Uncorked wine, spirits, music

IN TUNE: Amid the shelves of wines and exotic beer that line Uncorked Wines and Spirits in West Milford is a lounge that’s been drawing music lovers from far and wide since owner Matt Mehta moved his business there two months ago. His secret?

Jerry DeMarco

11/06/2011 1:23 a.m.

The Funky Organics (l. to r.): V. Coniglio, R. Savage, B. Magnuson, M. Minchello

A laid-back vibe, comfortable seating and top-notch talent.

The four-piece Funky Organics have already become a crowd favorite. It’s like a home game for sax player Bob Magnuson, a North Bergen native who lives in town.

Bob is joined by trumpet player Rick Savage, organist Mark Minchello and drummer Vinny Conigliaro. Combined, they have performed with some heavyweights, from Mitch Ryder, Patti Austin and B.B. King to the O’Jays, the Jacksons and Frank Zappa’s Universe.

The music is funky jazz, with more than a little bit o’ soul, mixing covers and originals.

Lynn Paret

The Organics obviously know great melodies – the set included a sweet version of “More Today Than Yesterday.”

Band members had fun with the crowd, offering a free CD to anyone who could identify the Sixties one-hit wonders who made the tune a hit.

The full house ate it up.

It was a perfect combination all around.

I can’t say enough about Bob Magnuson. Along with the Past Masters, he is one of the best known of many talented musicians produced by North Bergen High School (Go Bruins!). And the band is terrific (Hear for yourself: The Funky Organics).

Bob Magnuson (CLIFFVIEW PILOT photos)

Then there’s the room itself. The place has barely been open two months and already they’re pulling in large numbers – with good reason.

Matt Mehta puts as much thought into his talent choices as he does his special events.

There are wine tastings, special Scotch nights, even a road trip to a Pennsylvania brewery.

A Nov. 12 wine/food tasting features a cooking demonstration and book signing with celebrity chef Marcello Russodivito, the owner-operator of Marcello’s in Suffern.

There might even be a deejay night added to the eclectic mix.

Matt also has 25 different wines by the glass and 75 different kinds of bottled beer.

Matt also will host your event. Call: 973-728-1355

Uncorked Wines And Spirits
9 Marshall Hill Road
West Milford, N.J.

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