Well, as times would have it, we had to buy a new car last Saturday. My car was just getting too expensive to maintain so we popped for a new one. Later, as I perused my local grocery store, I noticed a wine on the very bottom of the overstock clearance rack, tucked behind a load of beer cases yet to be unloaded. The wine was a 2002 B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon priced unbelievably at $25.00. I say unbelievably because this wine usually goes for somewhere between $53.00 and $58.00 locally. B.R. Cohn has consistently produced premier Cabernets from the Olive Hill Vineyard. So, I says to myself, “Self, you just bought a new car. How about we celebrate?” I couldn’t resist so we drank it that night.
The bouquet is pure fruit with a solid dose of black cherry, French oak, and a hint of mint. It’s a luscious wine with flavors of cherry, berries, and cassis with nicely balanced tannins that don’t overpower. Good complexity with an elegant, long finish. It’s always a good idea to keep your eyes open for bargains like this. The B.R. Cohn was an incredible steal. I saw it tonight at my wine shop on sale for $50.00. The taste says it’s definitely a premier wine. If you happen to get lucky and see this one, grab it. You’ll love it!
Cheers
The Death Whisperer Series
The Death Whisperer Series available at https://www.amazon.com/author/dmichaelolive
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Winfield Fingerstyle winner Dan Alder
Don Alder is my featured guitarist for tonight. He has awards galore that include place second at the 2006 Winfield International Finger Picking Championships and winning it in 2007. He has an explosive style as you will hear when you view the videos below. He can range from sweet melody like “The Wall,” to the frenzy of Double Cappucino, which sounds exactly what I feel like after drinking an entire pot of French press coffee. Rather than expound further, I will direct you to his website, http://www.donalder.com/ and let you listen to the music.
The Wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8HJwTX9LXU&feature=related
Wild and Wicked Batman: Slapping and tapping frenzy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl6kXtt7Bqs&feature=PlayList&p=AF725144B0818FDF&index=21
Double cappuccino: I never imagined anyoe could capture the feeling one gets after a double, but here it is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMzjQU5HAAk&feature=related
Ballad: After the previous number, this is just what you’ll need to mellow out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srzJB7muK-U&feature=related
Cheers!
The Wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8HJwTX9LXU&feature=related
Wild and Wicked Batman: Slapping and tapping frenzy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl6kXtt7Bqs&feature=PlayList&p=AF725144B0818FDF&index=21
Double cappuccino: I never imagined anyoe could capture the feeling one gets after a double, but here it is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMzjQU5HAAk&feature=related
Ballad: After the previous number, this is just what you’ll need to mellow out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srzJB7muK-U&feature=related
Cheers!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Shredder guitarist and The best wines of the past year
Well, I just finished writing a particularly violent scene in my next book and killed off a bunch of people. Since several were shredded, what better time than to review a shredder guitarist.
Yngwie Malmstein is a Swedish composer and guitarist of a different stripe. He is a metal shredder beyond compare and has the most fluid picking style I’ve seen outside of John McLaughlin. His music ranges from the baroque to hard driving metal. Check the YouTube videos out for a taste of something completely different. Sometime ya just got a shred a little.
Acoustic song: Dark Star: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNOa5Gjh2lc
Acoustic guitar solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpDblDia5TE
Heavy E Phrygian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl81Mq4llZg
Arpeggios from Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS_IYe5JTZ4
Cavallino Rampante: with the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra, no less! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn6-XqmkKUA
Icarus Dream with Fanfare: again with the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn6-XqmkKUA
Evil Eye: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj3ec2cCaJw
I thought I’d recap my favorite wines of the past eight months. Tonight I’ll list the reds. Next time will be the whites. Enjoy!
Cabernet Savignon:
· Whitehall Lane ($37.00)
· Franciscan Oakville Estates $22.00
· Rodney Strong $20.00
Cabernet Franc
· Domaine Gouran Chinon Loire Cabernet Franc, somewhere between $18.00 and $24.00.
· Dalla Vina 2004 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley: $24.00
Merlot
· Whitehall Lane $24.00
· Rodney Strong $18.00
· Franciscan $22.00
Pinot Noir
· Paraiso Santa Maria Pinot Noir, Highlands, 2006. ~$15.00.
· Elk Cove Pinot Noir, 2006: Normally $30.00; on sale for $24.00
· Kim Crawford, $19.00
· Cartlidge and Browne $18.00
Zinfandel
· Ridge Three Valleys $22.00
· Storybook Mountain Napa Estate, Mayacamas Range Zinfandel. ~ $24.00
· Franciscan $22.00
Grenache
· Reilly’s “Old Bushvine” Grenache, Clare Valley, Australia. $15.00.
Syrah
· 2006 Novy Sonoma County Syrah, $19.00
Cheers!
Yngwie Malmstein is a Swedish composer and guitarist of a different stripe. He is a metal shredder beyond compare and has the most fluid picking style I’ve seen outside of John McLaughlin. His music ranges from the baroque to hard driving metal. Check the YouTube videos out for a taste of something completely different. Sometime ya just got a shred a little.
Acoustic song: Dark Star: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNOa5Gjh2lc
Acoustic guitar solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpDblDia5TE
Heavy E Phrygian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl81Mq4llZg
Arpeggios from Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS_IYe5JTZ4
Cavallino Rampante: with the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra, no less! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn6-XqmkKUA
Icarus Dream with Fanfare: again with the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn6-XqmkKUA
Evil Eye: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj3ec2cCaJw
I thought I’d recap my favorite wines of the past eight months. Tonight I’ll list the reds. Next time will be the whites. Enjoy!
Cabernet Savignon:
· Whitehall Lane ($37.00)
· Franciscan Oakville Estates $22.00
· Rodney Strong $20.00
Cabernet Franc
· Domaine Gouran Chinon Loire Cabernet Franc, somewhere between $18.00 and $24.00.
· Dalla Vina 2004 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley: $24.00
Merlot
· Whitehall Lane $24.00
· Rodney Strong $18.00
· Franciscan $22.00
Pinot Noir
· Paraiso Santa Maria Pinot Noir, Highlands, 2006. ~$15.00.
· Elk Cove Pinot Noir, 2006: Normally $30.00; on sale for $24.00
· Kim Crawford, $19.00
· Cartlidge and Browne $18.00
Zinfandel
· Ridge Three Valleys $22.00
· Storybook Mountain Napa Estate, Mayacamas Range Zinfandel. ~ $24.00
· Franciscan $22.00
Grenache
· Reilly’s “Old Bushvine” Grenache, Clare Valley, Australia. $15.00.
Syrah
· 2006 Novy Sonoma County Syrah, $19.00
Cheers!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Michael Hedges and Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc
Michael Hedges was one of the most innovative and influential acoustic guitarists of modern times. Originally from Enid, Oklahoma, he obtained a degree in musical composition from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. While he was and incredible guitarist, what stands out most were his compositions. His 1984 release, Aerial Boundaries, is a mind bogling collection of technique, tone, composition, and expression. Guitar Players Magazine includes him in their list of “25 guitar players who shook the world.” His chief instruments were a Martin dreadnaught guitar and a harp guitar. Unfortunately, he died in December of 1997 in a one-car crash on State Route 128 in rural Mendocino County, about 100 miles northwest of San Francisco. I’ve included some of my favorites below:
All along the Watchtower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs0rKW2jqMU
Ragamuffin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTO4y5Mo8rk&feature=related
Funky Avocado: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLltRHq79n0
Jitterboogie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnaEZaUMk-s&feature=related
Come Together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnBfv-AynIg&feature=related
Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfnm__lNNUg&feature=related
Okay, yesterday I passed the thirty pound mark in my efforts to lose weight. Thirty pounds in two months! I’m starting to feel positively svelte. Had to celebrate, so since I love Sauvignon Blanc, I decided to treat myself to a special bottle. I found a 2007 Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc for $16.00. Whitehall lane is probably better known for its Cabernets, Merlots and Pinot Noir’s, but you’re missing something if you don’t try this Sauvignon Blanc. I gravitate toward New Zealand versions as they tend to have a beautiful grapefruit bouquet followed by similar flavors in the mouth. Guess what? So does this one. The Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc has a wonderful grapefruit aroma with a hint of lime and melon. It’s fruity yet crisp and refreshing with flavors of citrus, melon, and gooseberries. Nice citrus finish. It’s and excellent balance of crispness and fruit. For this price, it’s less than my favorite New Zealand version so guess who’s gonna order a case?
Pick up a bottle, grab a Michael Hedges CD, and toast the fact that winter is almost over.
Cheers!
All along the Watchtower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs0rKW2jqMU
Ragamuffin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTO4y5Mo8rk&feature=related
Funky Avocado: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLltRHq79n0
Jitterboogie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnaEZaUMk-s&feature=related
Come Together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnBfv-AynIg&feature=related
Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfnm__lNNUg&feature=related
Okay, yesterday I passed the thirty pound mark in my efforts to lose weight. Thirty pounds in two months! I’m starting to feel positively svelte. Had to celebrate, so since I love Sauvignon Blanc, I decided to treat myself to a special bottle. I found a 2007 Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc for $16.00. Whitehall lane is probably better known for its Cabernets, Merlots and Pinot Noir’s, but you’re missing something if you don’t try this Sauvignon Blanc. I gravitate toward New Zealand versions as they tend to have a beautiful grapefruit bouquet followed by similar flavors in the mouth. Guess what? So does this one. The Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc has a wonderful grapefruit aroma with a hint of lime and melon. It’s fruity yet crisp and refreshing with flavors of citrus, melon, and gooseberries. Nice citrus finish. It’s and excellent balance of crispness and fruit. For this price, it’s less than my favorite New Zealand version so guess who’s gonna order a case?
Pick up a bottle, grab a Michael Hedges CD, and toast the fact that winter is almost over.
Cheers!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Groovemaster Don Ross & Folie a Deux Cabernet
Back in 1999, I was in San Francisco on business and I heard a song on the radio by a guitarist named Don Ross. The song was Klimbim and I immediately stopped by the Virgin Records store in S.F. and bought the CD. I’ve purchased most of his recordings since then. Don is the only two-time winner of the Winfield National Finger picking contest held each year down in Kansas. Once you hear and see him, you’ll understand why. As a bass player, I’ve mentioned that I like to feel a groove in the music. Well, Don is the King of groove. You can get his recordings at www.candyrat.com as Amazon and others carry only a limited selection. Don’t miss him!
Klimbim: As I mentioned, this is the first song I ever heard him play and it got me hooked on his music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uADkFy7DZXY&feature=related
Michael, Michael: Dedicated to Michael Hedges. I absolutely love this song. It’s got a groove that just makes me want to get up and dance…that’s a scary thought and not something you want to see, as my kids will attest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkidVP0AcQ8
Afraid to Dance: And to follow up that statement, check out this song. Amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7wagf26gJ4
Loaded, Leather, Moonroof: Wow, what a groove this one has. You can almost picture yourself riding in a corvette convertible with the wind whipping through your hair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip111lXjDSs
Tight, Trite Night: And if you’re not picking your jaw up off the floor yet, try this groove.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uADkFy7DZXY&feature=related
Elevation Music: Lest you think Don is all groove and no pretty, this song is just a beautiful melody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6DWTnQ54gs
Some wine tasting notes from my backlog (no, I’m not cheating on my diet). Since it’s flipping cold in the winter here in Nebraska, I tend to drink reds until spring. I picked up a bottle of 2006 Folie a Deux Cabernet Sauvignon a while back as it was on special and sounded interesting. I got it for $20.00. It had a very pleasant fruity bouquet of berries and tastes of black cherries and blackberry with a layer of chocolate in the background. Tannins were well balanced. It would go nicely with steak or, as in my case, alone with a good book and some good guitar music. Try it, you’ll like it!
Cheers!
Klimbim: As I mentioned, this is the first song I ever heard him play and it got me hooked on his music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uADkFy7DZXY&feature=related
Michael, Michael: Dedicated to Michael Hedges. I absolutely love this song. It’s got a groove that just makes me want to get up and dance…that’s a scary thought and not something you want to see, as my kids will attest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkidVP0AcQ8
Afraid to Dance: And to follow up that statement, check out this song. Amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7wagf26gJ4
Loaded, Leather, Moonroof: Wow, what a groove this one has. You can almost picture yourself riding in a corvette convertible with the wind whipping through your hair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip111lXjDSs
Tight, Trite Night: And if you’re not picking your jaw up off the floor yet, try this groove.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uADkFy7DZXY&feature=related
Elevation Music: Lest you think Don is all groove and no pretty, this song is just a beautiful melody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6DWTnQ54gs
Some wine tasting notes from my backlog (no, I’m not cheating on my diet). Since it’s flipping cold in the winter here in Nebraska, I tend to drink reds until spring. I picked up a bottle of 2006 Folie a Deux Cabernet Sauvignon a while back as it was on special and sounded interesting. I got it for $20.00. It had a very pleasant fruity bouquet of berries and tastes of black cherries and blackberry with a layer of chocolate in the background. Tannins were well balanced. It would go nicely with steak or, as in my case, alone with a good book and some good guitar music. Try it, you’ll like it!
Cheers!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Guitarist Erick Turnbull & La Crema Pinot Noir
Erick Turnbull is my featured guitarist today. In 2005, he was the Canadian National finger picking champion. I have his new CD and it’s filled with good stuff. I’ve placed links to several videos of him playing on YouTube, but they don’t really do justice to his playing. Songs like Jazz in AM, Ladders, and A.D.D. will make you start swaying to the groove. Egypt starts out like an old English lute tune. Very nice. You can check out his CD at www.candyrat.com or Amazon. You can also preview much of his CD at http://www.last.fm/music/Erick+Turnbull. Check him out on MySpace.
Low C:This seems to be his signature song. Very intricate picking/fretwork and nice harmonics. The song really moves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fne0RH4SRiY&feature=related
Bomba Checka: Really funky. It’s got a great groove. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T90ELHF8rIM&feature=related
June Tune: Kind of a mellow song, almost Celtic in its feel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbZ4puGvb1s
Watchtower: Nice version of the song. This has always been one of my favorites. Always loved the Jimi Hendrix version, which, in my humble opinion, is one of the greatest rock songs ever. He sings on this one and his vocal style fits nicely. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYhvVdjdjSo
Although I can’t drink wine right now because of my diet, I have a backlog of elixirs that I haven’t written up. So for today, how about a La Crema 2006 Sonoma County Pinot Noir? $19.00. Medium bodied with a bouquet of strawberries, cherries and a touch of vanilla. A bit denser than most Pinot’s, which makes it tastier and fuller in the mouth. Complex and elegant with a soft texture. Flavors matched the bouquet. Mild tannins and a long finish. All in all, a very nice wine.
Pick up a copy of Erick’s CD, a bottle of La Crema Pinot Noir, and a copy of my latest book, Rise of the Fallen at www.bbotw.com, Barnes and Noble http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rise-of-the-Fallen/D-Michael-Olive/e/9780741450555/?itm=1,or through any bookseller and chill.
Cheers!
Low C:This seems to be his signature song. Very intricate picking/fretwork and nice harmonics. The song really moves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fne0RH4SRiY&feature=related
Bomba Checka: Really funky. It’s got a great groove. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T90ELHF8rIM&feature=related
June Tune: Kind of a mellow song, almost Celtic in its feel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbZ4puGvb1s
Watchtower: Nice version of the song. This has always been one of my favorites. Always loved the Jimi Hendrix version, which, in my humble opinion, is one of the greatest rock songs ever. He sings on this one and his vocal style fits nicely. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYhvVdjdjSo
Although I can’t drink wine right now because of my diet, I have a backlog of elixirs that I haven’t written up. So for today, how about a La Crema 2006 Sonoma County Pinot Noir? $19.00. Medium bodied with a bouquet of strawberries, cherries and a touch of vanilla. A bit denser than most Pinot’s, which makes it tastier and fuller in the mouth. Complex and elegant with a soft texture. Flavors matched the bouquet. Mild tannins and a long finish. All in all, a very nice wine.
Pick up a copy of Erick’s CD, a bottle of La Crema Pinot Noir, and a copy of my latest book, Rise of the Fallen at www.bbotw.com, Barnes and Noble http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rise-of-the-Fallen/D-Michael-Olive/e/9780741450555/?itm=1,or through any bookseller and chill.
Cheers!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Andy McKee and the Best Cabernet
Andy McKee’s playing is incredible. He’s one of the most original guitarists I’ve ever heard. In 2001, he was the youngest competitor to ever place in the top 3 at the Winfield National Fingerstyle Guitar Championships His videos are some of the most watched on YouTube. I believe he’s in the top five for the site so if you haven’t heard or seen him, there’s plenty of opportunity. Very listenable, but for a former bassist like myself, he can bring some pretty funky stuff. Again, if the links don't work, cut and past them into your browser. don't mis his playing!
Art of Motion: really fun, funky tune with great percussion and a nice melody to go with the beat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmE3QaGetn4&feature=channel
Keys to the Hovercar: His mix of percussion and melody just amazes me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIzuSi3dEqI&feature=channel
Africa by Toto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt1fB62cGbo&feature=related
All Laid Back and Stuff: On of my favorites. Very sweet melody and beautiful harmonics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYFYL5m3118&feature=channel
Dreamcatcher: Very quiet, pretty tune. I could drift away on this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaiM8Fh-8kc&feature=channel
The Friend I Never Met: Plays a harp guitar here. Very intricate harmonics. Michael Hedges sounding tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27megLOleQ&feature=channel
Yesterday was Valentine’s day and I have to admit, I broke my diet (I’m down 22 pounds in four weeks so what the heck). I saw that my local wine shop was clearing out overstocked inventory and had a 2004 Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon marked down from $50.00 to $33.00. I realize this is over my usual $25.00 price limit, but hey, it was Valentine’s day.
This Cabernet is a deep red color. It has a gorgeous nose of blackberries, plums, blueberries, and spice with cherry-vanilla undercurrents. Very fruity on the palate with cherry, blackberry and spice flavors jumping out at you. The finish is remarkably long with a velvety texture and subtle oak and tannins that don’t overpower. I think this is one of the best Cabernets I’ve ever tasted. My wife agreed. The Wine Enthusiast gave it a score of 91. Personally, I’d give it a 95. Next time you’re in the mood to spurge, try this one. You won’t be disappointed.
Cheers!
Art of Motion: really fun, funky tune with great percussion and a nice melody to go with the beat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmE3QaGetn4&feature=channel
Keys to the Hovercar: His mix of percussion and melody just amazes me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIzuSi3dEqI&feature=channel
Africa by Toto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt1fB62cGbo&feature=related
All Laid Back and Stuff: On of my favorites. Very sweet melody and beautiful harmonics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYFYL5m3118&feature=channel
Dreamcatcher: Very quiet, pretty tune. I could drift away on this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaiM8Fh-8kc&feature=channel
The Friend I Never Met: Plays a harp guitar here. Very intricate harmonics. Michael Hedges sounding tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27megLOleQ&feature=channel
Yesterday was Valentine’s day and I have to admit, I broke my diet (I’m down 22 pounds in four weeks so what the heck). I saw that my local wine shop was clearing out overstocked inventory and had a 2004 Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon marked down from $50.00 to $33.00. I realize this is over my usual $25.00 price limit, but hey, it was Valentine’s day.
This Cabernet is a deep red color. It has a gorgeous nose of blackberries, plums, blueberries, and spice with cherry-vanilla undercurrents. Very fruity on the palate with cherry, blackberry and spice flavors jumping out at you. The finish is remarkably long with a velvety texture and subtle oak and tannins that don’t overpower. I think this is one of the best Cabernets I’ve ever tasted. My wife agreed. The Wine Enthusiast gave it a score of 91. Personally, I’d give it a 95. Next time you’re in the mood to spurge, try this one. You won’t be disappointed.
Cheers!
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