Shabbat Shalom!
Last night, Hector and Marg saw Neal Morse at Cottiers Theatre, tonight, Long Earth at The Glad Cafe on the Southside. This afternoon, Curry at Zeika by Chef Hakeem (26 Alexander Street, Clydebank G81 1RZ). A lot to get through, it may as well be covered chronologically.
Yesterday’s saga actually began with Marg returning from Southside dog walking duties with Challah Lehem, or Shabbat Bread, as I came to know it in my formative months, nay years in Israel. With no known Jewish baker/deli in the north-west of Glasgow, sourcing this simple pleasure without schlepping to Giffnock, means self denial. As one who is empirically sceptical, regarding oneself as an antitheist, occasional references to – my Rabbi – do appear when a Curry Bill simply cannot be revealed.
And so to Neal Morse, founder member of Spock’s Beard, the first Rock Band from the USA which the Hector felt worthy of further exploration. Hector attended the first UK Spock’s Beard show at The Classic Rock Society (Rotherham, Yorkshire) way back in October 1999. Staying over at the same hotel, I even rubbed shoulders with Neal Morse et al the following morning. In 2002, after six albums, Neal Morse left Spock’s Beard. He did not consider it appropriate to bring in themes associated with his recent conversion. The Hector was not a follower, so that was it until last year’s Cruise To The Edge where we saw Neal perform three times in all. His show at Miami’s Casino on the eve of the Cruise To The Edge with – The Resonance – was captivating, a musician for whom I retain the highest respect.
Having secured front row seats at Cottiers, all was set. I did draw Marg’s attention to a recent set-list on this Darkness & Light solo tour. Whilst managing The Light, a magnum opus on the first Spock’s Beard album, solo, would be too much to ask, at least some moments from Transatlantic, his other international band would feature. Some song titles did cause concern.
I hope we don’t get too much of this – I remarked to Marg.
With a single keyboard, used far too briefly, Neal took to the spartan stage with an acoustic guitar which he then fumbled to plug in. No guitar tech -which led to the first of many stories about his early years in the wilderness. Stories were mixed in with songs, as in breaks within the songs. He had us enthralled, a master performer. A gifted guitar player, though a Strat would have been better in parts, and as lead vocalist in many a band, what a voice.
Bits of Aqualung (Jethro Tull) and Mood For A Day (Steve Howe, Yes) were incorporated into his opening – Songs of Freedom – which lead into Freedom Song. The extract from The Whirlwind (Transatlantic) was the only other piece I recognised in what would turn out to be the first set this evening.
Wooden seats, whilst we celebrated not having to stand, I had to look up – ischial tuberosities – not a Hebrew reference, but the bones in the buttocks. Just how much discomfort can they accrue? This evoked wooden-bench, overnight Italian trains on a 1976 Inter Rail. I was happy there was a break, a bit of stretching, thawing.
Had I known what was coming in part 2, I would have taken my leave.
Cottiers, a converted church, never happy being in these buildings, the avoidance of all that has happened therein, the root to my time spent in Israel. I haven’t been to a gig here since Porcupine Tree, coincidently, also in 1999.
Last week in Poznan, I spent a fair bit of Thursday evening in the company of Damian Wilson (Arena, Landmarq, Threshold, Headspace, Les Miserables, and soon to be War of The Worlds. I related that I do not listen to lyrics. He was somewhat taken aback.
That I consider Damian to be one of my all time favourite vocalists takes explanation.
Brought up listening to classical music, which led to my preference for Progressive Rock, there was a fair exposure to opera, Carlo Bergonzi (Moonstruck) in particular. I can differentiate between those who can, and cannot, sing. Why does Marg keep listening to all these females who sing through their nose?
Back to last night, Neal Morse, part 2. For the Hector to be at a solo gig, Eberhard Weber apart, tres unusual. As with Weber, digital looping does enhance the orchestration. However, there was no escaping the lyrical message. One – Halleluhwah – too many, the Hector was at the wrong movie.
I could have walked – was my remark to Marg when normality was restored. I thought a chap I recognised had done so, but he came back with Bier. Whilst my respect for Neal Morse, the musician, maintains, I’m never going to sit through this again.
No encore, no – June (Spock’s Beard – The Kindness of Strangers, 1998), at least nobody passed a plate around.
Curry-Heute
Only at this time of year is Marg free for Curry on a Saturday afternoon. We entered Zeika by Chef Hakeem at 14.50. There was no sign of the man himself, we did meet on visit #1. Two tables were occupied, seven diners, no weans.
A young chap brought the menu. In time we secured two small bottles of Sparkling Water (£2.50), but only after Marg had declined Still ones. Sparkling Water is not actually on the Drinks menu.
What to have. For Hector, trying to review Curry, the choice was limited. Chemmeen Molie (£14.00) was considered until it was established this was a Prawn Curry, not a Fish Curry. Marg mooted Lamb Karahi (£12.50), I had to work hard to dissuade her. With – peppers – and – onions – both listed in the description, this would surely be similar to the near diabolical creation served to Lady Maggie of Crawley last week at Bombay Grill (Wroclaw). The description of Lamb Bhuna (£13.00) looked safe. Hector would have this and a Butter Naan (£3.00).
Marg went to a different section of the menu, the Middle East. Royal Lamb Mandi (£17.00), a Dish originating in Yemen, in essence: Spiced Rice with a Lamb Shank. With no Masala mentioned, not a Curry then.
How do you serve your Naan? – I asked the young waiter.
No cuts – was agreed.
We settled down for the wait, a full thirty minutes before hot plates were brought to the table.
Royal Lamb Mandi
The Lamb Shank stood proudly as it was brought to the table. Once it had fallen over, there was no going back. The volume of Rice already on the plate was of Euro proportions. Marg usually eschews Rice in favour of a Roti/Chapatti. Cucumber occupied a fair surface of the Dish.
Sides of Onion/Carrot, the most modest of Salad, Mayonnaise, and what we took to be watery Tamarind, accompanied. I would rather have had a Masala. At least this was quite a different experience to Nihari. Marg:
The large lamb shank was a traditionally Arabic meal, presented on a bed of rice with caramelised onion, cucumber, a few pomegranate seeds, and a tray of extras This comprised of salad, a garlic mayonnaise sauce, and a red-brown sauce which had a hint of tamarind. I added the contents of the salad and poured the thin red sauce on to the dish. I only used some of the mayo. This gave my dish more moisture and flavour. The lamb fell away from the bone, and this tender meat was easy to eat with the rice. The salad added a different texture and taste. Overall, an enjoyable meal, but just too much rice for one person.
The Butter Naan was a joy. Served whole, as asked for, despite the perforations, it had risen and was suitably puffy, with blisters. Glistening, no skimping on the Butter.
This is what one expects to receive when ordering Naan, a classic Tandoori Naan.
*
Lamb Bhuna
A decidedly modest affair when compared to what sat opposite. I did not bother decanting to the hot plate, but ate straight from the metal container. The modest Coriander garnish topped what, on first impressions, appeared to be a worthy, Thick and comparatively Minimal Masala. This appeared to be how I believe a Bhuna should look. Curry Leaves raised my hopes, any more Whole Spice/Herbs here to unveil?
The Meat count was standard, I counted to eight, just. Less Meat than I had at the end of my most recent Lamb Karahi at Kabul (Glasgow).
The seemingly gritty Texture to the Masala required closer examination. I pulled out one finely chopped piece of Capsicum with my spoon, before realising that this was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The Masala was full of the Dreaded Ballast, and in assorted colours too. The heart sank, how was I ever going to enjoy this Curry?
In what school of Indian cookery do they advocate the inclusion of this alien Vegetable?
A Tanginess hit the palate, not what was expected in a Bhuna, still, nothing I could not handle. The Spice Level was little more than medium, if that. The Seasoning was certainly at the low end of the scale. Dominating all, was a Flavour I never want to experience in a Curry, nor the residual aftertaste that would surely follow. Capsicum, why was it here, a contaminant, Ballast, throw it in the sea.
The Meat was firm, approaching chewy, and certainly not giving off any sense of it having been anything but a stranger to the Masala. Perhaps today, this was a good thing. I was writing – as Mainstream as Curry can be – when I encountered the first of a few whole, Green Cardamom. Finally, a break in the monotony.
The Naan proved to be my main source of pleasure. Despite a clear surplus of Rice elsewhere, none would cross the table. The Minimal Meat soon disappeared.
Left with a Masala in which I had no interest, time to stop.
The waiter came to clear the table, a bit late in asking the customary question.
Too much Rice – Marg got in before Hector got into full Hector mode.
Your Naan was excellent, I cannot say the same about the Curry.
Here we go:
The menu mentioned Tomatoes for the Bhuna, we avoided the Karahi because it specifically mentioned Peppers. Perhaps you need to adjust your menu.
Our comments were clearly relayed. Cue, Rejin, the manager, who had hitherto taken a back seat. Last time, it was a different chap before Chef Hakeem arrived. Hence today, another Calling Card was issued, making Zeika the second venue to receive both versions.
Rejin read my review for visit #1, he remarked on the detail.
If you sneeze, I record it.
It was suggested that next time I ask for – special spice – which is not generally provided. There was no discussion today about Spice Level at the time of ordering. Other than highlighting the mild Dishes on the menu, no clue as to Spice Level is given. If Zeika is operating a two tier system for customers, then make this clear. All who read Curry-Heute are aware of Desi/Apna. Why the management of any business makes a presumption about what their customers might desire, baffles.
Rejin offered a complimentary Dessert which Marg initially refused, but was quickly persuaded otherwise: Marg: I like to end on a sweet note.
Mango Kulfi duly arrived. We were given a description of what it was and how it was made. Really. In our silence, I wondered who was patronising who. Marg:
The mango kulfi was very tasty, and the pistachio cream gave it more sweetness. A lovely finish to my meal.
Hector’s tuppence worth:
The Dessert had a greater diversity of flavour than the Curry.
The Bill
£38.00 reduced to £34.20
The young waiter offered the card machine with suggested percentage of tips, a la USA. Hector sees no point in tipping when a discount has been issued.
The Aftermath
Heute – Rejin queried this.
It’s the German for today, to reflect the international nature of this Blog.
And Deutschland appears before England, because the Hector is Scottish, and gets to choose.
Long Earth plus Jonni Slater
Erstwhile colleague, Andrew, has been telling Hector for years that Glasgow Progressive Rock band – Long Earth, could be right up his street. Andrew, a keyboard player himself, is presumably mates with Mike Baxter (keyboards), the inspiration for the character Enzo McLeod in the books of Peter May. Marg reads Peter May, the Hector rarely reads fiction.
Tonight’s show at The Glad Cafe also coincided with Howard’s birthday, not a big one. As a treat, I stood him the ticket, and Marg offered a lift home. In preparation, Long Earth’s most recent album, the 2024 release – An Ordinary Life was purchased some months back. Lots of contemporary, political lyrics, which even the Hector couldn’t miss. However, the extended instrumental passages, and interplay between Mike Baxter and Renaldo McKim, on guitar, had me won. There was – a sound – here I liked.
As today approached, it became apparent that tonight would see the launch of the new album – Towards The Sky- also featuring a new vocalist – Maaike Siegerist, a lady from outside Rotterdam, she would tell me post gig.
From their website: Long Earth’s new album Towards the Sky features melodic prog epics inspired by astronomy, space exploration, and humanity’s enduring drive to push beyond its limitations.
Bottom line, promoting the new album would lessen the familiarity of their set.
Arriving at The Glad Cafe just before 19.00, I had no idea what this venue was about. The football was due to be projected on a big screen. Instinct led me beyond the kitchen to a closed set of doors with live music behind. The Hector has learned at many a brewery in Deutschland: never assume a closed door is locked. I opened the door, soundcheck underway, a first glimpse of Long Earth, and more importantly, just a dozen chairs set out, stage right. First in line, the Hector was not for giving up this spot.
A bar manager informed us, that per flyer, doors would open at 19.30. I showed the tickets on the trusty Oppo – here it says 19.00. A lady in the small queue forming behind us, joined in with – Jonni Slater is due on at half seven.
Only the front three seats were not reserved, we claimed them, right in front of the keyboards, well for Marg and Hector, Howard would enjoy sitting in front of the speakers. Where was Howard?
At 20.00, Jonni Slater took to the stage. One keyboard, an acoustic guitar less than last night. From my vantage point, I could watch the footwork, cue the backing rhythms. Determined to hear no lyrics, the first three songs did nothing for me. Then there was a marked change, greater orchestration, a bigger sound, more like a band. Hector was on board.
A crowd, fewer than fifty, some sat along the back wall on the other provided seats. Chaps at the bar, which was not in use, chatting throughout. I had to stop Marg calling them out, mid song. Peasants. Why do people do this?
As Jonni’s set came to a close, so Maaike joined him on stage. A couple. Long Earth would take to the stage at 20.50. Where was Howard?
You are following us around –
I said to a chap before the show, he had been sat behind us last night at Cottiers. I had recognised him, but from where?
Sporting a different EBB t-shirt from yesterday, Joe came over to chat at the interval. Having attended the same gigs for decades, we formally met last year after Arena (Kinross). He has sold me on EBB, an almost all female Prog band, now based in Scotland.
Howard arrived at 20.49 and got to his seat. He has a knack of knowing when bands are due on. He phones the venue. At least they always know the curfew.
The setlist, obtained at the end of the performance, was straightforward: the new album, in order, with Moscow (An Ordinary Life) as the conclusion.
Kicking off with Seahorses, the vocals were subdued, Renaldo’s guitar too high in the mix. By Breathless, this was sorted. The drummer is singing too – Marg informed me. Drummer, Kenny McCabe, is also new to the band.
Bass player, David McLachlan, who joined Long Earth in 2021, was the MC throughout the set. His coupon looked decidedly familiar. He did express some sympathy at us all being exposed to the new album at the expense of the familiar. He suggested there was more to the album than what we heard tonight. I look forward to learning it in time for Wha’s Like Us -2 at the end of August.
Mike had his moments on Keyboards. Whilst extended – widdly-widdly – was at a premium, what impressed me most in his playing was the wall of sound inserted at appropriate moments. Renaldo on guitar was the standout. Marg remarked on his lack of interaction with the band, Maaike in particular. He had much to concentrate on, his contributions leading the way. Why have I had to wait until 2026 to witness his prowess?
Another Glasgow Prog band, and at Drygate Brewery in August, time to catch up with Comedy of Errors once again. Meanwhile Euan Lowson (ex-Pallas) has a new band – Machinary – comprised of former Pallas and Abel Ganz members. With John Young (Lifesigns) also coming up to Glasgow, Wha’s Like Us – 2 – should be quite a day.
And so to purchase the CD.
Maaike supervised my card payment. Howard, who had told everyone today that it was his birthday, secured a kiss on the cheek. So it goes.