If you like the band Chicago from the old days

[RichardSimon]

I have watched this video about half a dozen times in the last few days. It is great.
Chicago at Tanglewood doing 25 or 6 to 4, with an amazing Terry Kath on a guitar solo starting at about the 3 minute mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uAUoz7jimg

After that song is I'm A Man, also fantastic Kath.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Richard I saw them around 1972-73 in Little Rock, still one of my favorite concerts of all-time!

[the 'stache]

About three weeks ago, all I listened to for two solid days was early Chicago, and I focused on Terry's playing, and singing. I loved his voice, too. They called him the white Ray Charles; he had so much soul.

And as a guitarist, he was amazing. Hendrix literally said something to the effect of "I'm good, but that guy Terry Kath in Chicago Transit Authority is better than me."

I really need to buy Chicago's first five albums on disc. Terry was the heart and soul of the band, and when he died, the real Chicago did, too. I respect that they've never really stopped playing, even through a million lineup changes (and with Cetera's massive ego); but the thing that made the band truly special died when that gun went off. Without the horns and Terry Kath, there just is no Chicago, imho.

[clydepepper]

Bill- I couldn't agree more! Let's go find those CDs...if they exist.

Richard - thanks for sharing the link...can't wait to watch it!

[the 'stache]

Christ, he was something, wasn't he? He infuses so many different musical elements into his playing. Rock, blues...jazz. The greatest compliment I can give a guitarist is that when they play from inside, there is no real outline to what they're going to do. You take all those hours of practicing, perfecting your technique, and when you get on stage, you just let your nuts hang out. Terry Kath's solo here in "25 Or 6 to 4" is a transcendent moment in rock history. That wasn't just playing outside of the box. That was kicking the box open, ripping it to pieces, and setting it on fire.

When I think of some of the guitarists we've lost young, Randy Rhodes being another...it makes me want to cry. I've played for about 25 years, but I'll never be that good. But these guys inspire me to keep pressing.

Oh, and.....hey, Kirk Hammett. See? THAT is how you use a wah pedal.

[clydepepper]

Just Watched! Kath was amazing!



...but, I have to say it:

I gotta have more Cowbell!

[the 'stache]

Weird, can't direct post Youtube videos on this particular forum.

[RichardSimon]

Glad to see early Chicago fans here besides me.
May I suggest Chicago At Carnegie Hall on CD or vinyl.
An amazing concert.
And they finally got into the Rock HOF.
About time Cleveland!!

[clydepepper]

At my High School (also Frank Thomas's), in MY day, the band always played Chicago tunes at pep rallies.

...and in ART class, Rare Earth or Grand Funk Railroad was always on the record player*.


*- for you youngster's, that's what we had 'back in the day'.

[tschock]

Southern California Purples anyone?

[familytoad]

OMG That solo was fun to watch!
Always one of my favorite classic rock songs , I didn't realize how hard they jammed live!
Thanks so much for sharing, Richard!

Bill and Raymond ...I know it's digital quality , not beloved vinyl...but if space is a concern, just subscribe to Spotify.

They have pretty much every Chicago song and album on demand...even on the free version you can just dial them up anytime. The subscription version you can save them onto your digital device and play them even when not connected to the www

Of course, Spotify has practically *every* song by every artist or so it seems...
On the threads talking about lesser known favorites and all-time greats, I often look up and listen to some songs or bands that you guys mention here.
It's amazing to discover new music this way. So I encourage that Spotify app...and while you are there, listen to some Porcupine Tree <Deadwing ....or the Incident>

[LuckyLarry]

I was in band from fourth grade until I graduated High School in 1972 (a drummer). Chicago was always my favorite, and I spent many hours with my headphones on playing along on my Ludwig drum kit. Their drummer Danny Seraphine was amazing too. Thanks for posting the video link it was great to see.
Larry