Stew on This!

Steve Krojniewski joins Karl and Rob in The Stew and addresses his recent health issues (and why his band Interstate Transit remains on hold). Steve explains these problems and offers specific examples of how he discovered he had serious issues, the persistence required to find out the specific nature of the problems and to overcome them. Steve, the drummer for Ali Baba's Tahini and many other acts, talks about why he has enjoyed collaborating with Karl over the years. He also explains his affection for the universal nature of Karl's lyrics and offers many memories from their 25+ year relationship. A conversation about the song "Dancing with The Rat" inspires Karl to demonstrate its evolution - later we hear how Steve chased down the award-winning Callisto Quartet to perform on "Last Night in America" and how it all played out. "Krojo" recalls birthdays past including one that is marked in time by a picture of Brendan Bayliss on Karl's lap - and each respond to Jake Cinninger's suggestion that Karl is the "Syd Barrett of The South." Steve takes us into the very first rehearsals and performances of what would become ABT, gives a strikingly candid assessment of a young Karl Englemann, explains some of the creative ways ABT helped "make ends meet" on tour and he reveals how Karl's band mates responded to Karl's decision to leave South Bend and move south all those years ago. Karl and Krojo explain where the name Hopi Champa came from and bring forth various tidbits of info on how each ABT record was created. They get specific on several songs including "Last Hurrah", "Resolution", and the title track of Bottom Feeders. We also learn about other South Bend bands like Juniper Tree and Fielder Blue, and we get Krojo's thoughts on UFOs, haunted houses, and sports. Finally, Krojo and Karl explain Dyngus Day and Karl makes Zapiekanka an open-faced sandwich and popular Polish street food in the 1970's based on a recipe that Steve sent him.

In this fresh episode of "Stew on This", songwriter/Columnist/Raconteur Mike Whitney sits down with Karl and Rob and takes them on a journey through his unique world. Mike plays several songs (starting with one inspired by Epic Catering's meatloaf) and tells of essentially growing up in three states, attending three high schools with silly names. He speaks of his experience working in the same steel mill at which his father had worked, how he found his way to being a bill collector, his travels out west (where he saw Bobby Darin, Peggy Lee and others perform), where he was when Kennedy was shot and how all of this led to a life of music. Whitney's columns are what first caught Karl's eye and Mike explains about how he began writing, he elaborates on some of the stories and "Whitneyisms" that are found inside his humorous and insightful essays. Whitney waxes poetic on chasing Elvis, when Bill Haley was rude to him, getting fired for not knowing enough southern rock songs, turning down cow-tipping offers, and a particularly memorable experience after breaking down in Soperton, Georgia. He was a regular performer at Atlanta's Dante's Down the Hatch and he shares some memories from there like the kazoomphony, when Burt Reynolds came in and he reveals why he prefers to perform in small rooms. Karl cooks for Mike a Gilmer County, Georgia recipe he found in the Smokehouse Ham Book (from the James Beard culinary society) with cracklin' bread, Epic restaurant's famous smoked pickled jalapenos and international black-eyed peas. Karl paired them with Pisgah Brewery's Turtleback Brown ale.

Rob and Karl have a lively discussion with podcast host/voice artist/co-host of the Atlanta-based & internationally-enjoyed Von Haessler Doctrine, Tim Andrews. Tim talks about how he first found his way to Atlanta, and then in turn into the ears of so many of its radio-loving citizens and some of the contractual ugliness that he has had to deal with along the way. He explains what it's like to get fired from a terrestrial radio program, how a successful podcast morphed into one of the top-rated shows in the Atlanta radio market, explains the evolution of radio "comedy" and Rob highlights many of the aspects of Tim that make him a unique broadcaster. Tim also talks about his voicings on Squidbillies, his culture podcast Radio Labyrinth, some of his favorite interviews for it and his PopCast WSB radio show/podcast, the dangers of consultants and uncreative people making creative decisions, he offers examples of bad morning radio and relates what's it's like to now be widely known beyond the southeast. Tim also shares his love of bands like The Grateful Dead and Phish, and how he can sometimes feel like he's playing in a great jam band when the improv is clicking on Von Haessler Doctrine. Karl serves an "e-dish" from Epic Catering in Tim's honor, and the hosts sip on Frey Organic Agriculturist red wine while they toss around conspiracy thoughts. This episode also features what is thought to be Gilbert Andrews' music/food/conspiracy podcast debut.

Karl and Rob corral the man who inspired "Padgett's Profile," and learn about his current relationship with the NFL, how he picked up basketball at the age of 40 and how his aunt factors directly into a specific part of Norte Dame football history. The conversation multiple times drifts to Indiana in the mid-to-late 90s, and we hear Karl and Brett reflect upon the early days of Umphrey's McGee, how Ali Baba's Tahini, Juniper Tree, Stomper Bob, and other bands co-existed, Mookie the Buddhist and we of course get some Karl "August" Engelmann stories. Brett also reveals his attachment to Yo La Tengo and shares some YLT road stories including his experience traveling to Los Angeles to see them open for Trey's Ghost of the Forest project. We also learn about how Brett met Kahlil Smylie, how Brett later learned Kahlil's connection to Brett's wife Lily, when Kahlil replaced Karl in ABT, and Kahlil's current "native American prog rock band," Infinite Buffalo. Brett waxes poetic about his wife's cooking, the importance of family, his homemade tinctures, his experience as a beekeeper and his various world travels. Brett tells of the bold way he retrieved a favorite Airline guitar, and how an Umphrey's crowd parted while he delivered an unsolicited tuba to the stage in dramatic fashion. Brett and Rob compare memories about Rob's 2008 ABT Midwest trip, and lock horns over Justin Fields. Brett even admits to feeling seduced by the Detroit Lions and tells of the solace he has found in Coral Bay. The episode closes with Karl playing some Squirm Orchestra vinyl for Rob, and the two discussing this Padgett/Smylie project as they listen.

Internationally acclaimed content creator, guitar teacher, and Engelmann internet hero Michael Palmisano joins "Stew on This", and Karl responds by making his twist on one of Michael's favorite sandwiches (aka - "Baltimore's answer to barbeque") and tipping back some Raging Bitch & Double Dog Double IPA from Flying Dog Brewery. Michael offers insight regarding his success and growth; the importance of community; he even shares quite a few crucial details about the rights issues he has dealt with as a result of showing artists' videos on YouTube. Michael's unique videos themselves are discussed at length (as are the musician learning moments within them), and some of the feedback Michael has gotten from viewers and musicians. Karl and Rob share some of their favorite Palmisano moments, and the trio get around to discussing Tool, Radiohead, Sturgill Simpson, Pink Floyd, prog rock "Easter Eggs" and plenty of other music-lover topics. Michael talks about the importance of music being in some way memorable - particularly to non-musicians. Rob gushes about Michael's video critique of his own sit-ins with Umphrey's McGee and Daniel Donato & Cosmic Country - and we hear both discussions and music from each. Karl and Rob wrap up the episode with a Juniper Tree "listening party" as a prelude to the next episode.

Karl and Rob begin Season 2 of Stew on This by dedicating it and announcing that the new establishment next to the Epic restaurant in Hayesville, North Carolina will also be created and nourished in observance of Melvin "Mel" Moyer (who passed away since the end of Season One). Hot on the heels of signing his first record contract and buying his first house, Daniel Donato chats with Karl and Rob about how he on the one hand cut his musical teeth in the rich musical heritage of Nashville, yet also has broken considerably away from that framework with his band Cosmic Country. Daniel discusses his approach to songwriting including thoughts specific to "Weathervane," "Double Exposure" and (working title) "American Beauty." He also talks working with Chandler Brown, watching Bob Weir work in the studio, his favorite Ryman moments, the influence of Billy Strings. Karl makes a simple, but delicious dish in Daniel's honor, and brings a more than willing Daniel into a mathematical rabbit hole that leads to Coltrane's "Giant Steps." Much more is discussed as these three launch into the conversational cosmos, with tour food guru John Lentini joining for a li'l culinary input.

In this season one ending episode of "Stew on This!", Karl and Rob chat with Umphrey's McGee guitarist, Brendan Bayliss. They talk about Christmas past and present, favorite holiday movies, traditions, and of course food. The guys take a walk down memory lane to the early days of Ali Baba's Tahini and Umphrey's McGee. Bayliss shares his favorite Karl stories, while Karl returns the favor and regales us with his favorite BB memories. This week's dish: White Castle slider and tater tot breakfast casserole paired with Narragansett beer, and an of season toast with Saint Hilaire wine.

This episode Karl and Rob Stew on Nick Johnson, a brilliant guitarist who several years ago was inspired by southern music to move to Atlanta and dive into the Atlanta music scene. We learn how he developed a relationship with Col. Bruce Hampton and began playing regularly with Bruce's various bands. Nick explains how Bruce demanded a certain amount of structure as well as a good bit of improvisational skills and how Bruce landed him an audition with Randall Bramblett. Nick also reveals how the band Limp Bizkit came up in a conversation with Derek Trucks and offers his own experience at the legendary Hampton 70 concert just over five years ago. Nick elaborates on Skoots Lyndon and his interactions with Jimmy Herring, Steve Morse, and all of the remaining members of Dixie Dregs before and during Skoots' memorial concert in Macon last summer.

This week, Rob and Karl are joined by local western NC musician, Johnny Scroggs. The fellas talk about an array of topics including the history of Brasstown, NC, how Dottie the Band got their name, the Scroggs family culinary history, and Ali Baba's Tahini. Johnny and his song "Vail" appear on their "Rockstars and Lawnmowers" album - which we hear in this episode. The guys listen to a few tracks from Dottie the Band's new album. " Five Smiles High" while offering some commentary and Rob, Karl & Johnny fall down the conspiracy theory hole, sharing tales about Big Foot and more.

It's a banjo Thanksgiving! This week Rob and Karl take a deep dive into all things banjo with the founder of Mulheron Banjos, Lindsey Liden. This week's dish: Grit Grilladets made with grits from Logan Turnpike Mill in Blairsville, Georgia. Paired with Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon from Caymus Vineyards Song from Fireside Collective heard in this episode: "Code Switch" from Across the Divide