Crossword Genius

Something hot produced by Marxist sergeant and bandleader? (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

red pepper

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'something hot' is the definition.
(hot and spicy pepper)

'marxist sergeant and bandleader?' is the wordplay.
'marxist sergeant' becomes 'red' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'bandleader?' becomes 'pepper' (Sgt Pepper leads a band in a Beatles song).
'red'+'pepper'='RED PEPPER'

'produced by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for red pepper that I've seen before include "Hot powdered condiment" , "Salad vegetable" , "pungent food" , "A hot mouthful" , "Very hot condiment like cayenne" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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