JD McPherson – Fine Line Music Café, Minneapolis, MN – December 13th, 2023

JD McPherson – Fine Line Music Café, Minneapolis, MN – December 13th, 2023

Review Amie Bresnehan

Photos on iphone by Kyle Hansen

JD McPherson’s Christmas show at the Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis, MN was a spirited and dynamic celebration that brought a fresh and lively twist to the holiday season. Taking the stage that was adorned with festive tree cut-outs and a large scale backdrop featuring caricature art of what appears to be his childhood pouting self, McPherson and his band delivered an energetic performance featuring almost the full album of tracks from his original Christmas album, “Socks”. The setlist showcased McPherson’s original holiday compositions, each one a vibrant blend of rockabilly and festive cheer. The audience couldn’t resist dancing and singing along as McPherson’s soulful vocals and the band’s tight musicianship filled the venue with infectious holiday joy. In between Christmas melodies McPherson filled some time with his previous original hits such as “Northside Gal” that were clearly additional crowd favorites! 

It is not an easy feat to write new and enduring, almost timelessly classic, holiday tunes. Yet, JD did just that with the Socks album.

On the 5 year anniversary of the recording, the music has truly become a staple in many people’s holiday music line up! The seamless integration of holiday spirit and rock ‘n’ roll energy make these songs and this concert a memorable and uniquely delightful experience, proving that JD McPherson knows how to make the season bright with his own brand of festive tunes.