Seeing that I’ve dedicated my blog in large part to my love of food, it’s safe to say that it’s my first love. Music is a close second. When I am cooking, there’s always a playlist of favorite tunes spinning. With Thanksgiving behind us, and the holiday season ramping up, the soundtrack to my life will soon be filled with Christmas tunes.
At my friend Carolyn’s suggestion, I’ve been listening to three-time Grammy nominated family music act Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could’s new holiday album Revvin’ Up the Reindeer. Carolyn, who writes the blog Family Music ‘n’ Arts, and I have been collaborating on helping promote the band’s upcoming show at the AMP, a performance and restaurant venue at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Md.
The album is filled with original holiday songs and has a rootsy, upbeat sound. Standouts include Holiday Jam, a ska-inspired song that captures the frenzy of the holiday season with shout outs to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza, and the title track that would fit in with the Brian Setzer Orchestra’s holiday set list.
In a recent Twitter chat, Brady shared that the title, and title song, Revvin’ Up the Reindeer, captured the spirit that he wanted to convey on a holiday album.
“It just seemed like it had the right energy,” said Rymer. “It was rockin’ and sounded fun. I loved the image of Santa getting them all ready!”
I found Revvin’ Up the Reindeer to be so bright and upbeat that I scoured through the band’s eight previous releases for more catchy melodies. I was pleased and amused when I found a number of songs devoted to food. I think only Weird Al has more songs devoted to food in his music catalog than Brady. But while Weird Al’s homage to food are nearly all parodies, Brady’s songs of food range from celebrating childhood favorites to encouraging good eating habits.
Among the culinary tunes are Ice Cream Girl, a love song to the ice cream truck driver who doles out tasty scoops of creamy delights and Pie, a cautionary song for children (and adults) who indulge in too much pie. Food is also used as a metaphor as in the song Little Sacka Sugar. For a complete list of Brady’s you can visit my Spotify playlist, Brady Rymer Celebrates Food.
The concert is Sunday, Nov. 26 and is part of the AMP’s occasional Kids Pajama Jam Party concert series. Doors at the AMP open at 4:30 p.m. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m. and promises to end just before bedtime. Pajama attire is completely encouraged. In addition to the AMP’s regular menu items, a special children’s menu is offered during the performance to satiate the pickiest of eaters, so plan on having dinner at the venue and avoid meltdowns. For tickets go to http://www.ampbystrathmore.com.
The AMP is located at Pike & Rose, 11810 Grand Park Avenue North Bethesda, MD 20852 and is powered by the Strathmore.
To get revved up for the holidays or the upcoming show, check out Revvin’ Up the Reindeer on Spotify.
Buen Provecho Amigos 