Fathers and Sons

We celebrated my cousin Josh's birthday this past Saturday night. It was a wonderful evening filled with friends and family who gathered together to honor a really inventive, lovely, curious, passionate, and artistic man. But what do those words really mean to anyone who doesn't know Josh. Can words alone paint an accurate picture of a man?

This got me thinking, can a personality be described more thoroughly through music? And if so, what sort of set list would describe you? With that in mind, it's time to create the official Tasting Notes Musical Personality Genome Experiment.  Go over to Playlist.com, a really useful site where you can create portable music set lists like the one below, and create a set list that describes your personality. Once you're done, come back to this page and post a comment here with a link to your playlist. That way I can get a better understanding of who you really are.

In the meantime, I want to introduce you to my King Bee Cousin, Josh. I'm sure you'll enjoy his multicolored personality.

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Welcome to Dumpsville, Loser!

We’ve all experienced it at some point. The heart-breaking moment when you’re told goodbye - blown off - that you’re just not interesting enough, attractive enough, rich enough, blah, blah, blah enough (well, except for Clooney or Johnny Depp – evidently they’re indispensible).

In years past, this moment most likely came via a hand written note – maybe even with a poem attached. Some brave characters deem it valiant to do it in person, look you straight in the eye before ripping your heart out. Others just disappear without saying a word leaving you to wonder if the affair ever really existed at all.

Now, the edict more often comes in the form of a subpoena, or a change in Facebook status, or worse, a tweet to all your followers.

Me? I got mine last night at 9:08 via my fantasy football league score update. There in black and white it declared "we were done, I was out, caput." All those wonderful weekend mornings, lazily waking up together, sipping coffee and nuzzling player stats by Dell light? Gone. Replaced by the cold, hard fact that from now on Sundays, for me, are just another day of the week.

Now, don’t go feeling all sorry for me. I was prepared for this because (a) I had pretty much sucked all season and (b), because I had been listening to Stevie Wonder’s Lookin’ For Another Pure Love, which comes from his genius 1972 release, Talking Book.

Talking Book

Dwarfed by the giant Grammy trees of Superstition and You Are The Sunshine of My Life, ‘Pure Love’ features Wonder’s distinctive layered electric keyboard sound, perfect harmonies, and a beautifully subtle drum track (also laid down by Sir Stevie). But the revelation comes from a most unexpected place - Jeff Beck’s understated guitar playing.

Jeff Beck

Less concerned with classic blues structure or rock riffs, Beck has always been more interested in pulling the “sickest” most innovative sounds out of the guitar. And he doesn’t disappoint here with a string of inventive arpeggios, incredible waves of harmonics, and a lovely melodic solo that elicits some appreciative murmurs from Stevie. This is a guitar master in total control. Take a listen. 

Looking For Another Pure Love

I’m adding wine tasting descriptor tags to these songs in order to create music set lists that pair well with wines. As this is entirely subjective, I’d enjoy hearing how you might describe this song. Post it right there, in the little box below.

Tags: Clean, crisp, well structured, nice acidity, straw, bursts of bright cherry, lush mouthfeel, romance, heartfelt, sexy, heady, hot, multilayered, high sugar content, crossover appeal, pure love, reflective, surprising finish, breezy. 

For a little extra pleasure here's a live studio performance of Superstition.

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Do you like trucks...  and street food?

Space Truckin'

Is it spicy?

Then, it's a good time to be alive and living in LA.

Go get you some, now! 

Or tonight... late.

... Or whenever the tweet hits the road.

                                    Barbie's Q: http://twitter.com/barbiesQ
Lomo Arigato: http://twitter.com/lomoarigato
                                                Flying Pig: http://twitter.com/flyingpigtruck
            Little Spoon Dessert: http://twitter.com/weliketospoon
                        Kogi BBQ http://twitter.com/kogiBBQ
                                                                        Cool Haus: http://twitter.com/Coolhaus

Cracked Latin

And while you're deciding between the Tamarind Duck Taco with toasted almond and pickled beet salad or the Lomo Saltado: tofu, tomatoes, cilantro, sweet seasoned onion, french fries, red wine and soy sauce over Peruvian rice crank up My Hallucination by Cracked Latin which plays like a spicy, cut of 60's San Francisco psychedelia complete with exotic latin and east indian influences. Now, you're gonna have to wash all of this down with something that will stand up to all these disparate flavors. I'd suggest one of the untamed zinfandel beasts from Turley.

My Hallucination

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Autumn in Los Angeles

If you’re like me, the beginning of autumn brings such possibilities. And nowhere else can you experience the magic of the season than in Los Angeles.

Evidently not enough of us were looking

There’s just nothing like it anywhere else; the crisp, chilly air that makes one break out the Tube Flops, the changing leaves (okay, they don’t really change, they just wither from the heat), the start of another Laker campaign and the sad plight of the pimply-faced, television execs who are forced to execute that which they gushed so lovingly about only a few weeks earlier.

Autumn in New York

Of course, if that's not your cup of tea then there’s Autumn in New York. Composed by Vernon Duke in 1934 for a broadway show (as were most tunes that comprise the great American Songbook), it has been recorded by just about everyone. Here are two versions that make my giddiup glow.

First up is Lena Horne’s version from 1998; lush strings set against a pop/jazz quartet featuring a lean guitar and a rather plump bass.

Autumn In New York

You’ll note Ms. Horne’s unique and always impeccable phrasing. I also get a thrill that she throws in a lesser known verse (“… and gay divorcees who lunch at the Ritz”). But what boggles the mind about this recording is that she did it at 81! Are you kidding me? If I make it to 81, I’ll be happy to remember how to push play on whatever electronic device is jacked into my brain.

And then there’s Sinatra’s version from his 1958 Capitol record, Come Fly With Me. Seriously, does it get better than this?  It always amazes me that Sinatra, who cultivated such a tough guy persona, was able to reveal such vulnerability in his singing. This track gives me visions of Manhattan at its most elegant; clean browns and oranges, a crisp wind that cuts through upturned overcoats, pianists entertaining guests at a penthouse dinner party, theatre goers cloaked in furs and tuxedos exiting restaurants bursting with the sound of clinking cocktails and literate conversations, and early morning taxis careening through the desolate “canyons of steel” (god, what a phrase). 

Autumn In New York

Add this to your next dinner party or, even better, the Thanksgiving mix that is comprised entirely of iconic American artists that cross all genres (Ellington, Dylan, Sondheim, Aretha, Elvis, Gershwin, etc). I’d pair it with bubbles or “a sip of sparkling burgundy brew” (bonus points if you can identify what Sinatra song that phrase comes from.)

And finally, here's a really good pumpkin pie recipe courtesy of the recently departed Gourmet Magazine (R.I.P.). PS, don't skimp on the bourbon!

Pumpkins queing up for pie duty

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U2 Bubbles

I've been going on for the past 15 months about the benefits of thoughtfully pairing wine and music. Finally someone is listening. The folks at Rebel Industries are putting together a series of events that brings together wine, music, fashion and art. The first one is next Thursday, October 15 at The Celebrity Vault in Beverly Hills. Garth Trinidad from KCRW is handling the music so it promises to be really interesting. And while I don't know the wineries mentioned, with Erik Kelley of the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills handling the sommelier duties, I'm sure they will be spot on.

Now pour yourself something intoxicating and get lost in the heady voice of the late Jeff Buckley as he sings mournfully about love lost.

Lilac Wine

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Pluto Evicted

Today we’re finishing up the top 10 tracks from the first half of 2009 (see Day Nine here). I’d still love to hear from you so drop me a line and let me know what songs have caught your fancy.

Pluto – Clare & The Reasons

As the main songwriter and "Clare" behind Clare & The Reasons, Clare Muldaur is a 2nd generation musician from Martha's Vineyard (father is the legendary Geoff Muldaur) who is blazing a fiercely independant career.

Clare Muldaur

From their debut album, The Movie, Pluto has gorgeous instrumentation (who doesn't love pizzicato), a delightful vocal, and one of the most original first verses ever: “Pluto, I have some frightful news, dear. In the New York Times. They’ve just reported you’ve been overthrown, from your solar throne for good.” Music this good is intoxicating and good for the spirit and that's reason enough for me to include this track on my list of 2009 discoveries.

Pluto

I’m adding wine tasting descriptor tags to these songs in order to create music set lists that pair well with wines. As this is entirely subjective, I’d enjoy hearing how you might describe this song. Post it right there, in the little box below.

Tags: Light, minerality, delicate, liveliness, sassy, vivid, airy, bubbly, pizzicato, solar, planets, 2nd generation musician, champagne, sparkling wine, Martha’s Vineyard. I’d pair this with Bubbles, any sort of bubbles. But if you really want to tie it all up with a sparkly bow, pop open something from 2^nd generation vintner, Judy Jordan over at JWines.

Day One: Wilco (The Song) - http://bit.ly/Day1WilcoTheSong

Day Two: Mary Ann - http://bit.ly/Day2MaryAnn

Day Three: World on a String- http://bit.ly/Day3WorldOnAString

Day Four: Just Like Heaven - http://bit.ly/Day4JustLikeHeaven

Day Five: When She’s Near - http://bit.ly/Day5FictionFamily

Day Six: Adventures in Solitude - http://bit.ly/NewPornographers

Day Seven: We Are Alone in this Together - http://bit.ly/GrahamLindsey

Day Eight: Two Weeks – http://bit.ly/GrizzlyBear2Weeks

Day Nine: The Face I Love - http://bit.ly/marcosvalle

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Love

Continuing with the top 10 tracks from the first half of 2009 (see Day Eight here):

The Face I Love – Marcos Valle

I bring you today's track with a note of caution. Listening to The Face I Love will most certainly cause you to fall in love. If not with someone you know, or someone you want to know, then with love itself. Even after 40 years, it glides along, light as air, on buoyant confetti clouds of bossa nova perfection.

Down comes the rain and it's raining confetti.

Take a listen and swoon to the delicious vocal harmonies of Marcos and his former wife Anamaria.

The Face I Love

Along with Sergio Mendes and Gilbert Gil, Marcos Valle was part of the 2^nd wave of Brazilian pop stars to hit America in the mid/late 60’s.  And I had never heard of him, not that he didn't get substantial press or have big hit songs. Witness his performance of So Nice (Summer Samba) from the Andy Williams show circa 1968. NOTE: Andy has absolutely no understanding of how to perform this song. But he is relaxed. As a bonus treat, compare it to the version performed by the delightful Bebel Gilberto.

Bebel Gilberto. So Nice.

I’d be curious to hear what you've been listening to so drop me a comment and let me know what made your top 10!

I’m adding wine tasting descriptor tags to these songs in order to create music set lists that pair well with wines. As this is entirely subjective, I’d enjoy hearing how you might describe this song. Post it right there, in the little box below.

Tags: Complete, clean, citrus, feminine, delicate, balanced, accessible, finesse, approachable, love, harmony, summer, 60’s, brazil, terroir, depth, optimism, sunny, open. I’d pair this with a crisp, fruity Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.

Day One: Wilco (The Song) - http://bit.ly/Day1WilcoTheSong

Day Two: Mary Ann - http://bit.ly/Day2MaryAnn

Day Three: World on a String- http://bit.ly/Day3WorldOnAString

Day Four: Just Like Heaven - http://bit.ly/Day4JustLikeHeaven

Day Five: When She’s Near - http://bit.ly/Day5FictionFamily

Day Six: Adventures in Solitude - http://bit.ly/NewPornographers

Day Seven: We Are Alone in this Together - http://bit.ly/GrahamLindsey

Day Eight: Two Weeks – http://bit.ly/GrizzlyBear2Weeks

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"Right over there. Under the Brooklyn Bridge."

Continuing with the top 10 tracks from the first half of 2009 (see Day Seven here):

Two Weeks – Grizzly Bear

From Brooklyn, Grizzly Bear is sort of a cross between Brian Wilson and a-ha (yeah, that's a combo that hasn't yet been mashed up). Believe it or not there is a winery in Brooklyn.  I know, weird but not as weird as the music video for Two Weeks which is so beautifully creepy that I feel compelled to watch it over and over again.  With its swirling colors and hypnotic harmonies, it presents a sweet flowery, peach nose. But, the finish, which is cut with racy undertones of anise or licorice, hints at something leaner. It’s like watching a Bergman film – on the surface, normalcy, and yet something unsettling is lurking, waiting, affecting everyone.  Hope you enjoy.

Two Weeks

I’d be curious to hear what you've been listening to so drop me a comment and let me know what made your top 10!

I’m adding wine tasting descriptor tags to these songs in order to create music set lists that pair well with wines. As this is entirely subjective, I’d enjoy hearing how you might describe this song. Post it right there, in the little box below.

Tags: Sweet, linalool, flowers, peach, liquorice, acidic, swirling colors, finish, aftertaste, bursts of juice, colder climate, Nordic. Pair this with a groovy, Austrian Gruner Feltliner. Don't know the grape? No worries, the intensely awesome Gary Vaynerchuk is here to tell you all about it.

Gruner Veltliner from Austria - Episode #181

Day One: Wilco (The Song) - http://bit.ly/Day1WilcoTheSong

Day Two: Mary Ann - http://bit.ly/Day2MaryAnn

Day Three: World on a String- http://bit.ly/Day3WorldOnAString

Day Four: Just Like Heaven - http://bit.ly/Day4JustLikeHeaven

Day Five: When She’s Near - http://bit.ly/Day5FictionFamily

Day Six: Adventures in Solitude - http://bit.ly/NewPornographers

Day Seven: We Are Alone in this Together - http://bit.ly/GrahamLindsey

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Continuing with the top 10 tracks from the first half of 2009 (see Day Six here):

Graham Lindsey

We Are Alone In This Together – Graham Lindsey

Senator Lindsey Graham is a complete dick. Graham Lindsey, on the other hand is a complete revelation. The fact that my man Mars produces all his records is besides the point, he sings with an unsettling honesty, squeezing the pain so hard it becomes beautiful. If he can survive in the brutal music industry we’re going to be the lucky ones. Kind of like fruit that grows in the torturous rocky soil found on the slopes of steep mountain terrain. If it survives, it thrives. 

We Are All Alone In This Together

I’d be curious to hear what you've been listening to so drop me a comment and let me know what made your top 10!

I’m adding wine tasting descriptor tags to these songs in order to create music set lists that pair well with wines. As this is entirely subjective, I’d enjoy hearing how you might describe this song. Post it right there, in the little box below.

Tags: Tightly structured, vivid, toasty, chewy, rugged, lean soil, edgy, earthy, woodsy, dense, tannic, single vineyard, terroir, mountain fruit.  I’d pair this with a Cabernet from any of the Spring Mountain wineries like Behrens & Hitchcock, Sherwin Family or Terra Valentine.

View from the top

Day One: Wilco (The Song) - http://bit.ly/Day1WilcoTheSong

Day Two: Mary Ann - http://bit.ly/Day2MaryAnn

Day Three: World on a String- http://bit.ly/Day3WorldOnAString

Day Four: Just Like Heaven - http://bit.ly/Day4JustLikeHeaven

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Fortress Of Solitude

Continuing with the top 10 tracks of 2009 so far (see Day Five here)

Adventures in Solitude – The New Pornographers

The New Pornographers are a Vancouver based “side project” that feature the brilliant Carl (A.C.) Newman as lead vocalist and composer. When I think of side projects, I think of planting some geraniums, or starting a book club, or baking an apple pie with a cheddar cheese crust. Not recording some of the best pop music in recent memory.

Newman lists as his influences the holy trinity of Bacharach, Webb and Brian Wilson, which obviously works for me. I imagine in 20 years, some young up and comer will be listing him as one of their major influences. He’s that good a craftsman.

Don’t believe me?

Challengers

Pop the cork on Adventures in Solitude off of their 2007 release, Challengers. Swirl it and note the very approachable bright bouquet of blackberries. But just wait. Leave it open for awhile and listen how it opens up magnificently, exhibiting enough depth and texture to hold up to any situation.

Adventures In Solitude

I’d be curious to hear what you've been listening to so drop me a comment and let me know what made your top 10!

I’m adding wine tasting descriptor tags to these songs in order to create music set lists that pair well with wines. As this is entirely subjective, I’d enjoy hearing how you might describe this song. Post it right there, in the little box below.

Tags: Fruit forward, bright bouquet, approachable, texture, soft tannins, blackberries, chocolate, balanced, depth, blend, layered, lush mouth feel, long finish. I’d create vertical Newman set list by taking a track off of one of his solo albums alongside something from an earlier band, Zumpano, and then I’d match it with a flight of Pride Mountain Merlots. 

Day One: Wilco (The Song) - http://bit.ly/Day1WilcoTheSong

Day Two: Mary Ann - http://bit.ly/Day2MaryAnn

Day Three: World on a String- http://bit.ly/Day3WorldOnAString

Day Four: Just Like Heaven - http://bit.ly/Day4JustLikeHeaven

Day Five: When She’s Near - http://bit.ly/Day5FictionFamily

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