April 8th, 2017, note the day well. It is nineteen years since Hector last saw – CAN – members perform. To mark the fiftieth year since their inception in Köln, Irmin Schmidt has orchestrated themes from their albums to create – Can Dialog. Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) has put together a group of Musicians who will – interpret – Can Musik with Malcolm Mooney, Can’s original Vocalist centre stage. Hector had never seen Malcolm Mooney prior to this evening.
After Curry at The Downsman (Crawley) last night, Hector did not think there would be Curry-Heute, however, this was to be very much Hector’s Day. The India Club (Hotel Strand Continental, 143 Strand, London WC2R 1JA) was the venue of choice. Despite there being a train strike, there was no problem in finding a train to Victoria. The Underground took us to Embankment, The Strand.
The India Club was first visited last August. Once the canteen for workers at the nearby Indian High Commission, it has become stuck in time. We climbed the stairs, passing the Hotel Strand Continental and entered the Spartan Dining Room. The – Club – itself is on the first floor, though the Bar was not staffed when we visited this Lunchtime.
Having enjoyed the Bhuna Lamb (£8.80) and seen the Keema Peas (£7.20) last time, Lamb Curry Madras (£8.20) would be today’s choice. Plain Rice (£2.50) was up to half the price of Rice – with Bits, a no brainer. Marg was considering Pani Puri (£3.50) then Paneer Dosa (£6.50) until I pointed out that she is not particularly fond of Chickpeas and Paneer (Cheese). The Lamb Fry (£6.50) had caught Hector’s eye. Marg took the hint. With the promise of inclusive Salad, this should suit. A glass of Mango Lassi (£3.00) for Marg turned out to be Thinner than the norm, and Sweeter.
I showed The Waiter the Staff Photo from last year. None of these Chaps were on duty today. He identified himself as – The Vegetarian Chef. Tap Water was provided, Sparkling could have been brought up from downstairs he advised. Served by whom?
Three other tables were occupied by a total of five other Diners during our visit. The India Club is a veritable oasis in the Heart of London, an escape from the hordes, and sensible prices. The Waiter returned to confirm it was – Lamb – I desired, not Chicken, as if.
What appeared to be two Modest Portions of Curry were presented with enough Boiled Rice for one. No Salad. Pointing out that a Salad was listed on the Menu, a Modest Salad appeared moments later. Modest: mostly chopped Onions. Marg took some of the Rice, we had more than enough. The metal receptacles may not look as though they contained much, how deceptive.
Lamb Curry Madras
The Lamb was well into double figures, the Texture varied from Tender to Chewy. The Curry had Spice and was Well-seasoned. The Masala was Classic Middle Indian, an Old Fashioned Flavour taking Hector back to the early days of The Curry Experience, the 1960s in other words. Served Warm rather than Hot, is my only criticism.
*
Lamb Fry
This is lovely! – exclaimed Marg instantly.
The Dark, Onion Rich Masala was closer to a Hector Curry than I would have thought possible. A Soupçon came my way, indeed, a Worthy Curry.
The Lamb was very tender – Marg continued, – Very rich in taste.
Marg was well impressed by her choice, this may well be Hector’s choice next visit.
The Bill
£20.20. Well below – London Prices.
The Aftermath
We took in the – Club – room on the first floor. Perhaps one has to be here in the evening?
The Can Project
Gordon, a Former Pupil, had arranged front row seats for himself and fiancée Krys, then a separate pair for Hector and Marg. We met in the foyer of the Barbican just after 17.00. At 18.00 there would be a Q&A with Rob Young who has written a book about Can entitled – All Gates Open – also Gregor Schwellenbach who had assisted Irmin Schmidt with the Orchestration for – Can Dialog -, tonight’s Opus. We spent an interesting hour hearing about the origins of – Can – some familiar stories e.g. how Damo Suzuki came to be in the Band. The Malcolm Mooney story usually told is how he came to leave – Upstairs, Downstairs – et al. Tonight we heard how Malcolm came to join Can. Video clips of Can Soundtracks were shown. There was a moment for Jaki Liebezeit who sadly left us in January this year. Jaki was meant to be part of the second half of this evening’s entertainment.
Can Dialog – The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Irmin Schmidt
One does not get to write these words every day, what an event, a sell out of course. This was a World Premier, sadly there was no sign of the recording of sound or vision taking place. Wtf? Marg and Hector were a bedroom’s distance from the Conductor’s Podium. Whilst we could not see beyond the String Section, The Man was almost in touching distance.
The premise of Can Dialog was not merely to have an Orchestra play – Can Tunes – but to weave the Themes into something else, using the strength of the Orchestra itself. Inevitably the Viola, Cello and Double Bass Players would be kept particularly busy. The Woodwind and Brass would deliver – The Recognisable. Halleluhwah (Tago Mago) was the first motif in the opening movement. Thereafter it was all Ege Bamyasi. If Tracks from – other albums – featured, then I missed them. Sing Swan Song, One More Night, Vitamin C, Soup and Spoon were all in there… according to my ears.
La Fermosa, a Ballet Suite, also composed by Irmin Schmidt, followed. Given the strength of composition throughout the many Film Scores Herr Schmidt has written in the past fifty years, I expected more from this. His Opera – Gormengast -, I find I cannot listen to. However, as was made clear about the composing of – Can Dialog – it is about using the Orchestra. Irmin Schmidt, a classically trained Concert Pianist, Composer and Conductor knows more than me. Still I have a hankering for – Rote Erde – which featured prominently at my Wedding.
There was an extended Interval
The Köln Concert from 1972, and nothing to do with Keith Jarrett, was projected on screens in the foyer. With missing sound and pictures, it is a mess, a case of what might have been. Here was the Opperchancity to purchase – Can Memorabilia. The coveted – Future Days – t-shirt, not the bootleg I was wearing this evening, was purchased. They only had – Large – it would never fit, it didn’t, still, I have one. The XL – Monster Movie – t-shirt worked. (If I send my unworn t-shirt back to – Spoon – will they swop it?)
Meanwhile back in the Auditorium
The front row seats now came into their own. Thurston Moore’s monitor was an arm’s length away. Malcolm Mooney would stand a metre from where Herr Schmidt had conducted. The MC thanked the Göethe Institute for their part in promoting this evening. Parts would be recorded, which, why not all? There was applause for the missing Jaki Liebezeit. Holger Czukay is too ill to travel. Michael Karoli’s Daughter(s?) were here too, Frau Liebezeit also. Hildegard Schmidt was somewhere in the background. Who was the German Lady who had sat two rows away from me during the Q&A?
On came the Band, there was a – finding the groove, band warm-up – as Malcolm Mooney recited (New York?) Subway Stops… leading up to – Outside my Door (Monster Movie). How many – Can Songs – would we get, how much total improvisation?
Thurston Moore was accompanied on Drums by erstwhile – Sonic Youth – colleague – Steve Shelley. Deb Googe (My Bloody Valentine / Primal Scream) had the Holger Czukay task of playing Bass. Valentina Magaletto was second chair on Drums, she was enjoying every moment.
James Sedwards (Nought) took on the role of – replicating – the original – Michael Karoli – Lead Guitar breaks, with a – Licence to Thrill, whilst Thurston Moore appeared to direct the Band and simultaneously take responsibility for the essence of what would make tonight a homage to Can. This was not an attempt to – impersonate. Reading up on James Sedwards, I discover that in terms of – Guitar Skill -, John Peel regarded him as the only Musician he admired as much as his – Favourite Footballers. I must explore this man’s catalogue; it’s a pity he was furthest from me throughout the performance. Pat Thomas and Tom Relleen could have been half Schmidt, half Czukay. Between them the Keyboards and Electronic interjections were submitted, though it was very much Thurston Moore’s Guitar which took on the parts which Irmin Schmidt’s Farfisa and Alpha 77 would have supplied in the 1970s. Let us not forget Czukay’s – sound carrying – which became an integral part of – Can Live – when Czukay stopped playing Bass on stage.
Father Cannot Yell (Monster Movie) followed on. Seconds in I realised that I was living the dream. How many times have I listened to this since 1974? With an anchored elbow supporting the Lumix, a Video was taken. This would turn out to me my – contribution – to the proceedings.
Thief (Delay 1968) to me always sounded like an alternative version of Mary, Mary, so Contrary from the official first release – Monster Movie. Would we be treated to Butterfly (Delay 1968), sadly not. The following two pieces sounded more improvisation than song form: Deadly Doris (Lost Tapes) and Uphill (Delay 1968). I may have picked out some familiar bits in the latter.
That sounds like rain – said Marg, as the Thomas/Relleen Partnership set up the next intro. She Brings the Rain (Soundtracks) duly followed. Malcolm walked stage left to Thurston to ask what was next, the closest he came to this Commentator. Mother Sky (Soundtracks) he announced from centre stage. Malcolm Mooney would take on Damo’s lyrics, immense! The Band walked off at the conclusion of this historic moment. Not already, surely?
Yoo Doo Right (Monster Movie) – announced Malcolm Mooney when the Band returned. What a performance, however, he has been performing this for fifty years, he knows how it goes. When it reached the part where the song is acapella, with Shelley maintaining the one drum rhythm, this was for me the highlight of the night, hold back the emotions.
Mary, Mary so Contrary (Monster Movie) again sounding like – Thief – brought the set to a conclusion. There was no more, – I want More! And More!
Back out into the night, the four of us walked to Moorgate Underground, young Chaps pointed us in the right direction.
Had I seen Can back in the day? – they asked.
Yes I saw Can in Glasgow (City Hall) back in 1974 just after Damo had left, then again in Edinburgh and Stirling (Universities) in 1975, London (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane – supported by Terje Rypdal), finally, 1976 at Strathclyde University with Rosko Gee on board. There was also the Köln Performances in 1998 which was the last time I saw Michael Karoli, Jaki Liebezeit and Holger Czukay. Damo is in Glasgow next month, again!
Marg is – on vacation -, The Hector is merely – on a (another) trip. So it goes. Lord Clive of 
Hector had booked a table for five at seven forty five, or attempted to. The first person I spoke to passed me on to someone else. The – Merry Christmas – sign had to be recorded, as was the booking notice on the table – Hepher. Who?
Another period of time had past when a Young Chap appeared with a tray full of Mains and a plate of Chips. 
These were – Chips – said Marg. What are Mogo Chips? Maggie was expecting – something Spicy. 
Hector’s pace of eating has slowed appreciably in recent times. It was after 21.30, what lay before me disappeared in record time, before it was just too cold to endure. The Keema Rice saved the Meal, being warmer than the Lamb Methi. A sensible Portion, the extra Meat put the Overall Dish into the – Rara – category.
Two came Hector’s way, this was decreed to be – Fair – by me. Nobody commented. Jim was at the far end of the table, Clive would never have known, Maggie had enough before her.
Marg received six meatballs in a Blended Masala. The Kofta were smaller than would be served in Glasgow/Bradford. Her comment sums the Dish up well:
I have observed Maggie eat Curry over many years. No matter the Spice Level, she always finds her Curry to be – too Spicy.
Another Waiter made a further apology. The matter of Lamb Chops times three being refunded to Hector’s credit card was sorted.
There are four City Centre Curry Houses in Aberdeen which Hector has still to review. With Marg – out with the girls – this evening, a perfect Opperchancity for Hector to go exploring. 8848 Restaurant (347 Union St., Aberdeen, AB11 6BT, Scotland) advertises itself as having an Indian and Nepalese Kitchen. Having won – Best in Aberdeen – at the Scottish Curry Awards last year, 8848 would surely be a cut above the Nepalese Experiences of 
Hector was the first customer of the shift at 18.00. Two Chaps would take it in turn recording and serving. The Menu had the usual Standards, however, Hector was here to try something different. With the Menu posted on the window, I had spotted a Dish which had the magical words – served dry – clearly printed. There was no sign of these words on the Menu which now lay before me. Instead the term – Dairy – was the suffix to the descriptions. 
Another Chap took a table diagonally opposite which limited my Photo Opperchancities. The Restaurant is long but not narrow. The tables are well spaced permitting privacy. From my locus I estimated around fifty seats were available in addition to those at the reception area. Sitting adjacent to the Bar, I could see the array of Drinks on offer, a Full Licence here. With white brick tiles adorning the walls, and white linen on the tables, this was very much a venue in which – To Dine.
The Lamb Bhuttuwa was presented in a China Bowl, the Masala impressed immediately. This was as Dry and Thick a Masala as Hector could hope for. The Laccha Paratha was overdone, but not burnt. The Flakiness and Layering were most apparent, the brown hue suggested some Wholemeal Flour had been used. 
With my usual three quarters of the Paratha eaten, I was able to concentrate more on the Masala. There was a distinctive – Tangy Flavour – unlike anything I have experienced, far from Achari. This was something new, my reason for being here.
I had to ask Chris if he knew anything about 
In Hector’s continuing quest to cover all the Curry Houses of Aberdeen, this evening’s intended venue was Maya (22 King St., AB24 5AX). Marg and Hector – enjoyed – an infamous visit there under its previous brand – 
Having reduced the notice required for Lamb Karahi on-the-bone (£9.95) from 24 hours to one, there was a sense of frustration that I was missing out once more. However, I did see enough Lamb Karahi at the weekend. Still, this was not my intended venue this evening. Achari Gosht (£8.50) did not particularly impress 
When ordered previously, the Meat content was debatably sufficient, the lack of a Pickle Blast disappointed. Tonight Hector had a Curry! The Thick Masala looked Rich, one could tell before the first dip of the Paratha that this would be a Worthy Curry. 
The Keema Peas impressed Marg from the start. Tasty – was an almost immediate reaction. Marg too had issues with her Bread. I was asked if I thought this was a Plain Naan, no Garlic was visible. Again, a sheen suggesting Garlic Butter was the only clue. She asked the Waiter to confirm it was a Garlic Naan, it was, allegedly. I don’t taste any Garlic. None – she reinforced.
Whether Curry would be served this evening was always up for discussion, Curry was expected. Hector can, and does, cook a variety of – Other Cuisines. It was a meal in Madeira back in February which swung it. Hector was served a Pork Stew with Potatoes in which the Pork had been marinaded in Wine. A bit more Spice and this was more than likely to be how Vindaloo came about in South 
The 
Yesterday was a busy day. Having begun the preparation for the 
This is the Dry Lamb Karahi – was declared at the point of serving. The 
The Guests had been invited to bring Plastic Containers, else The Hector would have been left facing the same Curry out of the freezer for the foreseeable. Marg divvied up the Leftovers. Kilos of Curry and a Prawn Cocktail went to Helensburgh. Next time, Lasagne! 
March 30th had long been marked in Hector’s Diary as a Day Trip through to Scotland’s second largest city. Nobody seemed to know why, and this was well before Hector had made his 
We arrived at Tanjore at 12.30, the first customers of this session. I chose the table adjacent to where Marg and I sat last Sunday. The Chap who brought the Food 
Two other tables were occupied during our visit: a Chap possibly out with his Mum, very commonplace; a Couple had a screaming wean, lovely. I managed to take the photos of the Restaurant’s Interior which were not possible 
The Chennai Fish looked very – Red – there was no Cream/Yoghurt Topping today. The Masala was Tomato-rich, perhaps in the extreme. The Aroma was wonderful, Dark Red Chillies which I never see in Glasgow Grocers other than in packets. 
This is definitely the Best Fish Curry I have found outside 
Finally I asked about the picture on the wall which has intrigued on both visits. 
Hector finds himself out on a Sunday once again. The Sun is shining, 16
Mein Host came through to ask if I needed a Drink. Steady. With no Sparkling Water available, Mango Rubicon was ordered, the glass later. The Massive plate of Food arrived moments later, a quick reheat. Owen did the honours, photos of Hector at 
The Lamb sat on top of a Huge Portion of Biryani. Salad Components smothered this Melange. This was most certainly not 5* Service, simply Honest Fayre, Desi. The Shorva had disappeared into the Rice adding to the moistness of the Biryani. The Exquisitely Seasoned Flavours from the Shorva had permeated too. Rice? This was way more than Rice.
Two pieces of White Meat on-the-bone sat towards the edge of the plate. The Butcher had made Cuts different from the norm, I had to taste to be convinced it was – Chicken. That dispensed with, it was time to concentrate on the Boneless Lamb. Six Large pieces, Lamb that had taken in the Flavours from the Shorva also. The Spice was coming from who knows where. It was hard to say where the Curry ended and the Biryani started. A half of a Large Potato was in the Mix, enough. Add to this the Diversity of texture provided by the raw Onion Slices, the Tomatoes, this was the – Veritable Feast.
After an excellent day at the Hawkshead Brewery in the English Lakes for the – Northern Craft Beer Fest – there had to be Curry-Heute, but in Glasgow. Realising that our arrival back at Glasgow Central would be after 22.00, the Curry order was phoned in to the 
Ayaz, Mein Host, was behind the counter, Qaiser busy between serving tables and dealing with Takeaways. Chef #2 was on duty. The best two tables were occupied, a familiar face was there, we sat mid room. I turned round to face Ayaz and confirmed two Chapattis (£0.70). The wait was not a long one, Supper’s Ready. Meanwhile we accepted the Jug of Water and noted the Modest Salad is no longer a guaranteed feature.
The Karahi Gosht arrived, seriously Hot and Sizzling. Let the Pleasure begin. The Chapattis were as Fine as ever, Strips were dipped into the Oily Residue at the edge of the Karahi, then the Masala-mash was savoured. Finally the Lamb on-the-bone was cool enough to tackle. Eight Bones were assembled on the plate after they had given up their Tender Lamb. The Spice was there, the Seasoning was Perfect, Chef #2 has graduated to be a Master. I should have ordered a Half-Kilo, I was hungry enough. I have not fully indulged for a while.
Still the best Aloo Gosht in Weegie-Land – was Mags’ verdict.
Amongst the other things that happened on Friday night, there was a first encounter with Tony, – The Duke’s Neighbour. Curry was mentioned, Edinburgh Curry. Who mentioned the – E – word? Admitting that my preference is for Punjabi Cuisine, means that I favour Glasgow and Bradford above all. As a consequence, the Bangladeshi dominance in Scotland’s second largest city, makes Edinburgh less attractive to this Curry Lover. 
The Guide was excellent, this Fifteenth Century partial construction fully explained. Did Scottish Explorers really set foot in the Americas before Columbus? The musical notes carved into stone, a – Code – of their own. Then the acceptance that visitors to Rosslyn have quadrupled since the book and the movie, financing the restoration and the construction of the visitor’s centre. No photos permitted inside, why?
Lamb Tanjore (£8.95) would have been my choice in any Mainstream Restaurant. Lamb Karaikudi (£8.95) looked so much better – Chettinad Spices – yes please. Both Dishes had Boneless Lamb only, one cannot have everything. Marg spotted Tanjore, but then changed to Karaikudi, finesse.
Chennai Fish Curry (£8.95), study the description, this could be what I have been looking for.
Tanjore is quite an informal venue. They operate a BYOB policy with no corkage fee. Many fellow diners had brought wine, one Chap nipped out and returned with a couple of cans. Seating around forty, the place filled up. Only the two tables adjacent to us at the rear remained unoccupied. Booking should always be considered. It would have been impolite to take interior photos of my fellow diners, next time I’ll come at a quieter time. Lunchtime?
One of the Smallest Bowls of Rice ever seen, for £3.50!!, accompanied. There was hardly enough for one, never mind to share. Any sense of disappointment was momentary, the Paratha arrived. Piping Hot, Layered and Flaky, then some. The Ritual Photos complete, I looked for the Strip I had torn off, Marg had already snaffled it. By the time I took some more it was evident we would not have enough. Another – Parotta – was ordered, hopefully it would come before we were finished.
The Chennai had more Fish than Masala, crucial to Hector’s enjoyment. Alternating with Rice and Paratha, I had the Best of Both Worlds. Had the Paratha been larger, I would have declared it my – Best Ever. 
Tilapia, as everyone knows, is a Freshwater Fish. Sources suggest it is not the healthiest Fish Option, links to Alzheimer’s even being suggested. Let’s forget that and enjoy. The Masala Fish was the Perfect Complement to this Masala, served with the Skin still on, it held together well. The Paratha was gone, a few grains of Rice left, Marg suggested we halt and wait for the second.
Tangy, and lots of flavour – was Marg’s proclamation moments after she started.
The second Paratha arrived, again Piping Hot. The Cooling Curry was revitalised.
Whilst Hector likes to let the savoury linger, Marg likes to end on a sweet note. Vanilla Ice Cream (£2.25) was ordered. I could see three balls, Marg considered it to be nearer two.
After an epic night in the State Bar, it was obvious The Company would re-assemble there this evening. With the imminent demise of the EGW, we are running out of Pubs in Glasgow that sell the Ale we desire. There had to be Brunch afore, Brunch at 17.00.
Two Tiffin Tins – Dabbas – and a modest Portion of Pilao Rice we arranged before me. The provided plate was little larger than a side plate. Half of the Rice was spread over the plate, there was way more than I first thought. The Rice would be necessary to soak up the Copious Masala that is a feature of the Kolhapuri.
The Lamb was spooned on top of the Rice, five good sized pieces, one more than 
Zaheer passed by – How is it, Hector?