GUITARDONNAY @guitardonnay - Tumblr Blog

1/19/18

I’ve decided that this will be my last post for this blog. It's been a blast to share my favorite guitarists with you. The good news is that these posts have been an opportunity to write a ton of lousy poetry (songs) which I can now focus on putting music to. I’ll be sharing these songs on YouTube and Soundcloud with the band Meltdown Cadillac. We’ll be playing gigs in the Tampa Bay/Clearwater area. Thanks for following and sharing.

Nelson E. Griffin

1/12/18

There are over 31 million seconds in a year. Make each one count.

This week’s wine: Year Wines 2016 McLaren Vale Grenache

From a single vineyard planted in the 1950's this medium-bodied wine is all about pretty aromatics, texture and savoury tannins. Hand-picked, wild fermented with 30% whole bunches. Kept on skins for four weeks before basket pressing straight to old French oak. The wine matured on full lees before being gravity racked to bottle, un-fined and unfiltered. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Elliott Randall

Steely Dan always used amazing guitarists on their recordings. Elliott Randall, one of the best, is featured here playing his solo from “Reelin’ In The Years”. Jimmy Page has said it is his favorite guitar solo of all time. Pretty high praise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrzpTjJ8sGo

You wouldn’t know a diamond if you held it in your hand.

This week’s song:

Years Gone By (by Nelson E. Griffin)

In years gone by You wouldn't send no tweets In years gone by You wouldn't send no tweets In your pocket You never had a phone Just a piece of Dubble Bubble Or some other sweets In years gone by

In years gone by Who knew how much the world would change In years gone by Who knew how much the world would change It was simple then You never had a phone Just a piece of Dubble Bubble Now it just seems strange Those years gone by

In years gone by You didn't have to share your likes In years gone by You didn't have to share your likes You had an opinion But you didn't need a phone To recommend that Dubble Bubble To Mary Lou or Mike In years gone by

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #elliott randall #steely dan #reelin' in the years #years

1/5/18

Birds of a feather flock together.

This week’s wine: Birds of a Feather Pinot Noir

A delicate mix of dark fruit & savoury aromas balanced with fine tannins, a generous mouth feel & great concentration. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Jimmy Herring

Jimmy Herring is featured here playing John McLaughlin’s composition “Birds Of Fire” from the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s album of the same name. It’s not easy soloing over time signatures of 18/8 and 13/8. Even more difficult with the composer himself looking on. I’d say he pulled it off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0y5im7h9Us

On fire!

This week’s song:

We Are Birds Of Fire (by Nelson E. Griffin)

Strange to admit I've put my past behind I'd suffered a lot Work was a brutal grind One time when I was thirty-eight I pulled off a crime With a woman from Europe But I never did time

The newspapers said That it was a crying shame The cops were confused They didn't know who to blame And though they had doubts Of the clues found thereabouts The rumors persist Seems truth and fraud can coexist

Costa Rica here I come On a plane through the night Listening to Levon Helm The harmony sounds right We look for God when our lives turn upside down Listen for angels in our choir The higher we fly, the brighter we burn We are birds of fire

I was lost in a dream And nothing could fill the void Such was my luck For weeks I was paranoid I thought I was going mad Hearing voices in my head Strange music Confusion Night sweats and dread

I hope you forgive me But I don't intend to change I'll still eat at Wendy's Maybe you'll think I'm strange But you'll know when I need a hand I'll ask you for eleven grand You owe it to me It can be your apology

I have to admit I've put my past behind A mirror that’s cracked Makes no difference to the blind I think I'll go back to school Never break the golden rule No losing control I'll live where it suits my soul

Costa Rica here I come On a plane through the night Listening to Levon Helm The harmony sounds right We look for God when our lives turn upside down We listen for angels in our choir The higher we fly, the brighter we burn We are birds of fire

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #jimmy herring #birds of fire #john mclaughlin #mahavishnuorchestra #birds #birds of a feather

12/29/17

Happy New Year.

This week’s wine: Laurent Perrier Brut

Out of the better-known Champagne names, Laurent Perrier will give you some of the best bang for your buck. Crisp and fresh, the wine bursts with flavors of citrus and white stone fruit. The balance between acidity and fruit makes the Champagne a great accompaniment to fish dishes and chicken. Recommended as one of the best champagnes for New Years by Vinepair.com.

This week’s guitarist: The Edge

The Edge, guitarist for U2 is featured here on the bands song “New Years Day”.

The lyrics refer to the movement for solidarity lead by Lech Walesa in Poland. After this was recorded, Poland announced they would abolish martial law, coincidentally, on New Year's Day, 1983.

This was U2's first UK Top 10 and their first single to chart in America.

The Edge plays piano as well as guitar on the recording.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8BtB4C3Vi8

Gold is the reason for the wars we wage.

This week’s song:

On New Years Day (by Nelson E. Griffin)

Just look at that skyline That beautiful mess The cry of graffiti Signs of a city in distress But on New Year's Day we can all start over

The politician fails us And pardon my French I don't give a damn if he says believe me The lies I find still carry a stench But on New Year's Day we can all start over

On New Years Day my friend We can pull our heads from the sand On New Year's Day we can all start over Together we will stand

The evening is here Pigeons sit on a wall Afraid of the vultures Who terrorize them all But on New Year's Day they can all start over

And there's Angelina She's walking with her dad Waiting for the sunset Wondering how it all went bad But on New Year's Day they can both start over

On New Years Day my friend We can pull our heads from the sand On New Year's Day we can all start over Together we will stand

Just look at that skyline That beautiful mess The cry of graffiti Signs of a city in distress But on New Year's Day we can all start over

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #the edge #u2 #new years day

12/22/17

If your dreams don’t come true you’re not wishing hard enough.

This week’s wine: Three Wishes Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a delightful, charming Cabernet Sauvignon, that you would recognize as a Cab even in a blind tasting. And that’s really all you want out of a $3 bottle of wine.

The wine is a beautiful ruby red in the glass with ripe fruit aromas. On the palate it is full of fresh, juicy black fruits such as plums and blackberries. There is not much oak and the finish is short, but smooth. Bottle Report

This week’s guitarist: John Fogerty

John Fogerty says Stephen Foster was his biggest musical influence when it came to songwriting. As for guitar, his heroes were Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore and James Burton. His influences would certainly approve of his career where his songwriting and guitar-playing prowess gave birth to some of rock’s most iconic tunes. Listen to him perform one of his newer songs in the majestic setting of Royal Albert Hall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiQIisyncY0

Don’t you wish it was true?

This week’s song:

When A Wish Turns Real (by Nelson E. Griffin)

I lead a second life On my virtual ship Where I can point my knife Point my knife I am a pirate again It makes me grin

When I'm laying down my midi tracks I sound like Coltrane on the tenor sax And my sister sings like Whitney Houston She's got an app with a diva button

What if we are in a dream Where the fish can hear A comet’s scream If robots made of steel Can turn leaves to snow Will we ever know When a wish turns real

I know that cowboy The black hat fits My hand is on my holster When that outlaw spits Cherry pits Too late to take my aim I better save my game

Goodbye momma - see you soon I'll bring you poppies back from Saturn's moon And look for shells in Mars' vermillion sand It’s all computer sleight of hand

What if we are in a dream Where the fish can hear A comet’s scream If robots made of steel Can turn leaves to snow Will we ever know When a wish turns real

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #john fogerty #wish

12/15/17

Sometimes words have two meanings.

This week’s wine: Castell Miquel Stairway to Heaven Cabernet Sauvignon Vi de la Terra de Mallorca, Spain

The Stairway to Heaven line is from right outside the tasting room door – the terraces (stairs) of the mountainside. This is a rich colored rose – almost strawberry colored, which matches the nose on this wine. It has a delicious beginning, strong middle and a unique finish. It would be great with a salad full of ingredients and/or couscous.

This week’s guitarist: Stanley Jordan

Stanley Jordan is featured here playing Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven”, probably one of the most famous and over-played rock songs of all time. The mockumentary “Spinal Tap” even has a scene at a guitar store where a sign begs people not to play it. We’ll cut Stanley a break here since he plays it in a way you have never heard. It’s unlikely anyone else will ever play it that way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeooHiX4oH0

Oooh it makes me wonder.

This week’s song:

Stairway To Hell (by Nelson E. Griffin)

The Stairway To Hell Is steeper than it seems Devoid of encouragement You just might rip your jeans

On the Stairway To Hell The demons will get on your nerves Touching all your favorite things Eating your hors d'oeuvres

On the Stairway To Hell You can smoke your Marlboro And ignore the status quo

On the Stairway To Hell You reject all authority You can eat a bag of M & M's Forget your vitamin C

When you give voice to every thought Your friends will soon cave in You will watch their eyes fill up with tears From the hurt within

That Stairway To Hell It's a real big deal It's so surreal

On that Stairway To Hell There's a seminar on fright You learn to live your nightmares there It's something you can't fight

I bet you'd be happier in London Eating hummus with a Sunni Muslim Or dancing in a Russian ballet

It won’t kill you to be polite

But on that Stairway To Hell This is what I have found No matter how much you might want to go up You can only go down

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #stanley jordan #stairway to heaven

12/8/17

Celebrating the color red. Don’t ask me why.

This week’s wine: Colgin IX Estate Red 2013

The 2013 "IX Estate" possesses all the aromas one can attain from this heralded vineyard, seemingly a hypothetical blend of our greatest vintages. This captivating wine seduces you with its concentration of flavors, but beneath the surface we find a wine brimming with nuance. With a nose of sweet floral blossoms and bouquet garni the wine envelops the senses. Vibrant notes of licorice, dark fruit and botanicals meld together with flavors of pure wet mineral and iron. I love the way this vintage weaves its classic Cabernet Sauvignon crème de cassis and dark cherry flavors together with its terroir, like the intoxicating notes of sage oil and juniper. The opulence on the nose carries through onto the palate where it builds smooth, supple layers of tannin. The succulent and savory texture builds to a long, rich finish. Though the 2013 vintage is compelling upon release, the power, breadth and depth will most certainly age for a generation- if you let it. Winemaker notes.

This week’s guitarist: Mike Stern

Listen to our featured artist Mike Stern play Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House”, a song about a guy who upon finding out his girlfriend has changed her locks decides to take his chances with her sister. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UaQ79L0RRA

I got a bad, bad feeling that my baby don't live here no more.

This week’s song:

Old Red Car (by Nelson E. Griffin)

Who bought that heap for Alberto Is there a reason I don't know How many spark plugs is that thing missing I know it's early But man it sure looks slow

Old Red Car They all can hear us coming We leave them in the dust That fancy tune-up is paying off

Goodbye you losers Just keep on clutching those Chesterfields It's okay but what is the big idea I'll show you smoke when I spin my wheels

Old Red Car You make a holy commotion We leave them in the dust That fancy tune-up is paying off

A private road No one can talk to me That engine music comes bubbling out

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #red house #red #mike stern

12/1/17

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

John Lennon

This week’s wine: Otto’s Constant Dream Sauvignon Blanc

This classic pale yellow green Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc emits a panoply of aromas on its first bright note. Don't cede any ground and take in its fruit forward aromatics with pungent new season passionfruit, pineapple and crisp apple leading the charge followed by a smattering of citrus notes. Playing contra-alto to the fruit is a strong showing of minerals and lemongrass. On the palate this wine simply dances to its own tune. Enjoy the lively play between fresh fruit and minerality balanced by bright acidity. A truly classic Sauvignon Blanc that will accompany many a mood, food and activity. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Duane Allman

Gregg Allman wrote the song “Dreams” on the Hammond B3 organ. After trying to make it on his own in Georgia, he returned and showed this song to his brother Duane. Duane’s bandmates were impressed and the Allman Brothers were born. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyhyor0yU3o

Climb down off the hilltop, baby. Get back in the race.

This week’s song:

Dreams of Limbo (by Nelson E. Griffin)

It was cold in the museum Bobby was walking in a dream It was a day in 1980 After coming back from Haiti All the money he’d donated to the poor He was sure Was lost in dreams of limbo

Jack began his first career As a turnpike engineer He felt nothing but excitement But one peculiar incident In the alleyway by the rectory Left a stain upon his memory It was a scene from dreams of limbo

Jill saw spiders in their webs They draped a plant with silky threads Hanging like a crucifixion They were frozen in their own conviction In the shrouded hills so quiet and serene Vast and clean Forever green in dreams of limbo

Paul was ready for the night In the cottage where he used to write He’ watched the world in wonder And listened to the thunder That began a thousand years ago That power Filled his dreams of limbo

Playing music in the rain A band of gypsys sang in vain Banging on some empty bottles Wearing mining boots and goggles They dug up their street with a backhoe Looking for answers in the sand And no one lent a hand But they found their peace in dreams of limbo

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #duaneallman #the allman brothers band #dreams

11/24/17

Focus on the positive - it’s all around you.

This week’s wine: Focus Wines - Zion Cabernet Sauvignon

Grapes for our Cabernet Sauvignon were selected among the best coastal growing regions in California's northern coast and San Joaquin region. In these areas, warm sunny days provide optimum grape ripening while the Pacific Coast fog creates cool nights that maintain the acidity of the grapes resulting in the balanced fruit of a full-bodied Cab. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Jan Akkerman

Focus, featuring guitarist Jan Akkerman, scored a rare top ten instrumental hit with their song “Hocus Pocus” which featured flute, yodeling and Jan’s virtuosic technique. Put together in the studio as a kind of joke, the band kept getting drawn back to the tune and it propelled the band to #9 on the Billboard Charts in 1973. There was nothing else like it on the radio at that time and there’s been nothing like it since. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4ouPGGLI6Q

What can I say?

This week’s song:

A Star Can Put The World In Focus (by Nelson E. Griffin)

We're all broken toys Imperfect since birth We walk around like fools On the planet Earth Just flesh and bones We don't know our worth But even in the darkest sky A star can put the world in focus And things will look all right A star can put the world in focus And things will look all right

We implore the saints Make us whole Before it gets too late Could you please just bless our souls Then watch us bloom Our wheel of fortune rolls Into infinity Because even in the darkest sky A star can put the world in focus And things will look all right A star can put the world in focus And things will look all right

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #jan akkerman #focus #hocus pocus

11/17/17

When darkness threatens - that is the time to shine the brightest.

This week’s wine: Weingut Eifel-Pfeifer 'Heinz Eifel' Shine Riesling, Germany

While muted on the nose, this refreshing off-dry Riesling offers concentrated tangerine and yellow peach flavors. Light in body with a spry, zesty mouthfeel, it finishes brisk and clean. Enjoy now. Wine Enthusiast Magazine

This week’s guitarist: Peter Frampton

“Shine On”, written by Peter Frampton, was originally recorded while he was with the supergroup Humble Pie. He plays it live here at the Steve Marriott Memorial Concert on the 10th anniversary of the Humble Pie singer’s death. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obhs2LY-VVY

Don't you realize it's hard to dream

Without your helping hand to guide me

This week’s song:

Shine Down (by Nelson E. Griffin)

Suddenly the clouds have flown Forever since the sun has shone I'm sick of lousy weather Can you help me to escape Help my outlook to reshape Ignite this boring town

It feels alright The sun Shine down Shine down

Rhythms fill this happy house Lots of Chopin Lots of Strauss A hurricane of music Competing with the howling wind The spirit of a mandolin In search of light

It feels alright The sun Shine down Shine down

I've never heard such sounds I'm smiling while the whole world frowns

It feels alright The sun Shine down Shine down

Burn away the wickedness Make each restless fool confess They're only out of practice Late at night when I'm asleep Stars glisten as I'm counting sheep The glow of hope

It feels alright The sun Shine down Shine down

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #peter frampton #humble pie #sun #shine

11/10/17

Randomly featuring the number 8 which:

represents the octave - considered the “basic miracle of music”

is the atomic number of oxygen

is the number of men killed by Billy the Kid

This week’s wine: Peter Lehmann Eight Songs Shiraz

The color is a deep brooding red/ black leading to a bouquet of dark chocolate and blood plums. The palate is rich and soft in keeping with the Eight Songs style and the finish features plush, fine grained tannins. The wine drinks beautifully now but can be cellared with confidence for a few more years if desired. We recommend decantering for a few hours before serving to allow the wine to open up. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Bireli Lagrene

Is it possible to achieve absolute mastery of a musical instrument? I would argue that it is based on the evidence presented here by Bireli Lagrene. Listen to his Archtop Solo Guitar Improvisation #8, part of a series of lessons he developed for DC Music School - an online music education website. Bear in mind - he is making this music up in real time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPZDW0o_TlQ

Over 5 minutes playing highly challenging musical passages and not one slightest mistake? Plus since he’s making it up he has never played it before.

This week’s song:

Eight Notches (by Nelson E. Griffin)

Billy winked his evil eye The deputy was doomed to die Upon a hill his tombstone read I guess he should have stayed in bed

Let him be There's eight notches on his gun Just take my word for it I've seen them

When you see That barrel shining in the sun You better say your prayers And mean them

Underneath the church's spire An empty chair to mock the choir Seems like Billy took another voice One less reason to rejoice

Let him be There's eight notches on his gun Just take my word for it I've seen them

When you see That barrel shining in the sun You better say your prayers And mean them

Long ago the river dried It disappeared when the sheriff died Why Billy killed him no one knows They left his body for the crows

Let him be There's eight notches on his gun Just take my word for it I've seen them

When you see That barrel shining in the sun You better say your prayers And mean them

Billy loved his new tattoo A scorpion in red and blue It rolled its eyes and shook its stinger When Billy flexed his trigger finger

Let him be There's eight notches on his gun Just take my word for it I've seen them

When you see That barrel shining in the sun You better say your prayers And mean them

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #bireli lagrene #billy the kid #eight

11/3/17

Listen to that cold steel ring.

This week’s wine: John Henry Pinot Noir

A beautifully crafted Pinot Noir archetypal of the Martinborough style. Aromas of fruity raspberry and cherry meld with secondary smoky tobacco and savoury leather characters. The palate is rich and plump with a velvety smooth texture. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Joe Bonamassa

Watch Joe Bonamassa recording his song “John Henry” live in the studio. The song honors the folk hero John Henry who, legend has it, defeated a steam powered hammer. In addition to his reputation for strength and endurance, he is also been considered a symbol of social tolerance and diversity. There is some evidence that the legend is based on an actual person who did in fact perform the feats described in the legend and subsequently died as a result of over-exertion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRxawmG5MfM

I don't want your cold iron shackles around my leg

This week’s song:

When John Henry Defeated The Machine (by Nelson E. Griffin)

When Sally was surrounded by the twisted trees She drifted through the forest like a sea breeze The night was like a cloudy clocktail The oaks tried to block her passage But she won like when John Henry defeated the machine

The rolling red hills contrasted with the bright blue sky A lizard gave a challenge to a butterfly They raced around a watermelon The butterfly was no Magellan But it won like when John Henry defeated the machine

They say there is an island Where the rivers look like ribbons And thousands of fish jump when the rain falls A cast of old musicians Perform their set from strange positions Healing with the frequencies of the sun when the pain calls

Sally made a whistle from a bristlecone She played like Coleman Hawkins on her saxophone They called her Mary Poppins For trading solos with the robins But she won like when John Henry defeated the machine

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #joe bonamassa #john henry

10/27/17

Music is the room where inspiration makes its home.

This week’s wine: Moorebank Private Vineyard Estate Press Room White SCG

An exceptional blend of Hunter Semillon, Chardonnay & Gewurztraminer; This trio boasts zesty hints of Semillon, subtle creamy layers of Chardonnay & fruity floral notes from the Gewurtz all seamlessly rolled into one.

The perfect drop for any mid to fruity white wine lover! Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Lee Ritenour

If you haven’t heard his name you’ve heard his playing. His resume includes over 3000 recordings as a session musician on a list of albums by famous artists too long to list here. His facility on the instrument has earned him the nickname “Captain Fingers”. He’s featured here with another favorite, Larry Carlton, on a number called “Room 335″. The number refers to the home studio Larry built and named after his Gibson ES-335 guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAsWqdc0S38

No room for improvement.

This week’s song:

When Chords Exalt The Room (by Nelson E. Griffin)

Petrels fly across the sea Without help from you or me Harmonizing with the wind above the waves Watching humans hunt for crabs They can hear the snapping flags On the hills where the army placed their graves

We stand through the night for a candlelight vigil Build cathedrals to worship a riddle Fourteen prototypes now on display Tranquil as a deep lagoon And we grow immune In exchange for a sacred tune When chords exalt the room

There's beauty all around Some try to tear it down Every year we see resistance growing weak There are stories I have heard About a special bird Makes a carillon her home in Martinique

The theories abound Which captain claimed this ground Did the Vikings or Columbus come here first They’ve found dwellings in the north Buried deep within the earth But the spaces where they sang their songs were cursed

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #lee ritenour #room 335 #room

10/20/17

We shine brightest when we nurture someone else’s spark.

This week’s wine: Vicar’s Choice Bright Light Sauvignon Blanc

Colour: Pale green straw.

Aroma: Bursting with fresh crisp aromas of blackcurrant, lime zest and passionfruit.

Palate: A refreshing and mouth-watering palate delivering flavours of gooseberry, green capsicum and blackcurrant with an underlying herbaceous thread. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Gary Clark Jr.

Gary Clark Jr. performs his song “Bright Lights” at Glastonbury 2016. The song is about hanging out in New York city. Coming from a relatively small town (Austin, TX) he was impressed with the energy and excitement of the place and was inspired to interpret that through music. I think he did a good job. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYoBiDlWVu0

You gonna know his name.

This week’s song:

We Curse The Bright Lights (by Nelson E. Griffin)

There's a patch of land on the border Where the bulls run free It's a sight to see Lovely eagles circling like kites

Among the ancient arches Wild coyotes live In caves along the river Darkness they worship But they curse the bright lights

It's just a state of mind When the sun is going down In a desert town Where centuries of stars still rule the nights

When we see a comet fly Across the evening sky We're terrified Darkness we worship But we curse the bright lights

Why can't we brave each new experience Carve our names in the volcanic rock

The folds and ridges in our brains Resulted from a cosmic plan The legacy genetic history writes

I see it every year The least among us rule our lives The scholar starves while the dullard thrives Darkness we worship But we curse the bright lights

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #gary clark jr #bright lights

10/13/17

“This machine kills fascists”

Woody Guthrie referring to his guitar

This week’s wine: Bow And Arrow Air Guitar 2015

Bow & Arrow is a small, family run winery dedicated to producing Loire Valley varieties in Oregon. Their 2015 bottling of "Air Guitar" is a fun blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon from Borgo Pass Vineyard and 40% Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard. The wine emulates a Loire Valley Chinon showing plenty of dry, earthy character. The mouthfeel is round and the fruit flavors are fresh, juicy and forward. This is a really cool wine to check out and enjoy with beef dishes, stews or hearty pizzas. Winemaker’s notes

This week’s guitarist: Alvin Lee

Alvin Lee proved what a beast he was on guitar during his performances on “The Night of the Guitar”, an epic tour which actually lasted seven days in November of 1988. This tour featured nine of the world’s greatest rock guitarists and the concept was “forget about singing, forget about singles - let your instruments do the talking”. Alvin Lee does just that. Check it out - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqrO-ynNHpQ

Under-rated? I’d say so.

This week’s song:

When I Play The Blues On My Guitar (by Nelson E. Griffin)

She's such a chameleon She says let's play baby, deal me in The poker gods see every bluff But they never seem to help enough

Beneath these flashing street lights She smiles and tells me au revoir But the evening's losses melt away When I play the blues on my guitar

I shut my eyes when she is passing So she won't see the tears amassing The other girls don't have a clue What brings me to this avenue

Beneath these flashing street lights Rehearsing all my repertoire The struggle seems to slink away When I play the blues on my guitar

She tore my fragile world apart And trashed my dreams when she stole my heart She's clever but I'm also smart Revenge is best served a la carte

Beneath these flashing street lights I see her drinking in a bar But I won't think of her tonight When I play the blues on my guitar

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #alvin lee #night of the guitar

10/6/17

So I've started out for God-knows-where

I guess I'll know when I get there

Tom Petty

This week’s wine: Flying Horse Cabernet Sauvignon

A wonderful dark red violet color with finely layered wine exhibiting black cherry, black currant, raspberry, truffle, smoke and leather. There is a hint of floral, mocha and mint with loam palate at the medium-plus finish. With its soft tannins, this wine goes well with roast beef, grilled steak, lamb dishes, wild game, grilled root vegetables and semi-soft cheeses. Wine Enthusiast

This week’s guitarist: Tom Petty

Tom Petty, accompanied here by Stevie Nicks, sings Learning To Fly a song he was inspired to write after hearing an interview with a pilot on TV. Flying is easy said the pilot - the hardest part is coming down. Jeff Lynne, his colleague from the Traveling Wilburys and frontman for Electric Light Orchestra co-wrote the song with him around a simple chord progression of F, C, Am and G. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p_f7Df2-oM

Keep flying Tom.

This week’s song:

When Pigs Fly (by Nelson E. Griffin)

A bourbon and a billiards game in a smoky room This sketchy den is the senator’s lair Extraordinary journeys of deceit Lost in time One blind eye on the telescope The epitome of insouciance

Letters from constituents Left in a stack His honor can be bought He'll be responsive When pigs fly

Everyone loves the movies We stare at the violence until the thrill has passed We're so hungry for entertainment We've lost our focus Lost in time One blind eye on the telescope The epitome of bored to death

Letters from grieving families Ignored by the Congress A tribute to insanity They'll ban the guns When pigs fly

Go home to your village Send your thoughts and prayers From a quiet chapel Tell the rebels to leave your village Then cling to your homes Like the crows that live on the cliffs

Lists of demands Written in desperation Crumbled up by calloused fist They'll listen to reason When pigs fly

Donations to lawmakers Profits spent to prime the pump From the leaders of the NRA They'll reach heaven When pigs fly

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #tom petty #learning to fly #fly

9/29/17

I have promises to keep, and songs to play before I sleep.

This week’s wine: Sleeping Dog Tail Wagger

Larry Oates established his winery overlooking both the Yakima River and the Old Inland Empire Highway, and the primary sources for his program are a stone’s throw away from Buoy Vineyard and Rivers Bend Vineyard. His latest blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Syrah from there is a real crowd-pleaser, starting with fanciful aromas of dark blueberry, black cherry, Mon Cheri candy, toasty oak, tar, root beer, chalkboard dust and forest floor. The drink is reminiscent of blackberry pie juice followed by black cherry, a dash of cocoa powder and blueberry jam. “This old dog got it done” last fall at the Grand Harvest Awards, earning best of class. Oates also uses this wine to help support canine causes such as Pet Over Population Prevention, the Humane Society, Mikey’s Chance and the Prison Pet Partnership.

This week’s guitarist: Les Paul

Les Paul is featured here performing the instrumental “Sleepwalk”. Recorded in 1959 by Santo and Johnny Farina. The tune influenced Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac to write the instrumental “Albatross” which, in turn, influenced the Beatles song “Sun King” from the Abbey Road album. See how that works? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2lnd0Jf9y0

Don’t go to sleep just yet.

This week’s song:

While The People Sleep (by Nelson E. Griffin)

In the village square Stand towers made of words As hard as stone In the old hotel Five evil men Try to peek between the curtains In the utter darkness They wipe their dirty spectacles Still hidden from the street Where the savage tribes In their consensus Rove undeterred by summer's heat

They'll cheat their clients While the people sleep

By the Roman ruins There's a note etched in the granite Left by a slave And an iron stork Its secrets housed in feathered breast A pool of sorrow

Not in deeds but in words Politicians still repeat The theme of heaven While the peasant girl With ivory skin endures a dress Not made of linen

They'll thank their donors While the people sleep

Galileo's home Is made of glass So he can watch from Purgatory But from the mouths of monks And the souls of virgins The sun still filters And sixty golden gears Mesh the past into the future Like icons in a shrine In the army camp Stand captains made of words As hard as stone

They'll launch their rockets While the people sleep

#guitar and wine #wine and poetry #lousy poetry #les paul #sleepwalk #sleep

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