Thursday, April 10, 2008 Amazing Lamb at Santa Ana's Bistro 400 BY EDWIN GOEI Music to Your Palate An amazing lamb and a side of Moldy Peaches at Bistro 400 I wasn't going to order the lamb, but when our server proclaimed it as "hands-down the best thing we do," how could I not? Cut into meaty teardrops, the caper-and-rosemary-crusted rack was broiled to a burnt-brown exterior with a core of crimson tenderness. I dragged each cutlet through the shimmering puddle of olive oil gathered on the plate before eating it bare-handed. But our server was only half right; the lamb made my meal, but it was a song that made my night. Specifically, it was a cover of the Moldy Peaches' "Anyone Else But You," sung by a goateed Asian guy with a James Taylor-like delivery, accompanied by an acoustic guitarist whose face was obscured by a thick tousle of hair. Had I been at a concert, I would've held up a lighter. But this was Bistro 400, a cozy restaurant in the shadow of the Ronald Reagan Federal Building in downtown Santa Ana, where the two gents had a gig that night. So instead, I sipped my drink and slouched in my chair while I digested the lamb. This, I thought, was as perfect a Saturday evening out as I've ever had. We started dinner earlier, in a nearly empty room, grabbing a pair of seats near the performers as they were warming up. An appetizer of Bistro 400's G bread began our meal. For the dish, hearty baguettes were sliced lengthwise, toasted with a layer of Parmesan and doused with a garlicky cream sauce. We noticed that the longer the bread soaked up the liquid, the better it tasted. It was after our second bite that the guys belted out the first of many songs, complementing every course better than anything a sommelier could ever serve. As we moved on to our Bistro Salads, they did Sinatra. Our heads swayed to the jazzy rhythm as our mouths munched on forkfuls of balsamic-dressed baby greens, dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, almonds and feta. But it was my date's shrimp and scallop fettuccini that temporarily brought us out of our music-induced trance. Tangled up in the noodles was the sharp, lip-tingling hotness of chiles. We knew it wasn't going to be just a boring plate of pastaÑafter all, this was the same kitchen that produced a searing, Cajun-rubbed sugarcane shrimp skewer we had the night before. Still, I didn't think fettuccini would make me sweat. Yet another surprise was the creamed spinach that was completely devoid of cream. As deeply green as saag paneer and as coarse as oatmeal, the side dish ate cleanly since it wasn't laden with fat. It became the perfect partner to an unctuous, braised osso bucco smothered in tomato sauce and onions. Though no side dish could've saved the pan-seared Delmonico steak they called the Judge that I had on a previous visit. The verdict was clear: It was guilty of being a poorly seasoned, tough piece of meat. Thankfully, the success of the lamb and the live music exonerated the restaurant from its steak crime. All I cared about was what to have for dessertÑand what song our crooner was going to sing next. We skipped a temptingly named chocolate Vesuvius for the fried Bananas Foster, in which a banana and some cheesecake were deep-fried inside a crepe. The dessert went down like a sweet chimichangaÑdecadent even before it was deep-fried, but now doubly so. We ate the last of it as our duo wrapped up another set and more people started to trickle in. The new arrivals sat on the linen-covered tables, chatted at the bar underneath the brass chandelier, and milled outside on the patio, where twinkle lights sparkled in the trees. As they were just starting their Saturday night, we were winding down ours, leaving with a doggie bag and still humming, "You're a part-time lover and a full-time friend/The monkey on your back is the latest trend/I don't see what anyone can see in anyone else but youuuuu." Bistro 400, 400 W. Fourth St., Santa Ana, (714) 543-9821; www.bistro400.com. Open Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Check website for a schedule of acts. Dinner for two, $60-$100, food only. Full bar. Friday, December 29, 2006 A music top 10, O.C.-style By ROBERT KINSLER Special to the Register If it's the last week of 2006, then it must be time to rate my favorite local releases of the year. 1. Michael Ubaldini, "Empty Bottles & Broken Guitar Strings"(Blackwater Records) - How did singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini follow up the release of his wonderful 2004 album, "Avenue of Ten Cent Hearts"? He penned an original book of writings titled "Lost American Nights" for Moontide Press, starred in a fully staged production of "Quadrophenia" at the Grove of Anaheim and divided his time between Sun Studios in Memphis, Tenn., and Adamos Recording in Westminster, completing tracks for his 20-song "Empty Bottles & Broken Guitar Strings." No other local artist blends rock, folk, alt-country, blues and Americana with as much authenticity as Ubaldini. Information: www.rocknrollpoet.com. 2. Bright Blue Gorilla, "Gorillas Go Hollywood"(Monkey C Monkey D) - Eclectic folk-rock duo Michael Glover and Robyn Rosenkrantz celebrate their burgeoning role as television and film composers with a collection of songs and instrumental music used or inspired by recent projects, including their on-camera roles in "The Last Shot" and "Sister Sarah's Sky." The Mission Viejo-based couple continue to explore music with classic songcraft, as well as an eagerness to integrate world music into their sound. Information: www.BrightBlueGorilla.com. 3. Hellogoodbye, "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!"(Drive-Thru Records) - Modern rock? Reworked new wave? Whatever you call the energetic sonic brew concocted by Huntington Beach-based Hellogoodbye, "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!" is a melodic and infectious treasure. Information: www.MySpace.com/Hellogoodbye. 4. Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, "Turntable Matinee"(Yep Roc Records) - Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys continue to till new artistic soil in American roots music. The driving rocker "Mad," jazz-tinged "Yes (I Feel Sorry For You)," Memphis soul-styled tune "Slippin' Away" and country-Western swinging "Lonesome Dollar" fly off the disc with the sparkling and dynamic spirit that has marked Big Sandy's memorable past releases. Information: www.bigsandy.net. 5. The Tickets, "The Tickets" (Brewery Records) - Although the tracks on this collection were originally recorded in the late 1980s, the care and remastering of these amazing songs by Costa Mesa producer Walter Clevenger have taken the power pop music world by storm. There is such renewed interest in the Tickets (singer-guitarists Bryan Shaddix and Brian Martin, bassist Andy Winston and drummer Marcos De La Cruz), that the quartet has tentatively agreed to play another reunion show next year. Fans of Badfinger, the Raspberries and early Cheap Trick will find plenty to love about this outfit. Information: www.BreweryRecords.com. 6. Lee Rocker, "Racin' the Devil" (Alligator Records) - Another great effort from the one-time Stray Cat. Like Big Sandy, the Laguna Beach-based Rocker continues to deliver potent masterworks that celebrate rock's earliest instincts with a contemporary approach. Up-tempo rockers ("The Girl From Hell"), introspective midtempo material ("The River Runs") and an unforgettable instrumental ("Swing This") add up to something remarkable. Information: www.LeeRocker.com. 7. Beyond 7, "Smoke"(Glider Music) - This power-pop quartet released its strongest album to date in 2006, with "Smoke" boasting memorable songs and stunning performances. "Light of Day," "Everything You Wanted" and "Time" are among the disc's wonderful works. Information: www.BeyondSevenMusic.com. 8. John Carrillo, "Von Karma"(independent) - Boasting the pleasing and distinctive voice of Orange-based singer-songwriter-guitarist John Carrillo, "Von Karma" includes electric folk ("In the Market Square"), a kid-minded singalong ("The Fish Man"), Britpop ("Milking Cows") and a powerful Thin Lizzy-styled guitar rocker ("Turn It Up Dave"). Information: www.JohnCarrillo.com. 9. The Blooms, "Meet the Blooms"(indie) - Blooms frontman Allan Goodman's songs work on a number of levels, with outstanding verses and choruses forming an excellent backdrop to lyrical tales displaying his natural abilities at exploring universal themes with a directness that is refreshing. Songs such as "Someday Maria," "25 to Life" and "Good Enough" are rousing singalongs that are highlights on the Blooms' debut disc. "American" and "Still" tackle decidedly darker themes. Information: www.theblooms.info. 10. Handsome Devil, "Fully Automatic"(Diablo Guapo) - If members of AC/DC, the Clash and Lit had formed a band, it might well sound like Handsome Devil does on the quartet's latest CD. Unabashedly rock, songs such as "Gettin' You Off" and "Ten Seconds Ago" recall the best work of Handsome Devil's heroes. Information: www.MySpace.com /HandsomeDevil. Contact the writer: rockwrite@yahoo.com Von Karma was "album of the week" in my radio show Pop Dreams (3 songs broadcasted) very cool stuff, a fine mix between rock, pop and...something else!! Really appreciated the sound of guitars on Von Karma and finally your voice, great vocals on all the stuff. - Gerard Girard, Pop Dreams Radio Show, France ‘60’s psych folk popster John Carrillo relies heavily on vocal harmonies and jangled fuzzed guitars. This type of guitar centric rock-n-roll has been attempted plenty of times since the ‘70’s were properly treated to a blanket of dust but most bands and acts have gotten it wrong. Authentically reproducing The Byrds, The Who, and The Beatles among others, John Carrillo surely has command of a long lost sound. It’s good stuff and you’ll find yourself humming a bar or two in no time flat. - J-Sin, Smother Magazine, March 2006 Friday, March 3, 2006 Orange Pop: O.C. singer takes his time By ROBERT KINSLER Special to the Register John Carrillo is a prolific songwriter, but he releases few albums. His new CD, "Von Karma," has a significantly different feel than his sophomore effort, 2001's "A Wink to His Career." "This one, I consciously set out to make it more organic," said Carrillo, noting that "A Wink to His Career" included electronic effects added in the studio. "Von Karma" has a wide range of styles such as electric folk ("In the Market Square"), a kid-friendly sing-along ("The Fish Man"), graceful Britpop suggestive of the latest work by Embrace ("Milking Cows," "This Chapter Is Closed") and a Thin Lizzy-style guitar rocker ("Turn It Up Dave"). "It has more live performances, and I got musicians who I know have a lot of feeling," Carrillo said. The lineup of guest artists is impressive, notably the appearance by bassist Carol Kaye on four tracks. One of the most celebrated studio musicians of the rock era, Kaye's career dates back to the late 1950s and includes guitar or bass-guitar work on classic recordings by Ritchie Valens ("La Bamba"), the Beach Boys ("God Only Knows," "California Girls"), Ray Charles ("America the Beautiful," "Feel So Bad") and Barbara Streisand ("The Way We Were"). "(I) was very impressed with John and his talents," said Kaye in an interview completed by e-mail earlier this week. "I've recorded for some of the heaviest in the business and so I'm particular who I record for these days. I loved his material, loved his singing; his style is simply right in tune with someone's emotions and feelings for today." Carrillo met Kaye at the NAMM music-industry trade show in Anaheim several years ago and asked her if she would be interested in playing bass on his next album. She told him she would have to hear his material first. "She was the first (guest artist) to say yes," said Carrillo. "Von Karma" also features other talented players, including virtuoso guitarist David Koval (Breakfast With Amy), drummer Shawn Nourse (Dwight Yoakam), guitarist Bob Boulding (the Young Dubliners) and guitarist John McDuffie (Rita Coolidge). Carrillo admits that because he is an independent artist, he takes his time fashioning each album. "I will usually have a bunch of songs learned and play them here (at the Gypsy Den in Santa Ana, where he hosts an open mic every Thursday night) for a while. "The editing process is the songs that stick," said Carrillo, interviewed at the Gypsy Den. "I feel good about it ('Von Karma'). I enjoy playing the majority of the songs." Carrillo began working on "Von Karma" in 2002; it is only the third album he has released since his self-titled debut was released in 1998. "It's good that I can record at my own pace," said Carrillo, when asked about the pros and cons of being an independent artist. "The negative part is if I was signed, (the record label) would force me to work faster." Carrillo will celebrate the release of "Von Karma" when he performs a free show at 8:30 p.m. March 24 at the Gypsy Den, 125 N. Broadway Ave., Santa Ana. His band will include artists featured on his new disc, including Nourse (who co-produced "Von Karma" with Carrillo), Koval and bassist Brian Cram. 10 years later, O.C. still rocks By ROBERT KINSLER Special to the Register Friday, July 29, 2005 It has been 10 years since I was asked if I wanted to write a weekly column about the local music scene for the Orange County Register. Since penning a profile on Huntington Beach dance outfit HYPE! that ran Aug. 1, 1995, I have written about hundreds of area musicians and I continue to be surprised and thrilled by the range and excellence of music being crafted in the county I have called home since age 2. While HYPE! called it quits not long after it was profiled in Orange Pop, many of the artists I wrote about in the beginning of their respective journeys have enjoyed long careers. Fullerton's Lit, Irvine's Trespassers William, Costa Mesa's Fenians and Dana Point's Something Corporate are among the groups I championed after hearing early demos; all have gone on to enjoy international success. And just as importantly, I have used the column to celebrate the work of scene veterans such as Walter Trout, Michael Ubaldini, Lee Rocker, Kerry Getz and Rusty Anderson, artists who were already recognized for accomplishments a decade ago but have since produced even stronger work. Unlike many areas of the country where there is an eruption of a music scene followed by a sudden lack of interest - Seattle and San Diego come to mind - Orange County's scene has thrived as a kind of farm system. Many of the artists who are spawned in O.C. hit commercial pay dirt and relocate to L.A. (Sugar Ray, No Doubt). But increasingly, much of Orange County's homegrown talent is staying put. Lit, Social Distortion, the Offspring, Trout and famed power-pop tunesmith Walter Clevenger are well-recognized musical heroes who have helped provide traction for the scene. Even the most talented artists couldn't do it alone. Venues such as the legendary Coach House, Galaxy Concert Theatre, Anaheim House of Blues, Martini Blues in Huntington Beach, Renaissance Dana Point and Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest feed off a steady stream of new talent. And high-profile events such as the Hootenanny, Doheny Blues and Doheny Days festivals, as well as the Orange County Fair and Orange International Street Fair, showcase local acts and thus generate new audiences for original music. A special nod goes to talented singer-songwriter-producer Joe Ongie (currently a member of Minnie Driver's band; it performs with Chris Isaak at the Pacific Amphitheatre on Saturday night) and wife Catherine Graziano, owners of the Gypsy Den cafes in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa. The couple have championed cutting-edge artists such as Michael Miller, John Hoskinson, John Carrillo, Sherman Fowler, Joy Flying and countless others over the past 10 years. Check out www.gypsyden.com for more information. Although I would be the last one to bet which of today's unknowns has a shot at greater glory, I'm sure you will read about many of them here long before you see them on MTV or hear them on commercial radio. While my two favorite casualties of the O.C. scene are '90s outfits Altered State and Eli Riddle (seek out their out-of-print CDs via the used market; I found eBay sellers offering both bands' releases for under $1 in searches this week), here is a list of some of my favorite Orange County artists making music today: Irish/Celtic: the Fenians, the American Wake, When Pigs Fly! Hugh Lehane, Tintangel Punk/post-punk: Throw Rag, RX Bandits, Obsolete Heart, Mind Driver Rock 'n' roll (includes power-pop, modern rock, California rock): Limbeck, Scarlet Crush, Beyond 7, Thrill Deluxe, 9 Ball, Joy Flying, Vale, Bodie, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, Kenny Howes, My Favorite Band, George Fryer Combo Funk/Latin/jam rock: NAFRO, Bayadera, Ken Garcia Band Electronica/ambient/synthpop: Color Theory, Sunset Room, Hans Karl, the Royal Visionaries Singer-songwriters: Kerry Getz, Jannel Rap, John Carrillo, Joe Ongie, Niki Smart, Carol Martini, Michael Miller, Andrewesley, Vanessa Zarate Blues: Walter Trout, Steve Copeland & Raging Sun, Savage City Rockabilly/Americana/bluegrass: Michael Ubaldini, Lee Rocker, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Kelly Bowlin, Lilies of the West Alt country: Fletcher Harrington, Fit 2-B Tied, Topeka Jazz: Sherman Fowler Rap: Kelly B., Mr. MJ Copyright 2005 The Orange County Register He couldn't Karaoke less Paul Saitowitz Daily Pilot December 10 2004 John Carrillo's been blown away, bored, impressed, on the verge of laughter, mildly amused and more. On a three-times-weekly basis, he bears live witness into the souls of Orange County's creative conscience. There's the old folk singer who recalls the sounds of yore, the oblivious guy who just got a guitar and thinks people want to hear him play power-chord versions of modern rock songs, the girl who finally worked up the courage to get on stage and sing, the comedian, the poet — they're all here. As the host of three open-mike nights — Tuesdays at Alta Coffee in Newport Beach, Wednesdays at the Sol Grill in Newport Beach and Thursdays at the Gypsy Den in Santa Ana — Carrillo provides an avenue for people to exploit their creative or not-so-creative talents in public. The common denominator is that everyone, no matter the skill level, is welcome. "Open mikes give people a chance to see what it's like to be on stage and perform in front of people," Carrillo, 36, said. "It's an opportunity to prove to themselves that they can do it. There is a big difference from someone playing guitar in their room to working up the courage to do it in public." In an area known for sterility and lack of culture, the diversity that spills into open-mike night is eye-opening. It can be more entertaining than watching an episode of "American Idol," and there are usually one or two diamonds in the rough. Depending upon how many show up, participants are allowed to play between one and three songs, or if they are performing comedy or poetry, they each get 10 minutes on stage. On any Tuesday night at Alta Coffee, you'll find soul singers playing keyboards, a woman with no clue openly strumming an out-of-tune guitar and seemingly making up the lyrics to a nonmelodious melody, guitar whizzes singing like Dave Matthews and college types reciting poetry. "It really is for everyone … I have people that show up every night to all three of them and some that come once every few weeks," Carrillo said. A singer-songwriter himself, Carrillo has released two albums, with another one on the way. He has been a fixture on the Orange County scene since 1998, playing at the Coach House and serving as a regular on the Starbucks Music Program — his first shows were at open mikes in Los Angeles. "When I first started, there were like no open mikes down here, but now they are slowly starting to creep up," he said. "I've had people drive from L.A. and San Diego, and there have even been a few from out of state." He first started hosting the open mike at the Gypsy Den in Santa Ana in February last year. Now it's common to have upward of 20 people show up. Carrillo admits that's partly due to the schlock teen drama, "The O.C." "Orange County is like the cool place now," he said. "The L.A. scene is very different, much more competitive. Up there, a lot of people have aspirations to make music a career. In Orange County, people seem to do it more for fun." Think you've got the chops to get up on stage? For information on open-mike nights or seeing Carrillo live, go to http://www.johncarrillo.com [my gigs page] Visit latimes.com at http://www.latimes.com Orange Pop By ROBERT KINSLER Special to the Register Best to be careful if you raise your voice around John Carrillo. Your words might end up as lyrical fodder. " One song started when I overheard a conversation," he said. "A lady said to her son, 'This is the last game I'm buying you. Son, there is too much evil in your life.' As if evil was a product, like too much sugar." So it's not surprising that Carrillo recently made a visit to Children's Hospital of Orange County to sing and play his acoustic guitar for some of his newest fans, giving them the gift of music rather than the latest mind-numbing video game. " I played as part of Discovery Arts; it provides music, drawing and other art for kids with cancer. It helps the kids keep their mind off whatever is ailing them," Carrillo said. "If you have talent, you have to use it for something good." Last June, Carrillo's sophomore effort, "A Wink to His Career," was named one of the year's top independent releases by Performing Songwriter Magazine. It was around that same time that the disc's first single, "My Sister (You've Grown So Cold)," was put in regular rotation on 94.3 FM Cool Radio's "Go Loco" program. Not bad for a recovering karaoke singer whose memorable songs sound more like collaborations between Coldplay and Rufus Wainwright than someone doing a poor Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra impersonation. The Brea-based artist has been working on his third commercial release since December but has no set schedule for finishing the as-of-yet- untitled disc. " It is lots more organic than the last one," Carrillo said. Whereas his last album featured several guest players (notably War lead singer-keyboardist Lonnie Jordan), Carrillo is joined on the new tracks by drummer-producer Shawn Nourse, guitarist John McDuffy and keyboardist Brian Cram. Original material ranges from the territory of loud-rock champions such as Neil Young & Crazy Horse to the artful pop of Travis and Radiohead, all displayed with Carrillo's characteristic voice blending lyrical satire and inspired melodies. For now, discerning listeners can catch Carrillo when he opens for singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano at 8 p.m. May 10. Orange County's most notable alt- country artist, Fletcher Harrington, will also perform on the promising bill. Carrillo also hosts an open-mike night on alternate Thursdays and Mondays at the Gypsy Den in Santa Ana. " Those are a great opportunity to offer something I don't think Orange County has had for a while," said Carrillo, who usually performs a few songs at the open-mike nights as well. " They are great because provide a lot of people in Orange County - maybe they just moved here and want to get their feet wet - a chance to be heard. We started last summer and it was only on Mondays and we added an extra day in February because we have so many people," said Carrillo, adding that the owners of the Gypsy Den have been instrumental in fostering the local scene. The Gypsy Den hosted weekly acoustic showcases in connection with the 2003 Orange County Music Awards this year. " Joe and Catherine (Ongie) have been really supportive of the musical community concept, and I'm glad to be a part of it." Anyone interested in purchasing tickets to the May 10 performance featuring Bonoff (who will perform her set with guitarist Kenny Edwards of Stone Poneys fame), Carrillo and Harrington should e-mail Carrillo at carrillojg@aol.com. For more information on Carrillo, visit his Web site at www .johncarrillo.com. - Robert Kinsler, The Orange County Register, 05/02/03 "So-Cal singer-songwriter, John Carrillo, has come a long way since his karaoke days. After finding his distinct voice by singing to tracks at an Anaheim club, Carrillo learned to strum the guitar and write his own verses. This led to writer’s nights, small club gigs, and a developing career as a solo artist. His second CD, A Wink To His Career, gives a nod to both ’60s Brit-pop and contemporary power pop. Throughout his latest release, Carrillo maintains the quirky sense of humor one would expect from a recovering karaoke singer. Subject matter ranges from silly to sentimental, with musings on socks with toes and a forlorn 'Hathead,' to sensitive love songs such as 'Wendy' and the metaphoric 'All Levels.' Carrillo sings in a pleasing, Matthew Sweet-ish tone, but his ironic wit separates him from the sensitive male singer-songwriter norm. On A Wink To His Career, John Carrillo proves that he’s done a fine job developing his talent in a short amount of time, creating a body of work that’s fresh and certainly far more innovative than any karaoke cassette." - Heather Johnson, Performing Songwriter Magazine, June 2002 "...John Carrillo is my hero (that sort of rhymes, wink). I have just listened to his self-produced release, A Wink To His Career three times over. A Wink is singer-songwriter genius a la Elliott Smith and Rufus Wainwright, but with a hip, sunny slant. The cover art is reminiscent of a '60's border ballad LP while the songs are handy all-American folk ditties like 'Brought to You by: Socks With Toes,' and 'Percy's Gone Unconscious.' Each song is delivered with a 20/80 ratio of humor and sentimentality, guaranteeing a hundred percent satisfaction. Beautiful! Relaxing! Intricately arranged! Approved! Approved! Approved! Please visit www.johncarrillo.com for more fabulous information! Alright so I've got the candles lit, the lights dimmed, tea brewing in the pot. Calming tunes are absolutely covered. I'll call you when I wake up in April." - Diana Nguyen, Mean Street Magazine, March 2002 "John Carrillo's self-titled debut released in 1999 was a pleasing collection of original songs that demonstrated his gift for combining witty lyrics and strong melodies into winning songcraft. The Brea-based singer-songwriter's latest collection, 'A Wink To His Career' is a far more mature and far-reaching work, with emotional ballads ('Wendy') and rockers ('Nowhere To Run') delivered with the same formidable strength as quirky gems such as 'My Sister (You've Grown So Cold).' You might enjoy if you like: Travis, the Beatles' White Album, Big Star " - Robert Kinsler, The Orange County Register, 10/5/01