Mr. Blotto
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Mr. Blotto is a
jam band A jam band is a musical group whose concerts (and live albums) are characterized by lengthy improvisational " jams." These include extended musical improvisation over rhythmic grooves and chord patterns, and long sets of music which often ...
from
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...
, Illinois. They blend hard rock, original rock,
southern rock Southern rock is a subgenre of rock music and a genre of Americana. It developed in the Southern United States from rock and roll, country music, and blues and is focused generally on electric guitars and vocals. Author Scott B. Bomar specula ...
,
folk music Folk music is a music genre that includes traditional folk music and the contemporary genre that evolved from the former during the 20th-century folk revival. Some types of folk music may be called world music. Traditional folk music has b ...
, and country rock. They formed in 1991, and continue to tour extensively in the midwest area. Along with their seven album releases and four DVDs, they have also released four "official bootleg" albums of their live recordings. Their most recent release "Live at the Leaf" chronicles a weekend in New Orleans playing at the legendary Maple Leaf. It was released in 2018.


History

The core of Mr. Blotto is the brother songwriting team of Mike and Paul Bolger, who had played together in garage rock bands throughout high school. They went in separate directions musically when they attended different colleges, Mike leaning towards the hardcore punk stylings of
Hüsker Dü Hüsker Dü () was an American punk rock band formed in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1979. The band's continual members were guitarist/vocalist Bob Mould, bassist/vocalist Greg Norton, and drummer/vocalist Grant Hart. They first gained notabili ...
, and Paul focusing on the resurgence of 70s rock like Aerosmith, while eventually discovering
Crosby, Stills and Nash Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) were a folk rock supergroup made up of American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Stephen Stills and English singer-songwriter Graham Nash. When joined by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young as a fourth member, ...
and the Grateful Dead, who would later become huge influences. After Paul graduated he decided to pursue the life of a full-time musician while Mike opted to become a lawyer. Paul landed a gig as the house singer in a Polish club in Chicago called "The Cardinal Club." It was here that Paul met guitarist Bob Georges and they decided to begin playing together. Earlier the Bolger brothers played in the 1980s in a group called Fred, alongside future members of the Freddy Jones Band. Paul and Bob found drummer Alan Baster at a jazz night, and hired him on. After several auditions for a bass player yielded no results, Paul convinced Mike to be an interim bass player. The band as a four-piece started hitting Chicago area open mic nights and outlying bars, developing their roots-oriented jamband sound and weaving a large number of reworked Grateful Dead songs into their sets to supplement the originals being penned by Paul, Mike and Bob. As their audience grew, Mike quit being a lawyer and became a full-fledged member. They released Parking Karma and found their way into the larger bars and venues of the Chicago scene. After the album was released, Dave Allen - an old college bandmate of Paul's - joined on keyboards, filling out the bass-acoustic guitar-electric guitar-keyboards-drums ensemble that has remained consistent through personnel changes since. In addition to Piano, Synths, & Hammond B-3, Dave supplied another singing voice and an ability to improvise lyrics that complemented a long-standing element of the early Blotto show, the "Reggae Rap," in which Paul would freestyle over a rock-steady type of beat. In the mid-90s, they released a second CD, "Bad Hair Day," and continued their process of steadily playing shows in the Chicago area. By the end of the decade they had built their audience to the point that they were a significant draw at local performances and festivals. 1998 saw a third CD, Ancient Face; in 1999 Bob Georges was replaced by Mark Hague. The introduction of Mark (who had played with the Freddy Jones Band) marked a creative period for the band, and he helped pen the next generation of Mr. Blotto tunes. Paul, Mark & Mike started meeting every Monday to work on new original ideas. In these sessions, any idea would be chased down and put to tape. These songs became Cabbages and Kings, the 4th CD which (93.1)
WXRT WXRT (93.1 FM), also known as XRT and 93-XRT is an adult album alternative (AAA) radio station in Chicago, Illinois. For many years, their slogan has been "Chicago's Finest Rock". "Chicago's Home For Music Lovers" has been used as its slogan si ...
called the band's best release yet. Around this time, the band addressed the constant demand for a Live Record. Mr. Blotto had been, from its inception, an improvisational band and had always allowed people to record the shows. A taper path was built that included an
analog-to-digital converter In electronics, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC, A/D, or A-to-D) is a system that converts an analog signal, such as a sound picked up by a microphone or light entering a digital camera, into a digital signal. An ADC may also provide ...
, a distribution amplifier, and an open invitation for all to enjoy the high quality of a constant gain board patch in either digital or analog. As a result, clean Mr. Blotto boots began to cross the country, often in advance of the band—this is especially true outside of the Midwest, where they rarely tour. Seeing as not everyone had a portable CD burner or DAT, Mr. Blotto began issuing Live Shows and Compilations. The Bootleg Series is a single CD of songs handpicked by the band for their unique characteristics, where the Just Did It series is made up of double-disc sets from one particular show or run of shows. In 2005, Alan Baster left the band....and Mr. Blotto picked up a drummer from Indiana by the name of Tony Dellumo. Shortly thereafter Paul, Mark, Mike, Tony and Dave started in on a new album that was finished spring 2006. With help of the Grateful Dead lyricist
John Perry Barlow John Perry Barlow (October 3, 1947February 7, 2018) was an American poet, essayist, cattle rancher, and cyberlibertarian political activist who had been associated with both the Democratic and Republican parties. He was also a lyricist for th ...
, Mr. Blotto released their 5th studio album: "Barlow Shanghai." When Dave "B3" Allen had to leave the band at the end of 2005, Mr. Blotto hired on another well-established musician in the Northwest Indiana music scene by the name of Steve Ball. Steve Ball is best known in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago music scene as not only a keyboard player, but also a guitar, bass, mandolin and harmonica journeyman. In 2007, the group released an album jointly written with
John Perry Barlow John Perry Barlow (October 3, 1947February 7, 2018) was an American poet, essayist, cattle rancher, and cyberlibertarian political activist who had been associated with both the Democratic and Republican parties. He was also a lyricist for th ...
, who had previously worked as a lyricist with the Grateful Dead. In 2009, Mr. Blotto played the Wakarusa festival and co-headlined the Little Turtle Music & Arts festival in
Indiana Indiana () is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. It is the 38th-largest by area and the 17th-most populous of the 50 States. Its capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana was admitted to the United States as the 19th s ...
alongside Los Lobos and The Willie Waldman Project. Alan Baster returned as drummer in July 2009. Tony Dellumo left to drum with the band Chester Brown. On May 29, 2013, the band announced that June 21, 2013 is the official release date for the new studio album, "Thread". The new album will contain 14 original songs, and will be available on-line and at the official CD Release Show at Martyr's in Chicago, IL


Origins of the band name Mr. Blotto

During a band interview with Planet 19 Media Productions, Mike and Paul described the origins of the name Mr. Blotto: Mike: ''"We used to put "Mr." before things. It was like putting "est" at the end of something, so, uh, "I'm Mr. Thirsty, I gotta get something to drink", that kind of thing."'' Paul: ''"We were at a Dead show and we were sideways and we said "I'm Mr. Blotto today" and thought it was funny."''


Tapers

Mr. Blotto allows fans to record performances from the soundboard and many of these recordings can be heard at www.archive.org. 638 shows have been archived as of summer 2013. The oldest show being 5-29-1993.


Blottopia

The group hosted a yearly festival in
Northern Illinois Northern Illinois is a region generally covering the northern third of the U.S. state of Illinois. The region is by far the most populous of Illinois with nearly 9.7 million residents as of 2010. Economics Northern Illinois is dominated by t ...
called Blottopia until 2018. Blottopia was a two-day camping festival held in July. The Festival was held along the Fox River at Vasa Park in
Elgin, Illinois Elgin ( ) is a city in Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois. Elgin is located northwest of Chicago, along the Fox River. As of the 2020 Census, the city had a population of 114,797, the seventh-large ...
. from 2000 until 2011. The band has played a surprise album for the final encore on the second night since Blottopia II. The 2012 Blottopia was held at Iron Horse in
Sabula, Iowa Sabula is a city in Jackson County, Iowa, United States. The population was 506 at the 2020 census. Sabula is the site of Iowa's only island city. The island has a beach and a campground, as well as a harbor with boat docks and storage sheds to ...
. From 2013 to 2015, Blottopia has been held at the Hideaway Lakes Campground in
Yorkville, Illinois Yorkville (officially the United City of Yorkville) is a city and county seat of Kendall County, Illinois, United States. The population was 21,533 at th2020 census History In 1836, the city of Yorkville was settled by early pioneers. Origi ...
, once again on the Fox River. The 2016 festival was held at Wardawgs Paintball in Holiday Hills, IL. The 2017 festival moved yet again to Who Else Land in Dixon, IL. Previous encores at Blottopia have included: * 2000: NO ALBUM - there was a movie in the barn afterwards * 2001: ''
The Dark Side of the Moon ''The Dark Side of the Moon'' is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on 1 March 1973 by Harvest Records. The album was primarily developed during live performances, and the band premiered an early version of ...
'' by Pink Floyd * 2002: ''
The Doors The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most controversial and influential rock acts ...
'' by The Doors * 2003: ''
Led Zeppelin II ''Led Zeppelin II'' is the second studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released on 22 October 1969 in the United States and on 31 October 1969 in the United Kingdom by Atlantic Records. Recording sessions for the album took place ...
'' by Led Zeppelin * 2004: ''
Who's Next ''Who's Next'' is the fifth studio album by English rock band the Who. It developed from the aborted '' Lifehouse'' project, a multi-media rock opera conceived by the group's guitarist Pete Townshend as a follow-up to the band's 1969 album '' ...
'' by The Who * 2005: ''
Some Girls ''Some Girls'' is the 14th UK and 16th US album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released on 9 June 1978 by Rolling Stones Records. It was recorded in sessions held between October 1977 and February 1978 at Pathé Marconi Studios in ...
'' by The Rolling Stones * 2006: ''
Terrapin Station ''Terrapin Station'' is the ninth studio album by the Grateful Dead, released July 27, 1977. It was the first Grateful Dead album on Arista Records and the first studio album after the band returned to live touring, following a nearly two-year ...
'' by The Grateful Dead * 2007: ''
Gamehendge Gamehendge is the fictional setting for a number of songs by the rock band Phish. Most of the songs can be traced back to '' The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday'' (or TMWSIY), the senior project of guitarist and primary vocalist Trey Anastasio, writt ...
'' by Phish * 2008: ''
Babylon by Bus ''Babylon by Bus'' is a live album released by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1978. The tracks on this album are considered, with two exceptions, to be from the Pavillon de Paris concerts over 3 nights, 25–27 June 1978, during the Kaya Tour, ...
'' by Bob Marley and the Wailers * 2009: ''
Stop Making Sense ''Stop Making Sense'' is a 1984 American concert film featuring a live performance by the American rock band Talking Heads. Directed by Jonathan Demme, it was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December 198 ...
'' by Talking Heads * 2010: '' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'' by The Beatles * 2011: '' Toys in the Attic'' by Aerosmith * 2012: '' Eat a Peach'' by The Allman Brothers Band * 2013: '' Sex Machine'' by James Brown * 2014: ''
Animals Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms in the biological kingdom Animalia. With few exceptions, animals consume organic material, breathe oxygen, are able to move, can reproduce sexually, and go through an ontogenetic stage in ...
'' by Pink Floyd * 2015: '' Physical Graffiti'' by Led Zeppelin * 2016: ''
Boston (album) ''Boston'' is the debut studio album by American rock band Boston, released on August 25, 1976, by Epic Records. It was produced by Tom Scholz and John Boylan. A multi-instrumentalist and engineer who had been involved in the Boston music scene ...
'' by Boston * 2017: At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band


The Wire

Mr. Blotto singer Paul Bolger became an investor in the "Wire, a venue, school and recording space described as an incubator for musical ideas." The Wire was located in Berwyn on Roosevelt Road, two blocks from the famous nightclub Fitzgeralds, in an area that promises to become a music "destination", with dining and entertainment close by. Mr. Blotto performed concerts at the venue numerous times."4 music professionals team up to give Berwyn a new nightspot" Chicago Tribune, September 29th, 2013
/ref> The Wire closed in March 2020.


Members

;Current *Paul Bolger - Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar *Mark Hague - Lead Guitar & Vocals *Mike Bolger - Bass & Vocals *Alan Baster - Drums *Steve Ball - Hammond B-3, Keyboards, Mandolin, Harmonica & Vocals ;Former *Tony Dellumo - Drums *Dave "B3" Allen - Keyboards & Vocals (occasionally still performs with band) *Bob Georges - Lead Guitar


Discography

* ''Parking Karma'', 1992 * ''Bad Hair Day'', 1994 * ''Ancient Face'', 1998 * ''Just Did It Live At The Vic Theatre'', 1999 * ''Bootleg Series #1'', 2000 * ''Cabbages and Kings'', 2001 * ''Bad Hair Decade'', 2004 * ''Barlow Shanghai'', 2006 * ''Blottopia VII DVD'', 2007 * ''Just Did It III (Live)'', 2009 * ''Blottopia IX - Babylon by Bus Encore DVD'', 2009 * ''Blottopia VIII DVD'', 2011 * ''Blottopia IX DVD'', 2011 * ''Just Did It IV Blottumnal EQ (Live)'', 2012 * ''Thread'', 2013 * ''Rules of the Road (EP)'', 2016


References


External links


Official site

Mr. Blotto collection
at the
Internet Archive The Internet Archive is an American digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It provides free public access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, software applications/games, music, ...
's live music archive
Official Photo site

Wire
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mister Blotto Rock music groups from Illinois Musical groups from Chicago Jam bands Musical groups established in 1991 1991 establishments in Illinois