WINE APPRECIATION

Just like the drink itself; it takes time, patience and maturity to appreciate. I must admit my first encounter with wine was met with more than a little trepidation. Eventually, the fascination and process of bottling grape juice caught up with me. I have been questioned many times on the subject.

First of all, I wouldn’t call it “like” but rather use the term appreciate. Most of my friends and acquaintances prefer other beverages and spirits except one buddy of mine who will join me for  wine tasting sessions.

I really have no idea where to begin. However, I shall not attempt to give any details as such information is easily available.

The initial step is of course growing grapes. The land or terroir is pivotal in determining the varietal grown. The taste of a particular varietal would vary at each vintage due to weather conditions.

Next is the harvesting, maturation and bottling. The whole process is tedious and may take years. It’s a ‘long and winding road’ and I’m sure most vintners would attest. To explain in a short article is impossible.

Finally, wine tasting is also a long and necessary ritual. The glass, aroma, color, temperature of the wine, steps for tasting and food pairing is important to fully appreciate its complexity.

To conclude, we don’t ‘drink’ but actually taste wine. It’s an endless topic and each individual may have different views. So, the next time you have a sip of Merlot just imagine how it got there.

THE FRENCH OPEN 2012 (POST PREDICTION)

It was exciting and delightful to watch the duel between Rafa and Novak albeit the interruption by mother nature. However, I was disappointed when they weren’t able to complete the match and was left in angst for another day. I’m quite sure most tennis fans were feeling the same.     

Rafa has broken Bjorn Borg’s record of 6 French Open titles. For Rafa, it is not to break a record but “the most special tournament of the world”.

Novak Djokovic  took the 3^rd set 6-2, defeating Rafa  effortlessly. Unfortunately, weather conditions got worse and play was halted. The rest is history. 

“It was a very difficult match against the best player in the world. I lost 3 Grand Slam finals- Wimbledon, the US Open last year, and the Australian Open this year. I’m very happy, very emotional”- Rafael Nadal.

KIND OF BLUE

ORIGINAL RECORDING: 1959

THE PLAYERS: Miles Davis(trumpet)

                        Julian”Cannonball” Adderley(alto saxophone)

                        John Coltrane(tenor saxophone)

                        Wynton Kelly(piano)

                        Bill Evans(piano)

                        Paul Chambers(bass)

                        Jimmy Cobb(drums)

It is the MOST played CD in my collection and I shall not dwell on other facts of the album as there is an overload of information about this masterpiece virtually everywhere. The question is why is it the most played CD in my collection considering that I own a wide range of CDs of various genres?. I have no idea. The reason might be as complex and intriguing as the genius himself, Miles Davis.

The tunes are catchy and very relaxing. The first time I listened to the album, I was intrigued by the melodic content. I guess that’s what defines modal jazz. Musicians are able to understand and explain the concept better. During many listening sessions with a close friend of mine, we found it rather hilarious trying to figure out the tune.

Kind of Blue is the most celebrated album in the history of jazz to the extent that it has been included in the National Recording Registry. There are numerous releases post 1959 including my copy (1997 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.). This particular reissue has an alternate take on Flamenco Sketches.     

Bill Evans wrote “ …..These artists must practice a particular discipline, that of allowing the idea to express itself in communication with their hands in such a direct way that deliberation cannot interfere. The resulting pictures lack the complex composition and textures of ordinary painting, but it is said that those who see will find something captured that escapes explanation….”

Bill couldn’t have said it better and til this day, I am still looking for an answer.



THE FRENCH OPEN 2012(PRE-TOURNAMENT PERDICTION)

The French Open or Roland Garros is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments held in Paris, usually in late May after the Australian Open.  It is the only Grand Slam held on clay, a slow playing surface which is physically demanding.

Rafael Nadal, fondly known as Rafa has won this prestigious event six times (2005-08, 2010-11) matching the great Bjorn Borg. In the last Fench Open, he defeated Roger Federer in 4 sets(7-5,7-6,5-7,6-1). Rafa is known for his relentless heavy top spin and athleticism. It is obvious that his style of play is suited to the clay court surface.

World number one, Novak Djokovic  has won five Grand Slam titles defeating Rafa in the last Australian Open final; in five hours fifty-three minutes, the longest final in Australian Open history . However, the French Open seems to be elusive for the Serb. Novak managed to reach the semi-finals in 2011 against Roger Federer. He succumbed to the Swiss legend’s graceful and powerful strokes in four sets (7-6,6-3,3-6,7-6). He has played in the semi-finals three times at Roland Garros (2007,2008 and 2011). Novak has proven that he has the energy, physical and mental ability to defeat Rafa.

There are many contenders out there not to be underestimated especially Roger Federer and Andy Murray who has an ex-French Open champ(3 times), Ivan Lendl as his coach. But my prediction in the final would have to be Rafa versus Novak.  The champion?. I am going with Rafa based on his track record and several other factors.

HARBIN

The cold bites through your skin; the soles of your feet feel a numbness that you have never felt before. Welcome to Harbin- a city located in Heilongjiang Province, Northeastern China. Not surprisingly, it is also known as “Ice City”. It is the most fascinating and amazing destination I have encountered. It is a unique city to visit but not for the faint-hearted. An average annual temperature of minus 35 degrees Celsius is considered “normal”.

The most famous attraction is the Annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival which is officially held in January every year and lasts for a month.  However, it usually starts earlier and lasts longer depending on the weather. There are two main exhibition areas; 1) Snow sculptures at Sun Island and 2) Ice and Snow World which features illuminated blocks of clear ice. I personally prefer the Ice and Snow World. Massive sculptures carved from huge blocks of ice by sculptors from all over the world are exhibited. According to our guide, the blocks are taken from the Songhua River. It is best to view the sculptures at night when it is illuminated with multi-colored lights. Absolutely breath –taking!. A very important tip, carry extra batteries for your camera as it will run out within a very short time due to the sub-zero temperature. 

Harbin is also known for its Russian influence and it is obvious as you travel around. The Saint Sofia Church is one such Russian legacy. However, it is now a museum located in the central district of Daoli. The bread is a “must-try” as it is absolutely delicious, even if you don’t like bread. I was told that it is an old Russian recipe. The city has many shopping malls in Daoli District with a wide range of goods. I was surprised to see a Wal-Mart in the city. There are also many fashionable high-end goods available.

Finally, an unusual attraction is winter swimming in Songhua River. Just watching the participants will send a chill up your spine. I can only imagine how it is like to take a dip in the freezing water. It was an amazing and unforgettable trip. Highly recommended.

THE EVOLUTION OF MUSIC

As a child during the early 60s I remember my father playing his records (vinyl) on his turntable connected to two very small speakers. He had a small collection of records and his favourites were Nana Mouskouri, The Tremeloes  and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass just to name a few.

Fast forward 2012. Today, we store music in portable miniature devices in compressed format. Even the names of musicians I mentioned are unknown to many. We now listen to Rihanna, Katy Perry and Flo Rida. The rhythm, melody, harmony and even lyrics have morphed into more complex and synthesized sounds. The equipment has become more sophisticated and musicians are able to virtually record ‘perfect’ recordings. To some, music has lost its ‘natural’ sound. Listening equipment such as  Mp3 is portable and for home audio, an enthusiast is able to set-up a 6.1 channel sound system.

The music genre has multiplied over the decades. The genres have become so diverse that at times it is controversial and difficult to classify. Hip-hop and rap were unheard of during the 60s. Nevertheless, there are some elements of jazz and blues in it. There are less lyrics which we are able to mimic these days without practice due to the fast paced tempo and sometimes over-stressed pronunciation coupled with profanities.

There is a downside that comes with progress and advanced technology in the music industry. The most apparent being copyright infringement. Producers, musicians and even retailers face an uphill battle against this menace. Peer-to-peer file sharing is rampant and easily accessible thereby making it uncontrollable. One of the most famous copyright infringement cases involved Napster which was a file sharing site that allowed people to download music. Eventually, they had to shut down their site.

I wonder what music would sound like in the next generation. Will there be a new genre with elements of hip-hop and rap?. Will there be a new kind of format?. Whatever the outcome, I am sure music will stay alive and keep on growing. After all, ‘Without music life would be a mistake’- Nietzsche.