Figgy Pudding

Rahlen in his happy place


This year, I decided to join my husband for his annual recording of a Christmas album he does with his musician buddies. I have avoided this in the past because, well, every significant other of a musician can understand why it's not the most alluring party to go to. When you get a gaggle of musically talented people in the same place, the conversation rarely steers itself away from their obsession.

Don't get me wrong. I love these people! But they are very passionate about what they do. I'm certain they wouldn't feel as energized and engaged if I were to go on about Shimano clips or Specialized bikes (have you seen the new FSR suspension design with remote mini brain shock? Don't know if I should switch over to the 29'ers or not...what? Oh, sorry. Back to blogging...)

So I decided to drag along a posse. My friend, Shauna, who easily fits into the music world (having been an editor of a music magazine and who also suffers from Musician's-Wife-Itis) and my niece, Jessica, who carries with her a set of pipes that could add to the album they were working on.














Jeremy with Shauna; Jessica Recording






However, these two were fully warned that they were there to entertain me if things went the way I assumed they would: me in a corner listening to musical-techno talk. If you need to know what I mean, here's an example:


"Is that just an arpeggio?"
"Yes it is! Arpeggios are actually far more usable than scale forms to the beginning soloist."

...or...

"Eric Johnson sets up a nice little loop using a footpedal..."
"Yeah, and he's got some insane shredding lines..."

...and...

"How does a Boss Loop Station work?"
"So Cool! Just insert it at the end of your effects chain...yadda, yadda, yadda..."

Sadly, I could go on. Shauna? Jessica? Where you at!? And where'd my drink get to??

But you know what? I had a fabulous time! I spent 13 hours at this recording party and had a blast with everyone there. Good food, great laughs and really, really fun people. Perhaps I'm being assimilated? Maybe Jeremy is slipping something into my drink.

ANy-HoO...this leads me to another reason I loved this party: Grace's Bean Dip. This girl's voice was like beautiful velvet and watching her record her pieces was a privileged thing. Maybe she put the same amount of love she has for music in this dip. Nevertheless, it was superb. And lucky me, she was willing to share.


Grace doin' her thang



Grace's Black Bean Dip

1 can drained kidney beans
1 or 2 cloves of garlic
1/2 jalapeno pepper
juice of at least one lime if not more
salt to taste
little spoon of mayo
handful of cilantro
green onion or a bit of red onion

Put it all in the food processor - start with the garlic and jalapeno so it gets nice and small then put the rest of the ingredients in and voila - easy peasy!




photo of bean dip by picks over peas on flickr