Anthology

More Additions to the Anthology Wine Menu

by: Casey Pukl

You know you’re in for a good day when Warren announces that there are new wines that absolutely have to be featured on the blog. It’s a good day to be blogging for Anthology!

As I mentioned in last week’s post, we were expecting a few additions to our wine list. They’re finally here, and there’s something for everyone. From deep, rich, ruby reds to crisp, light, and refreshing whites, there’s no shortage of options.

On the red side, we have two fantastic additions:

 Pinot Noir, Samsara, Santa Rita Hills, 2010

The first thing you’ll notice about this one is its exquisite ruby red color. I’m tempted to take a glass straight to Benjamin Moore and turn it into the perfect color for my bedroom walls. But unfortunately, paint doesn’t have the subtle nose of jasmine and and stone fruit. This wine has a very velvety and soft texture, with notes of raspberry, black tea, orange zest, and cardamom.

Bordeaux Style Blend, Conn Creek, “Anthology”, Napa Valley, 2006

Though I wish this wine was specially made for us, unfortunately the name is just a coincidence. This red blend is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. There are notes of cherry and cassis fruit flavors with accents of cedar and vanilla spice. The finish on this one is endless, and it’s one your sure to wish would never end.

On the white side, here are two more great additions:

Chardonnay, Lioco, Sonoma County, 2010

This Chardonnay has a little bit of a snap to it. Lioco ages their wines in steel barrels instead of oak casks, so the flavor profile is a little different than your typical Chardonnay, but it’s still delicious. The nose is rich in vanilla, caramel, and light pepper. The texture of this wine is silky and supple. There are notes of apple and caramel, but there’s also a bit of tartness that keeps it balanced.

Sauvignon Blanc, Ferrari-Carano, Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County, 2010

What’s interesting about this Sauvignon Blanc is that is utilizes both stainless steel and oak barrels. When the grapes are harvested, they all spend 48 hours inside of the stainless steel tanks, and then half of the batch is aged in oak barrels for one month. Following that, the two batches are blended to create this signature bottle. The floral bouquet is supported with hints of fresh grass and light spice. On the palate, notes of grapefruit, lychee, and melon are all detected. There is also a great acidity to this wine. The finish is crisp, light, yet lingering.

Be sure to check out our upcoming calendar to see when you’d like to come in and enjoy our fine wines, and always lovely and incredibly talented acts!

Calendar

An Interview with Dave Revels of The Persuasions

by: Casey Pukl

50  years is one heck of a long time to imagine anyone doing any one thing. But legendary a cappella group, The Persuasions, is still at it! The group is currently celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and they’re bringing their signature soul-baring show to Anthology next week. Find out what they’ve been up to, what iconic artist’s material is next on their list, and how they choose their material in my candid chat with the groups producer/arranger, Dave Revels.

CP: When did you officially join the group?

DR: I officially joined the group in either 2008 or 2009, but I’ve actually been a part of it since 2002. In 2003, I produced and arranged the U2 album, “The Persuasions Sing U2”. And then I arranged and produced the latest album, “Knockin’ On Bob’s Door”. But I’ve also done some additional projects along the way. We’ve been working with J J Cale, and we did a few more Grateful Dead tracks. We released a couple of songs that didn’t make it onto the first album on the new release, “Might As Well.” But I guess full-time, I started performing with the group in 2008. Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Lisa Loeb

by: Casey Pukl

Is there anything Lisa Loeb can’t do? I think you’d be hard pressed to find something. Not only is this queen of the 1990’s pop charts working on a new album, but she’s also writing children’s books, recording children’s songs, designing eyewear, acting, and to top it all off, she’s pregnant again!

Prior to Lisa’s show here this week with Jill Sobule, I had the chance to catch up with her and find out what she’s been up to, and some great information about her show here on Friday!

CP: Before we get started, I just want to say congratulations! I heard that you’re pregnant again! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Eric Bibb

by: Casey Pukl

Modern day troubadour Eric Bibb has certainly had a great 2011. His last release, a live album titled Troubadour, brought him significant exposure in the US, and also earned him a nomination from the Blues Foundation. But never one to stay still, Bibb is hard at work on his upcoming release, and fortunately he gave me the scoop, as well as a preview of one of the tracks! Take a read to see what’s next for one of blues’ finest singer/songwriters and guitarists.

CP: What have you been up to this year?

EB: I’m actually release a new CD in March that was recorded in Louisiana with some wonderful musicians. It’s called “Deeper in the Well”, and I’m really looking forward to sharing that for sure. I had a chance to work with some wonderful musicians some from Louisiana, and a few from other parts. Information about it that will be posted to my website soon, but it will be released in North America on Stony Plain Records.

Other than that, I’ve actually just returned from a trip to Bali in Bamako, where I had the chance to record some music with a lovely musician from there named Habib Koite, who is very well known in world music circles.

CP: That sounds like a very exciting time.

EB: Yes, it was eight days of an amazing experience. I’ve never been to [inaudible] before, so I felt at home in some ways.

CP: I know you tour all over the world. Do you have any particular favorite place to play? Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Storm Large

by: Casey Pukl

I’ll be the first to admit that I was more than a little nervous when I realized I was 15 minutes late for my call-in time with Storm Large. I stumbled into the conference room, set up my recorder, and as her phone was ringing, I rehearsed my apology. She answered, and I immediately began apologizing for my tardiness. Storm’s response?

“Well, you ruined my life, and when I see you, I’m going to headbutt you straight in the bridge of your nose. But other than that, I think you sound like a really nice person.”

And with that sentence, I was instantly comfortable, and Storm and I were off and running.

Storm Large is one of the most genuinely unapologetic and candid artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing. I won’t spoil it for you below, but by the time you’re done reading, I’m pretty sure you’ll too feel like she’s your newest best friend. Upon hanging up the phone, I immediately turned on my Kindle and purchased the full copy of her memoir, “Crazy Enough”. In the last two days, I’ve read the entire thing, and can only hope that there’s more coming from her in the near future. Read on to learn more about Storm’s entrance to the music world, who inspires her most, and what you can look forward to at her upcoming show!

CP: I have to say, I’m super excited for your show. I remember watching you on Rock Star Supernova, and I’ve been really stoked to find out what you’ve been up to! Read the rest of this entry »