Holger Czukay (1938 – 2017)
Earlier this year we lost Jaki Liebezeit (CAN), this morning I learned that Holger Czukay (CAN) had also joined – The Immortals. I can take solace by having seen the remaining members in concert this year: Irmin Schmidt and Malcolm Mooney – The Can Project – (Barbican, London) and Damo Suzuki in my home town.
I last saw Holger Czukay in concert with his wife – U-She – in Köln @1999 when the core members of CAN performed, not together, but in their then current projects. March 12th 1997 is a date I have not forgotten, the last time I saw CAN – Live. This was at Strathclyde University, ironically the same day as I sat a Physics (not Quantum) Exam at Glasgow University. (Hector has degrees from both Universities, but hates to boast.) Having secured the autographs of Michael Karoli, Irmin Schmidt and Jaki Liebezeit two years previously, this completed the set.
Those who know the pioneering work of Holger Czukay both as a Musician and Studio Engineer will appreciate his genius. For those who have never heard of him, I suspect your favourite bands will cite Holger Czukay as an influence.
Curry-Heute
I note I was at Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) when I saw Damo Suzuki earlier this year, it was coincidence that I had already decided that Ambala would be my venue for today’s Midweek Curry, Desi Karahi Gosht (£9.99) the intended Curry-Heute.
Arriving some time after 15.00, my preferred daily eating time, I was greeted by one of – The Chaps – in conference at the first table. I would be the – Lone Diner – once again. A new staff member was clearing up, and sorting the table layouts. My usual table was – Reserved – as was the adjacent one, I sat on the far side of the room, a different perspective. It was evident that I was not going to be served by this new guy, so up to the counter I went. The Menu does state that this is what one should do, I just never have, until today. The – Cousin – (of?) said he would come and take my order, he had been dealing with another customer on the phone.
The Order was given, – on-the-bone – and – above Medium Spice – clarified. A Garlic Nan (£2.75) would accompany.
I sat reading more tributes to Holger Czukay on a certain Social Medium, Bizarre as some of his material has been, I must buy his most recent album, it’s what one does. #1 in the UK Charts next week? I doubt it.
The new chap brought the Karahi, Cousin brought the Naan. He was keen to tell me how – Fresh – the Naan was. Why wouldn’t it be? The Naan was dripping wet, smothered in Garlic Butter with Herb, Krauter Butter? Beautifully Soft and Fluffy around the edges, this indeed was quite a Naan.
The Desi Karahi Gosht looked most inviting. A Mixture of Lamb Ribs and Lamb Chops were visible, smothered in a suitably Thick Masala. The Colour was – Strange. A Green-Yellow hue, reminiscent of the 1960s, this was markedly different from anything I have been served at Ambala.
The Oil was collecting towards the base of the Karahi, if one cannot cope with a Oily Curry, then this is not the Dish for you. KTC is the brand used here, I was told by Naveed in a previous visit.
Tearing a strip off the halved Naan, I dipped into the Masala. Garlic! Indeed, this is all I was going to taste for the next few mouthfuls. Excellent as the Naan was, I came to realise that it was dominating, to excess. The Hector Palate was struggling to discern other Flavours.
The Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander Toppings added Diversity, still Garlic and little else. The Spice Level was not testing, the Seasoning was below what I hope for. Perhaps I have become too used to the Handi Gosht served on these premises? The Handi is quite Distinctive, however, this is how I found the Karahi Gosht too in my early visits to Ambala.
I ate on, celebrating the Lamb, ten pieces, more than enough. I recalled that Cousin had also asked me to verify the portion size at the time of ordering, I was only aware of the Handi being sold in different quantities. He came over to check all was well, would I need more Naan?
I will not finish this one – was the too obvious reply.
There may have been a sense of – Anticapointment – I was not getting the full Ambala Flavour coming through from the Desi Karahi Gosht, however, the Naan was simply – Superb.
The Bill
£11.70. One can pay more than this for a Main Course alone, and receive less.
The Aftermath
I noted the new sign on the counter advertising Karahi Gosht by the Kilo and Half Kilo, and at attractive prices too. Previously, only the Handi was available – Large. This is a system I wish more venues would adopt.
In conversation with – Cousin – he informed me that business at Ambala is good.
And so to toast the memory of Holger…