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!
The Death Whisperer Series
The Death Whisperer Series available at https://www.amazon.com/author/dmichaelolive
Sunday, September 19, 2010
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Willie Porter & Snoqualmie Gewurtztraminer
If you have never heard of Willie Porter before, you are in for the musical discovery for a lifetime. He’s an acoustic picker with a style blending the best of Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, Richard Thompson and Lindsey Buckingham bolstered by rootsy vocals and twisting, offbeat lyrics that evoked John Hiatt.
Porter released his debut CD, The Trees Have Soul in 1990. Back then he traveled in a Volkswagen selling discs out of his trunk, mesmerizing audiences with his guitar chops and original tunes. He’s release a bunch of follow-on CD’s including Dog Eared Dream, Falling Forward, a self titled disc, Willie Porter, High Wire Live, Available Light, and How to Rob a Bank and has toured with Jeff Beck, Tori Amos, and Jethro Tull. In fact, after hearing him play, Ian Anderson commented, “Thank God he doesn’t play flute.”
Moonbeam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK5eP1kes0A
Paper Airplane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEVSdVVmgvQ&feature=related
Unconditional: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DLkwGMUEJ8&feature=related
Angry Words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsoHxgnW5Ck
Breathe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua48yO6kDCI
You stay here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEdMVhdrPH4&feature=related
Hard Place: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcsS69Bf5C8&feature=related
Fear only fear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR_ebn88EN0&feature=related
Sowelu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYZfW8sixjI&feature=related
Mystery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDMM73yuU6A&feature=related
Available Light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBnh9VWVXV4&feature=related
Cut the rope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i19Lp-RQMYg&feature=related
Sister: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKJKdnpItH4&feature=related
Loose gravel & interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhu_NwT8m4I&feature=related
How about a Gewurtztraminer to go with Willie’s music? The 2004 Snoqualmie Naked Gewurztraminer ($13.00) is golden straw in color with subtle aromas of pear and honeysuckle, but not the heavily perfumed spiciness that is often characteristic of this varietal. It has a juicy viscosity that clings to your tongue bursting with flavors of sweet apple and peach, and finishing with a honeyed note. I think it would have been even better with very spicy Indian or Thai cuisine, but it’s also an excellent aperitif, or just darn good for enjoying with the smooth music of Willie Porter. Gonna be out of town for a while as I’m taking a week of vacation. See y’all when I get back in a week. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Porter released his debut CD, The Trees Have Soul in 1990. Back then he traveled in a Volkswagen selling discs out of his trunk, mesmerizing audiences with his guitar chops and original tunes. He’s release a bunch of follow-on CD’s including Dog Eared Dream, Falling Forward, a self titled disc, Willie Porter, High Wire Live, Available Light, and How to Rob a Bank and has toured with Jeff Beck, Tori Amos, and Jethro Tull. In fact, after hearing him play, Ian Anderson commented, “Thank God he doesn’t play flute.”
Moonbeam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK5eP1kes0A
Paper Airplane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEVSdVVmgvQ&feature=related
Unconditional: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DLkwGMUEJ8&feature=related
Angry Words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsoHxgnW5Ck
Breathe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua48yO6kDCI
You stay here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEdMVhdrPH4&feature=related
Hard Place: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcsS69Bf5C8&feature=related
Fear only fear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR_ebn88EN0&feature=related
Sowelu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYZfW8sixjI&feature=related
Mystery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDMM73yuU6A&feature=related
Available Light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBnh9VWVXV4&feature=related
Cut the rope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i19Lp-RQMYg&feature=related
Sister: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKJKdnpItH4&feature=related
Loose gravel & interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhu_NwT8m4I&feature=related
How about a Gewurtztraminer to go with Willie’s music? The 2004 Snoqualmie Naked Gewurztraminer ($13.00) is golden straw in color with subtle aromas of pear and honeysuckle, but not the heavily perfumed spiciness that is often characteristic of this varietal. It has a juicy viscosity that clings to your tongue bursting with flavors of sweet apple and peach, and finishing with a honeyed note. I think it would have been even better with very spicy Indian or Thai cuisine, but it’s also an excellent aperitif, or just darn good for enjoying with the smooth music of Willie Porter. Gonna be out of town for a while as I’m taking a week of vacation. See y’all when I get back in a week. Enjoy!
Cheers!
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