@@jeffdowler9130 That's a very spurious quote passed down through the years. I loved Terry's playing but I'd like to find just one person who was there to hear Hendrix to have said that. It's more of a rock 'n roll old wives tale than anything else.
@@danielfronc4304 Why in the hell does it matter. Jimi was a vary loving person and I could see him saying something like that, not but he's in Chicago not The experience. To me that makes me think more of Hendrix.
I'm actually surprised you haven't recognized Terry Kath more. He is quite possibly one of the single most underrated guitarist in rock. What Chicago turned into the 80s overshadowed the Kath legacy.
Some of the stuff on the first Chicago album is some amazing guitar work. I'm sure someone may have mentioned this in the comments (Kath fans are very loyal to his work so it wouldn't surprise me) but even Hendrix was blown away by Terry's guitar work. It was sad when was killed and almost sad where Chicago went after his death, despite his desire to keep Chicago from going in that direction. I suppose finding a video of Terry's work would help your video analysis. Good luck with that. Great work, Fil. I love how you jump genres and respect guitar players no matter what music they play. That's rare to find. You're doing brilliant work with it. Glad to have found your channel.
@@robrobertson4619 The dynamics of Chicago was screwed up before David Foster stepped in. Their last couple of albums didn't sell as good as they could have, as well as singles the last two years Chicago was on CBS/Columbia. They were shown the door in 1980. The musical landscape was changing, and Chicago needed to change as well.
The horns were all classically trained at DePaul university as well as most of the others, Terry couldn’t read music , just by ear, and was an immensely talented prodigy
Kath could really go for the full shred and pull it back in very well. Of all the musicians who died young, his hit me the hardest. In my mind, Chicago never recovered musically.
Saw them in 1970- they were great and after losing Terry Kath, they were never quite the same - his lead in 25 or 6 was so melodic as well as very fast- he died foolishly as well
Terry Kath... most underrated guitarist ever? No one ever talks about him. Hendrix called him the best guitar player he’d ever seen. I love how super enthusiastic he plays here without missing a note.
I don't doubt this Hendrix quote but is there actually any proof that he said this? I keep reading people misquoting Jimi on youtube everywhere. The how does it feel to be the best guitar player in the world, I don't know, ask............... ( I've read the names Terry Kath, Rory Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, Leslie West, Frank Zappa) quote. Jimi was so humble , he would say anybody's name in my opinion. I know he loved Jeff Beck, dug Leslie West's riff, Zappa's technique, he also said Alvin Lee belonged in a circus but in another interview he actually liked his playing, he admired Eric Clapton but hated that he didn't really play rhythm guitar. In truth, I think he didn't think that much of himself so he automatically rated others higher.
I am about to commit blasphemy here but I say Hendrix is the absolute most OVER rated player ever. OOOOOOO he set fire to his guitar. OOOOOO he played with his teeth. OOOOOO he restrung a righty guitar so he could play lefty. Back in that era just about every band's guitar player was way better so Jimi calling someone better than him is like picking low hanging fruit.
One of the best things about seeing Chicago is watching the horn section. Lee Loughnane, Walter Parazaider and, especially, James Pankow all seemed to be having more fun than anyone at the shows. I'm glad you took the time to spotlight them.
One of the contributing factors may well have been that the three of them were actually members of the band. Most rock acts that used horns in the seventies had hired or guest musicians whereas these guys had been fully involved in shaping the sound from the word go and related to the other four as equals rather than employers.
I got to meet these guys back in 1972. I was working for the McGovern For President headquarters in Louisville, Ky. Chicago were backers of McGovern and came into the headquarters when they came to town. They were real people, I mean they weren't uppity, "Were all-stars " kind of folks. They gave me a hand full of tickets and backstage passes for their show. Great sounds!!!
Good choice, underrated musicians. These guys were great. I grew up in their neighborhood and recall them going big. Saw them at a park before their first album and you could tell they were going to make it. There was less than 50 people there that night.
Chicago in the early 70's was the best period and they had a lot of rock involved in their style still. Terry on guitar/vocals, Peter on vocals, and the horns! Wow! My ears are grateful to revisit this.
Every musician in Chicago were incredibly talented. I saw them play when Kath was alive. My memories of this show were that I liked Kath’s voice the best and that the musicians were incredibly good. I think Kath’s playing may have been underrated because he was surrounded by so many talented musicians performing along side him.
As a lifelong trumpet player, Chicago has always been one of my faves! Totally agree with you on the way they blend in their horn section. So many bands get it wrong.
Great choice of song. Jimmy Hendrix said that Chicago's brass section was like an extra voice. Also, spot on about Peter Cetera's voice - it was great. Love the way it combines mellow with passion. And the judicious use of brass surging into and ebbing out of the musical stream raises this song to something great and fantastic. This is a song and performance that is utterly satisfying.
I love watching the brass enjoying the performance as well, Fil, especially when Terry went off. Thanks for pointing that out. Such a tight band right there.
These boys knew how to blend. A technical note: they were a horn section. A brass section does not include sax. What you saw at the beginning was a mini sound check, everybody had to make sur they could hear the keys, which would be their cue to how loud to be.
@@andrewmair7371 Technically, a sax is a woodwind because, like clarinet, it requires a reed. It is, right or wrong, commonly considered one of the horns. But then again...why isn't the flute therefore considered brass? No reed, all metal, ah who cares!
I am a former, recovering sax player, lol. technically speaking the saxophone is a hybrid of a brass and a woodwind instrument. it will always be classified as woodwind because of the reed that touches the lips vs a brass mouthpiece. Think about it......99.5% of the sax is brass. the remaining % is a reed, the mouthpiece and the pads.
Some CHICAGO trivia...they were one of Jimi Hendrix's favorite bands and opened for him on several shows. The cover for their first album...CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY...was designed by Dean O. Torrance of Jan&Dean fame[Surf City...Dead Man's Curve] who also designed the CHICAGO logo that the band still uses today ! You're Welcome !
Two comments: even after decades of touring, Chicago never mails in a show - ever. Their enthusiasm is amazing after all these years. They always seem so grateful for every butt in the seats. Also, one of the best horn arrangements that Chicago ever recorded was on the track Alive Again.
Fil, i was pretty sure you'd enjoy them. Terry Kath was a beast. Known for his voice as "The White Ray Charles." Even further, in 1969, Jimi Hendrix saw them at the Whisky-a-Go Go, and backstage told them, "Your horn section plays with one set of lungs, and i am pretty good, but Terry is better than me." He then took them on tour with him in 1969. Even if you don't do an analysis, please watch "Make Me Smile" from the same show. It shows off Terry's amazing, soulful Voice. Thank You for checking it out and doing the analysis, Good Sir! Cheers, -trout
Thanks Fil this is the track I meant.Such a big band with at least three more than capable lead singers. Terry’s solo is as good as I’ve ever seen. People think that’s not true Rock with all those horns. But man they could Rock with anybody. This concert is from 7/21/70 for anybody wanting to see this show. Thanks Fil I’m really enjoying ur content.
Thank you for pointing out Terry's tone. As far as I can tell his only peddle in this concert is the wah. He just adjusts his guitar volume to go from clean to overdrive. Watch him - cranks it on leads and dials back on rhythm. So many guitarists on TH-cam fail to understand this. Their tones are over-saturated, crunchy and fuzzy. Tone is such an important aspect. It can't be overemphasized enough. In my opinion the ultimate guitar tone is a Strat plugged into a tube amp on the clean channel but volume high enough to distort (season to taste). Perfect example in this video. Hendrix and Blackmore were also prolific users of this method. Pure delight to the ears.
Just F.Y.I. - This was (obviously) recorded live at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Massachusetts during their concert there July 21, 1970. I remember hearing it for the first time piped over the speakers while walking down the boardwalk at the Ocean City Maryland beach. I was blown away and had to find out who this group was. Another superb choice and analysis Fil. Thanks, man!
I cannot figure out why I am just hearing this analysis! Chicago is one of my favorite bans. I particularly always love horns. Again, Peter Cetera's voice is great! Terry Kath's guitar is just awesome.
Kath remains one of my very favorite guitarists - so melodic yet so raw. His gravely voice added a lot to their sound too. And listening to their first two releases - amazing fill work, much jazzier than the years that followed. The brass just got better/tighter as the years passed ...
I stand corrected. Mr. Kath was the band member who had such terrible luck guessing if his gun was loaded or not. Perhaps he had been playing 'gunslinger' (like certain Marines fighting the boredom of a shore duty magazine mid watch, only to make the worst decision of their soon-to-be-over lives and try quick -draw while guarding the gates of the Navy's air and naval stations). I shit you not.
@@frankholstein4499 yeah great guitarist, real moron when it came to guns. The eyewitness account says he made the "see not loaded" statement with a 38 revolver, showing the empty chambers, he then spun it and put it to his head, and it was unloaded. He then picked up a semi automatic and put an unloaded magazine in it, unfortunately there was a round in the chamber in that gun. Only an idiot breaks the first rule of gun safety, never point the gun, loaded or unloaded, much less pull the trigger at anything you don't intend to shoot. I hate to say it but with Terry's attitude toward guns it was only a matter of time before he killed himself or somebody else. Bad as his death was, at least it wasn't an innocent bystander that got killed by his recklessness
I think this is the third time I've watched this and I haven't made a comment? Chicago was BADASS. You picked up on the soul of the group with showing they were all on the same team. This mix didn't really have Terry's guitar emphasized, you can barely hear it. He was amazingly amazing.
Terry Kath, was REALLY feeling it, clearly, and in full-bodied unison with his guitar. I'd never seen him play live. Of course, I've heard that song on the radio and, in stores, countless times before, over the many years. Recently, I also had happened upon a doc. about Kath's tragic, untimely, accidental death. Now, when I hear it out there, AGAIN, and that's inevitable, I will have this great visual of him reverberating with his guitar while playing that very intense solo..Thanks!
I remember goosebumps first time I heard this song in late sixties, as soon as the brass came I got emotional, harmony is a right word Fil. I owned a bootleg double album of Chicago, early recordings, jazzy but full of nice melodies and brass. Thanks ....
The only concert I ever took my sister to was to see Chicago back in 1975. I was in college. I brought her up for the weekend. Bought her a new album by them and off we went. She was a handful to deal with. If I had known that she would leave this world so early in life I would have taken her to so many concerts and places. Concert tickets were ten dollars then but to me that was gold. Scholarships, loans, and jobs. I rarely had breathing space let alone money. Double-majoring in predominately all male engineering university but she was proud of me. I saw a lot of great bands on campus. All you needed there was a college Id and a dollar or maybe five dollars. Now those bands cost you $150!
Saw them in 69 when they were at The Atlantic City Pop Fest & in 1970 3 months before this show at Shady Grove Music Hall in MD . Terry was a monster player & the reason i took up playing . I was only 13 in 69 & had gone with my older sister & some of her friends. What an inspiration he was. Angus could not match Terry's intensity or writing & singing skills & i don't think that's just my opinion. Terry was one of the greatest players rock has ever had. This was when Chicago was not the commercial entity they turned out to be after Kath lost his life. Take the time to watch the entire show from Tanglewood & you will be picking your jaw up off the floor.. Rock on & keep up these cool reviews.
I laughed when you said the brass section sounds really nice. (I am making fun as you are extremely complimentary to everyone you review - and it’s very appreciated.). Anyway, the brass section is amazing!!! Thank you for bringing great artists to the attention to new generations that may not be familiar with the music from years ago!!!!!!
First rock concert I ever saw was Chicago playing in Cincinnati, just prior to Terry's death. So enjoyed watching this. The energy and joy of playing good music is so evident watching this. Just solid!
Another spot on review! The amount of skill and talent required to pull off that solo tha Terry does is off the charts! This whole concert is a classic. Its ftom Tanglewood, and its Chicago at the top of their game! Terrys playing is so good that his vocals are often overlooked. He sounds like Ray Charles to me, and that his High praise!
Fil- this is the earliest of your videos that I’ve seen. I’m really impressed with how much progress you have made as a commentator over the years. There’s a night-and-day difference in your analysis and production quality. Well done!
...Ah yes, Chicago -- such an incredible group of strong & highly underrated musicians!.. Thanks Fil -- your own unique perspective, as a musician, makes these strolls down musical memory, all the more enjoyable! From Harlem, New York -- rock!✌🏼💖🎶🎵
Seen them and the Beach Boys with free tickets my cousin got from one of the Beach Boys at the Hotel where he was banquet manager. I loved this song the first time I heard it, but was only a minor fan of Chicago till I heard them live. I thought I had a good sound system at home, but it didn't come anywhere near close to doing them justice. Hearing them live just blew me away. Such an incredible band, every song they performed was outstanding.
It is so cool to see someone from the younger generation really getting into this! It is an awesome song. Chicago was such an incredible band. Fil I really enjoy your breakdowns.
Best horn section maybe of all time. I was introduced to Chicago by our high school band director in 1972. He used to play their music for us and even had us play some of their songs in our concerts. I was able to appreciate their great musicianship because of him. Thanks Mr. Bundy!
You give great and pertinent analysis of this great music I grew up listening to. Cheers! Love your appreciation. Your face glows while listening, cool!
Wow Fil I guess I missed this one . An epic show and song the brass section is killing it. The Chauderarity of this band is untouchable. Well back in the day .
I've been a huge Chicago fan since Jr. High days in the early 70's - one of the greatest, innovative and talented bands ever. You should also check out the cover of this song and many other Chicago classics by Leonid and Friends here on TH-cam. Absolute virtuosity and excellent engineering make these covers as good or better than the originals.
When I'm jamming to my Chicago albums I always do the brass on my guitar, can also sing like Robert and Terry before I can tell them apart..think I'll do a tribute video someday!! What a great band was sad when Terry accidentally shot himself dead in Woodland hills Ca!! Terry always drove himself to the max, just fuckin incredible and the drummer ain't know slouch ither
Hey Fil! Chicago (the original group) has been and always will be, my absolute favorite group. They are right up there along with the Moody Blues with me. What many listeners might not pick up on is that, Chicago probably had some of the best "arrangements" in music, ever. The way that they would layer their signature sound was nothing short of incredible writing and arranging. I had the good fortune of seeing them live 3 times with Terry Kath. After his death, I never saw them in a live performance again. Great work with your analysis as always
Yeah Kath deserves some serious coverage. Plus you could do one on his singing alone. The white Ray Charles. You felt pain when this man sang because it was so loaded with emotion.
I'm sure you've heard it, but it was a Terry Kath solo tune. "Tell Me" is just fantastic. Magnum P.I. closed out the finale to the tune. That and "Beyond all our sorrows" and "Hope for Love". Great Kath sung tunes.
As usual, great insight. Chicago's horn section IS top rate. Terry's guitar ability blows me away. This show was a great one to pick your vid from. Nice work.
Chicago is the first band to change my life. Sitting 3rd row at the Portland Coliseum, July 8,1973. Question 67 & 68. I realized I needed to mine all my siblings albums for the lyrics that would eventually shape me. So glad they found me...
Good job mate,that was one of the first on my list,saw them in Spokane, 73-4? World's fair,never forget your first show,especially this band. Thanks for everything Fil.
Well, as far as the brass (and drums, and... every "piece" ) being at the correct and balanced "mix" volumes, while this is an issue in many live venues, the above performance was at the fabled Tanglewood Music Festival (1970), which prides itself on "dialed in" sonic excellence.
Major Calibere I found the sound mix of this clip to be noticeably poor. Balance within the horn section, ridiculously low guitar solo level, most obvious among other issues. Tanglewood staff might not be to blame for that though.
Chicago in it's original lineup. Not only great vocal harmony, but 3 great lead singers. They would go on to record Chicago IV Live at Carnegie Hall NYC during 1 week in April 1971, one of my all time favorite live albums. It would have been great if video were recorded that week. Great analysis Fil!
I still try to turn younger ppl/kids/whoever on to this shit today..I'm 34 but grew up on all things classic rock w/a juke box in the basement...especially with how good most all car stereos are today, just put this on and turn it up..the groove is an absolute heater
I was lucky enough to be in my teens in the late 60's and early 70's. What a great time to be alive. I don't think artistically there will be another decade like it. SO many great groups.
Terry could also shred a bass and Peter could play guitar. I loved the collaboration they did live with the Beach Boys in 1974. "Wishing you were here" is haunting.
When Kath goes to the wah wah is the best part of the guitar solo. Not a lot of guitar players played at that level in those years. Unfortunately Kath didn’t live very long.
I was going to say about Terry. But as I see other commentors seem to have covered it for me. Terry is one of the VERY best of all time. He does not receive the credit deserved. Maybe you can lift his legacy up. Also the drummer is superb. Thanks
Saw Chicago twice in the early 70s in Dallas in my high school days and always loved their music. Caught them again just this year at Winstar and they sound as good as ever though a few of the originals weren't there.
I found it!! Excellent review as I expected! I have seen this band live 6 times over the past. 20 years and they are amazing to see live. Thanks for spotlighting them!
My favorite band. I saw them live 7 or 8 times in high school and college back in the 70’s👍 I know your a rocker at heart so try these 2 tunes by Chicago. Southern California Purples and In The Country 😉
Thanks fil. I remember when terry passed. I still cant believe what happened. Still upset with the people who were around him at the time. What a loss. May the Lord be with him.
Yeah, killer horns. Terry Kath is so great and in the groove, that we forget to listen to the rest of the band. I can't stop listening to their Tanglewood concert. I prefer this live sound over the studio version.
I was an avid Trumpet and soprano horn player back in the 70's. Chicago was the band to see and fortunately saw them live a couple times. Easily one of the most talented and well rounded group of musicians ever to grace a stage.
Terry belongs in the top five shredders ever.....best comment i ever saw about this set was.." jesus Terry..what did that guitar ever do to you" ???
I heard that Hendrix when asked about Terry he said "he was the best guitarist in the Universe". I don't know how he knew that but I would agree.
@@jeffdowler9130 That's a very spurious quote passed down through the years. I loved Terry's playing but I'd like to find just one person who was there to hear Hendrix to have said that. It's more of a rock 'n roll old wives tale than anything else.
@@danielfronc4304 Why in the hell does it matter. Jimi was a vary loving person and I could see him saying something like that, not but he's in Chicago not The experience. To me that makes me think more of Hendrix.
Haha. Who said that, Matt?
@@danielfronc4304 Jimmy Pankow was there when he said it.
I'm actually surprised you haven't recognized Terry Kath more. He is quite possibly one of the single most underrated guitarist in rock. What Chicago turned into the 80s overshadowed the Kath legacy.
Yeah I'm just trying to get through the suggestions!
Some of the stuff on the first Chicago album is some amazing guitar work. I'm sure someone may have mentioned this in the comments (Kath fans are very loyal to his work so it wouldn't surprise me) but even Hendrix was blown away by Terry's guitar work. It was sad when was killed and almost sad where Chicago went after his death, despite his desire to keep Chicago from going in that direction.
I suppose finding a video of Terry's work would help your video analysis. Good luck with that. Great work, Fil. I love how you jump genres and respect guitar players no matter what music they play. That's rare to find. You're doing brilliant work with it. Glad to have found your channel.
Hendrix on steroids!
I with JT on this thought. When David Foster came into the picture, the true dynamics of Chicago from the 60’s and 70’s got screwed up 😏
@@robrobertson4619 The dynamics of Chicago was screwed up before David Foster stepped in. Their last couple of albums didn't sell as good as they could have, as well as singles the last two years Chicago was on CBS/Columbia. They were shown the door in 1980. The musical landscape was changing, and Chicago needed to change as well.
Chicago... what a fabulously talented group of musicians!
The horns were all classically trained at DePaul university as well as most of the others, Terry couldn’t read music , just by ear, and was an immensely talented prodigy
I agree. They were 7 excellent musicians. All 7 of them were necessary to make up this band. Terry’s passing significantly changed Chicago.
Kath could really go for the full shred and pull it back in very well. Of all the musicians who died young, his hit me the hardest. In my mind, Chicago never recovered musically.
Amen.
Saw them in 1970- they were great and after losing Terry Kath, they were never quite the same - his lead in 25 or 6 was so melodic as well as very fast- he died foolishly as well
They turned to a ballad pop band which is when I stopped listening.
Agreed
Terry Kath... most underrated guitarist ever?
No one ever talks about him. Hendrix called him the best guitar player he’d ever seen.
I love how super enthusiastic he plays here without missing a note.
Yeah when Hendrix comes to see him, that's a very clear sign the dude can play!
When prince came up, the guitar work in 25 or 6 to 4 was the acid test in his town.
I don't doubt this Hendrix quote but is there actually any proof that he said this? I keep reading people misquoting Jimi on youtube everywhere. The how does it feel to be the best guitar player in the world, I don't know, ask............... ( I've read the names Terry Kath, Rory Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, Leslie West, Frank Zappa) quote. Jimi was so humble , he would say anybody's name in my opinion. I know he loved Jeff Beck, dug Leslie West's riff, Zappa's technique, he also said Alvin Lee belonged in a circus but in another interview he actually liked his playing, he admired Eric Clapton but hated that he didn't really play rhythm guitar. In truth, I think he didn't think that much of himself so he automatically rated others higher.
he wasn't underrated he was part of one of the greatest bands of the 70's
I am about to commit blasphemy here but I say Hendrix is the absolute most OVER rated player ever. OOOOOOO he set fire to his guitar. OOOOOO he played with his teeth. OOOOOO he restrung a righty guitar so he could play lefty. Back in that era just about every band's guitar player was way better so Jimi calling someone better than him is like picking low hanging fruit.
One of the best things about seeing Chicago is watching the horn section. Lee Loughnane, Walter Parazaider and,
especially, James Pankow all seemed to be having more fun than anyone at the shows. I'm glad you took the time
to spotlight them.
Yeah it really adds something!
One of the contributing factors may well have been that the three of them were actually members of the band. Most rock acts that used horns in the seventies had hired or guest musicians whereas these guys had been fully involved in shaping the sound from the word go and related to the other four as equals rather than employers.
James Pankow wrote a lot of their music
Smokin. Glad this band is FINALLY getting the credit they deserve as a great rock and roll band.
Yeah they were great!
O come on… Chicago were always rated - Great band.
Tanglewood Concert - Best concert EVER!!! LOVE Terry Kath!!!
Amen!
Amen-my brother cried i mean balling the day terry kath died
I got to meet these guys back in 1972. I was working for the McGovern For President headquarters in Louisville, Ky. Chicago were backers of McGovern and came into the headquarters when they came to town. They were real people, I mean they weren't uppity, "Were all-stars " kind of folks. They gave me a hand full of tickets and backstage passes for their show. Great sounds!!!
Good choice, underrated musicians. These guys were great. I grew up in their neighborhood and recall them going big. Saw them at a park before their first album and you could tell they were going to make it. There was less than 50 people there that night.
Chicago in the early 70's was the best period and they had a lot of rock involved in their style still. Terry on guitar/vocals, Peter on vocals, and the horns! Wow! My ears are grateful to revisit this.
Yeah this is a feel good performance!
"He's not doused in delay and reverb, it's just a really nice clean concise tone." As a writer, hats off to you. Beautifully put.
Thanks!
Every musician in Chicago were incredibly talented. I saw them play when Kath was alive. My memories of this show were that I liked Kath’s voice the best and that the musicians were incredibly good. I think Kath’s playing may have been underrated because he was surrounded by so many talented musicians performing along side him.
I saw them live in Holland three nights in a row :-) before they made muzak like 'If you leave me now'.
As a lifelong trumpet player, Chicago has always been one of my faves! Totally agree with you on the way they blend in their horn section. So many bands get it wrong.
👍
Great choice of song. Jimmy Hendrix said that Chicago's brass section was like an extra voice. Also, spot on about Peter Cetera's voice - it was great. Love the way it combines mellow with passion. And the judicious use of brass surging into and ebbing out of the musical stream raises this song to something great and fantastic. This is a song and performance that is utterly satisfying.
I love watching the brass enjoying the performance as well, Fil, especially when Terry went off. Thanks for pointing that out. Such a tight band right there.
All these guys are in their mid 70's now and is nice to see the younger generation appreciates excellent music from this fantastic group
What amazes me about Terry Kath is that he is so accurate while beating away at his guitar.
These boys knew how to blend. A technical note: they were a horn section. A brass section does not include sax. What you saw at the beginning was a mini sound check, everybody had to make sur they could hear the keys, which would be their cue to how loud to be.
Did not know a brass section did not include sax 🤔 Nice technical note 👍
@@andrewmair7371 Technically, a sax is a woodwind because, like clarinet, it requires a reed. It is, right or wrong, commonly considered one of the horns. But then again...why isn't the flute therefore considered brass? No reed, all metal, ah who cares!
I am a former, recovering sax player, lol. technically speaking the saxophone is a hybrid of a brass and a woodwind instrument. it will always be classified as woodwind because of the reed that touches the lips vs a brass mouthpiece. Think about it......99.5% of the sax is brass. the remaining % is a reed, the mouthpiece and the pads.
One of the greatest guitar riffs ever
Feelin Stronger Every Day was a favorite of mine as a kid. Loved the brass, and when the guitar kicked in.
Some CHICAGO trivia...they were one of Jimi Hendrix's favorite bands and opened for him on several shows. The cover for their first album...CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY...was designed by Dean O. Torrance of Jan&Dean fame[Surf City...Dead Man's Curve] who also designed the CHICAGO logo that the band still uses today ! You're Welcome !
Cool! Thanks James!
It’s awesome that a concert from 1970 is still so fresh, Chicago’s horn section takes the music to a higher level. Great analysis Fil👏🏻👏🏻
Amen!
I've always liked Chicago great music and singing. I have some of their albums.
i love your enthusiasm. Truly genuine and a real genuine smile.
Two comments: even after decades of touring, Chicago never mails in a show - ever. Their enthusiasm is amazing after all these years. They always seem so grateful for every butt in the seats. Also, one of the best horn arrangements that Chicago ever recorded was on the track Alive Again.
Fil, i was pretty sure you'd enjoy them. Terry Kath was a beast. Known for his voice as "The White Ray Charles." Even further, in 1969, Jimi Hendrix saw them at the Whisky-a-Go Go, and backstage told them, "Your horn section plays with one set of lungs, and i am pretty good, but Terry is better than me." He then took them on tour with him in 1969. Even if you don't do an analysis, please watch "Make Me Smile" from the same show. It shows off Terry's amazing, soulful Voice.
Thank You for checking it out and doing the analysis, Good Sir!
Cheers,
-trout
Whoa...ok,the dates on here, and now im seeing that i didn't know you had already analyzed this long before i mentioned it to you!
No problem!
One of my all time favorite groups. I've listened to these guys over and over and over ( since the early 70's) . Never get tired of it
Thanks Fil this is the track I meant.Such a big band with at least three more than capable lead singers. Terry’s solo is as good as I’ve ever seen. People think that’s not true Rock with all those horns. But man they could Rock with anybody. This concert is from 7/21/70 for anybody wanting to see this show. Thanks Fil I’m really enjoying ur content.
Thanks Stephen!
Thank you for pointing out Terry's tone. As far as I can tell his only peddle in this concert is the wah. He just adjusts his guitar volume to go from clean to overdrive. Watch him - cranks it on leads and dials back on rhythm. So many guitarists on TH-cam fail to understand this. Their tones are over-saturated, crunchy and fuzzy. Tone is such an important aspect. It can't be overemphasized enough.
In my opinion the ultimate guitar tone is a Strat plugged into a tube amp on the clean channel but volume high enough to distort (season to taste). Perfect example in this video. Hendrix and Blackmore were also prolific users of this method. Pure delight to the ears.
👍
Just F.Y.I. - This was (obviously) recorded live at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Massachusetts during their concert there July 21, 1970. I remember hearing it for the first time piped over the speakers while walking down the boardwalk at the Ocean City Maryland beach. I was blown away and had to find out who this group was.
Another superb choice and analysis Fil. Thanks, man!
Who could forget his introductory chords in “Beginnings” hauntingly lovely. 💖
I cannot figure out why I am just hearing this analysis! Chicago is one of my favorite bans. I particularly always love horns. Again, Peter Cetera's voice is great! Terry Kath's guitar is just awesome.
That solo! Lord have mercy! This entire Tanglewood concert is just heart wrenching!
I love this band. Terry Kath was a great guitarist. Peter Cetera is a great vocalist.
Amen!
Kath remains one of my very favorite guitarists - so melodic yet so raw. His gravely voice added a lot to their sound too. And listening to their first two releases - amazing fill work, much jazzier than the years that followed. The brass just got better/tighter as the years passed ...
I stand corrected. Mr. Kath was the band member who had such terrible luck guessing if his gun was loaded or not. Perhaps he had been playing 'gunslinger' (like certain Marines fighting the boredom of a shore duty magazine mid watch, only to make the worst decision of their soon-to-be-over lives and try quick -draw while guarding the gates of the Navy's air and naval stations). I shit you not.
Ronadl Viens - His last words were: "The gun's not loaded, see?" There was one bullet in the chamber he'd forgotten about. So sad!
@@frankholstein4499 yeah great guitarist, real moron when it came to guns. The eyewitness account says he made the "see not loaded" statement with a 38 revolver, showing the empty chambers, he then spun it and put it to his head, and it was unloaded. He then picked up a semi automatic and put an unloaded magazine in it, unfortunately there was a round in the chamber in that gun. Only an idiot breaks the first rule of gun safety, never point the gun, loaded or unloaded, much less pull the trigger at anything you don't intend to shoot. I hate to say it but with Terry's attitude toward guns it was only a matter of time before he killed himself or somebody else. Bad as his death was, at least it wasn't an innocent bystander that got killed by his recklessness
I think this is the third time I've watched this and I haven't made a comment? Chicago was BADASS. You picked up on the soul of the group with showing they were all on the same team. This mix didn't really have Terry's guitar emphasized, you can barely hear it. He was amazingly amazing.
Thanks!
Check out the live version of I'm a Man..... The horn section just plays killer percussion....
Thanks for the suggestion!
Terry Kath, was REALLY feeling it, clearly, and in full-bodied unison with his guitar. I'd never seen him play live. Of course, I've heard that song on the radio and, in stores, countless times before, over the many years. Recently, I also had happened upon a doc. about Kath's tragic, untimely, accidental death. Now, when I hear it out there, AGAIN, and that's inevitable, I will have this great visual of him reverberating with his guitar while playing that very intense solo..Thanks!
No problem!
@@wingsofpegasus if you want to analyze a horn section check out Tower of Power , this is not a knock against Chicago by any means . SQUIB CAKES !!!
Love Chicago brass section!
I remember goosebumps first time I heard this song in late sixties, as soon as the brass came I got emotional, harmony is a right word Fil. I owned a bootleg double album of Chicago, early recordings, jazzy but full of nice melodies and brass. Thanks ....
terry kath effortless guitar playing at its best and a big influence to all of us guitar players even jimmy hendrix
Yeah I've heard Hendrix used to watch them!
Tanglewood live June 1970. By far most unique band of the times! Love 'em!
So glad to find this, I was hoping you'd covered it. Terry Kath just crushed his performance. Really love this song. Thanks for covering it.
No problem!
The only concert I ever took my sister to was to see Chicago back in 1975. I was in college. I brought her up for the weekend. Bought her a new album by them and off we went. She was a handful to deal with. If I had known that she would leave this world so early in life I would have taken her to so many concerts and places. Concert tickets were ten dollars then but to me that was gold. Scholarships, loans, and jobs. I rarely had breathing space let alone money. Double-majoring in predominately all male engineering university but she was proud of me. I saw a lot of great bands on campus. All you needed there was a college Id and a dollar or maybe five dollars. Now those bands cost you $150!
Saw them in 69 when they were at The Atlantic City Pop Fest & in 1970 3 months before this show at Shady Grove Music Hall in MD . Terry was a monster player & the reason i took up playing . I was only 13 in 69 & had gone with my older sister & some of her friends. What an inspiration he was. Angus could not match Terry's intensity or writing & singing skills & i don't think that's just my opinion. Terry was one of the greatest players rock has ever had. This was when Chicago was not the commercial entity they turned out to be after Kath lost his life. Take the time to watch the entire show from Tanglewood & you will be picking your jaw up off the floor.. Rock on & keep up these cool reviews.
Cool! Will do!
I laughed when you said the brass section sounds really nice. (I am making fun as you are extremely complimentary to everyone you review - and it’s very appreciated.). Anyway, the brass section is amazing!!!
Thank you for bringing great artists to the attention to new generations that may not be familiar with the music from years ago!!!!!!
First rock concert I ever saw was Chicago playing in Cincinnati, just prior to Terry's death. So enjoyed watching this. The energy and joy of playing good music is so evident watching this. Just solid!
👍
Another spot on review! The amount of skill and talent required to pull off that solo tha Terry does is off the charts! This whole concert is a classic. Its ftom Tanglewood, and its Chicago at the top of their game! Terrys playing is so good that his vocals are often overlooked. He sounds like Ray Charles to me, and that his High praise!
👍
Fil- this is the earliest of your videos that I’ve seen. I’m really impressed with how much progress you have made as a commentator over the years. There’s a night-and-day difference in your analysis and production quality. Well done!
Thanks!
Best concert ever, with the Beach Boys in Chicago. Beach Boys singing beautiful back up harmonies on Wishing You Were Here, it was great.
...Ah yes, Chicago -- such an incredible group of strong & highly underrated musicians!..
Thanks Fil -- your own unique perspective, as a musician, makes these strolls down musical memory, all the more enjoyable! From Harlem, New York -- rock!✌🏼💖🎶🎵
Fil, watching you watch Terry is awesome. You know talent when you see it. Rock on.
Seen them and the Beach Boys with free tickets my cousin got from one of the Beach Boys at the Hotel where he was banquet manager. I loved this song the first time I heard it, but was only a minor fan of Chicago till I heard them live. I thought I had a good sound system at home, but it didn't come anywhere near close to doing them justice. Hearing them live just blew me away. Such an incredible band, every song they performed was outstanding.
It is so cool to see someone from the younger generation really getting into this! It is an awesome song. Chicago was such an incredible band. Fil I really enjoy your breakdowns.
Thanks!
As a trombonist in high school in 1968, this was my favorite band. Justsawthem last month in Baltimore.
Great review - It's nice to see how much you enjoy what you do. Love Chicago!!!
Best horn section maybe of all time. I was introduced to Chicago by our high school band director in 1972. He used to play their music for us and even had us play some of their songs in our concerts. I was able to appreciate their great musicianship because of him. Thanks Mr. Bundy!
You give great and pertinent analysis of this great music I grew up listening to. Cheers! Love your appreciation. Your face glows while listening, cool!
Wow Fil I guess I missed this one . An epic show and song the brass section is killing it. The Chauderarity of this band is untouchable. Well back in the day .
I've seen Chicago Live Twice and they are true professionals; sound great Live
Awesome!
Listening to Chicago, summer early 70's, riding in a '69 electric blue 442 with the top down. Such memories! Ty Fil!
I've been a huge Chicago fan since Jr. High days in the early 70's - one of the greatest, innovative and talented bands ever. You should also check out the cover of this song and many other Chicago classics by Leonid and Friends here on TH-cam. Absolute virtuosity and excellent engineering make these covers as good or better than the originals.
When I'm jamming to my Chicago albums I always do the brass on my guitar, can also sing like Robert and Terry before I can tell them apart..think I'll do a tribute video someday!! What a great band was sad when Terry accidentally shot himself dead in Woodland hills Ca!! Terry always drove himself to the max, just fuckin incredible and the drummer ain't know slouch ither
Check out Make Me Smile - not only fantastic Kath guitar,
but amazing Kath "The White Ray Charles" vocals and insane horn drama!
Chicago Transit Authority in the 70s was a revelation of rock, piano, guitar, horns and great vocals. Every song was a hit!
Hey Fil! Chicago (the original group) has been and always will be, my absolute favorite group. They are right up there along with the Moody Blues with me. What many listeners might not pick up on is that, Chicago probably had some of the best "arrangements" in music, ever. The way that they would layer their signature sound was nothing short of incredible writing and arranging. I had the good fortune of seeing them live 3 times with Terry Kath. After his death, I never saw them in a live performance again. Great work with your analysis as always
Yeah Kath deserves some serious coverage. Plus you could do one on his singing alone. The white Ray Charles. You felt pain when this man sang because it was so loaded with emotion.
I'm sure you've heard it, but it was a Terry Kath solo tune. "Tell Me" is just fantastic. Magnum P.I. closed out the finale to the tune. That and "Beyond all our sorrows" and "Hope for Love". Great Kath sung tunes.
@@AZtronics yes I sure have heard that tune, Tell Me. I'll check out the other two.
@@buixrule I think you'll love it!
As usual, great insight. Chicago's horn section IS top rate. Terry's guitar ability blows me away. This show was a great one to pick your vid from. Nice work.
Terry's daughter did a documentary on his life. Definitely worth watching.
Chicago is the first band to change my life. Sitting 3rd row at the Portland Coliseum, July 8,1973.
Question 67 & 68. I realized I needed to mine all my siblings albums for the lyrics that would eventually shape me. So glad they found me...
Good job mate,that was one of the first on my list,saw them in Spokane, 73-4? World's fair,never forget your first show,especially this band. Thanks for everything Fil.
No problem!
Well, as far as the brass (and drums, and... every "piece" ) being at the correct and balanced "mix" volumes, while this is an issue in many live venues, the above performance was at the fabled Tanglewood Music Festival (1970), which prides itself on "dialed in" sonic excellence.
Major Calibere I found the sound mix of this clip to be noticeably poor. Balance within the horn section, ridiculously low guitar solo level, most obvious among other issues. Tanglewood staff might not be to blame for that though.
Saw them in 1971. I was in high school. Terry Kath 's voice and guitar plus the brass. My favorite band in HS!
Chicago in it's original lineup. Not only great vocal harmony, but 3 great lead singers. They would go on to record Chicago IV Live at Carnegie Hall NYC during 1 week in April 1971, one of my all time favorite live albums. It would have been great if video were recorded that week. Great analysis Fil!
I saw Chicago live in 2015. They still sounded great and clearly enjoyed themselves.
I still try to turn younger ppl/kids/whoever on to this shit today..I'm 34 but grew up on all things classic rock w/a juke box in the basement...especially with how good most all car stereos are today, just put this on and turn it up..the groove is an absolute heater
Cool! Same here, I'm a bit older than you! 😅
and I'm 72 lol and still do my hoovering to 25 or 6 to 4 :)
Great band. I heard them at the Hollywood Bowl around this time. They sounded just like this. Great drummer - Danny Saraphine.
I was lucky enough to be in my teens in the late 60's and early 70's. What a great time to be alive. I don't think artistically there will be another decade like it. SO many great groups.
Whenever I go to youtube to watch this I end up watching it 5 times in a row. Terry is amazing on guitar.
Amen!
In hind sight, I didn’t realize what a great band they were back in the day!
I was fortunate enough to have seen Chicago many times live in the early seventies.One of the true unsung bands of that era.
Terry Kath was so awesome! Much respect for this man and like many others of my time, a very tragic loss. Thanks for this!
No problem!
Terry could also shred a bass and Peter could play guitar. I loved the collaboration they did live with the Beach Boys in 1974. "Wishing you were here" is haunting.
When Kath goes to the wah wah is the best part of the guitar solo. Not a lot of guitar players played at that level in those years. Unfortunately Kath didn’t live very long.
Amen.
Early Chicago!!!!! The best ever!!!
One of the most fabulous ever! I was in high school. not much into music other than I loved it. Understand now how great
Terry Kath!!!!!!!! My personal favorite! Even now in concert. I’ve watched this a thousand times and it never gets old!!!!! Thank you! Whoop!!!!
I was going to say about Terry. But as I see other commentors seem to have covered it for me. Terry is one of the VERY best of all time. He does not receive the credit deserved. Maybe you can lift his legacy up. Also the drummer is superb. Thanks
Saw Chicago twice in the early 70s in Dallas in my high school days and always loved their music. Caught them again just this year at Winstar and they sound as good as ever though a few of the originals weren't there.
Cool!
takes me awhile to get through this fine liberry....chicago was the very 1st concert I ever attended.....still remember it
Kinda
I found it!! Excellent review as I expected! I have seen this band live 6 times over the past. 20 years and they are amazing to see live. Thanks for spotlighting them!
Nice job! Terry sounded a little low in the mix at least listening on the phone today. Thanks for sharing your thoughts !
My favorite band. I saw them live 7 or 8 times in high school and college back in the 70’s👍
I know your a rocker at heart so try these 2 tunes by Chicago. Southern California Purples and In The Country 😉
Terry was a Phenomenal Beast! I was a kid, but noticed damn listen to them!!!
Great song.. you crack me up.. you look like you’d like to be up there with em. Love it.
We got spoilt in the '70's with some of the best bands ever to play. Chicago never disappointed.
Now you're into the memories for me. Sophomore year in college. What a great sound! Thanks!
No problem!
Thanks fil. I remember when terry passed. I still cant believe what happened. Still upset with the people who were around him at the time. What a loss. May the Lord be with him.
Yeah, killer horns. Terry Kath is so great and in the groove, that we forget to listen to the rest of the band. I can't stop listening to their Tanglewood concert. I prefer this live sound over the studio version.
I was an avid Trumpet and soprano horn player back in the 70's. Chicago was the band to see and fortunately saw them live a couple times. Easily one of the most talented and well rounded group of musicians ever to grace a stage.