Aki Tanaka & Antinori Chianti Classico Peppoli

Aki Tanaka is the 2010 winner of the Winfield International Fingerstyle guitar championship, outplaying 39 other guitarists to claim his title. He started playing at the age of 13 and was fascinated by American rock guitarists like Van Halen and Steve Vai. But several years later, a Japanese acoustic guitarist, Kotaro Oshio (reviewed here previously in 2010) caught his attention. Aki was  intrigued by Oshio’s ability to play drum, bass, and lead parts simultaneously on the acoustic guitar and decided it was a style he wanted to learn. He’s never looked back, playing as a solo performer ever since. I think you’ll like him.

Impromptu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4vLGPlGklk

My favorite things; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFPBT7iV6rQ&feature=related

Etude of the Sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK9rkACMV6Q&feature=related

Beat it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmES4RcNb1E&feature=related

Beatles medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6hJn02bkrQ&feature=related

Change the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb7ODADncfs&feature=related

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCAivdviawo&feature=related

Amazing Grace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb7ODADncfs&feature=related

Jammin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYwRkOUrydI&feature=related

I’m pairing Aki with a 2007 Antinori Chianti Classico Peppoli made from 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, and 5% Syrah. Deep red with aromas of red fruit and a touch of vanilla, its taste is full of raspberries, cassis, and chocolate. Its well-balanced and elegant with a fruity finish. Very nice, especially when you’re listening to the music of Aki Tanaka. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Nick Drake & Castello D’Albola Chianti Classico

Nick Drake was a brilliant, but tragic musician. His songs have a somber melancholy tone to them, all of which were composed and played on the guitar. The brilliance in his music is clear, but as is often the case in the world of music, his life is tinged with tragedy. He suffered from depression and insomnia most of his life, conditions that are reflected in his music. On November 24, 1974, he kissed his mother goodnight and retired to his bedroom where he committed suicide early the next morning via an overdose of antidepressants. None of his albums sold more than 5,000 copies on their initial release. His reluctance to perform live or be interviewed further contributed to his lack of commercial success. Despite this, he was able to gather a loyal group of fans who would champion his music. Oddly, in 2000, Volkswagon featured the title track to his album Pink Moon in a television commercial and within a month Drake sold more records than he did during his entire lifetime. Gradually, he has received the recognition he deserved and now ranks as one of the most influential English singer-songwriters of the last half century.

As I write this Easter Sunday, I can’t help but wonder if Nick’s life might have been changed had he known that there was a God in heaven who came to earth in the form of a man and loved Nick so much that he died on a cross for him. That promise isn’t just for Nick, it’s for everyone. I’m a scientist with a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and 35+ years of experience in developing new technologies. I have several patents for a technology valued at $500 million to the company that now owns them. Scientists deal with the unknown and uncertain. But as a skeptical scientist who scrutinizes everything with the closest detail, there is nothing I am more convinced of than the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope he brings to this life and the life beyond. If you have questions about it, feel free to contact me either through a comment here or on Facebook. Happy Easter.

Day is Done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2jxjv0HkwM

Pink Moon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnfhnCoOyo

Fly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ShXHW_FrlM&feature=related

Free Ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l09L45RM2RI&feature=related

Thoughts of Mary Jane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiZlAmHa7QI&feature=related

Man in a shed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BDMTLRxgg&feature=related

Hazey Jane I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze5Bktb2jiQ&feature=related

Way to Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S40DdlD9JxI&feature=related

Riverman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idcaRTg4-fM&feature=relmfu

Cocaine Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY8YaLQ8H74&feature=related

Road: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjZMhzGkghw&feature=related

Things Behind the Sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV4D_q9QiuQ&feature=related

Time of No Reply: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4D1a00cbFA&feature=related

Hanging on a Star: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOFgM3mFIqw&feature=related

Milk & Honey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm9wYWuQDA4&feature=related

Blues Run the Game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK1-DAgXv1c&feature=related 

I’m pairing Nick with a 2007 Castello D’Albola Chianti Classico ($15.00), rated the 47th in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2010. The wine is a brilliant ruby red color. The aroma is intense, yet elegant, with scents of ripe fruits and violets that evolve into a beautiful, complex bouquet. It’s taste is filled with dark cherry and strawberry with outstanding balance. A very nice wine to enjoy with the music of Nick Drake. Enjoy!

Cheers!