EP 206 | Mike Scott of The Waterboys

May 7, 2022

hello

I’ve waited a long time to finally talk to Scott from The Waterboys.

I found him at his home in Dublin.

Mike is a founding member, lead singer, and songwriter of The Waterboys.

I was truly looking forward to his new album All Souls Hill which was released Friday.

Because Mike grew up studying English literature and philosophy so you know his lyrics and song structure are always going to be different.

Mike moved through the brit punk scene and finally found himself forming The Waterboys.

Almost 25 albums later..he’s writing, composing, and singing better than ever.

As always, Mike and Waterboys music cannot be pinned down. Round peg. Square hole.

Check out the track Passing Through..a very old gospel/folk song that he’s re-written the lyrics to – to reflect our lives today. It took him 10 years to write and it’s 9 minutes long.

Here’s Mike talking about it…

Watch for his Canadian tour in The Fall

EP 205 | Alex Cuba

May 2, 2022

hello

Born in Cuba, Alex fell in love with a Canadian beauty & immigrated to Canada. Alex packed into his belonging’s his many songs and sharp knowledge of the history of Cuban music.

Mendo is his 9th album.

With those 9 albums, Alex has won 2 Juno awards and is up for another this month. He’s also won four Latin Grammy Awards and at the recent 2022 event, he won his first Grammy Award.

Alex is a completely self-contained artist. Put an instrument in front of him and very likely he can play it.

During the Covid pandemic, he decided to collaborate with other players, singers and songwriters. The songs came alive and Mendo became yet another turning point in his career.

Alex has been on Mulligan Stew before. On the Juno couch in Calgary with Jim and Devin Cuddy and again on Zoom.

So happy to welcome back a Spanish-speaking, English riffing star on the rise.

Alex Cuba brings Mendo. (The essence of the soul)

Biography:

Though raised in Artemisa, an hour outside of Havana, Alex Cuba’s artistry is as far-flung as the place he has settled and lived for over fifteen years: Smithers, BC, 14 hours north of Vancouver. His music at once incorporates his roots and is a unique amalgam of styles, having collaborated with artists ranging from Jason Mraz to Ron Sexsmith and Nelly Furtado; and bringing together melodies, popsoul hooks and rock chords in songs that may seem to bear little resemblance to traditional Cuban form.

A forward-thinking, indie-minded artist, Alex has amassed a steadily growing following among critics and fans. With over 20 awards and nominations to his name, including 4 Latin Grammys and two Junos Awards and three Grammy nominations.

Alex carries his Cuba within, incorporating subtle jazz influences, gained from his early years as a bass player in Cuba, and tasteful, sophisticated chords and lyrics expressing his poetry in an undeniably Cuban way. His growing body of work defines a unique musical place in the Latin diaspora.

Building on the 2017 Grammy nominated release Lo Unico Constante with its back to roots introspection, his latest collection of songs was released in September 2019 on the full length album “Sublime”, featuring six songs with Latin American singers and songwriters. Alex joined with Toronto based engineer, John Bailey to record in Gibson’s BC at The Farm Studio.

The decision to record all the instruments came to Alex Cuba years ago when making demos for new songs and wanting to share that undeniable personal sound.

EP 204 | DJ Kearney

April 24, 2022

hello

DJ Kearney has trained over a thousand sommelier candidates throughout North America for the International Sommelier Guild and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and has consulted for many global wine marketing bodies — including Wines of Chile, Wines of South Africa, Wines of California, Jura Wines, Sopexa, and Wines of Argentina — while leading educational master-classes for these entities around North America.

DJ judges, moderates, presents at wine festivals and competitions around the globe. She brings a truly global perspective to her work. DJ has been the Drinks Editor for Vancouver Magazine and critic/contributor/judge for Wine Align.

Long-time friend, I asked DJ to comment on the 2021 Wine Align final results.

As for the Wine Align Canadian Wine Awards, DJ Kearney was there, right in the middle of it, tasting and judging many 100’s of Canadian wines.

I also asked Deej to comment on recent wines from anywhere that made an impression on her,

And comments on BC, Ontario plus wines that make great gifts year-round.

· PIERRE PAILLARD – LES PARCELLES BOUZY GRAND CRU 750 ml | SKU: 477372 France $67.99

· POL ROGER – RESERVE BRUT 750 ml | SKU: 51953 France $73.99

· PENEDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON – TORRES MAS LA PLANA 2015 750 ml | SKU: 315838 Spain $67.99 on sale from $72.99 On Sale (until Jan 1)

· CHABLIS – WILLIAM FEVRE CHAMPS ROYAUX 2018 750 ml | SKU: 25270 France $36.99

· CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA – MAZZEI SER LAPO 2015 750 ml | SKU: 176842 Italy $29.99 down from $32.99 On Sale (until Jan 1)

Our BC conversation included
Syrah
Riesling
Chardonnay
Cab Franc
Sparklings

DJ and I finish with a question we always ask ourselves.
Will BC wines ever be truly available in Ontario and other provinces and will Ontario wines show up on shelves in BC? If you’re a wine fan, perhaps you could ask your local member of parliament.

@djwines

EP 203 | Treve RIng Pours Prosecco

April 16, 2022

hello

The podcast feature guest is Wine Judge and Writer Treve Ring pouring 8 Prosecco’s from the legendary Conegliano Valdobbiadene region of Italy.

The amazing Treve Ring is a wine writer and editor, judge and speaker, and perpetual traveler. A certified sommelier, WSET diploma holder, French wine scholar, instructor, and Sherry instructor, Treve is based in Victoria, though is most often found on a plane or in a vineyard.

This Podcast story begins in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, a hilly area in North-East Italy, 50 km from Venice and around 100 from the Dolomites. Here, for over three centuries, people have grown the grapes that produce Prosecco Superiore, whose success began with the founding of Italy’s first School of Winemaking in 1876. The production area covers 15 communes and represents the heart of the world of Prosecco; it is one of Italy’s historic denominations, recognized in 1969. In 2009, with the reorganization of the denominations for Prosecco, the Ministry of Agriculture classified it as a Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (D.O.C.G.), the highest level of quality for Italian wines.

Treve brings 8 Proseccos from Conegliano Valdobbiadene. The heart of Prosecco Superiore D.O C.G.

Treve Ring presents a Master Class in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco. Enjoy!

April 16th, 2022- First pour of BC Wines In Vancouver – OK Falls/Skaha Lake (Part One)

April 15, 2022 00:58:41

hello

First pour of BC Wines In Vancouver – OK Falls/Skaha Lake (Part One)

THE SHOW

It was quite a gathering.

For the first time in over two years BC wines were being poured in Vancouver to a roomful of media, trade, and later in the day wine fans. 13 wineries from The Heart of Wine Country – OK Falls and Skaha Lake Winery Association.

The setting was the wonderful Terminal City Club on West Hastings.

People reconnected. They shook hands, hugged, and laughed.

I set up my recorder and microphone off in a corner, arranged some guest chairs, and sought out Dana Lee Harris.

She and her work partner Karen Madsen had extended an invitation to interview all the principals pouring their wines in the room.

When a tasting like this opens the front doors, a guy like me needs a “wrangler”. Someone with the smarts and leadership to find the next interview guest and walk them over to me, with an eye on the clock. That invaluable person was Dana Harris. (Dana Lee Consulting) Barney Bentall once called an event like that – a goat rodeo. Everyone talking, tasting, and enjoying a room filled with wine choices.

There was just enough time to talk to all 13 wineries and get back to the Harbour Air Terminal by the Convention Centre for the last flight to Maple Bay. What a day! The wines were handsome and memorable. So were the guests.

The Heart of Wine Country Part One will feature

Rob Hammersley – Black Market Wine Co (co-founder)

2020 Pinot Blanc Barrel Aged

Evan Saunders – Blasted Church Vineyards (winemaker)

2018 Small Blessings Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)

Evan Saunders

Mario Rodi – Bonamici Cellars and President of OKF/Skaha Winery Assn. (co-founder)

Belviagio – (Cab. Cab Franc. Merlot. Syrah. Sangiovese)

Mario and Vicky Rodi Bonamici

Tysha Pope – Crescent Hill Winery

2018 Chardonnay OAKanagan Girl

Terry Meyer-Stone – Mayhem Wines (co-founder)

2021 small-lot Sauvignon Blanc (6 months French oak/13% New)

Terry Meyer Stone (Western Living Mag)

JAK Meyer – Meyer Family Vineyards (co-founder)

2020 Pinot Noir (blend of 7 vineyards. Neutral French oak 8 months)

(JAK Meyer – tdm – Janice Stevens)

Dakota Bibby – Nighthawk Wines. (Winemaker)

2019 Merlot (aged in French oak 18 months)

Dakota Bibby

www.blackmarketwine.ca

www.blastedchurch.com

www.bonamicicellars.com

www.crescenthillwinery.com

www.mayhemwines.com

www.mfvwine.ca

www.nighthawkvineyards.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Okanagan Falls Part Two
Top Drop 2022
Ned Bell – Naramata Inn
Van Wine Fest
Cowichan Valley Wine Fests

EP 202 | Duke Robillard

April 9, 2022

hello

Duke Robillard.
He’s blues royalty. Name and all.
With his 37th album, They called it Rhythm and Blues on Stony Plain Records he’s come full circle back to where his heart lives.
Jump Blues.

It’s the uplifting jazz, blues, And gospel music that got people through the end of WW2 and handed off to Bill Haley, Elvis, and the Rock era in the mid-50s.
77 years later it’s truly needed for the end of a devastating pandemic.
People need spirits lifted and music that can be part of the healing.
And here comes The Duke Robillard Band breathing life into Jump Blues 2022.
Duke is a storyteller.

Have a listen. Great tracks from the album included.
Watch for Duke on tour.
Check out the video on our YouTube Channel (TerryDavidMulligan)
Let’s Jump.

EP 201 | Valerie June

April 2, 2022

hello

“Call Me a Fool” is up for best American roots song because there’s no category for most transcendent modern soul ballad that feels like foundational gospel. For people who love Motown and the Alabama Shakes, Adele and Al Green, there’s Valerie June. For anyone who loves music, there’s Valerie June.

Boston Herald

There’s only one Valerie June.

Vocally, emotionally, mentally and creatively Tennessee’s Valerie June completely stands out in an artistic world filled with stunning sameness.

In her career and creative decisions, she shows a respect for those who came before her. We talk about Mavis Staples who Valerie June calls Saint Mavis and Memphis legend Carla Thomas her partner on the Grammy nominated Call me a Fool.

She’s on a busy tour now. Using everything from a 13 piece orchestra to herself and a bassist.

Valerie June’s latest album is The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers..

Also watch out for a new single Use Me.

Greatness.

April 2nd, 2022 -Okanagan Crush Pad. Christine Coletta & Darryl Brooker/ Modest Wines releases with Jeff Hundertmark

April 2, 2022 00:57:03

hello

Okanagan Crush Pad. Christine Coletta & Darryl Brooker/ Modest Wines releases with Jeff Hundertmark

THE SHOW

A press release arrived this week:

Seasoned veteran Darryl Brooker returns to the industry he is passionate about to lead dynamic growth plans set in motion by Okanagan Crush Pad founders Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie who view the appointment of Darryl Brooker as an important piece of their succession planning.

In addition to overseeing the senior management team, Brooker’s key focus will be facility expansions and to build out the founders’ vision for Garnet Valley Ranch, a 320-acre organic vineyard and farm.

The players

Christine Coletta: Co-founder of Okanagan Crush Pad.

A visionary leader not only in the Okanagan but the entire BC wine industry,

Christine Coletta

Christine and her husband Steve started a custom crush pad which included their own labels

Haywire, Narrative, The Bub, etc.

Their wine releases are now so successful, the labels are key to the future of OCP.

Darryl Brooker: New CEO of OCP

Darryl Brooker

Darryl Brooker is a graduate of UC Davis. Plus management& science education in Australia

Brooker also served in various capacities from vice president of winemaking to general manager and then president of Mission Hill from 2015 to March 2021. Darryl was also vice president of winemaking and operations at CedarCreek Estate Winery and senior winemaker at Andrew Peller Limited.

It’s great to have him back. With a little staining and wine spitting, he’ll be as good as new.

Enjoy the conversation. Lots of give and take. Opinions abound.

Audio here. Zoom video on our You Tube Channel. (terrydavidmulligan) Its funny at times.

Christine brought with her three really fine Spring releases:

2019 Haywire Gamay Rose. High elevation Gamay acidity. Seacrest Vineyards in Oliver.

80% concrete 20% stainless steel. Fermented dry..pressed to concrete.

On lees for 6 months – 13.5 % – $24.90.

Cellared an extra year this Rose has found its form. Not to be gulped…take your time. It’s well worth waiting for.

If you see it – buy it. Taste the future of BC wine.

2019 Free Form – VinGris. (unfiltered Pinot Noir) 12.6 %. Garnett Valley Ranch. Grown in Limestone and granite Texture, herbal notes. Whole bunch pressed. Compelling in the mouth. Causes you to really think about this wine. I think the word for this wine is “engaged”

Sipping is to believe. The label is made from stone paper. $29.00

If you can’t find it, there may be some at Cactus Club.

2020 Narrative 2 Pinots. 13%

From the North Okanagan, Pinot Gris. From the South, Pinot Blanc.

Bone dry. Rich Texture. From concrete eggs. Delightfully delicious

Seafood, pasta, chicken, soft cheese. Or by itself. $22.90

www.okanagancrushpad.com

www.haywirewinery.com

Jeff Hundertmark – Sommelier and Chief Winemaker Mt Boucherie, Rust Wine Co, Modest Wines.

Jeff Hundertmark

Jeff came to the Okanagan from Niagara several years ago. (That’s where we first met)

Back East Jeff was a well-known sommelier and restaurateur who was convinced to add winemaking to his knowledge.

He worked his way through various wine jobs from cellar rat to winemaker.

The more he tasted the wines of BC the more he knew he had to give the West a shot.

And here he is, once again working his way through cellars in the Okanagan.

However, he has found a home at Mt Boucherie. And Rust Wine Co and Modest Wines.

The family owners hold some 300 acres of prime land all over the valley. During bountiful years, the cellars are overrun with juice. Frankly, it’s a great problem to have.

However, Jeff is bringing with him today Spring releases from Modest Wines.

The idea of experimentation, risk-taking and paying homage to classic wine regions of the World came from the Modest Butcher Restaurant at the winery.

They wanted a fresh take on wines to pour with their distinctive menu.

Have a look:

2021 The Elder Vicar. Lazy River Vineyard. South Cawston. Similkameen Valley

A Noble blend of Riesling. Gew. Muscat. Pinot Gris (apples. peaches. apricots) $24.99

A number of you will go crazy for this blend. I think it’s you people over there..in the corner.

2021 La Graves Robber. 57% Sauvignon Blanc and 43% Semillon. Grown in OK Falls. This has a future.

Ah, my kind of blend. It has weight and texture. Grapefruit on the nose and palate. Spice. Ripe Melon. Herbs.

All are contained in stainless steel. $27.99

2021 Eye of the Partridge. Pinot Noir Rose. I’ll leave the color story to Jeff.

Grown in South Cawston. On skins for somewhere between 2 hours and 5 minutes or 8 hours. 5 minutes and 24 seconds.

Clean. Dry. Minerality. Raspberry. Strawberry. Did i mention Minerality. Herbs! It’s freaking Delicious!! $24.99

2021 Steen Down So Long – Chenin Blanc. Acidity. Fresh. Inspired by the wines of Cape Good Hope. South Africa.

Aged on lees in Acacia Puncheons for 90 days before blending. Just finished the bottle. Go find this wine. $27.99

2020 By Jove. Sangiovese. (with a touch of Merlot & Cab Franc)

Barreled aged 14 months. French, American, and Hungarian Oak.

Well done Ferreira Vineyards. Ripe black fruit. spice. cassis.

Love this wine. Love it. Paired with ribs and BBQ chicken. $29.99

Impressive finish. Seeking more immediately. You should too!

2020 Crimson Crusader – Carmenere from the Black Sage Bench.

Whole clustered. French Neutral Oak. 15% New. 14 months.

There may only be 2-3 Carms in the whole of Canada. This is one of them,.

Love your pepper? Spice ? Full expressive finish? This wine has it all.

$29.99 Buy early. Small batch,.

www.mtboucherie.com

www.modestbutcher.com

@modestbutcher

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Moon Curser

Hillside Winery

Unsworth Vineyards

JP Customs/The Hatch

BC Wine Month

Spring Releases

OK Falls Pour Spring Wines In Vancouver.

EP 200 | Joni Mitchell From The Archives

March 26, 2022

hello

Episode #200 – it’s a blur but I think captures what the times were like during a pandemic. The role that music played in getting people through.

Joni and I shared a band house in Regina. For 10 days. Maybe 1966.

Then we reconnected when I hosted the first Greenpeace concert that Joni headlined in Vancouver. We would cross paths much later at The Last Waltz.

Joni Mitchell – MuchMusic Interview from Nathan Delphini on Vimeo.

This is a video interview I can’t remember doing. I also had forgotten the Greenpeace concert for some bizarre reason.

She talks about The Last Waltz, being incorrectly painted as a Canadian ex-pat in LA, the effect her songs have on people, the changing of “the old guard” at the Last Waltz, and how she wasn’t ready to retire.

We cover a lot of subjects and her music history.

How she calls her songs “her babies” and that it’s part of female nurturing

She waxes about Dylan, Steely Dan and answers the question do we know her as well as we think we do? Joni speaks out strongly on Indian rights!!

Backstage at Los Angeles Fashion Week FW/19 Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at The Majestic Downtown on March 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Neither one of us mention an album or name a song. So I’m not exactly sure when this was recorded. But I’m thinking 1982???

I mention she’s on a speaking tour and Joni talks about organizing a date with Sting, Peter Gabriel, Bryan Adams that speaks of The Human Rights Concerts (Live in New Jersey). That first concert was in 1986..so let’s call this interview mid-80s.

The time of

82’s Wild Things Run Fast

86’s Dog Eat Dog

88’s Chalk mark in a rainstorm

Being influenced by Steely Dan, Thomas Dolby, Willie Nelson, and Peter Gabriel.

It’s the perfect interview to celebrate Podcast 200.

(Thank You Elliott Garnier and Corey Wood for getting me there)

God Bless Joni Mitchell

March 26th, 2022 – New look to Monte Creek & Remembering The Science of Wine

March 25, 2022 00:42:31

hello

New look to Monte Creek & Remembering The Science of Wine

THE SHOW

Galen Barnhardt Winemaker Monte Creek (Kamloops)

Galen Barnhardt

Monte Creek Winery is situated just outside Kamloops on a 1,200-acre property, with 75 acres of grapes planted in the Thompson Valley, plus 40 planted acres in the Similkameen Valley.

With a focus on sustainable and regenerative farming, the wines made at Monte Creek Winery are a celebration of the purpose and place.

📷: @MKuhnPhoto

Monte Creek Winery has been open to the public since June 2015. They practice organic farming methods at every opportunity, an important decision that has everything to do with the livestock they raise and their proximity to the river.

Monte Creek Winery is made up of 75 acres of vines planted at two estates vineyards, Monte Creek and Lion’s Head.

The new-look label series include –

Ancient Waters

The Ancient Waters series refers to the historical geological events that formed the land and prized soils. The first release under this new label is the 2019 Ancient Waters Chardonnay, Platinum at the 2021 WineAlign Awards, Double Gold at the 2021 All Canadian Wine Championships, and 90 Points from the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards.

Monte Creek AWS_Chardonnay

Other wines to look out for in this series are Riesling, Rosé, and Pinot Noir.

Living Land

The 2020 Living Land Rosé and 2020 Living Land Sparkling Rosé are current examples from this series. The Rosé was awarded a Double Gold at the 2021 All Canadian Wine Championships and the Sparkling Rosé Gold at the 2021 BC Lieutenant Governor’s Awards. The Living Land series also features La Crescent, Chardonnay, Sparkling, Rosé, Piquette, Pinot Noir, Foch, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Merlot.

Monte Creek LLS_PinotNoir_Transparent

Pioneer series

The Pioneer series includes the popular Hands Up White and Hands Up Red blends.

Galen takes us through these new releases and more

2019 Ancient Waters Chardonnay ($24.99)Dec 7 2019)

Go for the oak. Stay for the long finish

2020 Living Land Pinot Noir ($24.99)

Herbs. Pepper. Rich ripe berries.

2020 Living Land Riesling ($21.99)

Lime & Green apple notes. Granny Smith in the mouth

www.montecreek.com

The Science of Wine – From the Archives (Dec 7, 2019)

It was such a great idea.

Mission Hill management asked their family of winemakers

to gather at Science World in Vancouver to discuss and debate The Science of Wine. Followed by a pour, of course!

It’s not near as glamorous as talking about nose or palate but for winemakers, it’s the core of what they do. Usually by themselves in a cold unglamorous room.

Getting the science of wine right can make an OK wine come alive and be a judgment winner.

It was a great night. A sold-out Science World with wine fans dressed to impress. Best of all, the night raised much-needed funds for the building.

Three of the winemakers are still with their wineries.

And we’ve invited them to repeat their thoughts.

Taylor Whelan – Cedar Creek (East Kelowna)

Phil McCann – Checkmate (Oliver)

Shane Munn – Martins Lane (East Kelowna)

Have a listen. I swear it will make your wines taste better.

Really enjoyed the dialogue between Taylor and Phil

Phil is the guy with the down-under accent.

www.checkmatewinery.com

www.cedarcreek.bc.ca

www.martinslanewinery.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Sponsorthon

-The Hatch

-Hillside

-MoonCurser

-Unsworth

Modest Wines

Mt Boucherie