"Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari" is the first line in an actual Italian song, a children's song from 1955, _Eh Cumpari,_ and translates roughly from Sicilian as, "Hey buddy, what's that (musical) sound?" The lyrics then proceed to list off various instruments (whistle, saxophone, mandolin, violin, etc.), and fun words that are reminiscent of the sound of each of those instruments. It's a cumulative song, like _The Twelve Days of Christmas,_ in that each verse introduces a new instrument and its sound, then repeats all the previous verses, to educate small children about the instrumental sounds. So, in Chicago's lyric, a man is selling ice cream, singing Italian songs, like this Italian children's song.
Thanks, I always got that the ice cream man was singing the Italian, but knowing it's a classic kid's tune makes it way better. I don't think she ever reads the comments, but I appreciate it. 😀
And she was apparently completely oblivious that Lamm was "singing an Italian song" right after he sang the line "...singing Italian songs" immediately preceding that!! You can have all the technical vocal singing knowledge in the world, but if you don't LISTEN to what the singer is saying, you kind of miss the point. I certainly didn't know any Italian when I bought this album 50 years ago at age 13, and I figured out what was going on immediately without knowing exactly what the Italian phrase meant.
The band arrangements are still around. Our community band just this past Saturday played an arrangement of a medley of Chicago songs, including this one.
I played trumpet in school. We played this really cool song called 25 or 6 to 4. I had no idea at the time what it meant or where it was from. But I always loved how it sounded being played in band.
I saw Chicago once live, in the park on a Saturday and it was in fact the fourth of July. imagine how we all went crazy when they started playing this song. EPIC
I had a terrible childhood, and this song came out right in the midst of it. It cheered my poor damaged little child's heart. Thank heavens they played it endlessly on the radio. Very uplifting never fails to make me happy.
I was a kid in a sad situation too and I remember listening to Chicago all summer long - makes me smile and Ive gone back and relistening to all of it.
The improved Steven Wilson remix/remaster of "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon" (including the hits "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World") would make for a suite analysis.
For the person who asked in the chat, The Italian is Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari. It means "Hey, buddy, what's that sound?" It's from an Italian children's song.
Right and is fitting since the man selling ice-cream is singing it... I don't think many adults know nor remember children songs anymore especially those in other languages, which pretty much was still common when I was growing up in the 60's/70's. We still had a lot of the older immigrant generation still around in the U.S. I still remember, Aaa, kotki dwa, szarobure obydwa, nic nie beda robily, tylko ciebie bawily - the first line of a Polish Lullaby. My last name used to be Makarewicz.
The saying was that he played guitar like Jimi Hendrix and sang like Ray Charles. I think his guitar style is quite different from Hendrix’s - that comment probably has more to do with Hendrix’s well-documented admiration for Kath - but his vocals definitely sound like Charles’s. And combination of two is just amazing.
Chicago had so much talent. Each and every member was great in their own right. What I also love about this band is that the horns were not just background noise; they were always front and center. James Pankow (the Trombonist) wrote some great songs, and they all blended their talents very well. And Terry Kath is one of the most underrated guitarists of his generation.
It's too bad the horn players acted like they were the star of the show and drove peter cetera out of the band. The real star, what a shame, practically unlistenable without him
@@amd1273 Chicago became unlistenable after Terry Kath died and Peter Cetera took over forcing Chicago down the sappy pop lane. Thing is, Cetera was a phenomenal bassist - which no one would know if they only listened to Cetera's sappy pop songs!!!
@@billsager5634 those sappy pop songs made Chicago a lot of money. Those power ballads in the 80s made Chicago a household name. Terry karth was great, but Chicago's most popular songs were peter cetera doing his thing
the Italian section is translated "Eh Cumpari, you'll be ringing" - Eh Cumpari is an old italian song that an old Italian ice cream salesman might be singing in the park? Love the reaction, as always!
Interestingly, in the album version, he didn't sing the actual lyrics like he does here. He just improvised some italian-sounding nonsense. He later went back and looked up the actual lyrics for this version.
Thanks,I'm so used to the studio version that I was caught off guard singing along (in my head) and then I tried holding my headphones to my phone and see if Google translate would help 🤣 I knew someone would know in the comments! Thanks for helping me "Change my World" !
Saw Doobie Brothers with Chicago & the "warm up" band was Kansas. It was August 22, 1974. I was a 13 year old kid alone in St. Paul's "Midway Stadium", after my sister & her fiance' ditched me. Was blown away, my mom always encouraged her kids to learn a musical instrument. Well, I took trumpet as an instrument, after watching Chicago live, learned how to read music and many years later "Music" brought a WHOLE NEW WORLD to me. Music changed me forever in an AWESOME appreciation for music and musicians. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Another vote for Make Me Smile here...there are many live versions of it, and have always been taken by the soulful richness of Terry Kath's voice. That is the final third of the Chicago vocal trifecta, and, no doubt will be amazed at how he attacks his guitar during that song while still executing the vocal lines at such a high level. All amazing...
My wife doesn’t like Chicago, but I keep her anyway. I saw Chicago perform this song on a Saturday, in a national park, on the Fourth of July. Was thrilled when they started playing this song.
Chicago was blessed to have three distinctive lead singers in the band. Keyboardist Robert Lamm with his sharp baritone voice, guitarist Terry Kath with his deeper bass/baritone and bassist Peter Cetera with his light tenor made for a perfect combination of voice types.
Imagine a 10 year old that had been hearing the British invasion of the 60's along with the hard/acid rock, country and western, classical, big band, rock, and progressive rock hearing Chicago with the mix of jazz, horns and vocals. I feel so fortunate to have heard such an eclectic mix of music from that era.
I was a bus driver for 6 months on the Chicago tour in 1995 and it was a blast. I've loved their music since the 70s and getting to know them just made me love them more.
I realized something very important watching your analysis of Chicago: growing up and listening to the radio, and having very poor stereo equipment, and limited means of purchasing, I didn't like Chicago. They sounded terrible to me on the radio, so I wouldn't spend my limited $ on their music. So now, thanks to your review, I'm listening to them and they sound great. Thank you Elizabeth very much.
I totally loved their audacity. Bursting onto the scene with a double album, then following that with another double album! They just had so much to say; and everything they said was magnificent. Thank you for taking the time and sharing.
Kath was one of those musicians who "lived" the song, he's into it so delivers it, akin a SRV, especially on stage. imho, When he passed away so much of the band's musical energy passed with him.
I saw Chicago in concert about 17 years ago. I remember Trombonist Jimmy Pankow saying that it was their 37th consecutive year of touring! Many of the members on stage were original members, and most of the others were close to being original members. As a musician myself (trombone) I was blown away by how they still made the performance feel like it was their first time, like it was all fresh and they were excited to be there - which they absolutely were! You can't fake that! This band has so many hits, they could play a 3 hour set and play nothing but hits, all homerun songs! And even when they ventured into something new and different, it was a jam! In fact, one of the highlights for me was when they took it down, kicked up a nice bosa nova rhythm, and the trumpet player Lee Loughnane set aside his horn and sang the lead..and he had a damn good baritone voice!
Omg I love this band so much! This was my first introduction to them. His vocals are always so clean and beautiful. “Questions 67 and 68” is my personal favorite song from them 😭🔥🔥
I agree that "Question 67 and 68" is so good, but also the first track on the "Transit...album" that is "Introduction" is even more great. Best wishes from another musiclover in Sweden!
Elizabeth, I bet you would absolutely love their song feeling Stronger Everyday. It is a banger but it is so beautiful and it showcases some incredible horns and some incredible singing.
I just found your channel today because a friend sent me your video for Blues Traveler’s “Hook,” which is my go-to karaoke song. Now it’s almost 1:30 am and I’m in a fascinating and fun rabbit hole! I love your energy, and I love your expansive, articulate music vocabulary. You’re describing things that I think and recognize but never had the words for. It’s fun seeing you have fun with this!
it brings back memories for me of luscious Saturdays, wandering around town or through a park. Soaking in the sun, doing a little people-watching, and meeting up with friends for a nice, easy day. A little bit of music, a little bit of breathing, and a lot of laughing. I hope kids get this these days because they were pure gold for me. I love songs like this that put the scent of those days back in my nostrils.
I attended the actual Saturday in the Park concert on a sunny Saturday in Chicago. Wonderful memories. They were on fire that day. Chicago was the first three concerts I saw as a teenager. So appreciative that I was able to see Terry Kath perform those shows.
Love your upbeat vibe, and that you are doing (and truly enjoying) the songs of my youth. Music can lift us and our world certainly needs more lifting these days. Thank you.
I love the way you love certain artists, and show your appreciation by pointing out what they're doing. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and your analysis is so deep and wide and pespicacious....and not limited to just the vocals. Thanks. 👌
Hopefully Elizabeth will check out Blood Sweat and Tears next. This was the other horn influenced band that was ironically managed by the same producer but most thought they were rivals but actually weren’t.
I never realized that verse was in Italian! No wonder I could not figure it out. Still my favorite Chicago song. It is simply a joyous picture created with musical instruments and voices singing happy lyrics! RIP Terry Kath - you are so missed.
Chicago; the brass, the vocals, the song writing, so great. Why can't we find current music like this ? It's been so long since I've heard this that I almost forgot them. Damn I'm old !
I want these early Chicago songs to go on forever. The brass charts are so exciting and the musicianship is top-notch throughout. What a groundbreaking ensemble. And what a great analysis, Elizabeth! Hope you and the fam are doing well.
I LOVE Chicago! The combination of the horns and woodwinds with electric guitars and keys as well as the percussion and drums. They have one of the best combinations of musical talent ever! Have you ever listened to some of their Christmas music? Chicago 25 is one of my most favorite albums... great versions of Christmas classics!
Terry Kath and Chicago, "Wishing You Were Here", '74 New Year's Rockin' Eve .... Imagine - Chicago with the backing vocals of the Beach Boys. This live performance sounds just like the studio. Lead vocals are split between Terry and Peter who changes to acoustic guitar while Terry switches to bass.
I, like you, love how listening to music changes everything! I will mention that the 70's was a very incredible, unique time for music! Thank you again for all that you do Elizabeth🎉!!😊
I like the bass bridge beginning at 11:02 to make the transition in tempo/style. It's subtle but needed. Love your vocal observations and your joy in the music. Thank you so much 😊
Saw them in 1970; it was a great departure from what we had grown accustomed to. Of course we had listened to the records but to experience them live was exhilarating. They "blew the roof off the joint!"
This was one of my favorite songs as a kid. I remember going to Memorial Park in Blue Island near Chicago hearing this song as a toddler. Just sunshine.
I love your reaction to this. Growing up this song was radio music we sang along with in the car. I love to see your take on it. This song brings back a specific memory with my family and I was so glad to revisit it. ❤
My band plays this song and it is a super fun song to play... especially as a drummer! Such great grooves and when we get all the vocals together it sounds so good! Love this song!
I saw Chicago a couple of times back in the 70’s and this brought me such joy then and every time I hear it. My joy was doubled watching your reaction to it. I wish this world had more people in it like you with the capacity of joy. Blessed Be.
I grew up listening to Chicago way back when! Born and raised here in Chicagoland. As a young girl, we moved to California. At first I was happy, but at the same time, I was sad for missing the classic Chicago. Then Chicago,the band, came up with a great song, “Take Me Back to Chicago.” And it was released the same week that I was moving back to Chicago! Talk about love and irony. Check it out.
I also grew up in Chicagoland with this music as the soundtrack to my childhood. I never thought much about the term Chicagoland till someone from another state asked me if that was like Disneyland LOL.
Thanks so much for picking another Chicago song. And what a treat that it's a live performance. I grew up listening to Chicago and just really love the vibe and the talent those guys were able to put together in some really amazing songs that always make you feel good.
Oh My Goodness! How is it you never had this song grace your ears! I will never forget being a pre-teen going with my older siblings to Magic Mountain (before it was a Six Flags park) as they cranked this song from a well-worn, stretched cassette tape while driving!! Such great memories!!! Thanks!!
One of my favorite bands that I started listening to as a little girl. My dad introduced me to them. My little girl heart was in love with Peter Cetera in the 80s. I’ve seen this band twice in the last few years. Even though they’ve lost some members, it was a great show. The last show I went to by myself (most of my friends wouldn’t know much about them) and made some friends with some older ladies in the same row. A great time was had by all.
Looking forward to this one. Keep Chicago in the rotation, especially the Terry Kath years. I voted for Hocus Pocus in your Halloween poll, but I have never thought of it as a Halloween song. Please do The Midnight Special performance. They refused to cut the song down for their allotted time, so they sped it up. Totally insane. You will love it. Listen to it for everybody aside from your Halloween videos.
No, Hocus Pocus is not a Halloween song, just as My Favorite Things is not a Christmas song; still, if it gets a good song listened to, who am I to complain. I have not seen the Halloweek list, but I sertainly hope DOA by Bloodrock (not the longest version) is on the list - as creepy a song as any you'll find.
Elizabeth, you definitely have to do a voice reaction of Chicago's "ballad for a girl from buchannon" from their Live at Tangle concert" Especially paying attention to the sing and guitar playing of the late great Terry Kath. He is incredibly underrated as a guitar player, and his voice is so incredibly rich and soulful in the song "Colour My World". This is a multi song piece created by James Pankow who is one of the few remaining founding members of Chicago. You will definitely not be disappointed.😀
Dude... it's "Ballet For A Girl in Buchanon", NOT Ballad! I've been loving Chicago's music since 1973, and I feel like this is Jimmy Pankow's masterpiece. Although the Tanglewood version gives it life, the studio album version is so clean and under control that it is the standard for this medley. Key Points "Colour My World" and the extended end to "Make Me Smile."
If you want to experience the peak of Chicago's emotional mastery, a listen of the complete Chicago VII album will fill the bill. Driving yet soft instrumental pieces, lighthearted fun tracks, super melancholy off-blues laments, soulful ballads, you name it. Three of the tracks made their first Greatest Hits (Chicago IX) album; Happy Man, Wishin' You Were Here, and Searchin' so Long (For an Answer). Terry Kath's vocals can make a stone weep, and his guitar is taken places most axemen know nothing about.
Boy thos really takes me back to a much funner place, and time. I grew up with Chicago. You could always count on their music to bring Happy , and Joyous Symphonic Harmony to your Day. Beautiful analysis of this song. Thanks for the share. AWESOME!!!!!🎉!!!!!🎉
Chicago is the most overlooked band. Three songs off the top of my head are Beginnings, Make Me Smile (the long version) and I’m A Man. Try the album versions before live versions.
They were/are truly a joy live. Saw them in the early/mid 90's at the Valley Forge Music Fair, a 2,900 seat theater in the round. Maybe the most enjoyable show I've ever seen.
We saw them 3 years ago and this band has not changed at all. They are so polished that it is truly remarkable. Must be my second best group, next to the Moody Blues. The Moodies wrote orchestras into their music.
17:22 I always look forward to your content, appreciation, and analysis of the spectrum of music. I live on an island in Honduras and you are much appreciated here and we are all about your channel and you! Much ❤! It’s Independence Day here 🇭🇳🎉 cheers from Roatan Islas De La Bahia Honduras!!
You know there is another band from that era that you haven’t covered yet, the Eagles. And probably one of the best harmony intros in Seven Bridges Road. I would love to her your take on that buttery harmony. It was so good it’s hard to find the original over all the cover that have been made since.
I'm actually very familiar with the Eagles. My mother reminded me that they listened to them a lot when I was growing up. That said, I know the Eagles are super hard on copyrights, so we've been holding off for a bit. I might cross that bridge next year!
@@TheCharismaticVoice You are right Elizabeth. The Eagles are super difficult with copyright. Don Henley has 60 people scanning the internet looking for Eagles material. I've heard he's even destroyed some peoples UA-cam channels. Beware.
The Eagles (Mostly Don Henley) is a NOTORIOUS video striker and in most all cases getting any of their music in any kind of video is way more trouble than its worth. Eagles, Metallica, Led Zepplin, Queen... totally waste of time.
Chicago was my time! They were innovative with their horns in rock/pop songs, and their songs became favorites of school and college bands precisely for the brass section. Old Chicago, this era, was fabulous.
"Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari" is the first line in an actual Italian song, a children's song from 1955, _Eh Cumpari,_ and translates roughly from Sicilian as, "Hey buddy, what's that (musical) sound?" The lyrics then proceed to list off various instruments (whistle, saxophone, mandolin, violin, etc.), and fun words that are reminiscent of the sound of each of those instruments. It's a cumulative song, like _The Twelve Days of Christmas,_ in that each verse introduces a new instrument and its sound, then repeats all the previous verses, to educate small children about the instrumental sounds.
So, in Chicago's lyric, a man is selling ice cream, singing Italian songs, like this Italian children's song.
Thanks, I always got that the ice cream man was singing the Italian, but knowing it's a classic kid's tune makes it way better. I don't think she ever reads the comments, but I appreciate it. 😀
Brilliant song craft from highly talented and extremely intelligent artists
Dude, that's cool! Thanks, Man! 😊
And she was apparently completely oblivious that Lamm was "singing an Italian song" right after he sang the line "...singing Italian songs" immediately preceding that!! You can have all the technical vocal singing knowledge in the world, but if you don't LISTEN to what the singer is saying, you kind of miss the point. I certainly didn't know any Italian when I bought this album 50 years ago at age 13, and I figured out what was going on immediately without knowing exactly what the Italian phrase meant.
Hero mode...activated....
High school band teachers across the country thanked God for Chicago in the early 70s, because they made high school band relevant.
The band arrangements are still around. Our community band just this past Saturday played an arrangement of a medley of Chicago songs, including this one.
Word! 😂
I played trumpet in school. We played this really cool song called 25 or 6 to 4. I had no idea at the time what it meant or where it was from. But I always loved how it sounded being played in band.
My dad taught music at a Junior High school back then. This is SO true! This song, in particular.
This….absolutely! I played horn in HS from ‘7y to ‘80….loved when we had some Chicago in the program….
I saw Chicago once live, in the park on a Saturday and it was in fact the fourth of July. imagine how we all went crazy when they started playing this song. EPIC
Were you in Grant Park in Chicago? That would be absolute perfection!
You’re a low level intelligent but it’s great band
Awe man, that would have been AMAZING!!
I was at this concert. It was at The Arie Crown Theatre on November 21, 1972. In Chicago.
That is Epic!!
I had a terrible childhood, and this song came out right in the midst of it. It cheered my poor damaged little child's heart. Thank heavens they played it endlessly on the radio. Very uplifting never fails to make me happy.
So sorry...praying for complete healing for you in the name of Jesus!!
❤❤️💜❤️💜❤️
I was a kid in a sad situation too and I remember listening to Chicago all summer long - makes me smile and Ive gone back and relistening to all of it.
Agreed. Blood, Sweat & Tears, Elizabeth. Spinning Wheel - it will blow you away!
Actually, most anything from them will blow her away. It sure did me.
was 10 years old in 73 pleasant memories going to the local lake in the summer and listening to this on AM radio. will never forget the good ol days.
10 y.o. in 73 as well !! great memories tied to this band! Started playing sax that year too!!
Yes… More Chicago, please…
I have over 50 Chicago videos on my channel… Trust me, they have a lot more than just their radio songs.
Terry Kath next...
Seconded.
The improved Steven Wilson remix/remaster of "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon" (including the hits "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World") would make for a suite analysis.
Robert Lamm still sounds amazing into his 70's. I've seen them twice in the last few years and they are still amazing
For the person who asked in the chat, The Italian is Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari. It means "Hey, buddy, what's that sound?" It's from an Italian children's song.
I hope she learns this.
@@Nastyn1nja8082 REPLIES
Thanks!
Right and is fitting since the man selling ice-cream is singing it...
I don't think many adults know nor remember children songs anymore especially those in other languages, which pretty much was still common when I was growing up in the 60's/70's. We still had a lot of the older immigrant generation still around in the U.S.
I still remember, Aaa, kotki dwa, szarobure obydwa, nic nie beda robily, tylko ciebie bawily - the first line of a Polish Lullaby. My last name used to be Makarewicz.
Dean Martin.
This is my second fave Chicago song. My first is "Make Me Smile" partly because I love Terry Kath's voice so much!
The saying was that he played guitar like Jimi Hendrix and sang like Ray Charles. I think his guitar style is quite different from Hendrix’s - that comment probably has more to do with Hendrix’s well-documented admiration for Kath - but his vocals definitely sound like Charles’s. And combination of two is just amazing.
She does need the Terry Kath song to complete the set.
Terry Kath is so underrated...such a great guitarist!
Omg!…that is a great song also…
Hard to have a favorite “Chicago” song. They were around my entire childhood.
Chicago had so much talent. Each and every member was great in their own right. What I also love about this band is that the horns were not just background noise; they were always front and center. James Pankow (the Trombonist) wrote some great songs, and they all blended their talents very well. And Terry Kath is one of the most underrated guitarists of his generation.
It's too bad the horn players acted like they were the star of the show and drove peter cetera out of the band. The real star, what a shame, practically unlistenable without him
@@amd1273 Chicago became unlistenable after Terry Kath died and Peter Cetera took over forcing Chicago down the sappy pop lane. Thing is, Cetera was a phenomenal bassist - which no one would know if they only listened to Cetera's sappy pop songs!!!
@@billsager5634 those sappy pop songs made Chicago a lot of money. Those power ballads in the 80s made Chicago a household name. Terry karth was great, but Chicago's most popular songs were peter cetera doing his thing
@@amd1273 hahaha..... You must be young, if you think Chicago was unknown until those horrid Peter Cetera ballads of the 1980's!!!
@@amd1273 Twinkies make a lot of money. Doesn't make them good food, though.
the Italian section is translated "Eh Cumpari, you'll be ringing" - Eh Cumpari is an old italian song that an old Italian ice cream salesman might be singing in the park? Love the reaction, as always!
Yoo thank you
thanks for clarifying this!!
Interestingly, in the album version, he didn't sing the actual lyrics like he does here. He just improvised some italian-sounding nonsense. He later went back and looked up the actual lyrics for this version.
Can you dig it?
Thanks,I'm so used to the studio version that I was caught off guard singing along (in my head) and then I tried holding my headphones to my phone and see if Google translate would help 🤣
I knew someone would know in the comments!
Thanks for helping me "Change my World" !
All great musicians.
People underestimate how much a brass section can elevate a track.
Unfortunately, a brass section that is not absolutely together can easily become muddled and unimpressive.
All 7 were irreplaceable. That was Chicago.
Yep, great horns in a pop or rock song rule
horns! I miss horns.
Saw Doobie Brothers with Chicago & the "warm up" band was Kansas. It was August 22, 1974. I was a 13 year old kid alone in St. Paul's "Midway Stadium", after my sister & her fiance' ditched me. Was blown away, my mom always encouraged her kids to learn a musical instrument. Well, I took trumpet as an instrument, after watching Chicago live, learned how to read music and many years later "Music" brought a WHOLE NEW WORLD to me. Music changed me forever in an AWESOME appreciation for music and musicians. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
In Minnesota! Beautiful 😻 I was born in north momeriol hospital!
Another vote for Make Me Smile here...there are many live versions of it, and have always been taken by the soulful richness of Terry Kath's voice. That is the final third of the Chicago vocal trifecta, and, no doubt will be amazed at how he attacks his guitar during that song while still executing the vocal lines at such a high level. All amazing...
Me too for Naje Me Smile, which also has the best drums in a pop rock song ever
Who doesn't Love Chicago? So many great classic songs. Glad to see you are enjoying them as much as we do.
Only those who've never heard them right? Lol
My wife doesn’t like Chicago, but I keep her anyway. I saw Chicago perform this song on a Saturday, in a national park, on the Fourth of July. Was thrilled when they started playing this song.
Chicago was blessed to have three distinctive lead singers in the band. Keyboardist Robert Lamm with his sharp baritone voice, guitarist Terry Kath with his deeper bass/baritone and bassist Peter Cetera with his light tenor made for a perfect combination of voice types.
Imagine a 10 year old that had been hearing the British invasion of the 60's along with the hard/acid rock, country and western, classical, big band, rock, and progressive rock hearing Chicago with the mix of jazz, horns and vocals. I feel so fortunate to have heard such an eclectic mix of music from that era.
"Beginnings" is one of my favorite of theirs. Really powerful brass in it too especially building up at the halfway point. 🎺👌
Please do us a favor never stop your channel and never lose your smile it's infectious.😊
I was a bus driver for 6 months on the Chicago tour in 1995 and it was a blast. I've loved their music since the 70s and getting to know them just made me love them more.
I realized something very important watching your analysis of Chicago: growing up and listening to the radio, and having very poor stereo equipment, and limited means of purchasing, I didn't like Chicago. They sounded terrible to me on the radio, so I wouldn't spend my limited $ on their music. So now, thanks to your review, I'm listening to them and they sound great. Thank you Elizabeth very much.
Elizabeth's reacting to "Saturday in the Park" and I'm doing my happy dance.
I totally loved their audacity. Bursting onto the scene with a double album, then following that with another double album!
They just had so much to say; and everything they said was magnificent. Thank you for taking the time and sharing.
I think they had 3 double albums in a row, then a four-record set at Carnegie Hall.
Make Me Smile needs to be next. Terry Kath rips up lead vocals and (of course) shows his guitar god status. Start with the 13-min studio version
"Ballet for a girl in Buchannon" is the title of the entire song :)
Sorry to nitpick, but it is "ballad" and not "ballet"
It is "ballet". See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballet_for_a_Girl_in_Buchannon
Kath was one of those musicians who "lived" the song, he's into it so delivers it, akin a SRV, especially on stage. imho, When he passed away so much of the band's musical energy passed with him.
From that era, I have to go with "If You Leave Me now."
I saw Chicago in concert about 17 years ago. I remember Trombonist Jimmy Pankow saying that it was their 37th consecutive year of touring! Many of the members on stage were original members, and most of the others were close to being original members. As a musician myself (trombone) I was blown away by how they still made the performance feel like it was their first time, like it was all fresh and they were excited to be there - which they absolutely were! You can't fake that! This band has so many hits, they could play a 3 hour set and play nothing but hits, all homerun songs! And even when they ventured into something new and different, it was a jam! In fact, one of the highlights for me was when they took it down, kicked up a nice bosa nova rhythm, and the trumpet player Lee Loughnane set aside his horn and sang the lead..and he had a damn good baritone voice!
Omg I love this band so much! This was my first introduction to them. His vocals are always so clean and beautiful. “Questions 67 and 68” is my personal favorite song from them 😭🔥🔥
Questions 67 & 68 is a great track.
@@sirkat344 Right? It’s such a masterpiece.
Theyre singing about Grant Park in downtown Chicago. It's where Lollapalooza is held every year
I agree that "Question 67 and 68" is so good, but also the first track on the "Transit...album" that is "Introduction" is even more great. Best wishes from another musiclover in Sweden!
I LOVE the first 3 LP's.
Elizabeth, I bet you would absolutely love their song feeling Stronger Everyday. It is a banger but it is so beautiful and it showcases some incredible horns and some incredible singing.
Chicago brings me back to my childhood enjoying the summers outside and just enjoying life in general. (Reminiscing with a huge smile on my face)🙂
I just found your channel today because a friend sent me your video for Blues Traveler’s “Hook,” which is my go-to karaoke song. Now it’s almost 1:30 am and I’m in a fascinating and fun rabbit hole! I love your energy, and I love your expansive, articulate music vocabulary. You’re describing things that I think and recognize but never had the words for. It’s fun seeing you have fun with this!
it brings back memories for me of luscious Saturdays, wandering around town or through a park. Soaking in the sun, doing a little people-watching, and meeting up with friends for a nice, easy day. A little bit of music, a little bit of breathing, and a lot of laughing. I hope kids get this these days because they were pure gold for me. I love songs like this that put the scent of those days back in my nostrils.
I attended the actual Saturday in the Park concert on a sunny Saturday in Chicago. Wonderful memories. They were on fire that day. Chicago was the first three concerts I saw as a teenager. So appreciative that I was able to see Terry Kath perform those shows.
So many great tunes from these guys. Wishing You Were Here with the Beach Boys on backing vocals is beautiful. ❤
I think should would go nuts with that one!
Love your upbeat vibe, and that you are doing (and truly enjoying) the songs of my youth.
Music can lift us and our world certainly needs more lifting these days. Thank you.
Chicago is one of the GOATs! Each song is huge production. Love their orchestration of instruments and voices to boot.
Such an over abundance of talent - I cannot see how one could listen this song and NOT be happy!
I love Robert Lamms voice in this era. Cool that you recorded this and the smile in his voice.
I love the way you love certain artists, and show your appreciation by pointing out what they're doing. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and your analysis is so deep and wide and pespicacious....and not limited to just the vocals. Thanks. 👌
Hopefully Elizabeth will check out Blood Sweat and Tears next. This was the other horn influenced band that was ironically managed by the same producer but most thought they were rivals but actually weren’t.
I agree but don’t forget Tower of Power and Lighthouse , as a trumpet guy myself for 17 years I loved all those horn sections.
@@rickcaruso7351I have always thought the Tower of Power were just the coolest dudes...
Not to mention the amazing voice of David Clayton Thomas when he sang for Blood Sweat & Tears
I love BS&T. I always thought of Chicago as jazz/rock and BS&T as rock/jazz.
BS&T One of my all time favorites.
As a Teenager growing up in the 70s this song is so true, what an amazing time.
I never realized that verse was in Italian! No wonder I could not figure it out. Still my favorite Chicago song. It is simply a joyous picture created with musical instruments and voices singing happy lyrics! RIP Terry Kath - you are so missed.
This was a lovely start to my Monday. Apologies I couldn't make the premier but so glad you are enjoying more of Chicago!
One of my all-time favorite songs. It always puts me in a good mood.
Chicago; the brass, the vocals, the song writing, so great. Why can't we find current music like this ? It's been so long since I've heard this that I almost forgot them. Damn I'm old !
the Brass. that Bone....
Elizabeth you nailed it, Chicago is pure J.O.Y. when I hear them I can't help but smile!😊
Joy
I want these early Chicago songs to go on forever. The brass charts are so exciting and the musicianship is top-notch throughout. What a groundbreaking ensemble. And what a great analysis, Elizabeth! Hope you and the fam are doing well.
I was a big Chicago fan in my youth and saw them live three times in the early 70s, when this was recorded. Great memories!
Amazing I can only imagine. Jeez
I LOVE Chicago! The combination of the horns and woodwinds with electric guitars and keys as well as the percussion and drums. They have one of the best combinations of musical talent ever! Have you ever listened to some of their Christmas music? Chicago 25 is one of my most favorite albums... great versions of Christmas classics!
Terry Kath and Chicago, "Wishing You Were Here", '74 New Year's Rockin' Eve .... Imagine - Chicago with the backing vocals of the Beach Boys. This live performance sounds just like the studio. Lead vocals are split between Terry and Peter who changes to acoustic guitar while Terry switches to bass.
Legendary band, prime musicians. Thank you for including Chicago again.
Chicago was such a pro band - you can't do this level without everyone being at the top of their game. Respect from musician.
I, like you, love how listening to music
changes everything! I will mention that the 70's was a very incredible, unique time for music! Thank you again for all that you do Elizabeth🎉!!😊
I like the bass bridge beginning at 11:02 to make the transition in tempo/style. It's subtle but needed. Love your vocal observations and your joy in the music. Thank you so much 😊
Saw them in 1970; it was a great departure from what we had grown accustomed to. Of course we had listened to the records but to experience them live was exhilarating. They "blew the roof off the joint!"
This was such a joy to listen to more Chicago with you!!! 🥰
More Chicago please. Make me smile, Beginnings, Colour my World, are all perfect choices to showcase Terry.
This was one of my favorite songs as a kid. I remember going to Memorial Park in Blue Island near Chicago hearing this song as a toddler. Just sunshine.
That was super fun. Not wanting a song, or anything, to end is a grand compliment.
Elizabeth takes a walk through the park on a Friday for Saturday in the Park. So she's a little early 😂
Hahahaha! Very surprising I'm early!
@@TheCharismaticVoice2 REPLIES
Hhhhmmm, Friday in the Park with Elizabeth or Sunday in the Park with George?
@@davidt7482George is only there in the afternoon.
Peter's voice has always reminded me of the horns they use so much throughout their music. Love Chicago!
I love your reaction to this. Growing up this song was radio music we sang along with in the car. I love to see your take on it. This song brings back a specific memory with my family and I was so glad to revisit it. ❤
This popped up on my feed tonight, and the wonderful composition by Chicago and your joyous reaction pulled me out of a day long funk. Thank you!
I'm so glad you're falling in love with my favorite band I did in the 70's
My band plays this song and it is a super fun song to play... especially as a drummer! Such great grooves and when we get all the vocals together it sounds so good! Love this song!
So fun
I can't think how any drum parts played by Danny Seraphine would not be fun to play?
Elizabeth, your reactions always make me smile! Thank you for that❤
They've always been one of my favorites. I saw them live in June with three of the original members. The whole concert was hit after hit.
One of the most fun, talented and entertaining concerts I've ever been to. I've seen them several times over the years.
Question 67 and 68 is a must. I was lucky enough to see the original lineup when I was 8 years old. Just love them
I saw Chicago a couple of times back in the 70’s and this brought me such joy then and every time I hear it. My joy was doubled watching your reaction to it. I wish this world had more people in it like you with the capacity of joy. Blessed Be.
I grew up listening to Chicago way back when! Born and raised here in Chicagoland. As a young girl, we moved to California. At first I was happy, but at the same time, I was sad for missing the classic Chicago. Then Chicago,the band, came up with a great song, “Take Me Back to Chicago.” And it was released the same week that I was moving back to Chicago! Talk about love and irony. Check it out.
I also grew up in Chicagoland with this music as the soundtrack to my childhood. I never thought much about the term Chicagoland till someone from another state asked me if that was like Disneyland LOL.
Your face at the end of the song broke my heart, because I feel your pain! Love this song too! ❤️
One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite groups
I'm from Chicago, so I always loved their name, and growing up with these songs was so wonderful.
Make Me Smile or Colour My World with Terry Kath on lead vocals would be awesome for you to do next!
Chicago Transit Authority or simply CHICAGO!
Color my world was the last dance of the night way back when...
Thanks so much for picking another Chicago song. And what a treat that it's a live performance. I grew up listening to Chicago and just really love the vibe and the talent those guys were able to put together in some really amazing songs that always make you feel good.
Excellent!! Glad to hear more of the wonderful music I grew up with! Yes...I rode dinosaurs to school, in the snow, uphill both ways. 😅
At least we had great music to listen to on the way!
I think I went to the same school. :)
With no shoes
same! As I tell my kids..."yes, I was there when they invented dirt" 😂😂
I find it amazing how you can translate what you hear into words…you’re the perfect coach! RESPECT to you. Just amazing!
This is one of the greatest groups ever three lead singers and the band is made up of all great musicians love Chicago so much
Oh My Goodness! How is it you never had this song grace your ears! I will never forget being a pre-teen going with my older siblings to Magic Mountain (before it was a Six Flags park) as they cranked this song from a well-worn, stretched cassette tape while driving!! Such great memories!!! Thanks!!
So much love your enthusiasm and informed analysis. Great song, great band
One of my favorite bands that I started listening to as a little girl. My dad introduced me to them. My little girl heart was in love with Peter Cetera in the 80s. I’ve seen this band twice in the last few years. Even though they’ve lost some members, it was a great show. The last show I went to by myself (most of my friends wouldn’t know much about them) and made some friends with some older ladies in the same row. A great time was had by all.
In the seventies, I played trombone in the high school band. Chicago made me feel cool.
I was a sax player from '70-'78... me too.
How sweet I grew up in the 70’s as well and so I get it.
The transition into the second part is one of may favorites in any song.
Looking forward to this one. Keep Chicago in the rotation, especially the Terry Kath years. I voted for Hocus Pocus in your Halloween poll, but I have never thought of it as a Halloween song. Please do The Midnight Special performance. They refused to cut the song down for their allotted time, so they sped it up. Totally insane. You will love it. Listen to it for everybody aside from your Halloween videos.
No, Hocus Pocus is not a Halloween song, just as My Favorite Things is not a Christmas song; still, if it gets a good song listened to, who am I to complain. I have not seen the Halloweek list, but I sertainly hope DOA by Bloodrock (not the longest version) is on the list - as creepy a song as any you'll find.
Love DOA! yes, very creepy and hits hard. A lot of stations wouldn't play it.@@thomasmacdiarmid8251
I had the pleasure of watching them live around 1990/91. Such a good show??? ❤️
Greatest horn band of the early 70s
Or, Tower of Power.😊
Greatest. Horn. Band. EVER!
So fun to watch you enjoy this amazing music. They can still rock it 50 years later.
Elizabeth, you definitely have to do a voice reaction of Chicago's "ballad for a girl from buchannon" from their Live at Tangle concert" Especially paying attention to the sing and guitar playing of the late great Terry Kath. He is incredibly underrated as a guitar player, and his voice is so incredibly rich and soulful in the song "Colour My World". This is a multi song piece created by James Pankow who is one of the few remaining founding members of Chicago. You will definitely not be disappointed.😀
Dude... it's "Ballet For A Girl in Buchanon", NOT Ballad! I've been loving Chicago's music since 1973, and I feel like this is Jimmy Pankow's masterpiece. Although the Tanglewood version gives it life, the studio album version is so clean and under control that it is the standard for this medley. Key Points "Colour My World" and the extended end to "Make Me Smile."
If you want to experience the peak of Chicago's emotional mastery, a listen of the complete Chicago VII album will fill the bill. Driving yet soft instrumental pieces, lighthearted fun tracks, super melancholy off-blues laments, soulful ballads, you name it. Three of the tracks made their first Greatest Hits (Chicago IX) album; Happy Man, Wishin' You Were Here, and Searchin' so Long (For an Answer). Terry Kath's vocals can make a stone weep, and his guitar is taken places most axemen know nothing about.
Chicago 17 for me😊
I grew up to bands such as Chicago and Bread playing on my parents console stereo in the 70’s!
Boy thos really takes me back to a much funner place, and time. I grew up with Chicago. You could always count on their music to bring Happy , and Joyous Symphonic Harmony to your Day. Beautiful analysis of this song. Thanks for the share. AWESOME!!!!!🎉!!!!!🎉
Chicago is the most overlooked band. Three songs off the top of my head are Beginnings, Make Me Smile (the long version) and I’m A Man. Try the album versions before live versions.
They were/are truly a joy live. Saw them in the early/mid 90's at the Valley Forge Music Fair, a 2,900 seat theater in the round. Maybe the most enjoyable show I've ever seen.
We saw them 3 years ago and this band has not changed at all. They are so polished that it is truly remarkable. Must be my second best group, next to the Moody Blues. The Moodies wrote orchestras into their music.
Only three remaining from the original seven and now featuring at least ten members, so how can that be "..this band has not changed at all."?
Great song. Always love singing this on Smule. Elizabeth you always bring a smile to face.
Forgot how good they are. So clean and cool. Great horn section always.
17:22 I always look forward to your content, appreciation, and analysis of the spectrum of music. I live on an island in Honduras and you are much appreciated here and we are all about your channel and you! Much ❤! It’s Independence Day here 🇭🇳🎉 cheers from Roatan Islas De La Bahia Honduras!!
You know there is another band from that era that you haven’t covered yet, the Eagles. And probably one of the best harmony intros in Seven Bridges Road. I would love to her your take on that buttery harmony. It was so good it’s hard to find the original over all the cover that have been made since.
I'm actually very familiar with the Eagles. My mother reminded me that they listened to them a lot when I was growing up. That said, I know the Eagles are super hard on copyrights, so we've been holding off for a bit. I might cross that bridge next year!
@@TheCharismaticVoice You are right Elizabeth. The Eagles are super difficult with copyright. Don Henley has 60 people scanning the internet looking for Eagles material. I've heard he's even destroyed some peoples UA-cam channels. Beware.
@@TheCharismaticVoiceYou mean you'll cross Seven Bridges Road next year? Lol
The Eagles are great but not worth getting blocked or worse.
The Eagles (Mostly Don Henley) is a NOTORIOUS video striker and in most all cases getting any of their music in any kind of video is way more trouble than its worth. Eagles, Metallica, Led Zepplin, Queen... totally waste of time.
Chicago was my time! They were innovative with their horns in rock/pop songs, and their songs became favorites of school and college bands precisely for the brass section. Old Chicago, this era, was fabulous.
I feel old now, I had this on 8-track way back when.