  lime, green apples, and fresh cut grass. The palate is dominated by tart green apple and citrus fruits, with both continuing through the clean, vibrant finish. This wine is wonderful for sipping while you’re writing your 800 page historical novel, of, in my case, a 300 page thriller. It’s nice, light, and playful, just like Sungha’s guitar. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Preston Reed & Siduri Pinot Noir

I first heard Preston Reed about 15 years ago and almost fell out my chair as I listened to his flamboyant self-invented style, characterized by rhythmic thumping, slapping, and tapping accompanied by simultaneous melody lines that dance around the fretboard. His music and style impart a level of excitement to the listener that is unparalleled among today's guitarists.
He’s been an inspiration to many of guitarists I review here. People like Kaki King began their careers by listening to and learning his techniques. When I first heard him I had a hard time believing I was hearing just the one guitarist, in real time. At full tilt, his fingers, thumbs, fists and hands suggest a drummer, bassist and several guitarists playing simultaneously.



Reed's entry into the world of the guitar really began at the age of 16, when he heard the rootsy blues of Jorma Kaukonen and Hot Tuna. He studied the music of his acoustic guitar heroes John Fahey and Leo Kottke, picking up technique and played his first live gig at the age of 17, supporting beat poet Allen Ginsberg at the Smithsonian Institute. Reed pushed himself to go beyond the standard fingerpicking styles resulting in his now startlingly innovative approach with its percussive, two-handed fretboard attack that had guitar luminaries such as Al DiMeola and the late Michael Hedges describing Reed as "phenomenal" and "inspiring". If you like innovative guitar, you'll like Reed. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ladies Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=356ViUx1Ktc

Twang thang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyqfHW6s9m4&feature=relate

Slap funk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI29XhoejBE

Tractor Pull: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oVzB0zRBU0

Tribes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLmWcRBzzAc

Blasting Cap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NdUL-AkfkQ

Night Ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn369TSZ4QY

Rainmaker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPoeOBEs4uQ

Overture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzssF1gWmDo

Night Ride:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdjXpdQB1JM

Shinkansen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5dtkIXBKes&feature=related

False Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ddJkR-kW94&feature=related

Fat Boy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM3rXVGo7wY&feature=related

Metal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtZ1j1QIP90

Siduri Santa Lucia Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir ($22.00) is a big pinot with lush, delicious fruit. It's dark ruby colored with a nose filled with tart cherries and  cinnamon. The flavor really comes alive with spicy black raspberry, sour cherry, vanilla, and allspice flavors. The finish is complex and persistent with elements of sweet cherries.  Wine Spectator rated this wine 92 points and I agree. It’s definitely a 90+ point wine. Enjoy and happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers!

Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, & Victor Wooten and Duck Pond Pinot Noir

It’s Saturday night, so I though it was time to roll out this blog episode that I’ve been saving for a while. Three of my favorite bassists, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten make for superstar lineup like I’ve never seen. Wish I could have been at the concert, but I’ll settle for the CD entitled Thunder. I would suggest you plug into a giant subwoofer and crank it to get the feel of the bass. The second tune, Thunder is a killer. Marcus Miller is the master of funk slap bass. And catch Victor with the wah wah pedal. I smile when I see six foot-five Stanley Clark playing a short 30-inch scale Alembic bass with his monster hands. All of them are incredible. Time to party!

Beat It: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2HOkpKr520&feature=related

Thunder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QST9Joizdjs&feature=related

Maestros de las frecuencias bajas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvRPsiHBXCo&feature=related

Shake your body: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Wt7174-Gk&feature=related

Stanley on upright bass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL58vXSeRpI&feature=related

Victor’s solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufKGXWjCaCw&feature=related

Mongoose Walk Studio version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmLMKZaWlBI&feature=related

Hillbillies on a quiet afternoon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0UGTQZg7v4&feature=related

Classic thumb: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDqLHq4Sp-Q&feature=related

Silly putty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIPJkLvPzjY&feature=related

Pendulum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksfggam361M&feature=related

Lil Victa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzqHKYAS4Ok&feature=related

Maestros & talk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWeIi5skqfU&feature=related

I have to confess I bought this wine because the label was cute, but the 2009 Duck Pond Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($22.00) is a great match for groovin to tonight’s artists. The nose is full of red fruit with plenty of floral notes. It’s soft and smooth on entry with flavors of cherry, cherry pit, and a touch of my grandmother’s lingonberry jam accompanied by a vein of vanilla. It finishes with cherry pie and mulled spices that seem to go on forever. It’s a very nice wine to go with three of my favorite bassists. Feel the funk and enjoy!

Cheers!

Andrew Winton & Colome Torrontes

I’ve been on vacation this past week. Took my wife and daughter to Boston to visit my youngest son and revisit some of our old haunts from when we lived there. Tuesday would have been my daughter’s third wedding anniversary had her husband Matt survived the cancer. But we had a great time in spite of it being a date that could’ve conjured up the blues. But speaking of the blues, I recommend we slide into the weekend with one of my favorite lap-steel slide guitarists. Andrew Winton is a twenty-nine year old blues playing and singing Australian demon. He grew up listening to Deep Purple, Frank Zappa, and Johnny Cash, quite the eclectic mix. He started out as a drummer, but moved to electric guitar in his late teens and completed a degree in jazz at the Conservatorium of Music in Perth, Australia. In 2002, he began playing dobro and other lap style guitars and started a solo song writing and performing career. Mostly self taught, he is now recognized as one of Australia’s and dare I say the world’s, most talented slide guitar players.

In 2006, he took first place in the Folk/Acoustic category of the Australian Songwriters Association awards for his song, Lucky Boy. He also got an award for best live performance of the night. He’s been a featured artist on several Australian radio shows and has collected nominations for best Blues/Roots Artist (2008/2009) and best guitarist (2008/2009) in the West Australian Music Industry Awards.

His stage style mixes humor, storytelling, and a dynamic voice with virtuoso slide guitar. He reminds me a little of Kelly Joe Phelps or Ben Harper. He currently lives in Perth with his wife Karen, who also serves as his manager and percussionist, and their three children. I hope you like him.

Numbers down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKnngyCIctA

Hard time killing floor blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toqSW319_bw&feature=related

Incredible solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THsXXBPERC0

These time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93m0SBYCdCo&feature=related

Hyperactivity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61OAsUF9UP8&feature=related

I’m on fire: http://www.youtube.com/user/andrewwintonmusic?blend=7&ob=5#p/a/u/2/yfUUL8bRfrE

Nobody’s fault but mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Temzf5Cwmg

Barrel O Monkeys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDQM8IkbH2k&feature=related

Lucky Boy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fnHCnFYAFo&feature=related

Can’t slow down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QblbRcEmqW8&feature=related

Devil got my woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBMGyFwEh0Q&feature=related

Sipsey river guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SuQE377cko&feature=related

Ain’t gonna get it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzccVmPtalM

Essentials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUm_lOFppLE

Violet Peace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-12Ob8cKnts

Respect yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6er-vxIK4E

Late Bloomer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXjVOK_cAcM

Amazing Grace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dTPS8vr7OA

While visiting the Museum of Fine Arts to view a spectacular exhibit of Degas’s pastels, we stopped in the wine bar for a breather and I discovered a marvelous white wine. The 2010 Colome Torrontes is an incredible white from Argentina and may become my favorite wine for just sipping while I work. I did a bit of research on it and found that the Torrontes grape is unique to Argentina and expresses itself to the fullest in the Calchaqui Valley in the province of Salta, near the Northern Argentinian Andes. This particular wine was made from Torrontes grapes selected from vineyards that are 50 to 120 years old and grew at an altitude between 1600 and 2300 meters (5250 to 7546 feet) above sea level.

The wine is a brilliant, pale-gold in color, with aromas of roses, apricots, and peaches. The flavors are rich with peach, lime, guava, papaya, hints of honey, and orange peel followed by a fresh, crisp, and long finish. The wine costs about $12.00 so it’s a tremendous value. Even more important is the fact that it’s a white and won’t stain the carpet as you groove around the room to the music of Andrew Winton. Have a great weekend. Enjoy!

Cheers!