Long live Terry Kath. The heart and soul of Chicago. Played guitar like Jimi Hendrix, sang like Ray Charles. The band was never the same after he died.
As a Hendrix historian, Kath did not play guitar like Hendrix, not even close or in the same ballpark; as a solo player, Hendrix couldn't hold a candle to Kath's soloing, and Hendrix knew it. But nothing Kath ever wrote as a song can compete with Axis, Cry of Love, Electric Lady, etc. Kath was in the elite group of soloists, and Hendrix all alone, entirely atop the mountain alone as an inventive songwriter.
Yep - Jimi actually said 'that guy is better than me'...lol. Jimi was essentially a great blues player that came up with some great psychedelic ideas. It's not a competition though...
Yes, Jimi and Terry were good friends. Both highly respected each other's guitar lead abilities. Jimi used to open for the then CTA (Chicago) at the Whiskey Go Go in LA in the late 60s.
Chicago used three different lead singers. This singer is the guitarists Terry Kath. The singer with the middle tone of voice is the keyboardist Robert Lamm. The vocalist with the higher pitched voice is the bass player Peter Cetera. They didn't want to have Chicago be about one person, they wanted to focus be on the band as a whole.
@@jazzpunk Terry was considering leaving even before he passed. If he hadn't, I don't think David Foster would've been brought in. Terry's death was the end of Chicago as I love it.
The original band had three lead singers - Terry Kath (heard here), Peter Cetera (25 or 6 to 4) and Robert Lamm (Saturday in the Park). All three could have fronted any band, but Chicago was fortunate to have all three. And Terry Kath was a monster guitarist!
Gene give the tune Song of the Evergreens a listen. Horn player Lee Loughnane sings and you would swear up and down it is Terry! Terry Wrote it and Lee sings it, it is an awesome track simply a beautiful song! What a Group of Talent
The first era of Chicago is just mind-blowingly good. The writers, Kath, Lamm, Cetera, Pankow....They were all top tier and what made Chicago so damn special.
! ! ! At the time I just chalked it up to "I'm at that age". But now, 55 years later, the compositions are even more impressive. Love you guys. Love Chicago.
Most definitely! There is a neat little thing kind of buried in the mix, but if one listens it is quite clear. What I'm talking about is that at about the 2:55 mark or so Terry Kath's rhythm riff changes just slightly but noticeably to the Rolling Stones "Jumpin' Jack Flash" rhythm guitar riff, then at just about exactly the 3:00 mark they sing "Jumpin' Jack Flash, it's a gas, gas, gas" - it's kinda quick but once you've heard it, it's almost impossible to miss it.
@@JimiBurleigh Yes, J. Burleigh !! A very cool nod to the Stones there! And as I recall, right before the Jumpin' Jack Flash part, they can also be heard singing "We... love... you" and then "Let's spend the night together" !
These songs MUST be 50 years old give or take…they’re just as vibrant and just as relevant and just as fresh NOW as they were then!!! REAL musicians and REAL singers!!! It’s good that a new generation is open to it…and appreciates the music!!!
Feelin' Stronger is too Peter Cetera. Not the original sound. Best to stick with very early Chicago Rock and Horns. Amazing sound. Terry Kath sounding sounding Chicago is best.
You are having the pleasure of listening to the late, GREAT Terry Kath, who was not only a phenomenal guitarist (Jimmy Hendrix idolized him), but also had an incredible voice. I feel blessed to have been alive when this came out and was on the airwaves. Thank you both for reacting to this!
The trombonist, James Pankow, charted all the horns on all the songs. The other horns were Lee Loughnane (trumpet), and Walter Parazaider (sax). Pankow wrote stellar charts and deserves great credit for the success of the band.
The guitar solo Kath starts at 5:58 is played by trills with the pick incredibly fast. Many musicians, like myself, attempted this solo.Very difficult but beautifully musical. His voice is a bluesman's dream. The entire band was cooking on dynamite.
Chicago are among the gods of Rock n' Roll along with Blood Sweat & Tears......this group really carried the traditions of Big BandJazz music mixed with Rock like BST who really started this kind of music in the 60's. Check out "You Make Me So Very Happy" by Blood Sweat & Tears, it is FIRE with a little Crooner sound to it!!!
I was 14 years old when this song was out on the radio, hanging out with my first boyfriend, I’m thinking 1970ish. I’m 66 yrs old now, can you imagine how cool it is for me to see you young people discovering all the music of my lifetime? You soooo get it! You’re a great couple!
The soul of Chicago. Terry Kath. Chicago had three main singers Terry, Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm. Each had unique voices but Terry was a skilled soul singer plus an ace guitarist. Peter kind of took over the group in a way with the more pop hits. And then tragically Terry shot himself by accident and died. The group imo never was the same without their leader Terry.
That is when a band was a BAND !! Several great musicians playing in unison, each one extremely talented in their own right. No light shows, no make up, no background dancers...just honest to goodness amazing musicians !! What a concept !! Miss the old days. I really really do...
I grew up with Chicago with I adored them being a trumpet player back then. Another band with HORNS HORNS HORNS is BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS. Try "SPINNING WHEEL"
I've lived in Chicago my whole life. This band played on every single radio station in the city. My mom had all of their albums. They were the soundtrack of my childhood. It makes me smile to see you both enjoy this so much.
You Got that Right! A quality turntable set up right thru a quality receiver and quality speakers was golden. I wonder how much quality loss we have in our formats now, thru small computer speakers. I am hoping Leonid and Friends attack the whole 2 albums!
Their whole first album when they were known as The Chicago Transit Authority is a masterpiece. More horns than you can shake a stick at. Maybe some day you can do a whole album reaction to it.
So glad to see you both get into Chicago. They were truly amazing in their day and 50+ years on the music still makes ME smile! All amazing musicians, remember all that was done pre-digital ANYTHING
Terrific song, sung by Terry Kath, their legendary guitarist, who was also Jimi Hendrix's favorite guitarist. After this song, you MUST react to their version of "I'm a Man" which is a cover but one they improved upon, with more funk and better production. It will make you jump up and dance! Or, "Saturday in the Park" which sounds just like a Saturday in the park, it's so good.
Not to throw any shade whatsoever upon Terry Kath as a guitarist or Jimi's opinion of him, but I have seen multiple sources cite Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top as Hendrix's fav. I can say I've sweated up my headphones playing air guitar to them all!
@@donferoce5652 Billy is a great guitar player and Jimi admired his playing style. Then again, Jimi loved more than one guitar player, like Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Terry Kath, and he called King Crimson the greatest band in the world. KC is great, but the greatest? Even Jimi got it wrong sometimes. ☺
@@j.jennings1722 It's all a matter of taste in the end; you may think one guitarist is better than another simply because you enjoy their songs or the way they play more than others. Eddie Van Halen was uniquely brilliant but I would rather listen to Angus Young of AC\DC because I prefer his phrasing; he's speaking my language whereas sometimes Eddie seems to be speaking in tongues!
This is actually two different songs clipped together that are part of a suite entirely written by James Pankow, the trombone player. To fully appreciate it you have to listen to the suite, 'Ballet For A Girl From Buchanon'. 'Make Me Smile' is the first song, then it transitions into some other songs, then 'Color My World' (also sung by Terry Kath, in a much mellower voice), then another instrumental, then the end of what you hear here, which is 'Now I Need You'. Amazing performance and amazing songwriting by Pankow.
@@sharikraft1706 Same here in high school in the early 1970's. Then at Michigan State University, in Marching Band we did a Chicago show and did it in University of Illinois Football stadium in 1976, got our picture forming the Chicago script logo on the field in the Chicago newspaper. Boy was the Illinois band pissed HAHAHAHAH
@@thomastimlin1724 that is so cool. I went to a very small rural town I think we had 50 in our whole band. But we actually got to do halftime for the fiesta bowl down in Phoenix 1974 & 75, I can't remember the song we did but I know it was Chicago...oh it was 25 or 6 24. What the heck is the name of that song I know I'm murdering it
If you love horns, you will enjoy the band that influenced Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears. Their first hit was “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.” Also, “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die,” and “God Bless the Child.” Peace out.
Terry Kath was such a good guitar player and his life was cut unnecessarily short. I would say if you think of it, watch the live performance of this. It's incredible, too. On Chicago's first album, Terry did a solo called Free Form Guitar and it really is free form. There's no structure and it is incredible. Thank you both for being out there. Make Me Smile is from 1970.
According to producer Jim Gurcio Terry Kath did Free Form Guitar in one take. No overdubs, Gurcio cut the lights and Terry let it rip and that's a wrap! He was that good!!!
Don't overthink Chicago's lyrics. Just enjoy the great classically trained musicians playing great music. The Terry Kath period. 1967-1978 by far the BEST
For the most part, you are correct in saying Chicago's original members were classically trained. There was one exception though, Terry Kath, their guitarist nonpareil, who had NO formal musical education and could not even read music.
@@josephoshea1442 yes understand and I was speaking in general. How ironic Terry with most raw talent but no training. Just a fantastic sound and concept. I was 18 when CTA was released and I liked, didn’t know exactly what to make of it as it was so unique (still is, I guess) And even way back then the more I heard it, the more I liked it, until I loved it. I believe the true greatness is how great it sounds 55 years later.
I second every nomination for "Saturday in the Park", along with "If You Leave Me Now" and "Baby What a Big Surprise". And then there was the quintenssential slow dancing song from my high school years, "Hard to Say I'm Sorry".
I love when the great bands fire on all cylinders. When the songwriting is honest, and the arrangement allows for so much movement, and they have the talented musicians and voices to deliver the message....
One often underappreciated aspect of Chicago's music is the complex rhythm changes that appear suddenly and unexpectedly. There's no better example of this than the brassy segment that begins at 7:37 -- you've got either alternating 5/4 and 4/4 time signatures or 3/4, 2/4, 4/4 ... climaxing with an apparent 5/4 measure at the very end. Only a handful of rock bands even attempted 5/4 time -- Jethro Tull being a notable exception with "Living in the Past." There's also the jazz song "Take Five," along with the Mission: Impossible theme. But those songs are entirely 5/4, whereas Chicago sprinkled it into their music like seasoning on a juicy steak!
Please listen to the whole song -it's called "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon." This is just one part of the whole thing. You won't be disappointed. There are some cool versions on out there. One from Tanglewood 1970 and a more recent one from around 2014. Tanglewood is your best bet.
We were spoiled in the '70s with so many great bands. Chicago had the best horn section, there was also Earth, Wind & Fire and Blood, Sweat & Tears that used horns. More Chicago big hits: 'Colour My World' (ballad), 'Just You and Me', 'Feelin' Stronger Every Day' (upbeat), 'Wishing You Were Here' (moody), '(I've Been) Searchin' so Long' (romantic), 'Beginnings' (phenomenal)
Such a fan of Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire and Blood Sweat and Tears. I am 69 years old and grew up steeped in Jazz and had the opportunity to see Chicago live as well as Earth Wind and Fire.
Colour My World is an AWESOME song! Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon is MUCH better. Wishing You were Here, one of my faves! You know you have made it, when Dennis, Alan and Carl sing backup, (Dennis and Carl, two Wilson Boys. Alan Jardine, a very close friend. Also a Beach Boy.) I'd KILL for the local station to play Wishing You were Here, followed by God Only Knows. steve
Guys you are going to have so much fun listening to this fabulous band…. They have the voice, and instruments galore… Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, rounding off with EW& F Earth Wind & Fire
Such a great song. This is part of a longer piece of music called "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon". Another part of the same song suite is "Color My World". You'll love that one too!
I'm 62 years old and still get goosebumps over the Chicago / Terry Kath sung, "In The Country" from their 2nd album. Loaded with those famous horns and Terry's unmatchable voice!
You should react to the live version to fully appreciate the genius I’d Terry Kath’s guitar and vocals on this classic. For me, and many fans, the best if Chicago is the Terry Kath era! The band had lead vocals split among three great voices. Terry created his incredible guitar sound in the days before effect pedals, sampling, impulse responses, and post production triggers that have come to be commonplace in the decades since we lost Terry. His soulful voice remains every bit as special as his world-beating guitar licks! A music legend of the highest order!
You’re hearing the fab guitar playing. Back in the day, I loved Chicago. Fell in love the first time I heard them because of the horns. I have always said the ‘70s had the best music and I have never let go of that since then. Love listening to young people discovering the best of the best ‘70s music.
Early Chicago was all jazz, lots of horns. Make Me Smile was part of a seven part suite of music. The band didn't want the suite broken up but the record company did it anyway. It was their breakthrough hit, in 1970 . Many great albums followed, in the '70's.. Then, (sad face) they became a love ballad band and their songs were played at every middle school dance for years. 70's Chicago is fantastic and you should listen to all of it. And if you like middle school dances, you can listen to the other stuff as well, lol.
My first time listening to Make Me Smile on an album station I wanted to record it. They played the 7 parts but I cut it off thinking it was over. After Color My World, I restarted it, creating the best 10 minute mix ever!
So, here's the deal - "Make Me Smile" was one of the many amazing songs from their 2nd lp, "Chicago II". The original release was a two-record set in a gate fold cover! Side 2 of the first record begins with "Wake Up Sunshine", followed by "Make Me Smile", which segways into a suite of songs written by trombonist James Pankow entitled "Ballet For A Girl In Buchanan", which in itself features the beautiful "Colour My World". The version of "Make Me Smile" you reacted to here is the abridged version which was used for commercial radio airplay and which appeared on several "Chicago" compilation albums. Sometime when you both have time, you should listen to the complete "Chicago II" album ("25 or 6 to 4" is also featured on this album) - it's an unforgettable piece of music!
For more horns... the legendary Tower of Power. Songs to check out... Down To The Niteclub... What is Hip... You're Still A Young Man... So Very Hard To Go... and that's just for starters.
Jay and Amber, WOW!!! Seeing your reactions to the incredible Chicago (and Terry Kath) warms my heart. I think you should take in one of their earliest tunes, Questions 67 And 68 from 1969. It's FIRE!
I was lucky enough to see them live in Australia in 1972. Terry Kath was amazing as were the rest of the band. It was such a tragedy when Terry died. I have a collection of their albums to which I still listen.
Boy, that's for sure. After they had their first #1 hit with the musically boring "If You Leave Me Now", they seemed to abandon their rowdy Rock roots in favor of a more subdued commercial Pop sound.
Welcome to my Sophomore H.S. year. Terry Kath (vocals and guitar solo) brought great, raw energy to Chicago. Amazing what trained jazz musicians can bring to Rock and Roll! Thanks!
Chicago had two completely different era's. The Terry Kath era, and after his tragic death, The Peter Cetera/David Foster era. No true fan would consider the later era as Chicago. They were nice songs and Cetera has one of the great tenor voices in rock history, but Terry Kath took the soul of the band with him.
Sorry for all the comments, you guys got me all fired up by my favorite group, Chicago. When they started out in the late 60’s, they were known as Chicago Transit Authority. They later changed their name to just Chicago. They had a song when they first started out to let listeners know who and what they were about. It is called Introduction. You should really listen to it and see just all the different sounds they are about😉👍
This song is from the album Chicago II, and is actually part of a suite of 3 songs called "Ballad for a Girl in Buchannon", and includes Color My World and Make Me Smile. So if the middle part seems a bit awkward, it's because they chopped part of it to turn this into a single.
This song 1970 was written by James Pankow, a founding member of Chicago whose primary instrument is the trombone. What made him smile was the thought of a beautiful relationship. He explained: "Relationships, if they're good, put a big smile on our faces. Love 💘 songs have always been a powerful ingredient in the song's process - the songwriting process has often taken writers to that place."
That song is part of a bigger suite called "Ballad for a girl in Buchannon" The song was chopped for radio play, but the whole suite is often called "The Make me Smile Suite" as well. That is the late great Terry Kath on vocals who was the Soul of Chicago. If you love that by them, listen to the song Dialogue where Kath and peter Cetera actually engage in a lyrical dialogue and the contrast in the two voices is magnificent along with the horns. Also listen to the band "Blood Sweat & Tears" especially their version of God Bless the child for magnificent horn work.
I second Blood Sweat & Tears -- they have some great tunes: Spinning Wheel, When I Die, God Bless the Child, Lucrecia McEvil, You've Made Me So Very Happy. They also have a brass section I think you will really like it.
I’d forgotten about “Blood, Sweat and Tears” song “Spinning Wheel” there are horns from the jump except for a piano chord to lead off then comes cowbell and the lead singer David Clayton-Thomas is one I think you’ll enjoy(another band who performed at “Woodstock”). 🤘😎💕✌️
Chigo was one of the best of all time and the use of horns mage them truly unique. However I still say your will both like Al Stewart "Year of the cat" its got all your favorites interments and sinning style all mixed in to one epic song.
This is the "radio cut" which, along with "Color My World" came from the longer version of the "song" "Ballet For a Girl From Buchanan." The voice on this is the late, great Terry Kath. On 25 or 6 to 4 is Peter Cetera (now a solo artist).
Spelled "Buchannon", but not to worry--James Pankow, the trombonist and composer of this "ballet", misspelled the name himself. It's "Buckhannon, a town in West Virginia.
This voice is the late Terry Kath who is also the guitarist who played that incredible solo in 25 or 6 to 4. He was and is a legend.
Love Terry Kath!
Though all fine musicians, Kath was the heart and soul of Chicago IMO.
Way way underrated ! I'd put him in the top 10 ever
Jimi Hendrix: Terry Kath is the greatest guitarist. That was a guitar playing the entire solo: pure Kath.
RIP Terry Kath. Gone too soon.
Terry Kath was one of the most talented singer guitarist ever. Simply amazing
Long live Terry Kath. The heart and soul of Chicago. Played guitar like Jimi Hendrix, sang like Ray Charles. The band was never the same after he died.
Yes before I ever saw photos him, I thought Mr. Kath was black! He had that kind of deep soulful voice.
Very much like the loss to Alice In Chains when Layne Staley died.
Reporter: What's it feel like to be the world's greatest guitarist? Jimmy Hendrix: I don't know, ask Terry Kath.
As a Hendrix historian, Kath did not play guitar like Hendrix, not even close or in the same ballpark; as a solo player, Hendrix couldn't hold a candle to Kath's soloing, and Hendrix knew it. But nothing Kath ever wrote as a song can compete with Axis, Cry of Love, Electric Lady, etc. Kath was in the elite group of soloists, and Hendrix all alone, entirely atop the mountain alone as an inventive songwriter.
They were still good just not as
When you said What is that, it's Terry Kath jamming on his guitar. He was truly unique. Jimi Hendrix loved his playing!
Yep - Jimi actually said 'that guy is better than me'...lol. Jimi was essentially a great blues player that came up with some great psychedelic ideas. It's not a competition though...
Terry Kath, one of the best guitar players, and a pretty damn good singer.
@@Guitaural. - true that. Great music from both!
Yes, Jimi and Terry were good friends. Both highly respected each other's guitar lead abilities. Jimi used to open for the then CTA (Chicago) at the Whiskey Go Go in LA in the late 60s.
Jimi used to say to Terry, "Man, your band has the fastest guitar player alive, and you have horns too!"
Chicago used three different lead singers. This singer is the guitarists Terry Kath. The singer with the middle tone of voice is the keyboardist Robert Lamm. The vocalist with the higher pitched voice is the bass player Peter Cetera. They didn't want to have Chicago be about one person, they wanted to focus be on the band as a whole.
Peter was my favorite
@@PolluxFeyd10191 He was most people’s favorite, that’s why he had the biggest solo career.
Until David Foster arrived on the scene.
@@odochartaighofodonegal9815 Love your comment. Woulda been interesting if Kath was around to deal with Foster...
@@jazzpunk Terry was considering leaving even before he passed. If he hadn't, I don't think David Foster would've been brought in. Terry's death was the end of Chicago as I love it.
One of the most beautiful songs you'll ever hear is "Color My World" with Terry Kath's soulful voice really shining again! !!!
Short, simple, yet oh so emotionally deep and full. One of my favorite love songs ever!
Absolutely!
Part of the same extended track too.
The original band had three lead singers - Terry Kath (heard here), Peter Cetera (25 or 6 to 4) and Robert Lamm (Saturday in the Park). All three could have fronted any band, but Chicago was fortunate to have all three. And Terry Kath was a monster guitarist!
Completely agree. All three were phenomenal singers.
Completely agree. All three were phenomenal singers.
Please dont ever forget the incredible drummer Danny Serafin....better than almost any drummer right now
Yes! There never has been and never will be a band like that version of Chicago. A super team like no other before or since.
Gene give the tune Song of the Evergreens a listen. Horn player Lee Loughnane sings and you would swear up and down it is Terry! Terry Wrote it and Lee sings it, it is an awesome track simply a beautiful song! What a Group of Talent
Next Chicago song to do: "Feelin' Stronger Every Day." First half of the song is smooth; second half, it gets crazy.
my second favorite song
Love love love Feeling Stronger Everyday
First half: AM Gold, second half: runaway train.
I like that one and Searchin
The first era of Chicago is just mind-blowingly good. The writers, Kath, Lamm, Cetera, Pankow....They were all top tier and what made Chicago so damn special.
! ! ! At the time I just chalked it up to "I'm at that age". But now, 55 years later, the compositions are even more impressive. Love you guys. Love Chicago.
Yes, next time: "Feelin' Stronger Every Day." - it's like a rock n' Roll anthem !
I agree.
Most definitely! There is a neat little thing kind of buried in the mix, but if one listens it is quite clear. What I'm talking about is that at about the 2:55 mark or so Terry Kath's rhythm riff changes just slightly but noticeably to the Rolling Stones "Jumpin' Jack Flash" rhythm guitar riff, then at just about exactly the 3:00 mark they sing "Jumpin' Jack Flash, it's a gas, gas, gas" - it's kinda quick but once you've heard it, it's almost impossible to miss it.
That's my favorite Chicago song! Such a happy rocking tune with positive vibes
@@JimiBurleigh Yes, J. Burleigh !! A very cool nod to the Stones there! And as I recall, right before the Jumpin' Jack Flash part, they can also be heard singing "We... love... you" and then "Let's spend the night together" !
The horns are what makes Chicago unique. They are primarily a horn band. Another great song they have is "Saturday In The Park".
“A man playing guitar and playing for us all”
What made them so unique and special was the combination of instruments and song writers and vocalists
They weren't alone in having a horn section. Blood Sweat & Tears, Lighthouse, Edgar Winter's White Trash, The Ides of March - all large ensemble acts.
Hooray for the horn section. They add a big serving of elegance to every song.
Definitely do “Saturday in the Park”….y’all can get horns and a little piano fix in too!
These songs MUST be 50 years old give or take…they’re just as vibrant and just as relevant and just as fresh NOW as they were then!!!
REAL musicians and REAL singers!!!
It’s good that a new generation is open to it…and appreciates the music!!!
Blood Sweat and Tears:
"God Bless the Child "
"Spinning Wheel"
AMAZING vocals, and a full HORN section!!
Good call. I was thinking about them too
Also “when I die”. Harmonica and horns.
Also Lucretia MacEvil
Just what I was thinking. Good call.
@@martinsmusic1724 or even I love you more than you'll ever know. Very bluesie. And his voice...wow.
th-cam.com/video/BDnjgDUp6z4/w-d-xo.html
"Feelin' Stronger Every Day" is my call for the next Chicago song you play: horn explosion!
I second that. And it pairs really well (I think) with Crosby Stills Nash and Young's "Carry On" from 1970.
❤❤❤
There’s a really good live version they do in the studio if you wanna see them in action.
Feelin' Stronger is too Peter Cetera. Not the original sound. Best to stick with very early Chicago Rock and Horns. Amazing sound. Terry Kath sounding sounding Chicago is best.
@@johnseverson6604 Agreed; that's a fine vid!
I love it when youngsters discover the music I grew up on and still listen to daily. This music is the soundtrack of my life. Good stuff!
I am glad the youth is finding class in a classless pop universe.
Absolutely. They will never experience the real thing. The best
Lol I find it sad they don't know the sound they were wondering about was Terry 🎸
“Does Anyone Know What Time It Is” by Chicago is worth a reaction….
Yes, a Chicago must
You are having the pleasure of listening to the late, GREAT Terry Kath, who was not only a phenomenal guitarist (Jimmy Hendrix idolized him), but also had an incredible voice. I feel blessed to have been alive when this came out and was on the airwaves. Thank you both for reacting to this!
You got that right!
The trombonist, James Pankow, charted all the horns on all the songs. The other horns were Lee Loughnane (trumpet), and Walter Parazaider (sax). Pankow wrote stellar charts and deserves great credit for the success of the band.
Agreed 100% I played trombone in jazz band in high school and Pankow was an inspiration.
@@j.w.matney8390 Played? Past tense? Find a community band to join! Pick it up again!
@@NavvyMom Oh my chops are long gone. ha ha
@@j.w.matney8390 They can come back. You still have a horn?
"Amber loves horns". The band was built around the horn section.
Chicago is a Great American Band whose songs have been the soundtrack to countless millions of American lives for decades.
“Beginnings” and “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is” are both fantastic!
agree, Tim. These are their best, in my opinion.
I totally agree with you
Those are my favorites.
Yes, good call!
Oh yes. "Beginnings" one of my all time favorites.
The guitar solo Kath starts at 5:58 is played by trills with the pick incredibly fast. Many musicians, like myself, attempted this solo.Very difficult but beautifully musical. His voice is a bluesman's dream. The entire band was cooking on dynamite.
Interesting! A very jazzy guitar style.
That sound was the singer on guitar also.he didn't need any studio sounds, a genius.
Chicago are among the gods of Rock n' Roll along with Blood Sweat & Tears......this group really carried the traditions of Big BandJazz music mixed with Rock like BST who really started this kind of music in the 60's. Check out "You Make Me So Very Happy" by Blood Sweat & Tears, it is FIRE with a little Crooner sound to it!!!
Lucretia McEvil :)
Agree with you both!!! 👍
Best concert I ever attended was both together
I was into Chicago in the early 70's because my late father used to listen to the Daly Wilson Big Band.
Another vote for "You Make Me So Very Happy" it is a very good song
The incredible singing voice of Terry Kath. So underrated. He was the heart and soul of Chicago. Such a tragic loss...
Who ever underrated Terry's voice? Everyone I know thinks his voice is soulful, ass-kicking amazing!
@@Secular_Monk the so called music "critics"
I was 14 years old when this song was out on the radio, hanging out with my first boyfriend, I’m thinking 1970ish. I’m 66 yrs old now, can you imagine how cool it is for me to see you young people discovering all the music of my lifetime? You soooo get it! You’re a great couple!
"Colour my World" (correct spelling) is a great song. Terry Kath sings this one too. They are jammed with hits. More Chicago ❤️💯💯
💯
We used this song in our wedding 🎶😍
The “Amber Sway” will be strong with this one!
Beautiful song !
I love playing this song on piano. It's a song that I will always love.
The soul of Chicago. Terry Kath. Chicago had three main singers Terry, Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm. Each had unique voices but Terry was a skilled soul singer plus an ace guitarist. Peter kind of took over the group in a way with the more pop hits. And then tragically Terry shot himself by accident and died. The group imo never was the same without their leader Terry.
Terry Kath. The LEGENDARY GUITARIST & SOULFUL SINGER.
Listen to DIALOGUE
That is when a band was a BAND !! Several great musicians playing in unison, each one extremely talented in their own right. No light shows, no make up, no background dancers...just honest to goodness amazing musicians !! What a concept !! Miss the old days. I really really do...
Thats Terry Kath playing the fast break on the guitar. Terry Kath was praised by even Hendrix as being one of the best.
"J" and Amber check out "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" -- "You Made Me So Very Happy" more horns and jazz/rock. Another great group from the late 60's
Can't forget God Bless the Child
This has been my Chicago favorite from the first time it came out. Terry Kath's voice and guitar work in this song make me smile/cry.... RIP Terry...
This is Terry Kathe, Lead guitarist and vocals. He has a very soulful voice indeed!
I grew up with Chicago with I adored them being a trumpet player back then. Another band with HORNS HORNS HORNS is BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS. Try "SPINNING WHEEL"
Also, Lucrative Macevil and Lucretia's Reprise
Great thing about 70’s Chicago is they have 3 different vocalists with such different sound. Unique and made them a killer band.
Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera and Terry Kath. Phenomenal singing and songwriting in this band...including James Pankow
The more I hear Kath's vocals in this song, the more I hear Ray Charles. Have another listen with that in mind, it's uncanny.
He was often referred to as the white Ray Charles.
"He has been praised by the band for his guitar skills and Ray Charles-influenced vocal style." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Kath
Man, I see / hear what you mean. Guess I pay too much attention to Kath's guitar.
I've lived in Chicago my whole life. This band played on every single radio station in the city. My mom had all of their albums. They were the soundtrack of my childhood. It makes me smile to see you both enjoy this so much.
I group up in Chicago too. My parents also had their albums. We listened to them alot.
TERRY KATH!!!
r.i.p......
1 of my favorite MUSICIANS, let alone guitar players, EVER!!!!
If you don’t have one get a turntable. Buy this in vinyl. Get in a dark, comfy room. Listen to all 4 sides start to finish. That is the experience.
I agree - the Silver Album was the best
Back in 1971, I did this more than twice😜🤪😎🤪😜
Not many of us left with that experience my friend disappointing
I’m coming over to your house Robert. I’ve never done that but you’ve just made that one of my bucket list music goals….🎶
You Got that Right! A quality turntable set up right thru a quality receiver and quality speakers was golden. I wonder how much quality loss we have in our formats now, thru small computer speakers. I am hoping Leonid and Friends attack the whole 2 albums!
Their whole first album when they were known as The Chicago Transit Authority is a masterpiece. More horns than you can shake a stick at. Maybe some day you can do a whole album reaction to it.
arguably their best album ever.
Yes.
@@jowsmith1904 Chicago II is good also!
@@jowsmith1904 I don't see anyone arguing...
The actual Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) threatened to sue the band for trademark infringement, so they changed their name to Chicago.
So glad to see you both get into Chicago. They were truly amazing in their day and 50+ years on the music still makes ME smile! All amazing musicians, remember all that was done pre-digital ANYTHING
A few other great early Chicago songs are Beginnings, with Robert Lamm on lead vocals, and Questions 67 & 68, sung by Peter Cetera. Great stuff!
Beginnings has Major Horns!!
I've always had a huge crush on Robert Lamm 😍
Terrific song, sung by Terry Kath, their legendary guitarist, who was also Jimi Hendrix's favorite guitarist. After this song, you MUST react to their version of "I'm a Man" which is a cover but one they improved upon, with more funk and better production. It will make you jump up and dance! Or, "Saturday in the Park" which sounds just like a Saturday in the park, it's so good.
Not to throw any shade whatsoever upon Terry Kath as a guitarist or Jimi's opinion of him, but I have seen multiple sources cite Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top as Hendrix's fav. I can say I've sweated up my headphones playing air guitar to them all!
@@donferoce5652 Billy is a great guitar player and Jimi admired his playing style. Then again, Jimi loved more than one guitar player, like Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Terry Kath, and he called King Crimson the greatest band in the world. KC is great, but the greatest? Even Jimi got it wrong sometimes. ☺
@@j.jennings1722 It's all a matter of taste in the end; you may think one guitarist is better than another simply because you enjoy their songs or the way they play more than others.
Eddie Van Halen was uniquely brilliant but I would rather listen to Angus Young of AC\DC because I prefer his phrasing; he's speaking my language whereas sometimes Eddie seems to be speaking in tongues!
This is actually two different songs clipped together that are part of a suite entirely written by James Pankow, the trombone player. To fully appreciate it you have to listen to the suite, 'Ballet For A Girl From Buchanon'. 'Make Me Smile' is the first song, then it transitions into some other songs, then 'Color My World' (also sung by Terry Kath, in a much mellower voice), then another instrumental, then the end of what you hear here, which is 'Now I Need You'. Amazing performance and amazing songwriting by Pankow.
TERRY KATH!
I WAS PRIVILEGED TO GROW UP LISTENING TO CHICAGO THROUGH MY HIGH SCHOOL YEARS! I'M GLAD YOU ENJOY THE MUSIC!!
i had this record
Yes yes yes
On the flip side of this original 45 is “Colour My World.” A MUST review.
Yes. Beautiful and simple. Love ii.
I don't think there was a high school band back then who didn't play Color My World. Lol. Great song.
...or you can listen to Ballet for a Girl in Buchanen and get both :-)
Chicago was my favorite band back in the day. I'm fact they still are.
When I was in high school my marching band did a Chicago half time show. It was one of my favorite shows.
cool....
So did we...we had a band director that was so cool. He actually let us play music of the time rather than boring old marching band crap
@@sharikraft1706 Same here in high school in the early 1970's. Then at Michigan State University, in Marching Band we did a Chicago show and did it in University of Illinois Football stadium in 1976, got our picture forming the Chicago script logo on the field in the Chicago newspaper. Boy was the Illinois band pissed HAHAHAHAH
@@thomastimlin1724 that is so cool. I went to a very small rural town I think we had 50 in our whole band. But we actually got to do halftime for the fiesta bowl down in Phoenix 1974 & 75, I can't remember the song we did but I know it was Chicago...oh it was 25 or 6 24. What the heck is the name of that song I know I'm murdering it
We did too!
If you love horns, you will enjoy the band that influenced Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears. Their first hit was “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.” Also, “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die,” and “God Bless the Child.” Peace out.
BST influenced Chicago? Where did you hear this? They both started in 1967.
Terry Kath was such a good guitar player and his life was cut unnecessarily short. I would say if you think of it, watch the live performance of this. It's incredible, too. On Chicago's first album, Terry did a solo called Free Form Guitar and it really is free form. There's no structure and it is incredible. Thank you both for being out there. Make Me Smile is from 1970.
Just listened to Free Form Guitar by chance the other day. Not an easy listen but the fact they put it on their first says a LOT about the times.
According to producer Jim Gurcio Terry Kath did Free Form Guitar in one take. No overdubs, Gurcio cut the lights and Terry let it rip and that's a wrap! He was that good!!!
The real sound of real instruments, composed and executed by incredible musicians.
Don't overthink Chicago's lyrics. Just enjoy the great classically trained musicians playing great music. The Terry Kath period. 1967-1978 by far the BEST
For the most part, you are correct in saying Chicago's original members were classically trained. There was one exception though, Terry Kath, their guitarist nonpareil, who had NO formal musical education and could not even read music.
@@josephoshea1442 yes understand and I was speaking in general. How ironic Terry with most raw talent but no training.
Just a fantastic sound and concept.
I was 18 when CTA was released and I liked, didn’t know exactly what to make of it as it was so unique (still is, I guess) And even way back then the more I heard it, the more I liked it, until I loved it.
I believe the true greatness is how great it sounds 55 years later.
Chicago came out and just blew us away! Incredible band, and were even better live.
I second every nomination for "Saturday in the Park", along with "If You Leave Me Now" and "Baby What a Big Surprise". And then there was the quintenssential slow dancing song from my high school years, "Hard to Say I'm Sorry".
Hard to say i'm sorry is my FAVORITE of all time. ❤️❤️❤️
It's great to have two people with insight, intelligence, and appreciation for great music of multiple styles. You two look to be an awesome couple.
as meat loaf once said in a first draft "one out of three ain't bad"
Those drum licks are incredible.
You guys should hear "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is", from their first album. Terry sang lead, and horns kick it off.
Robert Lamm wrote and does the lead vocals on Does Anybody Know What Time It Is.
Yeah, it's 25 or 2(6) minutes to four in the morning. He's writing about writing.
Robert Lamm does lead vocals on Does Anybody Know What Time It Is. The piano kicks it off, not horns.
As a former Trumpet player, this makes me smile. 😉
I love when the great bands fire on all cylinders. When the songwriting is honest, and the arrangement allows for so much movement, and they have the talented musicians and voices to deliver the message....
Chicago has lots of great songs like If you leave me now, Hard to say I'm sorry,You're the inspiration,Saturday in the park and some others 💕💫
Earth Wind & Fire are one of Horn Bands that are Excellent!!!!....And Blood Sweat & Tears is another one!!!!
Don't forget the group Tower of Power.
One often underappreciated aspect of Chicago's music is the complex rhythm changes that appear suddenly and unexpectedly. There's no better example of this than the brassy segment that begins at 7:37 -- you've got either alternating 5/4 and 4/4 time signatures or 3/4, 2/4, 4/4 ... climaxing with an apparent 5/4 measure at the very end.
Only a handful of rock bands even attempted 5/4 time -- Jethro Tull being a notable exception with "Living in the Past." There's also the jazz song "Take Five," along with the Mission: Impossible theme. But those songs are entirely 5/4, whereas Chicago sprinkled it into their music like seasoning on a juicy steak!
Please listen to the whole song -it's called "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon." This is just one part of the whole thing. You won't be disappointed. There are some cool versions on out there. One from Tanglewood 1970 and a more recent one from around 2014. Tanglewood is your best bet.
Studio version. There is no substitute.
We were spoiled in the '70s with so many great bands. Chicago had the best horn section, there was also Earth, Wind & Fire and Blood, Sweat & Tears that used horns.
More Chicago big hits: 'Colour My World' (ballad), 'Just You and Me', 'Feelin' Stronger Every Day' (upbeat), 'Wishing You Were Here' (moody), '(I've Been) Searchin' so Long' (romantic), 'Beginnings' (phenomenal)
Chicago did have a great horn section but let's not forget Tower of Power's horn section
@@basementstudio7574 I was just here to say that!
Such a fan of Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire and Blood Sweat and Tears. I am 69 years old and grew up steeped in Jazz and had the opportunity to see Chicago live as well as Earth Wind and Fire.
Colour My World is an AWESOME song! Ballet
for a Girl in Buchannon is MUCH better.
Wishing You were Here, one of my faves!
You know you have made it, when Dennis,
Alan and Carl sing backup, (Dennis and
Carl, two Wilson Boys. Alan Jardine, a
very close friend. Also a Beach Boy.)
I'd KILL for the local station to play
Wishing You were Here, followed by
God Only Knows.
steve
Guys you are going to have so much fun listening to this fabulous band….
They have the voice, and instruments galore… Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, rounding off with EW& F
Earth Wind & Fire
Such a great song. This is part of a longer piece of music called "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon". Another part of the same song suite is "Color My World". You'll love that one too!
Love Color My World 💕💕💕
Absolutely, do a reaction to the whole suite live version from Tanglewood!!! The songs make even more sense played together.
"Color My World" was everybody's prom theme in the early 70's. Slow dancing!
Terry Kath On vocal and playing guitar was pure magic. He was a genius on the guitar and had a voice like no other.
I'm 62 years old and still get goosebumps over the Chicago / Terry Kath sung, "In The Country" from their 2nd album. Loaded with those famous horns and Terry's unmatchable voice!
I am still stuck on their 1st and 2nd albums. I now have to listen to "Introduction" and "In the Country."
You should react to the live version to fully appreciate the genius I’d Terry Kath’s guitar and vocals on this classic. For me, and many fans, the best if Chicago is the Terry Kath era! The band had lead vocals split among three great voices. Terry created his incredible guitar sound in the days before effect pedals, sampling, impulse responses, and post production triggers that have come to be commonplace in the decades since we lost Terry. His soulful voice remains every bit as special as his world-beating guitar licks! A music legend of the highest order!
For a great drum solo, I deeply recommend “I’m a man” it’s a mind blowing song!!!
"I'm a Man" is my favorite cover of all time! Well, tied with The Doobies "Take Me in Your Arms."
Terry Kath had such a soulful voice. Man , unmatched. And he's one of the greatest guitarist ever .IMO. what a musician. period.
This is sung by guitarist, Terry Kath while "25 or 6 to 4" was sung by the bassist Pete Cetera. That's why the vocal styles are very different.
The vocalist on this one is Terry Kath, the guitar player. "25 or 6 to 4" is sung by the bassist Peter Cetera.
You’re hearing the fab guitar playing. Back in the day, I loved Chicago. Fell in love the first time I heard them because of the horns. I have always said the ‘70s had the best music and I have never let go of that since then. Love listening to young people discovering the best of the best ‘70s music.
Early Chicago was all jazz, lots of horns. Make Me Smile was part of a seven part suite of music. The band didn't want the suite broken up but the record company did it anyway. It was their breakthrough hit, in 1970 . Many great albums followed, in the '70's.. Then, (sad face) they became a love ballad band and their songs were played at every middle school dance for years. 70's Chicago is fantastic and you should listen to all of it. And if you like middle school dances, you can listen to the other stuff as well, lol.
My first time listening to Make Me Smile on an album station I wanted to record it. They played the 7 parts but I cut it off thinking it was over. After Color My World, I restarted it, creating the best 10 minute mix ever!
And shout out to drummer Danny Seraphine. Dude is on point.
So, here's the deal - "Make Me Smile" was one of the many amazing songs from their 2nd lp, "Chicago II". The original release was a two-record set in a gate fold cover! Side 2 of the first record begins with "Wake Up Sunshine", followed by "Make Me Smile", which segways into a suite of songs written by trombonist James Pankow entitled "Ballet For A Girl In Buchanan", which in itself features the beautiful "Colour My World". The version of "Make Me Smile" you reacted to here is the abridged version which was used for commercial radio airplay and which appeared on several "Chicago" compilation albums. Sometime when you both have time, you should listen to the complete "Chicago II" album ("25 or 6 to 4" is also featured on this album) - it's an unforgettable piece of music!
For more horns... the legendary Tower of Power. Songs to check out... Down To The Niteclub... What is Hip... You're Still A Young Man... So Very Hard To Go... and that's just for starters.
Oh yes I agree , if you love brass listen to Tower of Power, greatest horn section ever!
They were truly the band of the 70s, didn’t have a song that wasn’t top chart. This music transcends time, good music usually does
Jay and Amber, WOW!!! Seeing your reactions to the incredible Chicago (and Terry Kath) warms my heart. I think you should take in one of their earliest tunes, Questions 67 And 68 from 1969. It's FIRE!
This brings back memories of high school for me. So smooth.
Sometimes you just have to enjoy a song for what it is and don't worry about analyzing.
Chicago is one of those times
Time before Auto-tune and song samples!
Exactly right! I prefer to hear how it makes them feel than analyzing lyrical meaning.
I was lucky enough to see them live in Australia in 1972. Terry Kath was amazing as were the rest of the band. It was such a tragedy when Terry died. I have a collection of their albums to which I still listen.
Yes!!! More Chicago. Great song.
When you hear that voice and that guitar, you understand why Chicago was never the same after Terry Kath died.
Boy, that's for sure. After they had their first #1 hit with the musically boring "If You Leave Me Now", they seemed to abandon their rowdy Rock roots in favor of a more subdued commercial Pop sound.
Welcome to my Sophomore H.S. year. Terry Kath (vocals and guitar solo) brought great, raw energy to Chicago. Amazing what trained jazz musicians can bring to Rock and Roll! Thanks!
Chicago had two completely different era's. The Terry Kath era, and after his tragic death, The Peter Cetera/David Foster era.
No true fan would consider the later era as Chicago. They were nice songs and Cetera has one of the great tenor voices in rock history, but Terry Kath took the soul of the band with him.
check out chicago/tanglewood 1970
@@blairbolling I’ve watched it more times then I can count. Incredible that a live gig from 1970 sounded that good.
Peter was a more soulful singer himself when Terry was still alive.
@@Beematola Agree, but I think It had more to do with the material.
Chicago was an innovative band and then became a pop hits machine. They stayed successful but I think they lost their soul.
Sorry for all the comments, you guys got me all fired up by my favorite group, Chicago. When they started out in the late 60’s, they were known as Chicago Transit Authority. They later changed their name to just Chicago. They had a song when they first started out to let listeners know who and what they were about. It is called Introduction. You should really listen to it and see just all the different sounds they are about😉👍
yes, they shortened the name to simply "Chicago" becasue the Chicago Transit Authority threatened to sue them if they didn't
This song is from the album Chicago II, and is actually part of a suite of 3 songs called "Ballad for a Girl in Buchannon", and includes Color My World and Make Me Smile. So if the middle part seems a bit awkward, it's because they chopped part of it to turn this into a single.
Really worth a listen to listen to the whole set of songs. Great Stuff!
I had forgotten just how much I love Chicago!! Thank you RSR for reminding me! ROCK ON!! Jeff
This band has 2 of the greatest musicians to ever live Terry Kath on Guitar and Danny Seraphine on drums "I'm a Man" is another song to check out
The late Terry Kath was the vocalist and lead guitar of this song was known at the white Ray Charles.
This song 1970 was written by James Pankow, a founding member of Chicago whose primary instrument is the trombone. What made him smile was the thought of a beautiful relationship. He explained: "Relationships, if they're good, put a big smile on our faces. Love 💘 songs have always been a powerful ingredient in the song's process - the songwriting process has often taken writers to that place."
That song is part of a bigger suite called "Ballad for a girl in Buchannon" The song was chopped for radio play, but the whole suite is often called "The Make me Smile Suite" as well. That is the late great Terry Kath on vocals who was the Soul of Chicago. If you love that by them, listen to the song Dialogue where Kath and peter Cetera actually engage in a lyrical dialogue and the contrast in the two voices is magnificent along with the horns.
Also listen to the band "Blood Sweat & Tears" especially their version of God Bless the child for magnificent horn work.
Take Me Back to Chicago - One of Terry Kath's last songs as a vocalist. Another Classic.
I second Blood Sweat & Tears -- they have some great tunes: Spinning Wheel, When I Die, God Bless the Child, Lucrecia McEvil, You've Made Me So Very Happy. They also have a brass section I think you will really like it.
Get the Chicago at Carnegie Hall. This band live will blow you away!
Chicago was amazing, jazz you up with the horns , and then Terry Kath blisters you with his guitar work. 3 different vocalist on top of it all.
Chicago has so many hit songs. They are such a great group.
I’d forgotten about “Blood, Sweat and Tears” song “Spinning Wheel” there are horns from the jump except for a piano chord to lead off then comes cowbell and the lead singer David Clayton-Thomas is one I think you’ll enjoy(another band who performed at “Woodstock”). 🤘😎💕✌️
Not only could Terry Kath play the guitar, but his voice oozed with soul and grit.
Chigo was one of the best of all time and the use of horns mage them truly unique. However I still say your will both like Al Stewart "Year of the cat" its got all your favorites interments and sinning style all mixed in to one epic song.
I grew up on all Chicago albums but you two make me smile listening to this. Your great
"Cry sweet tears of joy, touch the sky..." What a great song, with a great singer, and a killer band.
This is the "radio cut" which, along with "Color My World" came from the longer version of the "song" "Ballet For a Girl From Buchanan." The voice on this is the late, great Terry Kath. On 25 or 6 to 4 is Peter Cetera (now a solo artist).
Spelled "Buchannon", but not to worry--James Pankow, the trombonist and composer of this "ballet", misspelled the name himself. It's "Buckhannon, a town in West Virginia.
Only one way to hear this is the complete movement in one sitting