Jazz Uncorked
By David Ginochio

December 2000

Jazz Uncorked
Archive

Deerfield Ranch Pinot Noir Sebastopol Syrah Sunce Cabernet Simonsig Estate Wines Deerfield Ranch Wines Sobon Estate Barbera Peterson Zero Manipulation Roche Merlot & Pinot Noir Yorkville Cellars Wooden Valley Wines Milone Zinfandel Argonaut Syrah Claudia Springs Zin Pellegrini's Cab Westover Cab Storrs Grenache Tocai Friulano Lodi "Fancy Quest" 1998 Il Chiaretto Guest Columns Jacky Terrasson Prunotto R.H. Phillips' Malbec

Lodi "Fancy Quest" Jessie's Grove 1998 By David Ginochio In one of Credence Clearwater Revival's classics, John Fogerty might not have lamented the fact that he was "stuck in Lodi-again" had he had access to Jessie's Grove's 1998 Lodi "Fancy Quest" Zinfandel. A garnet hue greets the imbiber of this "old-vine" Zin (with some of the grapes coming from vines dating back to the 1890's.) Bright, cherry and black fruit flavors fairly leap from the glass, balancing quite adroitly with the oriental-spice and lush intensity of this exceptional wine. A lingering but never cloying mouth-feel makes for a memorable finish. This is a wine that, like Holly Cole, is sophisticated, but just rough enough around the edges to make things disquietingly dangerous and ultimately exciting. All in all, this is an intriguing, expressive Zin that you'll be compelled to converse with on a regular basis. Rating: 91 Visit the Jessie's Grove Web Site

The Best Of Holly Cole Holly Cole Metro Blue By Don Williamson Holly Cole has remained an acquired taste for many listeners who like to slot artists into pre-determined categories. And that’s not quite fair. Rising in awareness and not quite acceptance among jazz enthusiasts throughout the nineties, Cole has continued to perform the tunes that intrigue her--that is, tunes with meaningful lyrics and tunes which offer opportunities for creative interpretation. The Best Of Holly Cole isn’t going to change anyone’s opinions about her. In fact, the CD retrospective of her work on Blue Note probably will entrench opinions even more firmly. For the choices of the tracks included on the CD are consistent in their presentation of Cole’s quirkiness and her interest in divergent forms of music joined by the common strength of lyrics. Indeed, some of the tunes are meant to take the listener aback by the conclusion of the musical argument that the lyrics develop: “You’ve been cheating spending your nights on the town. Who keeps on loving you when you’ve been lying? Well, God does, but I don’t. And God will, but I won’t. That’s the difference between God and me.” If that sentiment may sound countrified, well, it is. It’s Lyle Lovett. She sings songs by Elvis Costello, the Beatles and the composers of the soundtrack for The Lion King, Richard and Robert Sherman. And guess what? None of the tunes are considered to be jazz standards, unless you include “Blame It On My Youth.” Still, Cole’s odd appeal and the strength of her voice, combined with the empathetic support of Aaron Davis and David Piltch, create a likeability combined with an improvisational approach centered on the meaning of the lyrics. Including tracks from her six Blue Note CD’s, The Best Of Holly Cole signifies that she remains a consistent and original performer following her own muse. And the CD signifies that she retains the loyal support of the label, indicating that we will be hearing more from her in the future. Visit the Holly Cole Web Site