Today is my birthday and I’ve got one of the best guitarists I’ve ever heard on line for today. Adam Rafferty is THE most amazing guitarist I’ve come across since discovering the late Eric Roche. His arrangements of pop and jazz tunes are incredibly complex and he tackles songs I never imagined could be played on a solo acoustic guitar. When I was in college, one of my favorite musicians was Herbie Hancock. His song “Chameleon” is a wonderful piece of funk and melody. Watch how Adam plays Paul Jackson’s bass part while simultaneously playing Hancock’s keyboard melody. And check out the beat box on this and “Play It Back.” My other favorite was Chic Corea, author of some of the most complex musical pieces in the Jazz-Fusion genre. “Spain” was initially played with Stanley Clarke on bass and Al Dimeola on guitar, all of whom are virtuoso musicians. How Adam does it, I have no idea. His collection of Michal Jackson, Stevie wonder, and Beatles tunes are just as amazing. He’s got more funk than I’ve ever heard on an acoustic guitar. But his tone is beautiful as heard on “Overjoyed” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Had to finish with a Tommy Emmanuel number. Incredible! Check out his website at http://www.adamrafferty.com/home/.  Now, settle back and prepare to have a listen for a while. Enjoy!

Chameleon (Hancock): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5uMEkKzOrs&feature=PlayList&p=0EDBFD34E63F0BAC&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2

Spain (Corea): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DleN9Si_3U4

Billie Jean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiXCyISQSdE

Play It Back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBrovFIbrho

Superstition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVvfFtb3Y9s

Rock with You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWz9y9k7DIo

I Want You Back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x6GhwQjvo0

Vitamin E Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr2AvrUwb0U

Ain’t No Sunshine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TyPG3EZrP4

I Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fdwOEPfznk

Overjoyed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckY9F4zVuto

I Can’t make You Love Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j-MCRBZo4Y

She’s Leaving Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5D5cnIAmE4

Got To Get You Into My Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFE5nCZeWaQ

Eleanor Rigby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTu2uWhl21E

The Hunt (Tommy Emmanuel): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxQhEHwSUyQ

And with THE best acoustic guitarist I’ve heard in a while, I’ve got to pair him with one of THE best Cabernet’s. It’s a bit out of my usual $25.00 price range (on sale for $35.00), but trust me, it’s worth it. Whitehall Lane makes some of the best wines in California. Of course, this is just my humble opinion. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon hits your nose with blueberries, plums, blackberries, and cherries. It’s medium bodied and great for sipping alone (or with food, but it’s tough to eat when you’re dancing around the room to Adam Rafferty’s music). On the palate there are cherry, blackberry, and vanilla flavors with nicely balanced tannins. Supple finish with plenty of fruit lingering for a long time. Drink it slow and don’t spill it while you’re dancing! Happy Birthday to me!