This won't be my last run-in with this band. SHEESH!! Thanks for watching! Most of my requests come from here. To support the show here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts 🤞🏾
True story: Chicago and Hendrix were playing the same festival (Montreux, maybe?) and in passing, Jimi said to Peter Cetera (but I could be wrong there), the lead singer "that horn section sounds like it plays with one set of lungs and that guitarist you got is better than me." Terry Kath never gets the respect he deserves as one of the GOAT's but he's definitely way up there.
polo man! Chicago is a very very good and tight band but this has got to be one of their sloppiest performances. do yourself a favor and listen to the same song as performed by Steve Winwood.
If you can find their greatest hits album, it'll be a nice shortcut to find their good stuff Saturday In The Park, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, are a couple of my favorite Chicago tunes.
Totally agree! I was immersed in the music as it happened. So new, so revolutionary, so profound. It was and still is a joy. My kids and grandkids listen to much of this music today. We have been blessed to be around for the ride.
It was my privilege to see these guys in 1973, I was 30 feet in front the great guitarist, Terry Kath. I was completely mesmerized by him and the rest of the band that night. Peter Cetera had such a great voice, but then so did Terry. I will never forget that night. That remains the best concert of my life. There was not a weak musician in the entire lineup.
I saw them in 2008 at MGM . better than front row I was a table. got the ticket SAME DAY for $100. man I miss those ticket prices. Of course I miss the $30 tickets too . lol
Chicago had their very own unique sound, that horn section was incredible, and Terry Kath on guitar was just the best! I'm so lucky to have grown up with this music.
"Make Me Smile" is a single edit and is missing some great parts. It and "Color My World" are best heard in their original context, the "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon" suite.
I’m a Man is a cover of The Spencer Davis’ Groups arrangement of the very old blues standard Mannish Boy. Terry added a little Hendrix style guitar to spice it a little differently. lol
We all had long hair in the late 60s/early 70s. I saw them twice in concert their heyday. They are just amazing. Their sound just flows through your body in an arena. It’s that powerful.
Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. They have recorded 38 albums, sold over 100,000,000 records and are one of the longest- ...
Chicago, “Saturday in The Park”, “Does anybody really know what time it is”, “If You Leave Me Now”, “Just You N’ Me Feelin’ Stronger Every Day”, and more.
The thing I love about Terry Kath is that his solos are one continuous thought. He doesn't take a break to refresh. He just keeps going without taking a breath. He is almost unparalleled in this regard. RIP Terry you are an icon.
As a kid with a guitar in the late sixties and early 70s I made it my goal to learn this song. Over the years though I think I learned to appreciate Make Me Smile a little more. Written by James Pankow the bone player, it really underscores the musicianship of each of these guys from the awesome writing to the soulful lead vocal and the incredible drum solo on the extended version. Def. worth a video
Definitely one of the best bands of their era. Three world-class lead vocalists, great songwriting, and each instrumentalist was a badass in his own right. And as you could tell here, their complex arrangements really made them stand out too. There's a lot of material from them to enjoy.
You said it, brother. You were born at the wrong time. Thankfully, all recorded music is available to you! I am an old lady, 72. I was a freshman in college when their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, came out. I wore it out on my turntable. But truthfully, the 60s were an embarrassment of riches musically. Only equaled by the swing era of my parents. Tap into their first 2 albums, plus check out Blood, Sweat and Tears, their contemporaries.
I'm with you on this! I saw Chicago Transit Authority in 1969 playing as the warm up band for Jimi Hendrix and they were unbelievable. I went right out bought their first album and played it constantly. Second album is great too but the first one is a masterpiece.
71 years old, and I don't remember who owned the house, but I remember when they put "Introduction" their double album on, and we listened to all 4 sides. It remains a must-have.
While touring with Hendrix, Terry Kath actually taught Jimmy how to make animal sounds on the guitar. Can you imagine what it must have been like seeing Chicago open and then Hendrix? Must have been epic!
The band had three singers, you heard Peter Cetera on this one, but Robert Lamb on keys and Terry Kath on the lead sang as well. Amazing band, rockers with horns till Terrys tragic death and even then they were a hit machine. Just a brilliant band.
Peter Cetera on bass and lead vocal. Terry Kath melting the Strat and had a soulful voice. He wrote and sang "Make Me Smile". These guys were the truth.
While Terry Kath did great on the vocals of both "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World", the songs were composed by the trombonist James Pankow. Those songs were part of his suite "A Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon".
In the latter part of Chicago's career, they toured and played on stage with Earth Wind and Fire. Both bands took turns playing each other's songs. That was, as the youngsters say, EPIC!
e w and f one of my lifelong fave bands. maurice white was also from chicago. i would have loved to be at that concert. phil collins eventually poached e w and f's horn section.
Jimi Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the greatest guitar player in the world. Jimi replied, “I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Terry Kath!”
Jimi Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the greatest guitar player in the world. Jimi replied, “I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Terry Kath!” What a tragic loss Terry’s passing was.
There's like 4 or 5 versions of this story with different names. I'd like to think Kath is the real quote, but something tells me none of them are real and are just embellished stories
Yeah, there doesn't seem to be any definitive documentation on this quote. There are several magazine articles that claim he said it on the Mike Douglas Show, with his answer being "I don't know, you'll have to ask Rory Gallagher", but I've never been able to find any video to confirm it. The names I've most often seen used for the answer are Terry Kath, Billy Gibbons, or Johnny Winter, but it's become such a standard misquote that I'm sure I've seen a dozen versions by now, none of them verifiable by any reliable source.
I am 70 years old. I could tell a story of the first time hearing this new album out by Chicago but I won't bore all of you. I was 16 years old. I will never forget any of that moment because the music of Chicago was it's background. I am so glad you liked it, Polo.
I read that Terry Kath was Jimmy Hendrix favorite guitar player. Your instincts are on point! Great band with an incredible catalog. You've got lots yet to discover.
So much to choose from. Early Chicago is the pure form. 1st song of the 1st album (Chicago Transit Authority) is called "Introduction". If you never listen to another song by them, check that one.
Great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Feelin' Stronger Everyday", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "If You Leave Me Now", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "Saturday In The Park", "Colour My World", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Old Days" etc.
Me too. Goosebumps. Every single time. And a tear. Takes me back. I love when an artist knows how to use their ‘vocal grit.’ They all do. Thanks for savoring them and keeping their timeless tunes rockin’!
The Terry Kath jazz/rock era of Chicago was 1967-1978. Terry died January 23, 1978 of an accidental gunshot to the head, screwing around with a pistol. After he died, bass player Peter Cetera and David Foster led them down the path of soft ballads. Now that you experienced one of their classic songs, to really go down that rabbit hole you should dig up their debut album when they were "The Chicago Transit Authority". Their debut was a double-LP, unheard of for a studio to do that on a debut. Disc one, Side 1, Track 1 is the appropriately named "Introduction", written by and lead vocals by guitarist Terry Kath. He literally is introducing the band's sound to the world, each of the seven band members gets to shine on their instrument. The album from start to finish is a masterpiece, I highly recommend you listen to Introduction and experience that glorious debut track. Some will complain that "Free Form Guitar" on that album is nothing but noise, it was literally Terry just screwing around with his guitar and amps in an acid rock feedback. Stuff that made Jimi Hendrix take note of them and tell the band that Chicago's guitar player was better then he was. On that debut album is "POEM 58". Almost nine minutes of PURE FUNK with Kath RIPPING IT on guitar, Danny Seraphine on drums and Peter Cetera on bass. Check out Poem 58 and marvel at what music they were making with the limited technology they had in 1969. They were formed as a rock band with horns, the horns are an integral part of the band, not an add-on. On their second album is a seven-song suite titled "Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon", written by trombone player James Pankow. It flows through multiple tempos, three of the movements are instrumentals. Terry Kath sings lead on three tracks and Robert Lamm (keyboards) sings on one track. Kath's baritone voice has him dubbed as "The White Ray Charles", is is so soulful. I'm 60 and I grew up listening to their music as it was released. It's great to see more people discovering the roots of Chicago as so many are only familiar with their love ballads in later years after Terry's tragic death.
I heard Foster was instrumental (See what I did there) in getting Danny Seraphine fired. Why? He had trouble playing to a click track!!! Who givesarats@$$
I actually don’t think the live version is better. It’s tighter and cleaner sounding in the studio version and all the notes are hit perfectly in the studio version. I know everybody has different opinions on things but I just enjoy that about the studio version more.
What makes this whole performance of the this song and maybe the concert is that Terry Kath sees the drummer Danny Seraphine trying to fix his cymbal. Terry is like "we gotta go! Don't worry about the cymbal, we gotta go." and he starts a slow burn jam. The roadie and Robert Lamm try to help with the cymbal. Terry is having none of it. Keeps his jam and keeps the push of "We gotta go. These folks aren't here to see us fix a cymbal. We gotta go." Peter Cetera joins Terry's jam as if saying "he's right, we gotta go." Robert joins the jam in agreement. Danny finally agrees and joins the jam as he is still working his set! But he now knows "we gotta go!" No body says anything. But you know this is going through all their heads. When James Pankow gives his "YEAH!" as Cetera starts singing you know he was thinking "we gotta go" from the beginning but as he doesn't start the piece, so he can't join the jam. Clearly he knows they are on a great ride! I am sure the whole crowd was already saying that to themselves too. Sure, Kath's solo in the studio is cleaner. And they have a few more sounds they couldn't get live. But Kath's solo here has more to it and the slow burn jam at the beginning is the fuse to set the house on fire. You get the buildup of anticipation as you see it slowly burning knowing there is going to be an explosion. And they don't disappoint. The band explodes and it's a good thing Tanglewood has no walls because they would have been blown away. There are few live performances by any bands that hit what Chicago hit this night. The fact that it was captured on film is a gift for all music lovers. The energy of this version overpowers any possible short comings to the studio. I might be willing to say the versions are of equal value. But can't say the studio is better. Nope. And I grew up on the studio version.
Their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, is a masterpiece. This song is from their second album, Chicago II. And yes hearing the studio version of 25 or 6 to 4 is a good idea, because you will hear tons more detail in the horns and guitar and vocal harmonies.
Terry was on FIRE !!! From the same concert - Ballet For A girl In Buchannon. Tanglewood 1970 - Be sure you get the full 14 minutes because it has been cut up. It includes both the Make Me Smile cut out and the Colour My World cut out. This time it is Terry (Guitar) that does the lead vocals.
One of the greatest bands ever. Hard to believe this performance is from the year I graduated high school. So blessed to have grown up to all the great music and groups of the 60's throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's. Something groundbreaking coming out it seemed like every month. Thanks for your great reaction. Peace✌
My very first concert was Chicago in 1972. I was 12 years old and went with my family. And I was blown away! Even my dad was hollering "Yeah!" throughout the show (shocking to my 12-year-old self). What a great song and performance by the now-legendary band. Those early years were Chicago's absolute best. Thanks for your awesome reaction. That performance was EPIC.
What's even more extra-extraordinary is that guitarist/vocalist Terri Kath recorded the studio version with a broken jaw & his mouth was wired shut,SUPER HUMAN!!! Who would even venture to try it given the circumstance?!!!😮😊❤❤❤
@@joetori8356 thank you Joe, I stand corrected, I got myself informed late, I come to appreciate what I didn't buy on wax when it was still fairly fresh a lot more, especially what's in the mainstream which is "Has been(sometimes never was)" like a worn out coat used for 25 years straight,not entirely "A Johnny come lately" just need remindin' sometimes, ✌️
I love in the early days like this how Terry would go off on a long improvised solo, get himself backed into corner then muscle his way out of it. What a journey he would take you on when he was live. The 9 minute solo on the live version of south california purples on the carnegie hall album is another example. You have no idea where hes going next or how hes going to get back. Always exciting to listen too
Terry Kath RIP is an absolute guitar god and in my top 5 all time. He has an out of body experience during this solo which is one of the best of all time. What a shame that he left us so early.
I still remember the day Terry Kath died in January of 1978 😌🥺 He was the soul of the band ♥️ They have an extremely deep rabbit hole but worth every minute!! One of my favorite songs from Chicago is “Dialogue Parts I & II” ♥️ It’s all one song with 2 distinct sections. You would love it ♥️🎤🎶🎸♥️
Polo I just started watching you & I’m pleased to see younger generation appreciating our music ! We had the BEST MUSIC! I’ve loved it since a teenager!
You have 11 records (From Chicago Transit Authority, first album, through Chicago II up to Chicago XI) with this exact lineup and music of this calibre. This whole concert (Tanglewood) gives you a pretty good idea of what the band did the first two albums. Later on their music got more mature and diverse as every member got input as a composer. The whole suite "Ballet for a girl in Buchannon" is a great follow up song. "Beginnings", "Does anybody really know what time it is", "Questions 67 & 68" are other classic songs.
Peter Cetera sang the lead here, and Terry Kath (RIP) was the guitarist. The horns seem to echo the vocals, and underpin the guitar solo. Pure genius. By the time I got to high school in the mid 70s, Chicago songs were a staple of our playbook. You can spend forever crawling through their songs, and hear something new every time.
This was my first 8-track tape and became my first live show in 1973 at Oklahoma City. What a great start to my true music journey that is still going.✌
Fun fact: Jimi Hendrix thought Terry Kath, the guitar player, was the best guitar player he'd ever heard. He was also totally blown away with their horn section. This is arguably thy greatest rock guitarist to ever live being in absolute awe of this band.
Stop pushing that Hendrix myth, he made a comment to one of the horn players after a show saying 'your guitarist is better than me', it was an indication that he was very impressed, that's all.
There's nothing like an EPIC live performance. Check out my favorite The Who's My Generation from Live at Leeds.! 15 minute medley with one banger of a riff after another. No one played with as much raw power and energy at the time.
74 year old black Vietnam veteran. Sit down, smoke a joint with a very good glass of Jefferson Reserve, and listen to the first three albums. It's going to be a long time, because all three are two album sets. But trust me, its worth it. Oh hell yeah.
Also Santana's first three albums. I guess that's when Santana and Chicago were hungry. Your stomach will make you move around, won't it. ❤️ ☮️ & happiness. The Chamber Brother's. 🇺🇲😎
Last night my husband hooked up Bluetooth to our outdoor speakers so we could play off our phones. Husband suggested we do a Chicago marathon. I decided to play uptempo songs (about 30 songs). Although I prefer the 70's albums, because of musical masterpieces, I played from all their studio albums. We both came to realize that they had so many songs that could have been singles if they had been with any other band from literally all their albums. They have created so many great songs that in their later years got pigeonholed as a adult contemporary band due to the record company's insistence on creating more of their very successful ballads. Don’t believe older fans that do not realize they never stopped laying down some rocking gems. Their catalog is so emense, it would take years for a UA-camr to due reactions to all their best stuff if done once a week.
If I could go back in time, this is one of the performances I would make sure I saw. This whole concert is on YT. It is otherworldly. I saw these same guys play indoors in 1973. But to be at this venue, in the summer...my God
I’ve seen Chicago live several times over the years. I’m usually one of the younger people in the audience. Been listening to them since I was little. Such talented musicians.
This concert was from a series of concerts at Tanglewood in 1970. The legendary Bill Graham (who became famous as the concert promoter for the Fillmore East and Fillmore West) talked the owner of Tanglewood, the Boston Pops Symphony, into putting on a series of rock concerts. Besides Chicago, Santana, The Who, Jethro Tull and other legends played there that summer. Anyone who is familiar with Santana doing "Soul Sacrifice" at Woodstock really needs to watch the official Tanglewood video of that at Tanglewood. Mike Shreve, Santana's drummer, said that he thought his drum solo was better there than his Woodstock solo. And his Woodstock solo was incredible. These concerts came at a time when all these bands were at the top of their game. No backup singers and dancers and costume changes to cover up mediocre talent. This was all about the music. That's why these concerts are still great 53 years later.
I am so grateful this was taped for us to enjoy forever. This band was magical. I had not heard Mr. Kath's work for a bit and agree with others, in that his guitar work here is on the pinnacle of all live rock performances. RIP Terry Kath (I grew up in this era and am very blessed for it)
Phenomenal Band, every Album is Awesome!! I grew up in the 70's and Living now, I realize that I had the best Music in the world. I'm very grateful To have had all those amazing musicians at my fingertips !!! The Chicago rabbit hole is one you Will never forget!! Enjoy Polo ❤️
Every song on their first album should have been a number 1 hit , killer shit. Had to edit when you said Black Sabbath. Saw the two bands together in 1971, Sabbath opened up for them a night I will never forget.✌️
Was in Jr high and this blew our minds! They just kept coming out with hit after hit. All the guy bands in school did this solo and were crazy amazing! We had something so special and we knew it. I couldn’t imagine being in any other era. Next for them “Questions 67 and 68” “Make me Smile” “I’m a Man”
This entire concert at Tanglewood was smokin'; make some time to watch the whole recording! Terry Kath died way too soon. He was a born improvisor, never playing a solo the same way twice.
As a teen in the late 60s, groups like Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears completely grabbed my musical interest because not only were they awesome rock bands... but they tilted towards jazz, esp. with their horn sections and interesting rhythms. Seemed to be a good way to go as their music has basically never grown old !! They've been revitalized by, of all things, a Russian-based group known as Leonid & Friends, all top tier musicians from the other side of the world !! Leo loved their music, and began transcribing it. Jump up a few years and they now tour the U.S. in the summer and have many great live-in-studio videos. Old music is new again !!
I was a teenager with all this great music. I’ve come to appreciate music from my era even more now that in older. I especially enjoy watching you hearing great music from before your time for the first time. It renews my appreciation.
The 1970s were the end of rock musicians being supremely talented in this way. Every band member from the horns to the drums can sing, write songs, play multiple instruments. This lead guitarist has an absolute talent value higher then the entire band Green Day put together, and I happen to like Green Day.
Yep, the music from back then was great, then started sliding down hill, just like the US has too! One may think that the same people of the times had something to do with both.
Been a fan of Chicago for many, many years! Back in the day they were called Chicago Transit Authority best album EVER! My favorite song was called Introduction and still listen to this song to this day.
This was the first tune I ever grooved to in Rock. Chicago became one of my favorite bands of all time and for good reason. Great feel. Great musicians. Great Goosebumps!
My favorite band! Legendary! 25 or 6 to 4 is one of my favorites! Never will be another Chicago…😊 Studio version will blow your socks off! They have SOOOOO many great songs!
This won't be my last run-in with this band. SHEESH!! Thanks for watching! Most of my requests come from here. To support the show here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts 🤞🏾
True story: Chicago and Hendrix were playing the same festival (Montreux, maybe?) and in passing, Jimi said to Peter Cetera (but I could be wrong there), the lead singer "that horn section sounds like it plays with one set of lungs and that guitarist you got is better than me." Terry Kath never gets the respect he deserves as one of the GOAT's but he's definitely way up there.
polo man! Chicago is a very very good and tight band but this has got to be one of their sloppiest performances. do yourself a favor and listen to the same song as performed by Steve Winwood.
Yeah, you DO need to do the studio version. The solo isn't as long, but it is EPIC and the fills, which he didn't do many of here, are awesome !!!
Kath shredded that guitar, what an absolute talent. What a tragedy that he accidentally shot himself, taken way too early.
If you can find their greatest hits album, it'll be a nice shortcut to find their good stuff Saturday In The Park, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, are a couple of my favorite Chicago tunes.
At 60 years old, I can honestly say the music from 1965 to 1979 has been unparalleled.
Totally agree! I was immersed in the music as it happened. So new, so revolutionary, so profound. It was and still is a joy. My kids and grandkids listen to much of this music today. We have been blessed to be around for the ride.
I agree but from 1965 to when Terry died they were at their best !!
Agree at 68!
I lived it , 75 now, hubby still drums.
Roger that @71
It was my privilege to see these guys in 1973, I was 30 feet in front the great guitarist, Terry Kath. I was completely mesmerized by him and the rest of the band that night. Peter Cetera had such a great voice, but then so did Terry. I will never forget that night. That remains the best concert of my life. There was not a weak musician in the entire lineup.
we were in the same row. Seriously! I was right front and center in 1973. I was in Dallas, though.
I saw them in 2008 at MGM . better than front row I was a table. got the ticket SAME DAY for $100. man I miss those ticket prices. Of course I miss the $30 tickets too . lol
Wow Doug I'm so jealous
@@brendabernstein286 I still put on the top of my top 5 concerts.
Me 2
Down the rabbit hole. One of the best bands ever, and Terry Kath's guitar playing was incredible. R.I.P
Terry.
See my comment lol
Dude was so underrated.
One of the very best!
I was 16 when he passed and a big fan. Too soon.
@@ungenerationed9022I was 13.
Chicago had their very own unique sound, that horn section was incredible, and Terry Kath on guitar was just the best! I'm so lucky to have grown up with this music.
The horns. Every time they come in, it just magnifies it all. Truly amazing talent.
"Make Me Smile", "Im a Man", "Beginings" are all classic CTA/Chicago songs
"Make Me Smile" is a single edit and is missing some great parts. It and "Color My World" are best heard in their original context, the "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon" suite.
I’m a Man is a cover of The Spencer Davis’ Groups arrangement of the very old blues standard Mannish Boy.
Terry added a little Hendrix style guitar to spice it a little differently. lol
Yes! All those!!!
Great trio right there.
Omg ….. BEGINNINGS, was me and my husbands song !!!
We all had long hair in the late 60s/early 70s. I saw them twice in concert their heyday. They are just amazing. Their sound just flows through your body in an arena. It’s that powerful.
One of the most if not the most talented groups to ever hit the stage! RIP TERRY!!
The were fabulous
Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. They have recorded 38 albums, sold over 100,000,000 records and are one of the longest- ...
Chicago, “Saturday in The Park”, “Does anybody really know what time it is”, “If You Leave Me Now”, “Just You N’ Me Feelin’ Stronger Every Day”, and more.
@lancevaughn432, I agree!!
👍👍👍👍
Beginnings and Make Me Smile. too!
What he said
mmmm, I think it was the 4th of July....
The thing I love about Terry Kath is that his solos are one continuous thought. He doesn't take a break to refresh. He just keeps going without taking a breath. He is almost unparalleled in this regard. RIP Terry you are an icon.
Excactly. He knew where he was going every second. Never had to pause to regroup
"Make Me Smile" is another Chicago song that will blow your mind...✌🎶
Do the entire Ballet For A Girl In Buchanon. It is the full version of Make Me Smile with Color My World included.
As a kid with a guitar in the late sixties and early 70s I made it my goal to learn this song. Over the years though I think I learned to appreciate Make Me Smile a little more. Written by James Pankow the bone player, it really underscores the musicianship of each of these guys from the awesome writing to the soulful lead vocal and the incredible drum solo on the extended version.
Def. worth a video
That guitar solo is just downright filthy.
Their cover of "I'm a Man" is absolute 🔥.
Terry Kath just blew that guitar up ! Incredible live performance. Terry left it all out there for everyone to see. Wow.
Definitely one of the best bands of their era. Three world-class lead vocalists, great songwriting, and each instrumentalist was a badass in his own right. And as you could tell here, their complex arrangements really made them stand out too. There's a lot of material from them to enjoy.
Very good point put. They had three great vocalists!
Chicago came at you from so many angles. No matter who they had something for you. The great sounds of horns and harmonizing of the 60's and 70's.
You said it, brother. You were born at the wrong time. Thankfully, all recorded music is available to you! I am an old lady, 72. I was a freshman in college when their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, came out. I wore it out on my turntable. But truthfully, the 60s were an embarrassment of riches musically. Only equaled by the swing era of my parents. Tap into their first 2 albums, plus check out Blood, Sweat and Tears, their contemporaries.
Blood, Sweat and Tears! ❤ Oh my, I feel like an 18 year old again.
Emmerson, Lake and Palmer, too! Sly! When bands had instruments...
I'm with you on this! I saw Chicago Transit Authority in 1969 playing as the warm up band for Jimi Hendrix and they were unbelievable. I went right out bought their first album and played it constantly. Second album is great too but the first one is a masterpiece.
@@leadoucet1432I saw Emerson Lake and Palmer in concert, they had a flying piano that spun like a plane while he played it.
71 years old, and I don't remember who owned the house, but I remember when they put "Introduction" their double album on, and we listened to all 4 sides. It remains a must-have.
@@janicemacmillan2610 omg! Lucky you! I'm feeling very jealous right now lol
While touring with Hendrix, Terry Kath actually taught Jimmy how to make animal sounds on the guitar. Can you imagine what it must have been like seeing Chicago open and then Hendrix? Must have been epic!
The band had three singers, you heard Peter Cetera on this one, but Robert Lamb on keys and Terry Kath on the lead sang as well. Amazing band, rockers with horns till Terrys tragic death and even then they were a hit machine. Just a brilliant band.
What? Terry Kath was thr lead singer here
@@79derikNo, it was Peter. He’s playing bass.
55 yr old female. Just had a dance party of my own in my room just now. I LOVE Chicago!!
I’m 47, and I adore them! Keep on dancin’!
Chicago is definitely in my top 10. The horns, Peters voice, the layers of sound.. its just so good. Classic sound for sure.
YOU HAVE NO IDEA their catalog is DEEP
Peter Cetera on bass and lead vocal. Terry Kath melting the Strat and had a soulful voice. He wrote and sang "Make Me Smile". These guys were the truth.
While Terry Kath did great on the vocals of both "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World", the songs were composed by the trombonist James Pankow. Those songs were part of his suite "A Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon".
My brother once said "Yeah, this was back when Pete cared more about his bass playing than his hair" 😂
Tanglewood was an epic show.
"I think I was born in the wrong era." I don't know how many times I have heard young reactors say that. Great music.
I tell all my kids I feel so bad for them having to listen to today's music. It's not their fault. It was before the money ruined it all.
In the latter part of Chicago's career, they toured and played on stage with Earth Wind and Fire. Both bands took turns playing each other's songs. That was, as the youngsters say, EPIC!
e w and f one of my lifelong fave bands. maurice white was also from chicago. i would have loved to be at that concert. phil collins eventually poached e w and f's horn section.
Jimi Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the greatest guitar player in the world. Jimi replied, “I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Terry Kath!”
For real? I need to know more about this.
"the greatest guitarist in the universe" wow
Jimi Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the greatest guitar player in the world. Jimi replied, “I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Terry Kath!” What a tragic loss Terry’s passing was.
There's like 4 or 5 versions of this story with different names. I'd like to think Kath is the real quote, but something tells me none of them are real and are just embellished stories
@@pops8369 I think he actually said that on a Dick Cavett show.
@@d.wyndal I don't think so
@@pops8369 Jimi DID say it about Terry. The 2 of them were getting ready to start working together!
Yeah, there doesn't seem to be any definitive documentation on this quote. There are several magazine articles that claim he said it on the Mike Douglas Show, with his answer being "I don't know, you'll have to ask Rory Gallagher", but I've never been able to find any video to confirm it.
The names I've most often seen used for the answer are Terry Kath, Billy Gibbons, or Johnny Winter, but it's become such a standard misquote that I'm sure I've seen a dozen versions by now, none of them verifiable by any reliable source.
I am 70 years old. I could tell a story of the first time hearing this new album out by Chicago but I won't bore all of you. I was 16 years old. I will never forget any of that moment because the music of Chicago was it's background. I am so glad you liked it, Polo.
I read that Terry Kath was Jimmy Hendrix favorite guitar player. Your instincts are on point! Great band with an incredible catalog. You've got lots yet to discover.
Seriously one of the best concerts of my life! Chicago in the late 60’s and early 70’s was magical, wonderful, life changing. Loved it!
So much to choose from. Early Chicago is the pure form. 1st song of the 1st album (Chicago Transit Authority) is called "Introduction". If you never listen to another song by them, check that one.
I was so lucky to see THIS band in the early 70’s. 3+ hours of beautiful music. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen many.
Great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Feelin' Stronger Everyday", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "If You Leave Me Now", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "Saturday In The Park", "Colour My World", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Old Days" etc.
Questions 67 & 68 is one of my favorites. The lyrics are brilliant.
Me too. Goosebumps. Every single time. And a tear. Takes me back. I love when an artist knows how to use their ‘vocal grit.’ They all do. Thanks for savoring them and keeping their timeless tunes rockin’!
The Terry Kath jazz/rock era of Chicago was 1967-1978. Terry died January 23, 1978 of an accidental gunshot to the head, screwing around with a pistol. After he died, bass player Peter Cetera and David Foster led them down the path of soft ballads.
Now that you experienced one of their classic songs, to really go down that rabbit hole you should dig up their debut album when they were "The Chicago Transit Authority". Their debut was a double-LP, unheard of for a studio to do that on a debut. Disc one, Side 1, Track 1 is the appropriately named "Introduction", written by and lead vocals by guitarist Terry Kath. He literally is introducing the band's sound to the world, each of the seven band members gets to shine on their instrument. The album from start to finish is a masterpiece, I highly recommend you listen to Introduction and experience that glorious debut track. Some will complain that "Free Form Guitar" on that album is nothing but noise, it was literally Terry just screwing around with his guitar and amps in an acid rock feedback. Stuff that made Jimi Hendrix take note of them and tell the band that Chicago's guitar player was better then he was.
On that debut album is "POEM 58". Almost nine minutes of PURE FUNK with Kath RIPPING IT on guitar, Danny Seraphine on drums and Peter Cetera on bass. Check out Poem 58 and marvel at what music they were making with the limited technology they had in 1969. They were formed as a rock band with horns, the horns are an integral part of the band, not an add-on.
On their second album is a seven-song suite titled "Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon", written by trombone player James Pankow. It flows through multiple tempos, three of the movements are instrumentals. Terry Kath sings lead on three tracks and Robert Lamm (keyboards) sings on one track. Kath's baritone voice has him dubbed as "The White Ray Charles", is is so soulful.
I'm 60 and I grew up listening to their music as it was released. It's great to see more people discovering the roots of Chicago as so many are only familiar with their love ballads in later years after Terry's tragic death.
I heard Foster was instrumental (See what I did there) in getting Danny Seraphine fired. Why? He had trouble playing to a click track!!! Who givesarats@$$
So good. One of those we used to lay on the floor and listen to the whole album over and over.
One of the few times when the live version is better than the studio version.
I actually don’t think the live version is better. It’s tighter and cleaner sounding in the studio version and all the notes are hit perfectly in the studio version. I know everybody has different opinions on things but I just enjoy that about the studio version more.
@@michaellynch9550 I can agree with your assessment - tighter and cleaner. No doubt. Just a personal preference that is all.
@@michaellynch9550 I agree-- as much as I appreciate the energy of the live performance, I think Kath sounds better on the studio cut.
I respectfully disagree.
The guitar solo on the live version is incredible but the vocals on the studio version are pretty tough to beat.
What makes this whole performance of the this song and maybe the concert is that Terry Kath sees the drummer Danny Seraphine trying to fix his cymbal. Terry is like "we gotta go! Don't worry about the cymbal, we gotta go." and he starts a slow burn jam. The roadie and Robert Lamm try to help with the cymbal. Terry is having none of it. Keeps his jam and keeps the push of "We gotta go. These folks aren't here to see us fix a cymbal. We gotta go." Peter Cetera joins Terry's jam as if saying "he's right, we gotta go." Robert joins the jam in agreement. Danny finally agrees and joins the jam as he is still working his set! But he now knows "we gotta go!" No body says anything. But you know this is going through all their heads. When James Pankow gives his "YEAH!" as Cetera starts singing you know he was thinking "we gotta go" from the beginning but as he doesn't start the piece, so he can't join the jam. Clearly he knows they are on a great ride! I am sure the whole crowd was already saying that to themselves too. Sure, Kath's solo in the studio is cleaner. And they have a few more sounds they couldn't get live. But Kath's solo here has more to it and the slow burn jam at the beginning is the fuse to set the house on fire. You get the buildup of anticipation as you see it slowly burning knowing there is going to be an explosion. And they don't disappoint. The band explodes and it's a good thing Tanglewood has no walls because they would have been blown away. There are few live performances by any bands that hit what Chicago hit this night. The fact that it was captured on film is a gift for all music lovers. The energy of this version overpowers any possible short comings to the studio. I might be willing to say the versions are of equal value. But can't say the studio is better. Nope. And I grew up on the studio version.
Their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, is a masterpiece. This song is from their second album, Chicago II. And yes hearing the studio version of 25 or 6 to 4 is a good idea, because you will hear tons more detail in the horns and guitar and vocal harmonies.
Terry was on FIRE !!! From the same concert - Ballet For A girl In Buchannon. Tanglewood 1970 - Be sure you get the full 14 minutes because it has been cut up. It includes both the Make Me Smile cut out and the Colour My World cut out. This time it is Terry (Guitar) that does the lead vocals.
I took your advice, and just went and listened to the ballad of a girl in Buchanan. Totally ****ing awesome. Still have chills. Many thanks!!
One of the greatest bands ever. Hard to believe this performance is from the year I graduated high school. So blessed to have grown up to all the great music and groups of the 60's throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's. Something groundbreaking coming out it seemed like every month. Thanks for your great reaction. Peace✌
Studio version is intense and so clean. Utterly beautiful. One of my favorite jams.
My very first concert was Chicago in 1972. I was 12 years old and went with my family. And I was blown away! Even my dad was hollering "Yeah!" throughout the show (shocking to my 12-year-old self). What a great song and performance by the now-legendary band. Those early years were Chicago's absolute best. Thanks for your awesome reaction. That performance was EPIC.
What's even more extra-extraordinary is that guitarist/vocalist Terri Kath recorded the studio version with a broken jaw & his mouth was wired shut,SUPER HUMAN!!! Who would even venture to try it given the circumstance?!!!😮😊❤❤❤
Correction: Peter Cetera's jaw was wired. Terry Kath was the guitarist on this track.
@@joetori8356 thank you Joe, I stand corrected, I got myself informed late, I come to appreciate what I didn't buy on wax when it was still fairly fresh a lot more, especially what's in the mainstream which is "Has been(sometimes never was)" like a worn out coat used for 25 years straight,not entirely "A Johnny come lately" just need remindin' sometimes, ✌️
Magnificent see a reaction like yours so many years after the performance. Thanks very much.
Good song. Its about staying up all night writing music and the title refers to the time - twenty five or (twenty)6 to 4(am) that they wrote it .
It’s easy to see why this is considered to be one of the best live electric guitar solos ever recorded.
I love in the early days like this how Terry would go off on a long improvised solo, get himself backed into corner then muscle his way out of it. What a journey he would take you on when he was live. The 9 minute solo on the live version of south california purples on the carnegie hall album is another example. You have no idea where hes going next or how hes going to get back. Always exciting to listen too
That solo is like nothing other I have ever heard.
Terry Kath RIP is an absolute guitar god and in my top 5 all time. He has an out of body experience during this solo which is one of the best of all time. What a shame that he left us so early.
I still remember the day Terry Kath died in January of 1978 😌🥺 He was the soul of the band ♥️ They have an extremely deep rabbit hole but worth every minute!! One of my favorite songs from Chicago is “Dialogue Parts I & II” ♥️ It’s all one song with 2 distinct sections. You would love it ♥️🎤🎶🎸♥️
Polo I just started watching you & I’m pleased to see younger generation appreciating our music !
We had the BEST MUSIC!
I’ve loved it since a teenager!
Can't remember the name of the song but it's a haunting love song by the band One Republic!!! Annie
I'm so happy you discovered Chicago!!! The 1st song I heard was "Make Me Smile," which is 🔥🔥. My favorite is "Saturday In the Park."
Straight fire! Love this song! Almost impossible to sit still when it's playing. Definitely don't drive with this song on, lol
Phenomenal song & band. Their old tracks define the expression "jam bands". ❤
Thanks again ❤ for the company Polo. After 43 years I'm alone.😢 just don't no what to do 💔... ✌️ Polo.
You have 11 records (From Chicago Transit Authority, first album, through Chicago II up to Chicago XI) with this exact lineup and music of this calibre. This whole concert (Tanglewood) gives you a pretty good idea of what the band did the first two albums. Later on their music got more mature and diverse as every member got input as a composer. The whole suite "Ballet for a girl in Buchannon" is a great follow up song. "Beginnings", "Does anybody really know what time it is", "Questions 67 & 68" are other classic songs.
Peter Cetera sang the lead here, and Terry Kath (RIP) was the guitarist. The horns seem to echo the vocals, and underpin the guitar solo. Pure genius.
By the time I got to high school in the mid 70s, Chicago songs were a staple of our playbook. You can spend forever crawling through their songs, and hear something new every time.
Since you want more, this entire concert is fire.
When my son was in middle school they played this tune and he played the drums…..😊
As a child of the 70's, this is the music of my life. Enjoy 😊
I graduated in 1972 in Detroit. The music I have heard during youth was phenomenal. You're scraping the tip of the iceberg. Keep going!!
This was my first 8-track tape and became my first live show in 1973 at Oklahoma City. What a great start to my true music journey that is still going.✌
You may have to explain 8 track tapes to those younger than us who had them.
Every High School and University School Bands played the heck out of this song back in the 1970's. It was everywhere.
RIP Terry Kath. In my opinion the band has always been very good, but the Terry Kath days were amazing!!
I don't know how but somehow this song got into basically every high school band program in america
Fun fact: Jimi Hendrix thought Terry Kath, the guitar player, was the best guitar player he'd ever heard. He was also totally blown away with their horn section. This is arguably thy greatest rock guitarist to ever live being in absolute awe of this band.
Stop pushing that Hendrix myth, he made a comment to one of the horn players after a show saying 'your guitarist is better than me', it was an indication that he was very impressed, that's all.
@sg-yq8pm nobody knows for sure what he said, including you, so calm down chief.
@@sg-yq8pm because Kath was better than Hendrix.
There's nothing like an EPIC live performance. Check out my favorite The Who's My Generation from Live at Leeds.! 15 minute medley with one banger of a riff after another. No one played with as much raw power and energy at the time.
You must do Their version of I’m a Man
ABSOLUTELY !!!
74 year old black Vietnam veteran. Sit down, smoke a joint with a very good glass of Jefferson Reserve, and listen to the first three albums. It's going to be a long time, because all three are two album sets. But trust me, its worth it. Oh hell yeah.
Also Santana's first three albums. I guess that's when Santana and Chicago were hungry. Your stomach will make you move around, won't it. ❤️ ☮️ & happiness. The Chamber Brother's. 🇺🇲😎
Anything from their first 3 albums is worth a reaction.
V and VIII also.
67 yrs old grew up with this music, the best
Last night my husband hooked up Bluetooth to our outdoor speakers so we could play off our phones. Husband suggested we do a Chicago marathon. I decided to play uptempo songs (about 30 songs).
Although I prefer the 70's albums, because of musical masterpieces, I played from all their studio albums. We both came to realize that they had so many songs that could have been singles if they had been with any other band from literally all their albums. They have created so many great songs that in their later years got pigeonholed as a adult contemporary band due to the record company's insistence on creating more of their very successful ballads. Don’t believe older fans that do not realize they never stopped laying down some rocking gems. Their catalog is so emense, it would take years for a UA-camr to due reactions to all their best stuff if done once a week.
People from 8 to 80 love this group and I can't think of a higher compliment
Bass player is Peter Cetera
If I could go back in time, this is one of the performances I would make sure I saw. This whole concert is on YT. It is otherworldly. I saw these same guys play indoors in 1973. But to be at this venue, in the summer...my God
I don’t think I’ve heard a bad album from them, and they have a lot of albums!!!
I’ve seen Chicago live several times over the years. I’m usually one of the younger people in the audience. Been listening to them since I was little. Such talented musicians.
Great reaction !! CHICAGO sold more albums than Elvis and The Beatles COMBINED !! Tremendous Fanbase and women loved them too !!
In one year or what? Other than that you are being ridiculous
I saw these guys in Detroit in the late 60s when the iconic Terry Kath, rip.. was with them. They were absolutely amazing!🌹🎶
This concert was from a series of concerts at Tanglewood in 1970. The legendary Bill Graham (who became famous as the concert promoter for the Fillmore East and Fillmore West) talked the owner of Tanglewood, the Boston Pops Symphony, into putting on a series of rock concerts. Besides Chicago, Santana, The Who, Jethro Tull and other legends played there that summer. Anyone who is familiar with Santana doing "Soul Sacrifice" at Woodstock really needs to watch the official Tanglewood video of that at Tanglewood. Mike Shreve, Santana's drummer, said that he thought his drum solo was better there than his Woodstock solo. And his Woodstock solo was incredible. These concerts came at a time when all these bands were at the top of their game. No backup singers and dancers and costume changes to cover up mediocre talent. This was all about the music. That's why these concerts are still great 53 years later.
I am so grateful this was taped for us to enjoy forever. This band was magical. I had not heard Mr. Kath's work for a bit and agree with others, in that his guitar work here is on the pinnacle of all live rock performances. RIP Terry Kath (I grew up in this era and am very blessed for it)
Phenomenal Band, every Album is
Awesome!! I grew up in the 70's and
Living now, I realize that I had the best
Music in the world. I'm very grateful
To have had all those amazing musicians at my fingertips !!!
The Chicago rabbit hole is one you
Will never forget!! Enjoy Polo ❤️
Me, too! There is good music now but the 70’s were the best!
I feel you brother!!!!!
One of the greatest bands to ever grace the stage! Keep going down the rabbit hole you won’t be disappointed
Great reaction!
Fire of course! Make sure you do "I'm a Man" (cover of the great Steve Winwood song) and "Make me Smile"
LIve version of I'm a Man at Tanglewood is fantastic.
@@97lynds21 indeed!
They have an entire HUGE catalogue of incredible music
Every song on their first album should have been a number 1 hit , killer shit. Had to edit when you said Black Sabbath. Saw the two bands together in 1971, Sabbath opened up for them a night I will never forget.✌️
Was in Jr high and this blew our minds! They just kept coming out with hit after hit. All the guy bands in school did this solo and were crazy amazing! We had something so special and we knew it. I couldn’t imagine being in any other era. Next for them “Questions 67 and 68” “Make me Smile” “I’m a Man”
Chicago is THE best❤ First reaction? I bet it won't be your last!!
An old one. Billy Preston. He played withe Leon Russell, the Beatles and Eric Clapton.
This entire concert at Tanglewood was smokin'; make some time to watch the whole recording! Terry Kath died way too soon. He was a born improvisor, never playing a solo the same way twice.
As a teen in the late 60s, groups like Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears completely grabbed my musical interest because not only were they awesome rock bands... but they tilted towards jazz, esp. with their horn sections and interesting rhythms. Seemed to be a good way to go as their music has basically never grown old !! They've been revitalized by, of all things, a Russian-based group known as Leonid & Friends, all top tier musicians from the other side of the world !! Leo loved their music, and began transcribing it. Jump up a few years and they now tour the U.S. in the summer and have many great live-in-studio videos. Old music is new again !!
Saturday in the park...can't go wrong
Saturday In the Park is my favorite!!!
I think it was the 4th of July.
I was born in 1967. A lot of young years were spent listening to music like this. Yet, I never knew about all THIS! 🔥🔥😊😊😊
When Chicago first started, their name was Chicago transit authority. And then later on the shortened it to Chicago.
Because they were threatened with legal action by the actual Chicago Transit Authority.
I was a teenager with all this great music. I’ve come to appreciate music from my era even more now that in older. I especially enjoy watching you hearing great music from before your time for the first time. It renews my appreciation.
The 1970s were the end of rock musicians being supremely talented in this way. Every band member from the horns to the drums can sing, write songs, play multiple instruments. This lead guitarist has an absolute talent value higher then the entire band Green Day put together, and I happen to like Green Day.
Yep, the music from back then was great, then started sliding down hill, just like the US has too! One may think that the same people of the times had something to do with both.
Been a fan of Chicago for many, many years! Back in the day they were called Chicago Transit Authority best album EVER! My favorite song was called Introduction and still listen to this song to this day.
This was the first tune I ever grooved to in Rock. Chicago became one of my favorite bands of all time and for good reason. Great feel. Great musicians. Great Goosebumps!
My favorite band! Legendary! 25 or 6 to 4 is one of my favorites! Never will be another Chicago…😊 Studio version will blow your socks off! They have SOOOOO many great songs!