Robbie McIntosh & Arietta's Quartet

Robbie McIntosh (born October 25, 1957), is an English guitarist who started out as a session guitarist and member of the Pretenders from 1982 to 1987. In 1988, he joined Paul McCartney’s band and was a featured guitarist until 1994. More recently he worked as a sideman with John Mayer as well as touring with his own band, the Robbie McIntosh Band.

He started playing guitar at the age of ten and his early influences were the Beatles, the Stones, the Spencer Davis Group, the Kinks, and Jimi Hendrix. Later, his father’s influence exposed him to Django Reinhardt and other jazz greats. He joined the Pretenders in 1982 and took a short detour in 1985 to play on Roger Daltrey’s sixth solo album, “Under a Raging Moon.”

He was the featured guitarist with McCartney’s band and recorded on his albums from 1989 to 1993. In 2004, he toured with Nora Jones then joined John Mayer’s tours from 2006 through 2010. He is one of the premier slide guitarists and a favorite of mine. I think you’re going to like him.

Best of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkW9Q6lXJ9k

I saw three ships: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31uz8lkLLBY

Demo #1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxA1Id09SXY

Stone Cold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf621Zd2rpc

Dueling with Derek Trucks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2-8lAjubk

Talking guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ReEBOTrpwI

Robbie’s bit with Paul McCartney: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BORQTtjscTg

Blues Slide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuSjelpUj9Y

Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIft1yp29H4

Biodegradable man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHysjOEkbV4

Off the ground: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eqqKxZ1jXE

Pick up the pieces: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdTTnh4vJlc

Coffee cup with Scott McKeon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJSxgGheVL0

Hang me on the line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ML1EL8YVT8

I’m in San Francisco this week on a consulting gig and at dinner with the research team, one of the wines we sample was Arietta’s “Quartet”, a superb blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Now, this wine is outside of my usual price range (~$60.00), but I thought since it was such a wonderful wine, I’d review it anyway. Besides, it didn’t cost me a thing.

The wine is deep garnet with aromas of blackberries, mocha, pepper, and coffee. The palate is full of dark fruit, cassis, and chocolate. It’s a very smooth wine with mild tannins and a touch of oak. Very nice, as you’d expect for the price, but then again, if someone else is buying, it’s a great choice.

Cheers!

Dominic Miller & Newton Red Label Cabernet Sauvignon

Dominic Miller is a little known, but fabulous Argentine-born English guitarist who has played on every Sting album and tour since 1990. In fact, he’s co-written many of Sting’s songs, including “Shape of My Heart.”

He was born March 21^st, 1960 and lived in Argentina for the first ten years of his life. His family moved to Wisconsin for two years then settled in London. He comes from a musical family and became a serious guitarist by the age of eleven. He has studied at London’s Guildhall School of Music as well as Boston’s Berklee College of Music.

His influences are diverse ranging from classical guitarist John Williams to Lindsey Buckingham to the late Jerry Garcia. If you didn’t know about him before this blog entry, I recommend you download some of his work with Sting as well as his solo stuff. He’s gem.

Rush hour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ovO9Feykc

Fragile/Bring on the night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eNYBFIzNEU

Shape of my heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqzFcOWPlWc

Gut Feeling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyeCkpAJ__0

Air on a G string: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIeao201JIo

Brand new day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mbqeEXvHb4

Ripped nylon riga: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0-dovqisO4

Fields of gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0-FPLiJiQY

Meeting point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3eYohCekIA

Adagio in G minor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFpA_UFk3ok

Catalan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYr-93MlO8c

If only: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tFgr4N_-GE

Do you want me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE9YrNMm44s

Lullabye: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d57_GJpSv2Q

Scan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peYGJkbYHfg

I suggest trying the 2010 Newton Red Label Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.00 at Costco) as you listen to Dominic’s music. The wine is deep purple in the glass with aromas of blackberries and herbs. The palate follows with more blackberry, cassis, a bit of toasted oak (not overpowering) and tannins that don’t suck in your cheeks. My wife and I think this is one of the best cabs we’ve had in a long time. The price varies, as at my local wine shop it was selling for $26.00, so Costco was definitely a find. And paired with Dominic Miller, it makes for a very nice evening by the fire.

Cheers!

Calum Graham & Nautilus Pinot Noir

Been gone for several months due to a classic case of writer’s fatigue. In the past eighteen months I’ve published six new thriller novels containing a total of 468,000 words and since they’re now available as ebooks, I’m starting to get some traction. But just because I’ve been gone doesn’t mean I haven’t been discovering some great new guitarists.

I first became aware of Calum Graham while sifting through video performances of the 2010 Canadian Guitar Festival competition. I believe he was 18 at the time and became the first teenager to ever win. What’s even more amazing to me is that he’d only been playing for five years when he won.  Since then he’s continued to increase his guitar chops exponentially.

Maybe it’s because the winters are so cold, and there’s nothing else to do but stay inside and play the guitar, but Canada seems to be a spawning ground for incredible guitarists and Calum is one of them. He was born in British Columbia in the small town of High River. He grew up in a family that surrounded him with various forms of music that he says had a strong influence on his style. His picking technique and sense of melody are self-taught and not the result of any classical training. One thing is certain. Few people on the planet can play the guitar like him.

Waiting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFJXgBMlZM

12:34: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB4GRmgUpR8

Phoenix Rising: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqn-7ZkYUYM

It is what it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcrflRwGRyI

The Channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iP5OGXGqmw

Indivisible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D4RwrMyjGQ

3-Way Street: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4aQZeNP57w

1^st Place Canadian Guitar festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MadlZwIeD5k

Carol of the Bells: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbblsGRKLOU

Stonebridge visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MNbuwoy3bs

Song for Canada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4owmSM_46gI

Hey Ya, with Don Ross: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HGmgPGyGm4

Since I’m climbing back in the saddle, I thought I’d pair Calum with one of my favorite wines, a Nautilus Pinot Noir (the 2011 is $22.00 at CostCo). The first thing you notice as you pour it is the bright ruby red color. The second is the nose of cherries, raspberries, and baking spices.  The taste is full of tart, succulent cherry with accents of red raspberry and vanilla. Great wine and a great guitarist.

Cheers!

Blues Harp & La Altalaya Almansa

I love the blues and my second favorite blues instrument next to the guitar is the harp. So tonight, I’ve assembled some of the great harpists, many of whom are probably unknown to the average listener. I first heard Corky Siegel back in 1969 with the Siegel-Schwall blues band at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. He’s always been one of my favorites as was Junior Wells. Don’t miss John Popper’s (Blues Traveler) duel with Steve Vai. It’s unique.  Hope you enjoy these guys.

Paul Butterfield:

Born in Chicago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyLh7-MDJZU

Why do people act like that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS_x1A4LXCM

Slowdown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4GNci5koi8 

Corky Siegel

Hey Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRchJ40rLdE

Imagination: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf5Mh7WYkpo

Twisted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvNAkQhlbb8

John Mayall

Room to move: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ASnbv_ZsWY

Travelin man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0JBsn3BOVE

Parchment Farm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vKGluBbhro&list=PLCA7272FC719AE0DD

James Cotton

Slow Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBeuco0PgJs

Easy lovin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-_xVd1KuHs

That’s all right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC_3gJ3Z1m4

Big Walter Horton:

Blues Harp Shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQfEZd9t5YU

What’s on your mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on5EMdm5_2k

Trouble in mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfngVVh8d8

Carey Bell:

Last Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxczDEpNZeI

When I get drunk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wVpQIyUaJE

Everything’s gonna be all right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB_HI0fpn68

Dana Dixon:

Crazy Maise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_Ly__GHZo

Little Walter comes to town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgilN4Fzolo

John Popper

Dueling with Steve Vai: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGm0M2ztEWg

Play me something sweet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYH2dL2t7zw

Run Around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQl9GZJLHos

Hook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLeT252ZQRI

Junior Wells

Hoodoo Man Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47djAb6jVJk

Messin with the kid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWTieCjUhVw

Mystery Train: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwggMtbx_C4

Trouble no more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNY1ffQj7ng

Montreux 1974: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUZj8O2qgxM

For blues harp, I suggest a hearty red like the 2010 La Altalaya Almansa Old Vines Veilles Vigne ($14.00) from Spain. The wine, 85% Garnacha, 15% Monastrell, is inky purple and opens with aromas of black raspberries and plums. This is a powerful wine with a mouth full of black raspberry pie, smoky oak, and balanced tannins. The blues is often accompanied by good barbecue and this wine would compliment it perfectly. Enjoy!

Cheers! 

Wes Montgomery & Cooper Mountain Pinot Noir

John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery was born on March 6, 1923 in Indianapolis IN. He’s one of my favorite jazz guitarists and was a superb improviser. Wes learned to play the guitar by studying Charlie Christian and playing his music by ear. Like several other jazz greats, he never played with a pick but used his thumb instead. You hear a lot of his influence in the styles of countless guitarists today, especially when they use his technique of playing octaves while soloing.

From 1948 to 1950 he toured with the outstanding vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, but returned to Naptown (Indianapolis for those of you not familiar with its nickname) where he joined up with his brother Monk (bass) and Buddy (vibes) and began recording for the Pacific Jazz label. He began to move away from straight jazz and crossed over to a more pop/jazz style where he became immensely popular. In 1966 he won a Grammy Award for “Best Instrumental Jazz Performance. He won his second Grammy Award in 1969 in the same category. Unfortunately, he wasn’t around to receive it, because at the height of his career on June 15, 1968, he died of a heart attack.

Montgomery was a jazz and guitar giant who left a legacy of style that is copied by practically every virtuoso guitarist today.

Round Midnight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOm17yw__6U

Impressions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQi48T4YWh4

Bumpin on Sunset: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqn3PF_DcSg

Windy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBGZgyl72_g

A day in the life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ooeMXnPuIg

West coast blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0sipEKhIhc

Round Midnight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pbp2FhdKyg

Twisted Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVVhJkeCF04

California dreaming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMm1X2sBJVk

All the things you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyVjDHaBPAc

The days of wine & roses: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JadIhIihTFw

The Joker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXpOjTbVif4

Live in concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLWlqBH9nrU

The elegance of Wes Montgomery’s playing calls for an equally elegant wine, so I suggest a 2010 Cooper Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir ($23.00 from Shaw’s off Copley Place in Boston). My wife and I enjoyed a bottle as we relaxed in our hotel room after hearing my son’s successful defense of his doctoral thesis at Harvard Med. Now there are two Dr. Olives in the family. The Cooper Mountain Pinot has subtle aromas of bright cherries and black tea. Likewise the palate is full of tart cherry joined by nuances of black raspberry, nice acidity and light tannins. It’s quite dry and refreshing and perfect for the occasion because the weather in Boston was unseasonably warm. It’s perfect for listening to the music of a musical giant like Wes.

Cheers!