Candice Ivory — When the Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie (2023) @@@+

A collection of modern interpretations of Memphis Minnie's songs, honoring the remarkable blues singer on the 50th anniversary of her passing. Candice Ivory, who proudly dubs herself the Queen of Avant Soul, delivers a rich and commanding vocal performance throughout the album. Joining her on the recording are the acclaimed guitarist Charlie Hunter, who also handles bass duties, pedal steel guitar virtuoso DaShawn Hickman, drummer George Sluppick, and two West African percussionists, Atiba Rorie and Brevan Hampden. The music on this album is a vibrant fusion of blues, gospel, and R&B, with the percussionists adding rich Afro-Caribbean flavors. The song New Bumble Bee even features noticeable reggae grooves! The electrifying funk of Me and My Chauffeur is a standout, as is the stripped-down yet haunting rendition of the iconic When the Levee Breaks. Hunter's performance is truly exceptional — don't miss his scorching guitar work on Pile Driving Blues — and the shimmering tones of Hickman's pedal steel bring a captivating depth to the mix. The track HooDoo Lady sounds quite traditional, with Charlie switching to acoustic. This is a fresh and imaginative record.

2022 Turley "Rattlesnake Ridge" Zinfandel tasting notes

2022 Turley "Rattlesnake Ridge" Zinfandel 75cl 15.1% ABV
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain AVA
Varietal: Zinfandel
Aging: 15 months in oak barrels (80% French, 20% American; 80% used, 20% new)



Color: dark purple garnet.
Nose: intensely aromatic, with layers of black currants, blueberries, herbs, eucalyptus, tobacco, vanilla, cherries, wet stone, plums, apricots, black pepper, orange zest, and a hint of roasted meat.
Taste: a lively mix of blueberries, raspberries, cherry plums, and lingonberries, underscored by pronounced tannins and a touch of black pepper with salt. The acidity and astringency are each well-defined, but the wine as a whole lacks a touch of balance.
Finish: persistent and complex, featuring blueberries, bitter chocolate, blackberries, lingonberries, red currants, black pepper, and firm tannins.
Score: 9 ¼. Nearly excellent. +3+2+2.

Conclusion: a very well crafted Zinfandel, though it should achieve greater harmony with a few more years of aging. 92/100. The 2021 Rattlesnake Ridge, in my view, left a stronger impression — California delivered many remarkable Zins that year.