Anthology

An Interview with Eric Roberson

By: Casey Pukl

I think I’ve found my new best friend. I’m not even close to kidding. Mister Eric Roberson might have to be my new bestie. We have all the makings of a match made in best friend heaven. We agree on the important things in life— showing people that nice guys don’t always have to finish last, really embracing the characters that we write about in songs, how awesome the Robert Glasper Experiment is, and the need for a massive vinyl collection. Oh, and did I mention that his music is awesome?

Read on to find out what inspired his latest record, just what his “Honest Music Movement” is really about, and what he’s aiming to do in 2012! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos

by: Casey Pukl

Mexican roots rock band, Los Lobos, has been a staple of the Southern California music scene since the mid 1970’s. With their rock solid line up (the band has retained the same original members since it started), wide range of influences, and commitment to keeping things fresh, it’s no shock that they’re still around and selling out shows overnight.

I had the chance to catch up with saxophonist/keyboardist Steve Berlin last week. Read on to find out what the band does to keep things fresh, what legendary album of theirs is scheduled for reissue, and just what makes this Anthology show so special for them! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Howard Hewett

By: Casey Pukl

Howard Hewett may be best known for his time with the group Shalamar and his string of solo hits including, “Say Amen”, but his career reaches back over a full decade before he appeared on Soul Train.

Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Hewett to find out what he has been up to this year as well as what’s on the agenda for the coming months. Read on to find out where you can see a chronicle of Howard’s career and how a skycap at LAX helped him pen his greatest hit. Read the rest of this entry »

A Unique Noodle Bowl & Wine Pairing

by: Casey Pukl

With hues of purple and red on the larger bulbs, turnips are some of the prettiest root vegetables in my opinion. While the bulb is white on the inside and akin to a potato, the greens on top can be eaten as well (if you’ve ever lived in the south, you’ve probably encountered turnip greens along the line) and are similar to collard greens or cabbage. The flavor of the bulb itself is generally mild, but in some cases can be slightly bitter. The bitterness is easily handled in preparation, and in some dishes can really balance out sweetness. There are larger turnips and some smaller ones, usually referred to as baby turnips. They don’t keep as long as the larger bulbs, but they can be eaten raw in salads, or dipped like radishes!

I’ve seen turnips prepared in a few different ways, but the only thing I’ve ever known how to actually make myself with turnips is knock-off mashed potatoes. I know it’s sad, and I’m not proud, but really, what do you do with these root veggies?

Thankfully, Sous Chef Kristen Williams had a very creative use for these veggies, and it just happens to be one of my favorite dishes she’s made yet! To top it all off, beverage manager Marc Canzoneri had the perfect wine on hand to complement the flavors of this savory noodle bowl. Be sure to come in this weekend and give this special and wine pairing a try before it’s gone! Last week’s Chickpea special sold out in two nights, so this won’t be around for very long! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Thomas Dolby

by: Casey Pukl

Where does one even begin when introducing Mr. Thomas Dolby? We all remember him from his catchy 80’s electronic hits, “She Blinded Me With Science” and “Hyperactive!”, but Dolby is far more than an MTV sensation. He’s also the musical director for the prestigious TED conference, a producer, and an incredibly intelligent entrepreneur who has spent the better part of two decades in Silicone Valley.  Dolby founded the company  Beatnik that invented the technology that first allowed mobile phones to play polyphonic ringtones. In fact, at one point, two thirds of all the world’s phones contained his chip!

After a twenty year recording hiatus, Thomas Dolby is back, and his latest effort is a massive work encompassing not only an album of new originals, but it is accompanied by a video game and a tour complete with a steampunk time capsule in which fans can record messages to the future. Did we really expect any less? Read on to find out what inspired his latest project, A Map of the Floating City, what he thinks about the evolution of the music business since he first started, and just what he’s planning to leave in his time capsule! Read the rest of this entry »