IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 26, 2023)

And just like that, it’s almost over! All that remains are the crumbs of Christmas cookies, discarded wrapping paper and the sighs of 2023 as it creeps closer to the back door. Some of us may still have family to visit or get-togethers with friends …. and let’s not forget New Year’s Eve. If you’re like me and my mister, you’ve opted to eschew the party hats and noisemakers in favor of a more relaxed and intimate setting.

But that doesn’t mean we’re going to roll over and play dead this week …. not by a long shot! Have you forgotten the Sicilian Curveball? Well then, I think it may be time to serve up one final pitch right about now.

Gather ’round the fire pit and turn up the volume; welcome to the Rocking Sounds Of The Season! We will not go out with a whimper here In The Groove!

Now remember …. as is my style I have prepared a holiday banquet of treats for you – one might say “The 12 Rocking Days of Christmas”. This is an audio/visual feast, my friends! The videos are intended to be viewed throughout the week, not ingested whole unless that’s the way you roll. If that is your preference, then by all means ….. belly up to the bar. ‘Tis the Season, after all!

I’m opening today with an American group based in Omaha, Nebraska. This is a neoclassical new-age music ensemble founded in 1974 known primarily for its Fresh Aire series of albums which blend classical music with elements of new age and rock, and for its modern recordings of holiday music. They are wildly popular, having sold over 28 million albums in the US alone.

Strap yourselves in, kids; it’s’ gonna be one hell of a sleigh ride!

This is Mannheim Steamroller!

“Deck the Halls“

“Faeries from Nutcracker Suite”

“Hallelujah“

“Sleigh Ride“

And now, from the world of Heavy Metal ….. oh, did you think I wouldn’t go there? Ho! Ho! Ho! Think again! Here are four of the greats!

We’re going to church, boys and girls, so show some respect. This is Dio (with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame) and a few other guys) with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.

Here we have an old Chuck Berry number …. “Run, Rudolph Run” …. hopped up a bit featuring Lemmy (Motörhead), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) & Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

A little something called “Very Merry Led Zeppelin” …. a Led Zepp Medley, if you will.

Nobody even think of leaving just yet. This is “Carol of the Bells” by Metallica.

My final featured group today is another US-based band founded in 1996 and based in Tampa, Florida. This rock band gained popularity when they began touring in 1999 after completing their second album, “The Christmas Attic”. In 2007 the Washington Post referred to them as “an arena-rock juggernaut whose music is like a meeting of Pink Floyd, Yes and the Who at Radio City Music Hall”. They have sold more than 10 million concert tickets and over 10 million albums and are known for their elaborate concerts and light shows.

I bring you TSO – Trans-Siberian Orchestra!

“A Mad Russian“

“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo“

“Siberian Sleighride“

“Wizards in Winter“

This is it, kids …. the final In The Groove 2023 for The Rhythm Section. I think you’ll agree it is a true Sicilian Storyteller smorgasbord that will take you right into the New Year!

Enjoy your holiday week, my friends! Stay safe, happy and healthy always.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

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