Rock And Grapes Presents:
65 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago -James Oatway is here to talk about all things music, wine and some other gripes and grapes. You will hear from everyone from musicians to winemakers and other industry insiders. If you're a human being with a soul - you rely on music and booze to get you through your life. We are all moved by a spirit whether it's in a glass or coming out of the speakers.
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Episodes
Dobbin Estate
April 24, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThis week I visit Dobbin Estate. Dobbin Estate has been designed to be a premium winery and the consulting team of Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble have made certain that all conditions are perfect for this ambitious endeavour. With North and South facing slopes, Dobbin Estate is primed to bring forth Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc with a European sensibility that comes though in your glass. Ontario wines have grown by leaps and bounds, and the Ontario Wine Industry is now in a phase...
Steve Meyer/Al Coury Part II
February 28, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBAgain we skip the Grapes and go directly to the Rock. Former record exec from Capitol Records, Steve Meyer, and Part II speaking about the great Al Coury, Vice President of Capitol Records, co-fouder of RSO Records, and founder of Network Records that eventually led him to Geffen Records. It's another week of Rock talk. Next week we're back on track with the Ontario Wine Industry!
Capitol Records Steve Meyer talks about the Legendary Record Exec Al Coury
February 21, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBToday we skip the Grapes and go directly to the Rock. Former record exec from Capitol Records, Steve Meyer, speaks with me about the great Al Coury, Vice President of Capitol Records, co-fouder of RSO Records, and founder of Network Records that eventually led him to Geffen Records. Al worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Guns'N'Roses - who else can claim that??
John Neudorf and the Rock And Grapes Top Ten Counted Down to Number One!
January 31, 2024 10:00 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MBWell, the January Rock And Grapes Count Down has come to an end. I will count down the Top Ten wines until we get to #1, that honour going to Leaning Post, for their 2020 Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay. Also, Niagara native John Neudorf has a new album coming out, and a lot more to speak about.
The Top Wines of Ontario Continues with Lailey's Thomas Reid
January 17, 2024 10:00 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBThis week I speak with Thomas Reid, sales and marketing manager for Lailey Winery. This week Lailey has had two wines in the Top Wines of Ontario count down and we will be speaking to Thomas about the 2022 Lailey Riesling and the Stonebridge 2019 Estate Chardonnay. We've got another 13 wines to go before we see who holds the #1 spot on our Rock And Grapes count down.
Collab Wine And Beverage's Marc Pistor
January 10, 2024 10:00 - 31 minutes - 43 MBSeason 2 is here! Marc Pistor, of Fogolar Wines and the group effort Collab Wine and Beverage is here to talk about 2024 and what we have to look forward to. Marc and I discuss the Top Wine of Ontario (as chosen by M.S. Bruce Wallner, Nabila Rawji and me) , where his collaborative team has landed so far on the list and what Marc sees for the future of Ontario's wine industry. I don't want to spoil the ending for you - but we need to embrace Ontario Riesling like we've never done before!
The Year End Wrap Up
December 13, 2023 10:00 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBWell, its been a good start so far. Twenty-five episodes of winemakers, musicians, politicians and record execs, and I think we're getting somewhere. I'd like to thank all of you who have been listening, and I'd also like to thank all my guests thus far. 2023 was only the start and 2024 will bring even more. Look out for The Top 25 Wines of Ontario coming out in January of 2024. And look for a new Rock And Grapes Presents website to accompany all I'm doing with the podcast. Enjoy the Holi...
Legendary Rock Photographer Bob Gruen
December 06, 2023 10:00 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MBBob Gruen is regarded as one of THE foremost Rock Photographers in the music business having captured images of Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The New York Dolls, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Ramones, Blondie, Elton John, Kiss and many, many more. He struck up a friendship with John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1971 and became a friend and confidant to both. I thought this a fitting week to have Bob on the podcast, as December 8th marks the 43rd anniversary of the passing of Jo...
May Pang discusses "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story" and Lailey Vineyard's Thomas Reid talks premium wine
November 29, 2023 10:00 - 56 minutes - 77.1 MBMy first guest this week is May Pang. May spent most of 1973 and 1974 being the most important person in John Lennon's life. May and I discuss the new documentary streaming now, "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story", the story that chronicles the years she spent as John Lennon's girlfriend - first at the insistence of Yoko Ono, but then things got....complicated. For any Beatles fan - this is a must-see-documentary. Over the thirty minutes we speak you will learn about May, and the incredibly ...
JAZZ.FM91's Ronnie Littlejohn and an update from The Somm Factory
November 22, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 74.5 MBToday, Bruce Wallner checks in to discuss the "Best Canadian Sommelier" and the rigours this poor candidate had to endure to take the win. Bruce also updates us on The Somm Factory's upcoming course schedule. Also, I speak with Ronnie Littlejohn, JAZZ.FM’s host of The Gumbo Kitchen. Ronnie's Friday evening show explores New Orleans jazz, swampy funk, second-line brass bands and more. However, Ronnie and I discuss how he ended up being a DJ for this popular Toronto radio mainstay (and hi...
Canadian Filmmaker Maya Gallus and her new documentary Crush: Message in a Bottle
November 15, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBFilmmakers and winemakers collide. This week I interview the award winning filmmaker, Maya Gallus, as we speak about her brand new, light-hearted yet full-bodied film, Crush: Message in a Bottle, the landmark doc featuring a well chosen group of pioneering Niagara winemakers. Bruce Wallner checks in from Halifax this week as he attends Canada's Best Sommelier Competition. Also, it's "last kick at the can" to enter the "Top 25 Wines of Ontario".
Master Somm Bruce Wallner, and also Steve Meyer and I talk about The Beatles "Now and Then"
November 08, 2023 10:00 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBThis week I am introducing my new sponsor, The Sommelier Factory, which means I'll be speaking with MS Bruce Wallner about the Somm Factory schedule and our upcoming "Top 25 Wines of Ontario". Also, this is your first week to catch CRUSH: Message in a Bottle, the new movie from director Maya Gallus, high-lighting the hard working winemakers of Niagara. And also, former Capitol Records exec Steve Meyer joins me to talk about The Beatles "new" song "Now and Then" - what side of history will y...
Tom O'Brien from Cooper’s Hawk in L.E.N.S. and a quick note from Italy
November 01, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 37 MBThis week I speak with Tom O'Brien from Cooper’s Hawk down in the Lake Erie North Shore region of our lovely Province. Also, I've got a little clip I've stolen from my other podcast so you can hear from Italy about Cab Franc's rising prominence and climate change affecting their choice of varietals. And again, I'll remind you about the upcoming submission deadline for my "Top 25 Wines of the Year" review that will be taking place at the end of 2023.
Prince Edward County's Karlo Estates Winery
October 25, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MBThis week I finally make it to The County! I am joined by both Sherry Karlo and Saxe Brickenden of Karlo Estates. We talk specifically about P.E.C.'s different varietals and the way The County brings in customers. Plus: I want your wines! In the past, many of you may know I ran an awards and annual report for the Sommelier group S.O.S.A. Well, this fall I’m going about things a little differently. I’m not sure that anyone needs another wine competition, nor all the entry fees that this ca...
We talk taxes with MPP Sam Oosterhoff and I'm looking for your wines!
October 18, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MBIf you're in the Ontario wine business you'll want to listen to Sam and I speak about the current situation with the government in this Province. MPP Sam Oosterhoff was kind enough to find time in his busy schedule to speak with me. Also, below is what I sent out last week. I want your wines! see below: In the past, many of you may know I ran an awards and annual report for the Sommelier group S.O.S.A. Well, this fall I’m going about things a little differently. I’m not sure that anyone n...
Rock And Grapes Presents: Submit Your Wines to the Annual Review!
October 11, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 7.9 MBIn the past, many of you may know I ran an awards and annual report for the Sommelier group S.O.S.A. Well, this fall I’m going about things a little differently. I’m not sure that anyone needs another wine competition, nor all the entry fees that this can lead to. What I’m doing this year is a list of “25 Top Wines of the Year” (the list will be larger in the future but the 25 top entries will be highlighted this year). I know 2020 was a pretty great vintage and after a few consistent years ...
Winemaker Adam Kern and 1980's D.J. "Brother" Jake Edwards
September 20, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MBThis week Adam Kern and I discuss Kern and Company, Adam's dream being realized. Also, we travel back in time to the 1980's with some fairly socially unacceptable behaviour from "Brother" Jake Edwards, one of the greatest voices on the radio in the 1980's and 1990's before it all changed....
Meet Sue Ann Staff
September 13, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 80.9 MBSue Ann gives me the low-down on the 6.1% beer and wine fee, the ongoing taxation of wine makers, the marketing of wines in Ontario and how it all affects her operation and her outlook on the future of being a Niagara winemaker.
London Born Wine Co. and Tyler Stewart from the Barenaked Ladies
August 30, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MBThis week I speak with Sarah Hoare from the London Born Wine Company in Vineland, and from The BNL, drummer, Tyler Stewart, we find out how TV producer Chuck Lorre tracked down The Barenaked Ladies and convinced them to write and record the biggest TV theme song in history for The Big Bang Theory.
A Group of Seven…Grapes
August 23, 2023 09:00 - 54 minutes - 74.6 MBPart 2 of my interview with Vineland Estates' Brian Schmidt reveals a cohesive plan for Ontario to move forward as a united front, with a chosen arsenal of what we do best. Has Ontario settled on what we do best? If so, here's what we do moving forward; Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and the two "workhorse" grapes that the VQA has settled on, Vidal Blanc and Baco Noir. Progress in motion?
Brian Schmidt of Vineland Estates and Bill Schnee, Recording Engineer to the Stars
August 16, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 99.4 MBThis week is Part One of my interview with Brian Schmidt of Vineland Estates. Brian talks about his 33 years in the business, the VQA and the viability of wine making in Ontario. This week I provide a glimpse of what is to come with an excerpt of my talk with legendary recording engineer Bill Schnee. Bill has worked with EVERYONE in the record business. His stories are amazing, and Bill has a new book out, “Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation” - this one you need...
Adam Lowy from Cloudsley Cellars and The Kings are here to talk Switchin' to Glide
August 09, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBThis week I speak with Adam Lowy of Cloudsley Cellars about his passions, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We sit outside at Cloudsley on a perfect summer day to discuss Adam's take on non-interventive winemaking (sorry about the noise from the traffic on the road!). Also, Dave Diamond and Mr Zero talk about how This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide became a giant Canadian One hit wonder - and who knew The Kings were from Oakville, Ontario??
A visit with Winemaker Kelly Mason, and Part 2 of my interview with Dave Di Martino
August 02, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBThis week I found myself in Beamsville at the Maison Mason with winemaker Kelly Mason talking about (that extra 3 hours it would seem she needs to add to each day) just to get it all done! We talked and tasted very delicious wines. Also, former editor of Creem Magazine, Dave Di Martino talks about all things rock.
A Visit with Winemaker Kelly Mason, and Part 2 of my interview with Dave Di Martino
August 02, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBThis week I found myself in Beamsville at the Mason Maison with winemaker Kelly Mason talking about (that extra 3 hours it would seem she needs to add to each day) just to get it all done! We talked and tasted very delicious wines. Also, former editor of Creem Magazine, Dave Di Martino talks about all things rock.
Partake Brewing Founder Ted Fleming and CREEM Magazine's Dave DiMartino
July 26, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBThis week we take a left turn and go “ hops-and-barley-based non-alc” as I speak with Founder and CEO Ted Fleming of PARTAKE Brewing about the long road to market placement and viability. Also this week is part one of my interview with CREEM magazine’s Editor Dave DiMartino about rock and roll in the 1980s - Detroit and the geographic fallout…Ontario.
It's i4C Time with Magdalena Kaiser and Creekside's Rob Power
July 19, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MBI foresee a great weekend this weekend as the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Festival hits Niagara, and Magdalena Kaiser, the Director of PR for the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario is here to give us a run down of all the exciting events happening this week. Also, I'll be joined by Creekside's winemaker Rob Power. And I'm sneaking a little Country music in at the end. Lend me your ears!!!
Graham Rennie, The Niagara Custom Crush Studio and Wine Nerd/Musician Matt Woo
July 12, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBIn this episode I am in Lincoln, Ontario at "The Crush" talking with owner/innovator/winemaker Graham Rennie about the intricacies of running a profitable wine business in Ontario. Graham has created a haven for virtual winemakers and has solved a few other problems as well. We will also hear from a colleague of mine, Matt Woo, a man who has schucked an oyster or two in his time, sold wine, sake and the dreams of musicianship. We will hear the latest single from the band he plays bass for, ...
Leaning Post Winery and Steve Meyer, former V.P. of Promotions for Capitol Records
July 05, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBToday we hit all the right notes. You’ll hear my conversation that took place over the Canada Day weekend with the good folks at Leaning Post Winery, Nadia and Ilya Senchuk, as we discuss the future of the wine business in Ontario. Right after that we look into the past with Steve Meyer, former Vice President of Promotions at Capitol Records as we discuss his storied career working with many different giant musical acts – but today it’s all about The Beatles. It’s also fitting that I got to ...
Winemaker Adam Kern and Pop/Rock Musician Rob Preuss
June 28, 2023 09:00 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MBThis week I speak with sommelier and winemaker Adam Kern of KERN & CO about what is involved in trying to make a business profitable in Ontario while making great, quality wines . We will also speak to Rob Preuss, and some of you may know Rob as the keyboard player from 1980's pop band The Spoons or from his time spent playing with Honeymoon Suite.
Harald Thiel of Hidden Bench and Musician, Producer, Arranger Lou Pomanti
June 21, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 96.5 MBThis week I speak with Harald Thiel of Hidden Bench in Niagara. Also on the podcast this week is Lou Pomanti. Lou started out in the music business playing with the legendary Blood, Sweat and Tears and since then it's been a who's who of the Canadian music business working for: Michael Bublé, Marc Jordan, Rita MacNeil, The Boomers, Michelle Wright, Ann Murray, Triumph, The Canadian Tenors, Kim Mitchell, David Wilcox and on, and on, and on. It's a good week to be a fly on the wall!
Ontario Winemaker Thomas Bachelder and Canadian Musician Sarah Smith
June 14, 2023 09:00 - 56 minutes - 77.4 MBThis week is our first full length episode, featuring one wine maker and one musician. Each week I will try my best to keep you entertained with talk about music and wine and a few other pertinent things that may arise. What's the commonality? Business. These days, any business run by visionaries, artists or craftspeople are all under fire. There seems to be less 'pie' to be divided up, and it's only going into a few mouths. The only way to be a patron of the artist - is to know who those ...
Rock And Grapes Presents: A Sneak Peek...
June 07, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 12.3 MBThis is a snippet of what's going to happen here each week. You will hear full-length interviews from musicians and winemakers all over Ontario (as well as our American neighbours). Open dialogue is an important way to understand how to keep the ball rolling and make sure we're all rowing the boat in the same direction. Adding music to wine is like adding food to wine - they both enhance life, and without either I'm not sure what the heck we're doing here. Every week you'll hear winemakers...
Bill Schnee - Recording Engineer/Producer PT 2
November 30, 2021 20:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBThis week we finish our conversation with studio legend Bill Schnee. We talk about Steely Dan's Aja, Boz Scaggs and Mark Knopfler. Bill has a new book out, “Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation” - this one you need to pick up. It's informative and interactive. A must read for an aspiring studio engineer - or any audiophile who appreciates everything Bill has done in his career.
Bill Schnee - Recording Engineer/ Producer PT 1
November 23, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBThis week we speak with studio legend Bill Schnee. Bill has worked with EVERYONE in the record business. His stories are amazing, and Bill has a new book out, “Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation” - this one you need to pick up!
Bill Schnee - Recording Engineer/ Producer PT 1
November 23, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBThis week we speak with studio legend Bill Schnee. Bill has worked with EVERYONE in the record business. His stories are amazing, and Bill has a new book out, “Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation” - this one you need to pick up! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/tales_from_the_turntable)
Rock Radio Personality "Brother" Jake Edwards
November 16, 2021 10:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThis week James and Jack speak with Canadian Radio Legend Jake Edwards, "Bro Jake". We spoke to Jake about the creation of "The Champ"( a timely radio skit that would cause 2021 to have Jake locked up if he tried that today), Jake's time as he worked his way across Canada (getting fired and re-hired) and making his lasting mark on Canadian radio. Tune in for a great show! Support the show
Paul Kingery - Three Dog Night
November 09, 2021 10:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBThis week James and Jack speak with Paul Kingery of Three Dog Night. Paul lets us in on what it was like to tour with Rick Springfield, pop-sensation Tiffany, and his long stint being a core member of Three Dog Night. Tune in for a great show! Support the show
Shaun Murphy
November 02, 2021 09:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBThis week James and Jack speak with world renown powerhouse back up singer Shaun Murphy. Shaun, throughout her long and impressive career has provided vocals and percussion for Bob Seger, Eric Clapton and has worked with Meatloaf, Phil Collins, Glen Frey, Joe Walsh, The Moody Blues, Bruce Hornsby, Little Feat and many more. Tune in for a great show! Support the show
Steve Meyer PT 3
October 26, 2021 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBJames and Jack have their final instalment with former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records, Steve Meyer. Steve has even more stories about The Beatles, Elton John, and much more. You can never have enough Steve.... Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/tales_from_the_turntable)
Steve Meyer - PT 3
October 26, 2021 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBJames and Jack have their final instalment with former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records, Steve Meyer. Steve has even more stories about The Beatles, Elton John, and much more. You can never have enough Steve.... Support the show
Steve Meyer PT 2
October 19, 2021 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBJames and Jack have their old friend, former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records, Steve Meyer, back for round two. Steve has even more stories about The Beatles, Elton John, Grand Funk Railroad, Juice Newton and much more... Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/tales_from_the_turntable)
Steve Meyer - PT 2
October 19, 2021 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBJames and Jack have their old friend, former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records, Steve Meyer, back for round two. Steve has even more stories about The Beatles, Elton John, Grand Funk Railroad, Juice Newton and much more... Support the show
Laila Biali
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBThis week James and Jack speak with Juno winner, Laila Biali, about what its like being a Canadian Jazz vocalist, pianist and composer navigating that fine line between Pop and Jazz. Laila has worked with Chris Botti, Randy Bachman, Paula Cole, Larnell Lewis, Jodi Proznik and Sting on his latest forthcoming album. Tune in for a great show!
The Kings (This Beat Goes On/Switchin' To Glide)
October 05, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBJames and Jack speak with David Diamond and Zero from The Kings. The entire planet was introduced to The Kings in 1980 upon the release of their massive smash hit, "This Beat Goes On/Switching To Glide" that has become one of, if not THE greatest one-hit-wonder of the 20th century. Tune in to see how it happened and what they're up to now.
Paul Warren - Legendary Rock Guitarist PT 2
September 28, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBJames and Jack conclude their discussion with rock guitarist Paul Warren in this special PT 2 segment. Paul talks about working for Rod Stewart, Pacific Gas & Electric, (almost) with Bob Seger, and bit about Ron Wood , Jeff Beck and others... Support the show
Paul Warren - Legendary Rock Guitarist - PT 1
September 21, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBJames and Jack speak with legendary rock guitarist, Paul Warren, whose storied career takes him from Motown to working with a string of bands, and touring the world with some of the biggest names in rock. Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Richard Marx, and Rod Stewart are just a small sample of the people Paul has had the pleasure to work with over the years. First hand stories of life on the road - and in the studio. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/tales_from_the_turntable)
Paul Warren - Legendary Rock Guitarist PT 1
September 21, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBJames and Jack speak with legendary rock guitarist, Paul Warren, whose storied career takes him from Motown to working with a string of bands, and touring the world with some of the biggest names in rock. Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Richard Marx, and Rod Stewart are just a small sample of the people Paul has had the pleasure to work with over the years. First hand stories of life on the road - and in the studio. Support the show
Paul Warren, Legendary Rock Guitarist - PT 1
September 21, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBJames and Jack speak with legendary rock guitarist, Paul Warren, whose storied career takes him from Motown to working with a string of bands, and touring the world with some of the biggest names in rock. Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Richard Marx, and Rod Stewart are just a small sample of the people Paul has had the pleasure to work with over the years. First hand stories of life on the road - and in the studio. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/tales_from_the_turntable)
Dave DiMartino - Former Editor of CREEM Magazine PT 2
September 14, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBJack and James speak to CREEM magazine's former editor, Dave DiMartino, in part two of a special two part episode. Dave talks about grocery shopping with Rock Stars, sharing a urinal with George Harrison, getting snubbed by Freddie Mercury, and oh ya, exposing KISS to the world for the first time with NO MAKE UP! Support the show
Dave DiMartino - Former Editor of CREEM Magazine PT 1
September 07, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBJack and James speak to CREEM magazine's former editor, Dave DiMartino, in part one of a special two part episode. Dave talks about the early days at CREEM magazine, Jim Morrison exposing himself in Miami and The Clash's Joe Strummer almost breaking Dave's tape recorder. And of course, way, way more... Support the show