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January 20th, 2024 John Skinner: Painted Rock Wines & VJ Gandhi: making our wines available in USA.-

January 19, 2024 Audio FIle, Tasting Room Radio 0:54:15

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John Skinner on his Painted Rock Wines /VJ Gandhi: making our wines available in USA.

 

THE SHOW

 

“If Painted Rock is going to compete with the best in the world we must have confidence in our terroir and allow it to express its uniqueness. That’s why we are 100% Estate.”  John Skinner

John Skinner

John Skinner

John Skinner and Valeria Tait planted Painted Rock  in 2006,  a year before we moved to the Naramata Bench. Even though there was no Painted Rock to taste when we arrived, it was one of the first wine names I heard in my ‘walk arounds’.

John was driven to make wines that would be appreciated all over the World but first he had to create it and then convince the wine world that it was worthy.

He has done so with Painted Rock.

Fires around Painted Rock

John’s Red Icon was named as a Decanter Wine of the Year in 2020.

Also this review from Jancis Robinson:  London

Painted Rock, Red Icon 2016 17 Points: “Like a very rich red Bordeaux. Very beautifully balanced. Long and velvety. Everything fully ripe but with good acidity too. Well balanced and very bright-fruited. Still youthful but promising for the long term. (RH) 14.9%” Drink 2020 – 2027

 

John takes us through his new releases and brings a stack of stories.

2020 Chardonnay  available for first time since 2019

2020 Merlot – dark and rich.

2020 Red Icon – classic blend

2020 Syrah – a jaw dropping gem

  www.paintedrock.ca

 

VJ Gandhi  – Founder of Kascadia Wine Merchants

“It’s time to change the narrative to – North American wine.” – VJ Gandhi

For everyone who has family and friends in the USA asking how to get their hands on  wines from BC and other provinces, or Americans who discover wines North of the border that they really like, there’s someone now making our  best wines available in the US.

That someone is VJ Gandhi.

KASCADIA WINE MERCHANTS - Napa Valley Life Magazine

VJ Gandhi

Founder, VJ Gandhi is a proud Canadian citizen with epicurean taste, and her deepest passion yet has to be her love for the complexity in a glass of fine-tasting wine.

Over the course of her career in marketing and business management  VJ has developed, implemented and managed several large scale projects in finance and marketing for high profile organizations such as the Government of Canada, BC Provincial Government, and 2010 Olympic Games Secretariat.

VJ was inspired to market award winning Canadian vintages globally in the United States when  she’d moved to the San Francisco area in 2014. VJ and her trusted team of experts have carefully curated the Kascadia Wine portfolio over the years, which has now scaled to shipping in US states.

With the launch of the wine club, clients who are eager to savor exclusive, high quality wines from North America, including Canada and the Pacific Northwest are going to be impressed!

 

Today, her growing venture, Kascadia Wine Merchants, markets and sells Canadian wines across 45 US states.

 

www.kascadiawinemerchants.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Fort Berens – New Releases

Township 7 – New Releases

Van Wine Festival

Victoria Whisky Festival.

 

 

 

 

EP 289 | Double Feature: Russ Kunkel (The Immediate Family) And the 2024 Critics Choice Awards Round Table

January 13, 2024 Mulligan Stew Podcast

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Let the names tell the story –

With Waddy Wachtel, Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar and drummer, producer, and writer  Russ Kunkel created and played music history.

Historic albums by Carole King, Jackson Brown, James Taylor, Warren Zevon, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steven Stills,  Neil Young, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Jimmy Buffet, JJ Cale, Ringo, Lyle Lovett, George Harrison, Dolly, Linda and Emmylou  The Trio album, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, Tracey Chapman, Joe Walsh, BB King, Steve Winwood.

On and On and ON.

Now, along with seasoned guitarist and vocalist Steve Postell,  they’ve established the opportunity to be their band. The Immediate Family. Their new album Skin in the Game arrives Feb 16.

Skin in the Game references the fact that they aren’t sidemen here. It’s not a play-and-walk-away kind of thing. They’re taking the music they wrote and played,  out on the road for themselves. No one else.

For the rest of the story, check out the documentary The Immediate Family. Screening now.

The annual Critics Choice Awards take place in LA on Sunday at 7 PM Eastern.

Hosted by Chelsea Handler.

I’ve gathered four opinionated critics (are there any other kind)

We met on Zoom and went at it.

Discussing the film year 2023 and who’s going to win what…

Shawn Edwards  Kansas City

Hillary Atkin LA

Teri Hart Toronto

Bonnie Laufer Toronto

It’s a wild ride friends..come along.

EP 282 | The Trans Canada Highwaymen

December 29, 2023 Mulligan Stew Podcast

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It’s like having The Beatles on Saturday’s Mulligan Stew. But you can only have two. Do you want Ringo and Paul or George and John?
Saturday our guests are Steven Page (BNL & Steven Page Trio) and Chris Murphy (Sloan).
The other members of TCH are Moe Berg (Pursuit of Happiness) and Craig Northey (odds and SP Trio)
Each leads his own group but they got together to sing covers of each other’s music. Then the K-Tel idea came along. For younger music fans  – K-Tel albums were Canadian hits crammed into 8 tracks,  cassettes and albums. With garish labels that you couldn’t miss in your local store or gasoline station.  Great hits – horrid packaging. Which is why the guys covered the best hits and copied the artwork. Steven makes the point that they loved these hits because they were Canadian.  They were ours. Our American friends had never heard these songs but to us, they were Northern memories.
They each take turns singing the lead vocal and back each other up.
Covering hits by The Guess Who, Joni Mitchell, Paul Anka, April Wine, Bim (Roy Forbes), Lighthouse, Poppy Family etc.

 

EP 287 | Christmas in the Round 2020 Revisited!

December 23, 2023 Mulligan Stew Podcast

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This Christmas Stew features the last Christmas in the Round recording we did.

The year was 2020 – full Covid lockdown. Many good people lost to this virus. Far too many.

We gathered online at Dan Mangan’s Sidedoor Access.

Shari Ulrich and Barney Bentall.

Both are on Bowen Island. Opposite Horseshoe Bay!

Bill Henderson

It’s not too far down the Georgia Strait on Salt Spring Island.

TDM

This Christmas Stew features the last Christmas in the Round recording we did.

The year was 2020 – full Covid lockdown. Many good people lost to this virus. Far too many.

We gathered online at Dan Mangan’s Sidedoor Access.

 

Shari Ulrich and Barney Bentall.

Both are on Bowen Island. Opposite Horseshoe Bay!

 

Bill Henderson

It’s not too far down the Georgia Strait on Salt Spring Island.

 

TDM

Then I was in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island, just outside Parksville!

 

Murray McLachlan

Above the Danforth in Toronto.

 

 

All four friends were asked to bring songs for the season and  Christmas moments they’d like to share. In typical songwriter’s circle fashion song selection changed depending on who sang what before them.

What we captured in the recording were memories of darker days, a lot of laughs, heartfelt goodness and strong songs.

The video version of this special can be screened on the terrydavidmulligan YouTube Channel.

Important note:

During these two hours of The Christmas Stew, we’re asking listeners to consider donating to the Food Banks of Alberta.

All the details and agencies involved can be found on the CKUA  Website.

www.ckua.com

 

 

 

 

 

Mulligan Stew Dec 23rd 2023- Christmas in the Round 2020 Revisited!

December 22, 2023 Mulligan Stew

hello

This Christmas Stew features the last Christmas in the Round recording we did.

The year was 2020 – full Covid lockdown. Many good people lost to this virus. Far too many.

We gathered online at Dan Mangan’s Sidedoor Access.

Shari Ulrich and Barney Bentall.

Both on Bowen Island. Opposite Horseshoe Bay!

Bill Henderson

Not too far down the Georgia Strait on Salt Spring Island.

TDM

This Christmas Stew features the last Christmas in the Round recording we did.

The year was 2020 – full Covid lockdown. Many good people lost to this virus. Far too many.

 

We gathered on line at Dan Mangan’s Sidedoor Access.

 

Shari Ulrich and Barney Bentall.

Both on Bowen Island. Opposite Horseshoe Bay!

Bill Henderson

Not too far down the Georgia Strait on Salt Spring Island.

TDM

Then, I was  in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver island, just outside Parksville!

Murray McLachlan

Above the Danforth in Toronto.

 

All four friends were asked to bring with them songs for the season and  Christmas moments they’d like to share. In typical songwriters circle fashion song selection changed,  depending on who sang what before them.

What we captured in the recording were  memories of darker days, a lot of laughs, heartfelt goodness and  strong songs.

The video version of this special can  be screened on the terrydavidmulligan YouTube Channel.

Important note:

During these two hours of The Christmas Stew we’re asking listeners to consider donating to the Food Banks of Alberta.

All the details and agencies involved can be found on the CKUA  Website.

www.ckua.com

 

 

 

 

 

PLAYLIST:

The Christmas Stew Christmas in the Round From the lockdown year 2020
Mary had a baby Bruce Cockburn Christmas
Deane House – River Cafe Calgary Coming up – A first story/song from Barney Bentall Christmas in the Round 2020
Christmas in the Round-The Year 2020 Barney Bentall-Murray McLauchlan-Shari Ulrich-Bill Henderson Raising funds for Alberta Food Banks / ckua.com
Coyotes Banff – New Years Eve The Christmas Stew – TDMulligan More Coming Up
Jingle Bells Bill Sample We Three Kings
Christmas in the Round 2020 Murray McLauchlan. Shari Ulrich. Bill Henderson. Barney Bentall Raising funds for Alberta Food Banks. Go to ckua.com – 
Donate and support the Alberta Foods Banks www.ckua.com Thank You
Deck them Halls Bill Sample We Three Kings
TDMulligan – Happy Christmas and Joyous Hanukah May you find Peace in the music
Fairytale of New York Glen Hansard. Friends and Family of Shane MacGowan St Marys of the Rosary Church. Tipperary, Ireland

 

 

 

EP 286 | Christmas in the Round 2018 Revisited

December 16, 2023 Mulligan Stew Podcast

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It all started as a Christmas Tradition many years ago at the CBC.
Christmas songs and stories were exchanged in a studio with artists who knew and respected each other.  Roy Forbes and Shari Ulrich


were in that studio years ago and over the years
we’ve always talked about keeping that tradition alive.
(As always in memory of our producer Susan Englebert, who lost her battle
with Cancer)

When Barney Bentall started doing Christmas Food Bank Tours with his Cariboo Express the possibility of gathering once again became a reality.
On the next Stew, a repeat of Christmas in the Round – Year One.  Recorded  2018 in the boardroom at Roundhouse Radio in Vancouver.  Thank You Don Shafer.

The Rounders are:

Shari Ulrich – iconic singer, songwriter, and musician.
Roy Forbes – Host of Roy’s Record Room and much-admired artist.
Barney Bentall – He’s everywhere and always making great music. Bringing joy!
Shaun Verreault –  One half of Wide Mouth Mason.  String Slinger. Sings like a bird
Jim Byrnes – St Louis born…West Coast raised. Carries the blues with him.  Fine actor.
Craig Northey – co-founder of  Odds. Touring with Steven Page Trio. Currently a member of Trans Canada Highwaymen.   Solid Songwriter.
Everyone brings a favorite Christmas song and personal story to exchange.
Fun was had by all…  Hope you like.
Susan would have loved it.

Merry Christmas all!
-TDM

EP 285 | Matt Layzell brings The Matinee new album ‘Change Of Scene’

December 9, 2023 Mulligan Stew Podcast

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Our guest is Matt Layzell from The Matinee.

They have released a new album Change of Scene

They’ve been friends making music for 15 years. This feels like the album that pays off all the hard work.

Produced by Steve Dawson who brought with him into the studio Allison Russell and The McCrary Sisters.

Two-time ‘Roots Artist of the Year’ winners at the BCCMA awards, The Matinee have established themselves as one of Western Canada’s finest live acts.  Four albums later, and with countless tours under their belts (and 5 tour vans… 1 caught on fire but that’s another story), the band has matured their sound and honed their live show and is set to release their latest effort, which was recorded live off the floor at fabled Armoury Studios in their hometown Vancouver. The album was produced by Nashville’s own Steve Dawson and features a guest performance by 3-time Grammy nominee Allison Russell. Always leaving their hearts and buckets of sweat on stage, and with comparisons to Nathaniel Rateliff, The Band, and Dawes, it’s once again showtime for The Matinee

EP 284 | Devin Cuddy & New Album ‘Dear Jane’

December 2, 2023 Mulligan Stew Podcast

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Mulligan Stew Podcast  Guest is Devin Cuddy. (Devin Cuddy band)

Son of Jim Cuddy and very definitely his own man.

Jim has said, on this very podcast, that he offered to school Devin and son Sam on the fine art of songwriting and playing but the guys went their separate ways.

Now, Jim says he’s very impressed with their growth and creativity.

They’ve been singing together some for years but just casually at fundraising events. Devin talks about a maritime tour they just did.

Devin has released his first new music in 5 years. The album is called Dear Jane – with a reference to Hotlips Houlihan on the Mash TV series.

The album is a soulful mix of New Orleans, honky tonk, roots and Randy Newman. Devin’s originals are storytelling taken to another level. He’s become his own storyteller.

Devin is creating his place in Canada’s music world, just like his Father.

One of the great surprises is Devin’s cover of Barney Bentall’s hit Come Back to Me. Barney sings on the track. Barney, Jim and Devin have been friends a long time.

Devin says he’s been waiting to sing these songs for 5 years. Should be a great 2024 for The Devin Cuddy Band.

Tracks included in the podcast.

EP 283 | Robbie Revisited and the 47th Anniversary of the Last Waltz

November 25, 2023 Mulligan Stew Podcast

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Nov 25 1976.  The Band played their last gig at San Francisco’s legendary Winterland Ballroom.

 

I was honoured to be at The Last Waltz as a guest of Robbie Robertson.

Robbie knew there would be special moments on a night of special moments. Some of them would be uniquely Canadian.

The biggest focus of the night was to honour their music, the friends who mentored and supported them along the way and correct a bad memory.

Their first ever  concert was at the same  Winterland Ballroom April 17-18-19 1969.  Even though there were rave reviews from some, Robbie and The Band were not happy with their performances.

That dark cloud stayed with them for a long time.

That is until 7 years later they decided to end their brotherhood with a final, “lets invite everyone” concert back at Winterland.

The Band decided to film the entire event and the director chosen  was Martin Scorsese.

These four Canadians and one American had been making music together for 16 years. From The Hawk to Dylan. It was time to say goodbye.

Last Waltz is considered one of the very best music films ever made. Scorsese and Robbie would go on to become best friends.

Of course, we lost Robbie Robertson August 9 of this year.

To honour Robbie, The Band and this music history I’ve gathered several Robbie interviews from over the years.

A prime storyteller, he covers The Irishman film, 50th anniversary of their 1969 album The Band.

The Band documentary Once were brothers, their influence on artists that followed, Testimony his book, their influence on Dylan,  how  Robbie wrote The Weight, Cripple Creek and Dixie Down.

And finally , his thoughts on the moment at The Last Waltz

When The Canadians took over and sang together.

The Band, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.

Enjoy Robbie and his stories & music.

 

 

November 25th, 2023-Meet the Makers…

November 25, 2023 Tasting Room Radio 0:49:33

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Meet the Makers / Winemakers from Culmina & Laughing Stock

THE SHOW

It was just another Friday morning when the happy invitation came in from the delightful  Lindsay Kelm.

Come celebrate the harvest season with Culmina Family Estate and Laughing Stock Vineyards.

 

Join Winemakers Jean-Marc Enixon and Sandy Leier for an elegant afternoon sampling their latest releases and chatting about the 2022 harvest. We also have a couple of special sneak peeks in store, including the unreleased 2020 vintage of Laughing Stock’s signature Portfolio, and 2017 vintage of Culmina’s flagship Bordeaux blend, Hypothesis

 

Sandy Leier–Winemaker Laughing Stock (Naramata)

Here’s what I knew. I hadn’t spoken to Sandy Leier for years. At the time she was working with the legend Howard Soon at Sandhill and Calona. In 2018, after 15 years as a great team,  she took over from the departing  Howard.  Then a series of projects with Andrew Peller, Gray Monk and Gretzky Wines.

Then, this year, a major move to Senior Winemaker at Laughing Stock on the Naramata Bench.  It’s the home of seriously great wines including a Syrah that makes hearts flutter and their red blend Portfolio.  Sandy brings six wines to taste and discover.

(List below)

 

(tdm and Sandy Leier)

Jean-Marc Enixon – Culmina Winemaker – (Oliver)

(tdm and Jean-Marc)

 

Jean-Marc Enixon’s wine career took flight in Toulouse, France. JM gained international experience in Sonoma County, China, then  back to France at Chateau Puy Guilhem in  Saillans as senior winemaking director.

At the suggestion of his wife saying something to the effect of   “how about making some new world wine”

Jean-Marc joined the Culmina Team  as Vineyard Manager and Winemaker in 2016.  Today he pours 7 wines.

As good as he is, perhaps his greatest accomplishment is welcoming two new children to the family while in the Okanagan.

“they’re taking French and I’m taking English”

 Sandy, Jean-Marc and I  tasted and talked about 

Laughing Stock Vineyards.

2021 Viognier

2020 Chardonnay

2020 Pinot Noir

2019 Syrah (new release)

2019 Portofino (new release)

2020 Portofino (unreleased)

 

Culmina Family Estate Winery

2019 Decora

2021 Unicus

2018 Dilemma

2019 Malbec

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Hypothesis

2017 Hypothesis (unreleased)

 

www.laughingstock.ca

www.culmina.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Township 7 new releases

Fort Berens  new releases

Hester Creek new releases

Sipster Two.