“A Groover’s Christmas” IE Review

MR. BLOTTO

A Groover’s Christmas

Arguably Chicago’s hardest working band, Mr. Blotto faced some trepidation gathering some Christmas tunes for “A Groover’s Christmas!” so they invited a few fans to the studio to lighten the mood.  Mission accomplished. Their interpretations of Xmas classics like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Silver Bells” bring their super tight, jam band vibe and top notch harmonies to the originals, without losing the luster of the seasonal songs you’ll hear dozens of times on Chicago’s seasonal Christmas radio station.  Blotto is best when they show off their musicianship, especially on “Lucy and Linus” and “We Three Kings” where Paul Bolger can take charge with his passionate vocals.  The more affected and cheeky “12 Days of Christmas” sounds a little self indulgent on disc but could be a blast in a live setting. “Santa’s a Hippy” proves they can get funky with the Christmas jams with the best of them.

-David Gedge

IE/Illinois Entertainer

Vol. 48. Number 02

December 2021