Masa Sumide & Cline Mourvedre Rose

Masa Sumide is a groovin acoustic guitarist. Born in February 3, 1956 in the Kyoto prefecture, Japan, he was 12 when he became enamored by the sound of the Ventures. Nokie Edwards was his earliest guitar idol, but he found a Japanese version of Edwards in Takeshi Terauchi who rapidly became Masa’s local idol.

After graduating from high school Masa worked in a department store, ignoring the call of music, but after ten months, boredom convinced him to follow his heart. In 1974, Masa joined a three-piece acoustic band called SIGNAL whose debut single sold over 800,000 copies in Japan. The band produced 14 singles and 7 albums until they disbanded in 1983.

In 1996, Masa switched to solo acoustic guitar and moved to Australia to woodshed and hone his skills while he developed his funky grooving style. He returned to Japan but now tours worldwide spreading his groove globally. He’ll get your toes a tapping. Enjoy!

Hop, step, & funk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko6TPwlLkvg

Kamikaze: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF6bG8vU6Qg

Say no more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJfnPWN2t3k

Satori: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYKny8SrIQ0&feature=relmfu

Keep rockin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLPLXvEm738&feature=relmfub

Romance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UXBAI2p_aQ

Somewhere over the rainbow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wacNw5pwE1k&feature=related

Dancer’s delight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhMy0HU4Zfw&feature=relmfu

Michelle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_x7lILSlSo&feature=related

Eleanor Rigby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytIvbY8maDc&feature=related

Swing time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF9WmFL3Y3M&feature=related

Spider: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEfJiLHct7M&feature=related

Play me like a guitar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo0xr0uuf2c&feature=related

Intuition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RTa9aZWQgI

Soul Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv9z6OsGqwM&feature=relmfu

That feeling of love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fewKo5vucoY&feature=related

Well, it’s stinking hot again here in Nebraska, so I’m going to suggest my favorite choice for cooling off, namely, a rosé. Tonight I’m featuring a 2011 Cline Mourvedre Rosé ($9.00). A Rosé should be refreshing, pretty to look at, and a good value, and this wine fits the bill. Deep salmon pink color with a bouquet that combines the perfect amount of earthiness with hints of dried leaves and earth characteristic of Mourvedre’s with the fresh raspberry and black fruit aromas of a great rosé. The palate is zesty with raspberry, strawberry, and spice followed by a clean finish. So stay cool with this lovely Rose and the toe tapping music of Masa Sumide.

Cheers!

Nostalgia, Anniversaries, and Shramsburg Blanc de Noir

Feeling nostalgic this week as my wife and I celebrated our 36^th anniversary. In honor of that, I’m revisiting some of the guitar greats of the past. The 60s, 70s, and 80s saw some great guitarists hit the stage. Those were boom years when guitar technique blossomed from hard driving rock to shredder to more melodic forms. While everybody has their own opinions, the guitarists listed below can be found on many of the “top 100” lists, including mine. There are some great songs here, too. So, to end your week on a high note, I give you some of the greatest guitarists to ever pick up the instrument.

Nancy Wilson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whXeb7Ohfkk

Joe Walsh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rlaF16gLF4

Tommy Iommi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9jqcgnpGKw

Brian May:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYabmM-uxdE

David Gilmore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N82TLB03Vk&feature=related

Paul Kossoff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNVMJdqs5XE

Gary Moore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbJI1y0i1mk&feature=related

John Sykes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnzfE8war2w

Van Halen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpX3NhpRGdE

Steve Howe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNsbtnMeGbU

Richie Blackmore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFH36je9Hro

Jimmy Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS5R42ZWe8A

Robin Trower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tLsFsGxLmE

Rory Gallagher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxiEMpcI83E

Duane Allman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6mwOixCObc

Eric Clapton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9N8Qi6zLSU

Leslie West: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMXeZWv6AS0

Alvin Lee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYwfZKl1BzY&feature=fvst

Jeff Beck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZlFTbvfKPE

Celebrated our anniversary with a great champagne. Well, actually it’s classified as a sparkling wine since it didn’t come from the Champagne region of France, but I’m not a snob.  The wine is a Blanc de Noir from California’s Shramsburg Estate. Shramsburg has a long, very interesting history detailed on it’s website, and the estate is actually a state historical landmark. They pioneered Blanc de Noir (“white of black”) made primarily from Pinot Noir, in the U.S. with the first release in 1967. The wine is pale gold colored with aromas of toasted almonds, peaches, and orange peel. It has a creamy texture and subtle flavors of red fruit, orange, and almonds with a citrus finish and perfectly balanced acidity. It’s about $32.00 a bottle, a little above my usual $25.00 limit, but hey, it’s our anniversary, and we’re worth it. So enjoy a blast from the past and try a wonderful sparkling wine to go with it.

Cheers!

Jimi Hendrix & Eroica Riesling

A couple of days ago, I was listening to Jimi Hendrix playing “Who Knows” and realized I’ve never done a full review of him and his music, so tonight, I’m rectifying that omission. He was born Johnny Allen Hendrix (later changed to James Marshall) on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington. He learned to play guitar as a teenager and grew up to become a rock guitar legend.

Hendrix had a difficult childhood, sometimes living in the care of relatives and family friends. 

His mother, Lucille, was only 17 years old when Jimi was born. She had a stormy relationship with his father, Al, and eventually left the family after the couple had two more children together, sons Leon and Joseph. Hendrix would only see his mother sporadically before her death in 1958.

Music was a sanctuary for him. He was a fan of the blues and taught himself to play guitar. He got his first electric guitar at the age of 15 and eventually played with two bands - the Rocking Kings and the Tomcats. Struggling in school, but excelling in music, Hendrix dropped out of high school in 1959. He worked odd jobs while continuing to follow his musical aspirations.

 In1961 he enlisted in the army and trained at Fort Ord in California to become a paratrooper. Even as a soldier, he found time for music, creating a band named The King Casuals. Hendrix served in the army until 1962 when he was discharged due to an injury. 

After leaving the military, Hendrix pursued his music, working as a session musician and playing backup for such performers as Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and the Isley Brothers. He also formed a group of his own called Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, which played gigs around New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood.

In mid-1966, Hendrix was discovered by Chas Chandler, a former member of the Animals, who became his manager. Chandler convinced Hendrix to go to London where he joined forces with musicians Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell to create The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The band continued to tour until it split up in 1969.
 That same year, Hendrix performed at the Woodstock Festival where his rock rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was one of the high points of the festival.

After disbanding the Experience, Hendrix tried his luck with another group, forming Band of Gypsys in late 1969 with his army buddy Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles. The band never really took off, and Hendrix began working on a new album tentatively named First Rays of the New Rising Sun, with Cox and Mitch Mitchell from the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Unfortunately Hendrix didn’t live to complete the project. He died on September 18th, 1970, from drug-related complications. He was only 27 years old at the time of his passing, but left his mark on the music world as his songs are considered required material for any guitarist worth his salt.

Watchtower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AuxJH2Mj30

Purple Haze: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OJqYCgl1z0&feature=related

Hear my train a comin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX0V9UlwuLM&feature=related

Who knows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1714By_5xk&feature=relmfu

Machine gun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9AaQQbvT4M&feature=related

Red House: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weBioUKEnGc&feature=related

Izabella: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcyPmOF4BMA&feature=related

Voodoo Child: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-bm5MHYUM&feature=related

Wild Thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB31q-Ap-RE&feature=related

Hey Joe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6z4qSdtkWc&feature=related

Hear my train a comin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaJefMdAyAc

1969 Concert, Stockholm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeZ9OOAe1Ho&feature=related

Actually had some decent weather this weekend with temps in the 80’s during the day and 60s at night. Great weather for a summer wine like an Eroica Riesling ($18.00 at Costco) that originates from a partnership between Dr. Loosen of Mosel, Germany and Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington State. It’s one of my favorites. Light straw-colored, with a beautiful floral and honeysuckle bouquet, followed by crisp flavors of melon, peach, and pineapple. It has excellent balance, and a long, pure, refreshing finish. Not too sweet, but rather semi-dry and it’s a wonderful accompaniment to the music of Jimi Hendrix. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Eric Gales & Starmont Rose

Born October 29, 1974, and originally from Memphis, TN, Eric Gales is a kickass blues-rock guitarist. Gales picked up the guitar at age four and was hailed as a child prodigy. His first teachers were his older brothers Eugene and Manuel who taught him licks from Hendrix, Albert King, B.B. King, and a host of others. One oddity about his style is that although he is not left handed, he plays a right-handed guitar "upside-down" (with the E-bass string on the bottom), due to the fact that his left-handed brother taught him much of his technique and it was easier to copy his style than transpose it to a right hand version.

Guitar World magazine's Reader's Poll named Eric as "Best New Talent", in 1991. In addition to his own band, he’s performed with guitarists Carlos Santana, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II as well as drummers Mitch Mitchell (Hendrix) and Chris Layton (Stevie Ray Vaughn). He’s been hailed as the second coming of Jimi Hendrix and like Hendrix, his singing is marginal, but his guitar playing is phenomenal.

Sign of the Storm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB5A8E1BRVE

Trampled Underfoot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMgXBDRAKOE&feature=fvwrel

Waterfall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_5FvYidt-I

I pity the fool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG87i4yPgKY

The Liar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6OD9_fR0Lc

Superstitious: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77dOUr9lhD8

Sea of Bad Blood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0tpkeD9k_s&feature=related

Resurrection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D21ShGlkYsA&feature=related

Little Wing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmC-rxAs-ow&feature=related

When You’ve Got No Place To Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmp4Byhx1Zk&feature=related

Block the Sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h25rSHvbU18&feature=related

Make it There: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OCDgooyZrc&feature=relmfu

Transformation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMdBbM7-jK8&feature=related

I’m really sick of 100 degree weather, but at least it gives me an excuse to drink lots of one of my favorite summer wines, namely Rosés and tonight’s Starmont 2011 Rosé ($15.00) should hit the spot as I sit on my deck and offer a sacrifice to the sun gods in order to get them to back off.  Vibrant ruby in color, this varietal blend starts with a nose of fresh strawberries, pink grapefruit, and vanilla. The palate offers up flavors of ripe cherry, strawberry, red raspberries, and tart rhubarb balanced with crisp acidity. For a Rosé, it has an unusually long finish. Hot music with a cool wine. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Ani DeFranco & Domaine Magellan Vin de Pays de L'Herault Rouge

Tonight I’m going to present something more on the eclectic side of music. Ani DiFranco born September 23, 1970, is a singer songwriter, and poet who’s released more than twenty CDs. She picked up the guitar at an early age and began busking with her instructor at the age of nine. Ani started out playing Beatles covers in bars and has always been seen as a lady who runs countercurrent to the culture. In 1989, she started her own record label, Righteous Records whose name was changed to Righteous Babe Records in 1994.

To augment her songwriting skills, she moved to New York and took poetry classes at the New School. Shortly thereafter, she hit the road and toured for the next fifteen years, stopping only to record a new CD. She took a break in 2005 due to tendonitis, but was back on the road a year later.

DiFranco's guitar playing is characterized by staccato, rapid fingerpicking, and alternate tunings. She delivers many of her lyrics in a speaking style notable for its rhythmic variation.

She writes and sings a number of songs about her love life with both men and women. She identifies herself as bisexual and addressed the controversy about her sexuality with the song "In or Out".

Her music has been a critical success, if not a commercial one, yet I don’t think it bothers her. From 2003, DiFranco was nominated four consecutive times for Best Recording Package at the Grammy Awards, and won in 2004 for Evolve.

Throughout her career she’s been an independent thinker, songwriter, and musician, and some would call her a rebel. I would call her good. Enjoy!

Jukebox: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zCYB24uFtA&feature=related

Promiscuity:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_nJ8hRNvQA&feature=related

Lifeboat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiCdz1fdjjI&feature=relmfu

Which side are you on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnFfg_u9wQo&feature=relmfu

Little plastic castle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm2zdnuiRoQ&feature=relmfu

Smiling underneath: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw2UDRdHlk8&feature=relmfu

Present/Infant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU17oIHGUCc&feature=relmfu

Unworry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ-W1PZb3Ck&feature=relmfu

Splinter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr_UbzBv9xs&feature=relmfu

Hearse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlKjugD8myE&feature=related

As is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqC0nWGW75M&feature=related

Overlap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKI3Y1OqtJg&feature=related

So, first night in a long while that the temperature is conducive to sitting out on the deck. In honor of that and Ani’s music, I suggest  a 2009. Domaine Magellan Vin de Pays de L'Herault Rouge. Deep garnet color with lots of raspberries and lavender on the nose. The palate follows the nose with wonderful red and black fruit and a touch of spice. Let this one breathe for about an hour before you drink it and you will be richly rewarded as the wine gains weigh. Nice long finish with elegant tannins, an excellent compliment to the artistry of Ani DeFranco. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Pump It Up Music & La Vielle Ferme Rose Ventoux

It was 105^o in Lincoln today. That makes the 20^th day of 95^o+ weather we’ve had in a row and the 7^th time we’ve hit the century mark in the last two weeks. It makes it difficult to want to do anything, let alone head off for work on a Monday knowing the temperature’s gonna make Hell look like the North Pole. So to motivate and pump you up for the week, I’ve assembled a collection of my favorite “Pump-Up songs. 

What do I mean by a pump-up song? It’s a song you want to listen to when you’re in the gym and feeling the strain of lifting weights or running on a treadmill or cross trainer. It’s a song that keeps you going when you’re out on a 5 mile run in the heat. It’s a song when you’re traveling cross-country and need a boost to stay awake. And it’s a song when your job sucks and you need something to get you through the drudgery, i.e. I’ve had some really sucking experiences at my job lately and as I listened to my Pandora channels, on two consecutive mornings, AC/DC’s Highway to Hell came on. Ironic? 

These are songs that you crank, that you tap your toes, or feel your body sway to the music. One of my all time favorites is Dire Strait’s Money for Nothing, but all of these will get you going. One caution, be careful if you listen while driving as the next thing you know, you’re 25 over the speed limit and there are flashing blue and red lights in your rearview mirror. Pump it up!

ZZ Top:

Sharp Dressed Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn2-b_opVTo

Gimme all your lovin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4VFFBCa5Aw

Metallica:

Enter Sandman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPJKuygePHk

Aerosmith:
Sweet Emotion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V87ZNemLyRk

Walk this way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av2dUXjarX4

Scorpions:

Rock you like a hurricane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI2COawqMJQ

AC/DC:

Highway to hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_yvrROCtU&feature=related

Back in black: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gComM_ASfuM

Cream:

Sunshine of your love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16h6vLy6n4A&feature=related

Crossroads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=becWr0vc6cA

Van Halen:

Panama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-NshzYK9y0

Jump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlq0lYB3iSM

Orianthi:

Highly Strung: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7b-_YcACuQ

Joe Satriani:

Summer Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vp7TmTfVZI&feature=fvst

Satch’s boogie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzQb79IhoRE

Eric Johnson:

SRV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKYKxXc2D4I

Zenland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txp2FwL9bE4&feature=related

Stevie Ray Vaugh:

Scuttle Buttin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHEVIWpX2XM&feature=related

Crossfire:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsHXd4rQnW0

Led Zepplin:

Whole lotta love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mln0RciE2o0&feature=related

Dire Straits:

Sultans of Swing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jxsnIRpy2E&feature=related

Money for Nothing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlPjxz4LGak

The weather begs the question, “Why does anyone live in Nebraska?” My wife and I have asked that question a lot lately. Maybe it’s time to move to cooler climes. But when it’s this hot, it calls for something refreshing, like a 2011 La Vielle Ferme Rose Ventoux, Rhone Valley ($10.00). It’s produced by the Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel fame. It’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. Beautiful strawberry pink color with aromas of strawberries and cherries that follow on the palate. It’s a very rich, balanced wine that refreshes on a hot summer evening (it’s still above 100 as I write this at 7:15 PM). So grab a bottle and hit the floor with some great music. In fact, play it while you’re getting ready for work tomorrow morning. Anything to get you going! Enjoy!

Cheers!

Elmore James & Chateau Routas Rouvier Rose

Elmore James (January 27, 1918 – May 24, 1963) was one of the most influential blues guitarists, singers, and songwriters of our time. Artists like Eric Clapton, Rory Block, the Allman Brothers Band, Cream, Johnny Winter and a host of others have covered his songs. He was known as "the King of the Slide Guitar." He was the illegitimate son of 15-year-old Leola Brooks, a field hand. His father was probably Joe Willie "Frost" James, who moved in with Leola, and so Elmore took this as his name. Elmore began making music at the age of 12 using a simple one-string instrument ("Diddley Bow or jitterbug) strung up on a shack wall. As he matured, he was strongly influenced by Robert Johnson, even though Johnson died in 1938. 

During World War II, James joined the U.S. Navy, was promoted to coxswain and took part in the invasion of Guam against the Japanese. Upon his discharge, Elmore returned to central Mississippi and eventually settled in Canton with his adopted brother Robert Holston; it was at this time he learned that he had a serious heart condition. Working in Robert's electrical shop, he devised his unique electric sound, using parts from the shop and an unusual placement of two D'Armond pickups.

James's demise may have been hastened by his lifelong taste for, and manufacture of, moonshine whiskey, to which he was introduced at an early age. He died of his third heart attack in Chicago in 1963, just prior to a tour of Europe with that year's American Folk Blues Festival. He was buried in the Newport Baptist Church Cemetery in Ebenezer, Mississippi. See how many tunes you recognize and extra credit goes to those who can identify the modern day bands that have re-recorded his songs.

Dust my broom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKo80b-QfK0

The sky is cryin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKEdlSTHjtU

It hurts me too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBA2REoRD98

Blues before sunrise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_aZ0jPPiao&feature=related

Rollin and tumbling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsgZ5IDQu80&feature=related

Every day I have the blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJCH3xO-mYQ&feature=relmfu

Shake your money maker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn77rGEV6XM&feature=related

Done somebody wrong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNBk1faWI-k

I need you baby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVp3VnCjLEE&feature=related

Fine little mama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZStV6Cd8uQ&feature=related

Knockin at your door: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ9eXuBSFlE&feature=relmfu

Something inside me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRXnmjFEWDo&feature=related

Hand in hand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQb5udtkI-E&feature=fvwrel

Goodbye baby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIEjoz6TFg8&feature=related

My wife and I were visiting Boston last week and after a day of walking around all day in Boston’s heat wave didn’t feel like venturing too far from our hotel for dinner. So we hit Brasserie Jo’s in the Colonade Hotel. Turned out to be a good choice because we had one of the best salmon dishes I’ve ever tasted. The fish was baked perfectly and covered in a beurre blanc sauce (very unhealthy, but wonderful) on top of kalamata and green olives and chantrelles. We needed something refreshing so I ordered a 2010 Chateau Routas Rouvier Rose from the Provence region of France. Provence is famous for its Rose’s and this one didn’t disappoint. The wine was a pale pink (which matched the salmon) with aromas of strawberries and herbs. The flavor followed the nose with accents of cherry and lime. It’s a zesty, refresher that compliments many foods as well as the slide guitar of a classic, Mr. Elmore James.

Cheers!