Have u checked out Leonid and Friends? Their a Chicago cover band that CHICAGO is ACTUALLY fans of. And it’s extra interesting because their Russian and don’t speak English for the most part
Gabrielle Fagan Yes! I’m extra impressed that they mostly don’t even speak English too. To convey the emotion, enunciate all while singing and playing complicated music... to me they are really incredible. And I generally do not endorse cover bands because let’s face it, the original did ALL THAT AND create the original.
I believe this to be from the Tanglewood concert of 1970. Terry’s work on 25 or 6 to 4 is one of the greatest guitar solos I believe I’ve ever witnessed. Chicago was rare in the fact they had three very fine singers. I’ve always admired Robert Lamm for his singing of Saturday in the Park. Thanks Fil. Terry was the heart & soul of Chicago. Also check out “I’m A Man” it features all three singers taking turns on lead & does not disappoint.
I used to live with Terry and his wife in Los Angels. He was an incredible player. I used to think he was in the wrong band as he was so often overlooked for his guitar and vocals because Chicago was known for the horns. He had a small studio in the house and was constantly writing. I'm glad he's finally getting the credit he deserved. He was also given the flip side of any singles. He was loved by all the rest of the guys. If you haven't seen it yet his daughter made a film about her Father called Looking For Terry. Sadly she didn't know him. P.S. He loved Joni Mitchell as well.
The power in the man's voice...I've never heard a voice like that. He's was a lead - everything musician, and his shredding...unreal. I was depressed for months after what happened in 78.. what a total original...gone way too soon. I can't imagine a solo album..it would have been monumental
@@dougdavis8986 that's true for musicians. But as far as the general public, the poster was correct. Kath is often not acknowledged by them as much as Hendrix, Clapton, etc. Zappa, Derringer, Berry, and a few others come to mind. Who else would you include?
Definitely The band lost much of their fire with his untimely tragic death. Somewhere I read someone who stated something (only slightly paraphrased here) 'He could play guitar about as well as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, but he could also sing rings around them."
Chicago started out by calling their band the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The city threatened them with a lawsuit because they said that they stole their name from the City's Public Transportation System - The Chicago Transit Authority. The band decided to change their name to "Chicago" because they didn't want to deal with the lawsuit.
The magical thing about playing an instrument is the moment at which the piece is played. Even Mozart could have had a bad day where everyone said, "What the heck is this?" Even three cords can be magical in a given setting which adds to the setting to make the event other-worldly. Even the most esteemed and well-known musicians will admit this if they're being honest about it and make it known that many of their packed stage performances weren't nearly as magical as something which happened in a room with only a few people. But, sometime these events happen in front of thousands and that's when it becomes epic.
Terry Kath was way ahead of his time. Jimi Hendrix said Terry was the best guitarist of the time. We lost Terry way too soon. There is no telling what masterpieces were left in him if he had lived longer than he did. Rest in Peace Terry.
@Shock, it is a matter of opinion. Everyone has one. As a guitarist myself, there is always something unique about every guitarist and to say one is better than another is just not important to anyone who knows anything about music and playing the guitar. Jimi was so amazed by Terry's skills that he said that Terry was better than himself at guitar. These were his own words. What makes one guitarist better than another is purely subjective. Some people are impressed by speed while another is impressed with soulful melodic playing. I will always remember a quote I heard a long time ago that went something like this: "It's not how many notes you can play fast that counts, but it is how many different ways can you play one note"? Any experienced guitar will understand the meaning of this quote.
@Shock Shock, you strike me as an instigator from your comments wanting to start an argument. I used Jimi's quote in the context that he had an opinion about Terry Kath's guitar abilities. I stand by my comment that it is not important who is better because everyone has their own subjective opinion. It really doesn't matter who you think is best or greatest. Just be satisfied with your own opinion. Do us all a favor and be more selective in where, what, and how you reply to posts. Instead of instigating, add relevant information to make the conversation more interesting and cordial. Good luck.
They were so unique with no pretensious of being unique.soul,jazz,big band?....just clean.they had so many identities that created so many images in my youth.on one hand they seemed like herb albert,on the other hand, their vocals were so inspiring like on cuts like 'Free'or 'make me smile' & then come back with 'colour my world's or ' does anybody know what time..'.i don't know what their personal life was...they didn't seem like the typical druggie rock bands of the time,unlike myself at the time....but I didn't hold it against them.
When you're a kid, you tend not to focus on a band with a horn section ... you're focused on the basic rock n roll configuration of guitar, bass, and drums. When I thought of a horn section in those days (early 1970's), I thought of the Big Band era.
lindsey lefrois Exactly, it’s also kind of the same with keyboards, I think progrock/jazz. It was the Mighty Mighty Bosstones that changed my outlook on the use of horns in a rock outfit.
Their horn section, their songs, lyrics, and Terry Kath’s crushing guitar solos made Chicago such a great band. But Terry’s distinctive voice WAS Chicago.
I bought the Chicago II album as a teen in ‘72. IMHO Terry Kath was the soul of that band. His guitar and voice came straight from his heart. After he died they lost their rock sound. Danny Seraphine is also a world-class drummer who really knew how to compliment Terry’s guitar, such as during the guitar solo in 25 or 6 to 4.
How can anyone not appreciate early Terry Kath and Chicago.. Big time rhythm section.. Danny Seraphine right up with Bonham.. Moon.. Baker.. Terry Kath a beast..
IMO - Danny did for Chicago much like what Ringo did for the Beatles. Both players with an apparent innate sense of how to be musical while maintaining their identities.
Bobby Columby with Blood Sweat and Tears was another innovative guy.. Brought jazz into rock and went a new direction.. And jazz guys added rock like Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich.. Interesting Era the late 60s..has aged well
@@jenuwinedisneyphiles4927 I think I heard that as well.. Think buddy a big fan of Joe Morello.. Ed Shaughnessy.. Louis Belson.. Of course Krupa in the older days
I also saw them about the same time at the Spectrum in Philly. Their stage setup was unusual. Instead of a large open area in front for guitars and vocalists and drums in the back, Danny was right up front with Terry and Pete and the horns in the back. I was in the 5th row and being a drummer it was Danny was who I came to see.
Fred Flintstone I saw them at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. We were on the floor, but not up front, like you were. I don’t remember the stage setup, but I’m not a musician. Thanks for sharing your memory.
THANK YOU for giving some love to Terry Kath! This cat was so incredibly talented that all superlatives fall short. The rendition of '25 or 6 to 4' from this performance (Tanglewood 1970) features a guitar solo that has to be seen to be believed. And that voice, so soulful!
On the 25 or 6 to 4 solo. Terry plays that Ass kicking solo. He plays that solo at full wide open throttle. Like that Strat did something wrong to him. Amazing guitarist. He could do it all. Strum the funkiest damn rhythm. Or rip off a blistering solo in the same song. Then on top of that. He had that smokey Ray Charles type bluesy vocal. The man really was the complete package.
Hello Fil here! Terry Kath had many special qualities as guitar player too bad he needlessly left us at such a young age. I know and appreciated Terry's guitar playing as I played in a Chicago cover band
I became a Chicago fan in January 1998, and Terry Kath was at the core of why I dove for their music. It was his guitar playing that did it for me, but his singing was only slightly less important for me. Other commenters have got it right. The whole concert kicks ass!
I’m from the Chicago area and era. My two older sisters were both trombone players back when Chicago (Chicago Transit Authority in those days, as you mentioned) released their first record(s). They got turned on to the group through a jazz lab they played in after high school. I remember wondering why CTA wasn’t as “big” as more well known groups because they were superior musicians with jazz/rock sounds I’d never heard before or since. When I listened to this track I had tears in my eyes, still mourning the fact that by the time I was able to afford a ticket to one of their live concerts, Terry Kath was gone; and the dynamics of the group had changed because of his loss. Still, I was blown away by their sound even after they settled into a more commercial sound and released songs that kept them at the top of the charts. I have borrowed Chicago albums and played them many times over the years, still trying to figure out what made them great and why I couldn’t stop listening to a number of their songs. Make Me Smile was definitely near the top, if not at the top of that list in my head. This is one of those times when TH-cam shines by making these gems available at the stroke of a keyboard, all while you can still upload a video of your brother’s wiener dog just for fun. I mourn the day that this ability to witness history is ever taken away from us. It’s even better when I put a on Chicago album while watching a video of my brother’s wiener dog! ;) But, I digress... Thanks for your look back and for shining a light on Terry’s great talents for younger generations. I just subscribed.
Terry was a beast on his guitar and sang with a ton of power. He lead Chicago into forefront of mainstream rock. Jimi Hendrix acknowledged Terry’s skills and was a fan.
RIP Terry Kath. His guitar playing was just out of this world. He was an instrumental musician and together Chicago is one of the best bands ever in the world of rock and roll. I love this band so much!!!!!
The horns were always so incredible to listen to. I couldn't believe it when I found out that there were only 3 guys. Everything changed with the band after Terry died and I think that Chicago was never as good after that.
Funk, jazz, blues and rock. Versatility was the hallmark of Kath era Chicago. Solid musicianship from the whole band. On a British talk show, Hendrix was asked if there were any contemporaries whom he admired, Hendrix responded, "Terry Kath." Some close to Kath said Terry struggled with praise from "Caesar." After all, where does one go after having been crowned by a king?
Watch his daughter Michelle Kath Sinclair's documentary The Terry Kath Experience. Amazing tribute to her father who left her tragically at the age of 2
I always thought Terry's best solo was in 25 or 6 to 4. That is my favorite song by Chicago. Also I don't think I ever saw Terry Kath not fighting with the Guitar. RIP Terry! Also Fil there is a better video of this song, Chicago live from Tanglewood. Thanks for bringing back some memories Sir.
I am always amazed at how well you articulate your ideas about players and bands. You've pointed out many details only another musician would notice, probably. It is really exceptional. Thanx!
Too many guitarists see playing rhythm as a chore. Terry was obviously a passionate rhythm player! He used to be a bass player and you can see him doing what good bass players do -- he locks in with the drummer. He's right in the center of the groove, driving the band. And leading the band too. Notice who cuts the band off at the end of the song. He may be underrated by many, but I have *always* dug his work.
Best analysis of Terry’s talents I’ve ever heard/read, and I’m even more impressed it comes from someone so young. I remember hearing Free and Make Me Smile on the radio. Those songs were so different it didn’t even sound like the same band. I thought both songs were different bands, different singers. I thought they were my two new favorite Black singers! Nope. Both were Terry Kath, who just happened to be an amazing guitar player on another song that sounded like a totally different band, 25 or 6 to 4. I was 12, and Chicago released 3 albums in 2 years, and I didn’t know who Chicago was. When the lightbulb went off, that the same guy, Terry Kath had a voice that could scream Make Me Smile, croon Colour My World, or use his guitar to melt your face with 25 or 6 to 4 or most of the first album, he became my favorite musician, which he remains to this day. Thanks for a great, great analysis.
Don't know all the "backstory" on Chicago but I'd put them in top 10 bands for many reasons but mostly because of their talented, versatility of people/personalities, musical compositions, instruments, and longevity in the public ear. One of the few greatest hits albums you can put on 5 hr loop (or some such), and not go nuts. "25 or 6 to 4" is one of my favs; for the guitar of course. If able to go back in time, i would've early-introduced the word "Nasty" to describe Terrys lead solo on it. (maybe copyright it too...lol) And Hendrix would've agreed, most def. You "read" a lot of minds in selecting this group (via Terry Kath) for analysis....esp mine. Cheers FIl ! 🍻 👍
Finally! I have been waiting for this a long time! Oh and BTW there is a very good Chicago tribute band called leonid and friends that actually cover this very well.
So glad you included this fantastic concert. I had a special invitation and didn't go. Regretfully missed a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks again for sharing!
So, I would like to clear up a misconception. There would not have been a round in the magazine; it would have been in the chamber. After a gun is fired, it loads the next bullet into the chamber of the gun. If it is the last bullet, that bullet would go into the chamber and the magazine would be empty. This is one of the things that they teach you about gun safety and it is what I learned in the military; an empty magazine does not mean the gun is safe, you have to check the chamber first and eject the bullet to make it safe. It is likely that Terry knew this but forgot about it in the moment. Unfortunately that happens too often. I am not a gun enthusiast. I don't own a gun. It is just something that I learned early on which has stuck with me.
So true. I have seen it many times. People forget to rack the slide and eject the round in the chamber. I was 16 when I heard the news of Terry's death over the car AM radio while with my parents. At the time I didn't know much about Chicago but that news report always stuck with me. It was later when I discovered how much of a talent we lost that day.
I know the 9mm was a new gun to him as he was showing it to the keyboard player. I wonder if he'd owned nothing but revolvers before and forgot about the chambered round in the auto. Either way a very sad ending to a great talent
Thank you for detailing the difference between a bullet in the magazine and one in the chamber. Like you, I’m not into guns, but this fact has been known to me because of my parents, even though my step-dad had revolvers, not semi-automatic weapons. How many comedy routines have been shown on American television throughout the years where people say their gun isn’t loaded, but almost shoot off their foot? I beg anyone thinking of buying a gun to not do it. But if you are determined to own a gun, any gun, you do not put a bullet anywhere near the weapon until you have a chance to be properly trained in the mechanics of that weapon. The life you save may be your own, or your child.
So so well put .Any gun is never never not loaded period. It's strange my Dad was a huge gun nut but extremely safe to the point that I would sometimes decline going to target shoot . Obsessive Compulsive Safe I guess is the term I'm looking for. His life ended at age 56 same as Terry's did. I think he meant to do it, drug's were at play his whole life. It happ way back in' 99 ' hell I was still in my 30's . I'm sorry don't mean to tell y'all about it, guess it struck a coard in me how right you guy's are. Maybe one day we get to find out, did Terry mean to do that... Maybe not. Kind of think we do ✌️ RIP Terry K You too Dad
I was fortunate to see Terry and the band on 3 seperate occasions. Amazing, brilliant, guitarist and singer. The man put his soul and heart into each show. I cried when i learned of his death, but will always have their music. RIP Terry...you are missed.
You amaze me ! Just sharing with my 25 year old son that Chicago was such an amazing band ...growing up with them in the 70’s radio hit after hit on the Jersey Shore and always loving there sound and there USA top 40 hit ranking back in the day. I think now (growing up in NJ on the Beach and now living in Chicago for the last 9 years being exposed to the blues and Detroit and the midwest music scene) I appreciate The band Chicago on so many more levels. Terry Cath’s voice for example competing or moving with the strong music and brass had to be so strong, and it delivered. The mixing of music and vocals -and - melody reminds me of Led Zeppelin’ s Take Me Home at the end when Roberts Plants Voice competes with the instruments . For those of you who have not yet visited the Rock n roll hall of fame I encourage you to do so. The the Chicago, and the George Clinton Of Parliament displays we’re so amazing ....and there is a common blues/ jazz / midwestern thread. The funny thing was I went in 2010 to see the Traveling Doors expo that brought me in. On a layover in Cleveland, as a flight attendant a friend and I went and it was the Chicago and Funkadelic Part I loved the most. And when 3 dog-night get inducted I will visit for sure .... Thank you Wings Of Pegasus as always Love your selections to review! The fact that you selected Roy Clark wow !!!! He was so fab. Happy weekend all from the Windy Citi of Chicago!m
No top 10 playlist from 1970 -1976 can go without Chicago in my view. The managed to create a distinctive Chicago city sound that hasn't been replicated beyond the influential and identifiable jazz and blues era in that town. It's no mistake, to my mind, that Chicago came out of such fertile soil. Terry Kath and the rest of the amazing musicians in the band gave an equivalent to Steely Dans New York/LA urban jazz/rock fusion.
Ya where the edit is, they go into “color my world” then back into make me smile. That whole concert is excellent!!! They changed (for the worse in my humble opinion) after he passed. Great analysis as always Fil!! 🇺🇸
On the album, it's a whole 15-minute suite called "Ballet for a Girl in Buckcannon" of which "Make Me Smile" and "Now More Than Ever" (essentially a reprise of "Make Me Smile") are the beginning and end. This is prettty much what they did when they built the single.
@@JohnHolton All correct except I don't think there was a single, correct me if I'm wrong. Compilations and greatest hits pieced together 4 and a half minute versions like that though. Thankfully after it came out, FM had really got its thing together so we hardly had to suffer through singles anymore then.
@@Bill_Woo As I recall, there WAS a single, but it was edited together without the knowledge of the band-the label maybe?-and hit the radio before they knew about it.
How is that Jimi Hendrix thought that Terry Kath was the best guitarist in the world and yet Rolling Stone claimed he wasn't even on the top 100 of all time. Very educated and nuanced analysis. Thank you!
All i wanted for Xmas in '70 was records, the 'blue' Chicago being one. Gift from my Dad. All about the horns and my school days with an Alto sax, That said, Terry was a kick ass guitar player and singer.
This was such an excellent sincere and knowledgeable analysis, and just says what a diehard Terry Kath fan wants to hear! Thank you Fil, YOU have a new fan!
The horn work made Chicago unique And distinctive , he is a superb guitarist This was a fabulous time in Rock and Roll as the music became more complex and interesting absorbing elements of jazz and classical , great stuff!
I am new to your work. Incredible analysis. Love these!! One of my favorite bands and songs here. The talent of these seven guys has always boggled my mind. What a gift to all of us.
The reason for the cut is "Make Me Smile" is part of a longer piece by trombonist James Pankow "Ballet For a Girl From Buchannon." It basically bookended the piece. This is an edit of a performance of the full piece. That's actually the full solo basically. The cut occurs as the band goes into the next section. "Colour My World" was also part of it. The full performance is also available on TH-cam.
The level of energy , excitement and creativity coming out of that band in the late 60s and early 70s was just insane. I kind of feel sorry for contemporary pop music fans who have to live in a computer-manipulated atmosphere which kind of saps the energy from the enterprise.
I sure hope that you will analyze Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" (at this same concert, which is Tanglewood I think), as Kath's guitar solo is basically unbelievable.
I have to say that for someone who is too young to have seen Terry Kath live or anxiously await each Chicago album arrive.....your analysis is spot on, mate! I was there.....I was in my teens when Chicago was crushing it. I knew all their songs. I went to as many of their live performances as possible I played sax as a young man, was in several local bands but never made it big. But my love for music and in particular, Chicago, Terry Kath and the Moody Blues are by far, my favorite groups and music compilation. You absolutely get Terry and you nailed it. Well done.
Terry Kath was such a great guitarist with such unique vocals! The man had soul..felt the music. Loved the Chicago harmonies. Such a tight band! Sad sad loss the day he tragically died. Thanks once again Fil! U rock!😎🎼🎶🇨🇦
Saw Terry & Chicago around 1976 at our small college. They were massively huge by then. Found out later we only got them at our small school because they were testing a new sound system from Clair Brothers, who were located nearby. I was a beginner guitarist. It literally felt like Terry was from another planet. I had seen some of the top rock guitarists of the time, and he was just on another planet based on his technique, feel and expression. Also, they did a number of basically 'jazz/smooth jazz' songs off their latest album. Many of my peers were really bummed because it was not what they were expecting. But I was transfixed. Looking back I would say his playing in that concert was kind of on the same level as Coltrane for creating some kind of 'spiritual' experience. Not what us heavy metal fans of the time were used to :) He changed my outlook on what emotional affect a guitarist could generate.
Much like 911 most of us will always remember where we were on the exact moment of the "Tragic" news. I was on my way to school. I was a senior. I graduated in 78. I was listening to WMMS home of the buzzard. It was Cleveland Ohio's go to Rock station then. I moved back to Michigan afterwards. But I was halfway to school when it came across the radio. My jaw hit the floor ! Shock turned into a feeling of total emptiness, and grief. I had to hurry up and get to school in order to talk to ANYONE, as a way to vent out my shock and saddness. I'm sure that everyone has a similar story of where they were, and what they were doing when the news broke our hearts .. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there I do not sleep I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sun on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the mornings hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight I am the soft stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there I do not sleep ...
Another fun fact for Terry Kath's bio: he, and several other members of Chicago, appeared in a 70s cult movie called Electra Glide In Blue, and Kath provided vocals for the song 'Tell Me', which contributes to a stunning final scene. The movie was directed by James William Guercio, who (I think) was Chicago's producer at the time. And a recent booster for interest in Terry Kath: in the recent movie 'We've Got A Ghost', Terry Kath gets honourable mention when one of the characters quotes the Hendrix line. Gone maybe, but never forgotten.
If I didn't already have Spectrum, Id ask why we entered buffering. but Spectrum taught me what sitting here and looking like an idiot already taught me the point, thanks for raising the rates btw, assholes.
@@wingsofpegasus Don't thank me, but I'll thank you. You're the bomb Fil, you keep me young at heart! You keep my youth alive with all these vids brother! I love the input you add, we rarely had access to much of the information as there sure as hell wasn't anything even close to an internet back then. Most music I was interested in, and you cover a lot of it, was rarely touched on Rolling Stone in my day. You had to spend hours trying to find fan clubs and the like if you wanted insider info and the only fan club I joined was Blue Oyster Cult's. In fact, I didn't even know they booted the drummer when they did until I went to a show and recognized that the former roadie had been playing the drums. Those silly 80's, we were so barbaric back then...
Terry Kath went to my High School. I’ve seen the band several times. Unfortunately, Terry was gone by the time I was old enough to see them. But what a great band!
... don't worry... 💔 Terry had it all... phenomenal guitarist, voice that was incredibly soulful and as you say Fil, gritty... what a sad loss of a great talent. I loved everything about Chicago. Sounds of my youth...🎼🖤 Thank you Fil.
Terry was a gifted guitarist and musician. He was horribly underrated, and that of the Band Chicago. I lived through this incredible band. Being from Chicago made it sweeter. What memories. Terry was incredible as Hendrix stated. He was a natural. He never was a selfish player. He had love and respect with his fellow band members. This was a tragedy beyond measure. A beautiful song. ❣🙏😥🎼🎸🎺🥁
The solo didnt get cut off, the whole middle 12 minutes of the song got cut out. Make me smile is the first and last movement of a 14 minute piece called "Ballet for a girl in Buchanon." The entire version of the song live from Tanglewood is available on youtube. This is just a short snippet of the beginning and end of the Tanglewood version. The Ballet starts at 1:10:10 of this video. But do yourself a favor and watch the entire concert. th-cam.com/video/_oAoSZ2y1cw/w-d-xo.html
Spot on! Used to do many Chicago tunes back in the 70's with a dance cover band in Boston. We did an edited version of the "Ballet" to get the "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World" sections in as the most danceable sections (both great "stand-alone" songs!!!). Saw Chicago live three times including at the old Boston Garden where Springsteen opened for them (not long before his breakout with the magazine covers...;-). Chicago were great live back then.
I really liked Chicago until about 1972 but then lost interest as they went in a different direction. The energy in Terry Kath's playing and singing is really incredible.
So horrible to lose Terry Kath so early. Stunning vocalist (white Ray Charles) and one of the best guitarists potentially ever. Get the chills listening ...
One reason I love this channel is that Fil gets me to REVISIT this music which I grew up with. I was pretty young when some of these artists were hitting in the US. I was for example 10 or 11 years old when I first heard Chicago in 1969 and too young to really appreciate it, admittedly. Also, I had a tendency to take this music for granted cause we had an “embarrassment of riches” in music of that period. This series of videos here with Fil allows me to reach back and hear these very familiar performances with a new appreciation for the talents/workmanship of artists of that period. It is especially gratifying to re-appreciate it because we are lacking with today’s artists, in my opinion, such high quality performances. Thank you Fil, you are doing a great service here.
Terry was clearly the band leader during this time. He counts in and pretty well sets the tempo. They are all watching him. Yes, to BOTH rhythm and lead - amazing. The tempo does pick up during the song especially when Terry is soloing - and Danny begins to speed things up. Amazing band. I just saw them two weeks ago - first time since 1975 Beachago with Beach Boys.
There's been guitarist throughout rock and roll that are phenomenal. That goes without saying. But there has never been a time that I have seen or heard Terry Kath that I'm not just so damn proud to of witnessed a true musician through and through. He was able to manhandle a guitar like no other guitarists out there I know. A lot of guitarsits out there, each one with their own style but none of them that I know of had the flare that Terry Kath did. I think that's also in part to the fact that he was a beast of a guitarist amongst a very progressive elite Jazz Rock band. They all played off each other so well and to be able to stand out in a song with a horn section to boot speaks volumes about Terry's genius. Once again thank you very much for highlighting such a great clip. On a side note, anybody that says Chicago was a soft rock band needs to crank the volume on this one, shut up and listen! LOL
Absolutely brilliant assessment! I love Chicago and especially Terry Kath. Also, I have had guns my whole life and the first thing you’re ever taught is never ever point it at anyone, and never put your finger on the trigger unless you need to use it. If you follow that advice you will never have a problem.
Chicago's original lineup was like a jigsaw puzzle that fit perfectly. Terry Kath was a very underrated piece of that puzzle as far as the general public goes. Those in the know absolutely knew about his genius. The bands vocals, horns and other instruments were exceptional but overshadowed Terry's part in the band because of the other 6 members of the democratic band. It was a faceless band. RIP Terry Kath....🌈
He may be relatively unknown, and underrated, but for those who know good music, he's very highly regarded. Basically, those who have taste, know how great he was.
IMO Chicago was the first true Progressive Rock band. NOBODY was doing what they were doing when they came out. The elements of Rock, Blues, Soul, Funk and Jazz shine through on every record. Terry's playing was head and shoulders above others that were on the scene at the time. Combine that with a voice that poured so much emotion and you've got the entire package right there. They toured with Hendrix and he and Jimi spent a lot of time together talking music and floating the idea of doing a record together. Jimi said Terry was a waaaaay better player than he was. He was truly in awe of him as a musician. And thats high praise from a guy that everybody was trying to imitate at the time. Terry talked about leaving Chicago and putting a straight ahead rock band together, just guitars bass and drums. It would've been great to see that come to life because there's no doubt it would've been amazing. Fil... I love listening to you break down these tunes, you lend some valuable information and insight to a lot of young musicians no matter whether they're beginners or advanced players. Keep it up brother, all the best. CHEERS.
We really didn't lose any of the guitar solo here. "Make Me Smile" is part of the 7 part suite "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" which was written by Jimmy Pankow (the trombone player). The edit was right at the transition from the first to the second movement, and then this video comes back right at the final movement "Now More than Ever" which is a reprise of "Make Me Smile". Chicago was one of the most innovative bands ever, and Terry was one of the greatest guitar players - and he was perfectly happy to play rhythm guitar in the background when the spotlight was on other members of the band.
A refreshing alternative to your standard band, from that era, that consisted of drums, lead, rhythm, and bass. Nobody can accuse Chicago of trying to copy any other band. They were original.
No accident with his death. No one commits suicide like that. It's just alcohol and guns don't mix. People say Terry is underrated, but it's more like he's not rated at all Critics forget about him. I'd say he's in the top ten of rock guitarists.
Even in an incredibly talented outfit like this one, the loss of one member can make such a huge difference. With Terry Kath, Chicago can go toe to toe with a great many of the top bands. Without him, they're a pop group. What they did with Terry running the show, however, was fantastic! I wish that I had been old enough to have seen him play live.
I knew Terry because I went to both elementary and high school with him. He used to bring his acoustic guitar to Taft High School and play it in the cafeteria during lunch. Used to sit at a table right next to him. Incredible memories from the early 60’s. RIP Terry:-(
I’m so happy to see you react to Chicago. One of my all time favorite groups. Must have been to 7 or 8 of their concerts back in the 70’s. Most people who know Chicago from their top 40 hits just focus on their horn section. Listening to every song on every album, one discovers just how great a drummer Danny Seraphine is, how good a bass player Peter Cetera is, and of course, how talented Terry Kath was as a guitarist and vocalist. Love the reaction videos👍
I saw Chicago in 1974, my first rock concert, Terry was wearing a hockey jersey and I could not believe how great they all were but especially him. He was so great.
Another great job Fil. Very economical with the commentary, much appreciated. Terry’s daughter made a fantastic documentary that’s a must-see for any fan of the uber talented Mr Kath.
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Chicago was so well known for their horns but Terry’s guitar solo on 25 or 6 to 4 is as good as it gets
Really caught my attn (& many others am sure) when i was an adolescent back then. One of my favs by them.
Have u checked out Leonid and Friends? Their a Chicago cover band that CHICAGO is ACTUALLY fans of. And it’s extra interesting because their Russian and don’t speak English for the most part
@@HiroForever yes I have several times, and they're able to give a professional, very close to the original vocals every time.🎶
Gabrielle Fagan Yes! I’m extra impressed that they mostly don’t even speak English too. To convey the emotion, enunciate all while singing and playing complicated music... to me they are really incredible. And I generally do not endorse cover bands because let’s face it, the original did ALL THAT AND create the original.
I believe this to be from the Tanglewood concert of 1970. Terry’s work on 25 or 6 to 4 is one of the greatest guitar solos I believe I’ve ever witnessed. Chicago was rare in the fact they had three very fine singers. I’ve always admired Robert Lamm for his singing of Saturday in the Park. Thanks Fil. Terry was the heart & soul of Chicago. Also check out “I’m A Man” it features all three singers taking turns on lead & does not disappoint.
I used to live with Terry and his wife in Los Angels. He was an incredible player. I used to think he was in the wrong band as he was so often overlooked for his guitar and vocals because Chicago was known for the horns. He had a small studio in the house and was constantly writing. I'm glad he's finally getting the credit he deserved. He was also given the flip side of any singles. He was loved by all the rest of the guys. If you haven't seen it yet his daughter made a film about her Father called Looking For Terry. Sadly she didn't know him. P.S. He loved Joni Mitchell as well.
Would have given my left arm to have the hair that Terry had.
It's titled, "Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience"
The power in the man's voice...I've never heard a voice like that. He's was a lead - everything musician, and his shredding...unreal. I was depressed for months after what happened in 78.. what a total original...gone way too soon. I can't imagine a solo album..it would have been monumental
25 or 6 to 4
What an honor to have known him. Best guitarist and such an amazing voice. Gone way too soon.💔♥️
Excellent!!! I love Chicago. Terry Kath is criminally underrated as a guitarist.
He's not underrated if you know guitar. All real guitar players know about him.
@@dougdavis8986 he should be on the top lists!!!
I totally agree. Super talented in so many ways.
@@dougdavis8986 that's true for musicians. But as far as the general public, the poster was correct. Kath is often not acknowledged by them as much as Hendrix, Clapton, etc. Zappa, Derringer, Berry, and a few others come to mind. Who else would you include?
@@rman52 all but one person on that list wouldn't qualify to carry Terry's tele case
Terry was so underrated as a guitarist and vocalist. He was always my favorite member of Chicago.
Definitely
The band lost much of their fire with his untimely tragic death.
Somewhere I read someone who stated something (only slightly paraphrased here) 'He could play guitar about as well as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, but he could also sing rings around them."
Donnamarie304 Amen! Chicago lost a major piece of their powerful sound when Terry died.
Terry was actually leaving the band. The day he died was his first day in the studio to work on a solo album.
@@glennadamsmusic😜😂😂😴🥰
Chicago died with Terry Kath
The best guitarist I ever saw, hands down. Terry you are sorely missed.
“You gotta check out this guy Terry Kath. His band is CTA. He's the best guitar player in the universe.” -Jimi Hendrix
Chicago started out by calling their band the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The city threatened them with a lawsuit because they said that they stole their name from the City's Public Transportation System - The Chicago Transit Authority. The band decided to change their name to "Chicago" because they didn't want to deal with the lawsuit.
@@jameskoralewski1006 . I've known that for over 40 years but many Chicago fans don't. Well done.
@@jameskoralewski1006 Actually they was the Big Thing prior to CTA
@@jameskoralewski1006 Ive always heard that but Danny Serafini said in an interview he didn't believe that was the case.
The magical thing about playing an instrument is the moment at which the piece is played. Even Mozart could have had a bad day where everyone said, "What the heck is this?" Even three cords can be magical in a given setting which adds to the setting to make the event other-worldly.
Even the most esteemed and well-known musicians will admit this if they're being honest about it and make it known that many of their packed stage performances weren't nearly as magical as something which happened in a room with only a few people. But, sometime these events happen in front of thousands and that's when it becomes epic.
Terry Kath was way ahead of his time. Jimi Hendrix said Terry was the best guitarist of the time. We lost Terry way too soon. There is no telling what masterpieces were left in him if he had lived longer than he did. Rest in Peace Terry.
His last recording was Uptown with no horns and was a sample of his new band. He was to start recording the day he died.
Bless you. He truly was a gift cut short...
@Shock, it is a matter of opinion. Everyone has one. As a guitarist myself, there is always something unique about every guitarist and to say one is better than another is just not important to anyone who knows anything about music and playing the guitar. Jimi was so amazed by Terry's skills that he said that Terry was better than himself at guitar. These were his own words. What makes one guitarist better than another is purely subjective. Some people are impressed by speed while another is impressed with soulful melodic playing. I will always remember a quote I heard a long time ago that went something like this: "It's not how many notes you can play fast that counts, but it is how many different ways can you play one note"? Any experienced guitar will understand the meaning of this quote.
@Shock Shock, you strike me as an instigator from your comments wanting to start an argument. I used Jimi's quote in the context that he had an opinion about Terry Kath's guitar abilities. I stand by my comment that it is not important who is better because everyone has their own subjective opinion. It really doesn't matter who you think is best or greatest. Just be satisfied with your own opinion. Do us all a favor and be more selective in where, what, and how you reply to posts. Instead of instigating, add relevant information to make the conversation more interesting and cordial. Good luck.
Jimi was good but Terry was underrated by far. Check out anything from Chicago between 68 and 74. You'll understand Terry and his guitar
Chicago is another band that I “didn’t get” when I was younger, but now I think they are incredible.
Wish you could have seen them live...the most dynamic pleasure - pounding brain saturating audio nirvana ever produced in the history of music.
I too didn't appreciate the awesomeness of Chicago when I was a teenager.
They were so unique with no pretensious of being unique.soul,jazz,big band?....just clean.they had so many identities that created so many images in my youth.on one hand they seemed like herb albert,on the other hand, their vocals were so inspiring like on cuts like 'Free'or 'make me smile' & then come back with 'colour my world's or ' does anybody know what time..'.i don't know what their personal life was...they didn't seem like the typical druggie rock bands of the time,unlike myself at the time....but I didn't hold it against them.
When you're a kid, you tend not to focus on a band with a horn section ... you're focused on the basic rock n roll configuration of guitar, bass, and drums. When I thought of a horn section in those days (early 1970's), I thought of the Big Band era.
lindsey lefrois Exactly, it’s also kind of the same with keyboards, I think progrock/jazz. It was the Mighty Mighty Bosstones that changed my outlook on the use of horns in a rock outfit.
Terry was a bad man man.What a musician.Had mad soul.Sad ending to such a gifted young cat.His music lives on though.Peace/Respect
Most geniuses are completely mad.
@@bigdogpete43 EXAMPLE...BRIAN WILSON
Ian Anderson
" Jethro Tull " GOT to be some goood drugs.✌️
dexxhunt do you mean bad, as in Hitler bad or bad to the bone bad ??? I have never read or heard of anything horrible about this man.
Don't play with guns while drinking .. He wasn't the first or last
Their horn section, their songs, lyrics, and Terry Kath’s crushing guitar solos made Chicago such a great band. But Terry’s distinctive voice WAS Chicago.
I am glad you specified [ Chicago ]. Saying any one member [ WAS ] CTA is like saying their Hupmobile driver "was" the Keystone Kops".
Bravo Fil for your spotlight and analysis on the great Terry Kath!
It's good to see how he still lives in the hearts and minds of so many who loved him and miss him to this day 😢
I bought the Chicago II album as a teen in ‘72. IMHO Terry Kath was the soul of that band. His guitar and voice came straight from his heart. After he died they lost their rock sound.
Danny Seraphine is also a world-class drummer who really knew how to compliment Terry’s guitar, such as during the guitar solo in 25 or 6 to 4.
mediamannaman The two of them together were incredible. Post-Kath Chicago is a whole other sound.
I love listening to Danny play - even in the more pop/adult contemporary songs like Just You 'n' Me or Old Days.
How can anyone not appreciate early Terry Kath and Chicago.. Big time rhythm section.. Danny Seraphine right up with Bonham.. Moon.. Baker.. Terry Kath a beast..
Yes I agree. Danny Seraphine needs to be noticed! Very fast hands and more.
IMO - Danny did for Chicago much like what Ringo did for the Beatles. Both players with an apparent innate sense of how to be musical while maintaining their identities.
Bobby Columby with Blood Sweat and Tears was another innovative guy.. Brought jazz into rock and went a new direction.. And jazz guys added rock like Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich.. Interesting Era the late 60s..has aged well
I read somewhere that Buddy Rich (RIP) always thought that Danny Seraphine was the best drummer in the rock idiom.
@@jenuwinedisneyphiles4927 I think I heard that as well.. Think buddy a big fan of Joe Morello.. Ed Shaughnessy.. Louis Belson.. Of course Krupa in the older days
So glad that I was able to see Chicago in concert, with Terry Kath, back in 1975. He was a force on stage.
I also saw them about the same time at the Spectrum in Philly. Their stage setup was unusual. Instead of a large open area in front for guitars and vocalists and drums in the back, Danny was right up front with Terry and Pete and the horns in the back. I was in the 5th row and being a drummer it was Danny was who I came to see.
Fred Flintstone
I saw them at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. We were on the floor, but not up front, like you were. I don’t remember the stage setup, but I’m not a musician. Thanks for sharing your memory.
THANK YOU for giving some love to Terry Kath! This cat was so incredibly talented that all superlatives fall short.
The rendition of '25 or 6 to 4' from this performance (Tanglewood 1970) features a guitar solo that has to be seen to be believed.
And that voice, so soulful!
25 or 6 to 4 Tanglewood live 1970 epic song and guitar solo. Chicago at there best and terry wow. The full solo exists
Absolutely! I love that particular performance! One of the all time greats! 👍
On the 25 or 6 to 4 solo. Terry plays that Ass kicking solo. He plays that solo at full wide open throttle. Like that Strat did something wrong to him. Amazing guitarist. He could do it all. Strum the funkiest damn rhythm. Or rip off a blistering solo in the same song. Then on top of that. He had that smokey Ray Charles type bluesy vocal. The man really was the complete package.
@@jamesgang6206 especially this was way back in 1970 too amazing
Hello Fil here! Terry Kath had many special qualities as guitar player too bad he needlessly left us at such a young age. I know and appreciated Terry's guitar playing as I played in a Chicago cover band
I became a Chicago fan in January 1998, and Terry Kath was at the core of why I dove for their music. It was his guitar playing that did it for me, but his singing was only slightly less important for me.
Other commenters have got it right. The whole concert kicks ass!
I’m from the Chicago area and era. My two older sisters were both trombone players back when Chicago (Chicago Transit Authority in those days, as you mentioned) released their first record(s). They got turned on to the group through a jazz lab they played in after high school. I remember wondering why CTA wasn’t as “big” as more well known groups because they were superior musicians with jazz/rock sounds I’d never heard before or since. When I listened to this track I had tears in my eyes, still mourning the fact that by the time I was able to afford a ticket to one of their live concerts, Terry Kath was gone; and the dynamics of the group had changed because of his loss. Still, I was blown away by their sound even after they settled into a more commercial sound and released songs that kept them at the top of the charts. I have borrowed Chicago albums and played them many times over the years, still trying to figure out what made them great and why I couldn’t stop listening to a number of their songs. Make Me Smile was definitely near the top, if not at the top of that list in my head. This is one of those times when TH-cam shines by making these gems available at the stroke of a keyboard, all while you can still upload a video of your brother’s wiener dog just for fun. I mourn the day that this ability to witness history is ever taken away from us. It’s even better when I put a on Chicago album while watching a video of my brother’s wiener dog! ;) But, I digress...
Thanks for your look back and for shining a light on Terry’s great talents for younger generations. I just subscribed.
Thanks!
Terry was a beast on his guitar and sang with a ton of power. He lead Chicago into forefront of mainstream rock. Jimi Hendrix acknowledged Terry’s skills and was a fan.
Mitch Biermann Have you seen the documentary on Terry Kath on the Axis cable channel? It comes on every few months and it’s a must see.
Yes, his daughter narrates as she tries to find out more about her father. Very well made film.
The best guitarist of all time!
My favorite all-time guitarist!!
And mine, my brother!
Mine too!!
ditto
And mine
mine as well. just a powerful contributor overall. without him, the hole he left was a black one.
RIP Terry Kath. His guitar playing was just out of this world. He was an instrumental musician and together Chicago is one of the best bands ever in the world of rock and roll. I love this band so much!!!!!
Undoubtedly one of the best bands/guitarist ever thanks now I will watch your review!!
No one ATTACKED the guitar like Terry Kath.
Rory Gallagher
The horns were always so incredible to listen to. I couldn't believe it when I found out that there were only 3 guys. Everything changed with the band after Terry died and I think that Chicago was never as good after that.
They doubled the horns in the studio for a richer effect. That was one of Guercio's tricks.
They doubled the horns in the studio for a richer effect. That was one of Guercio's tricks.
Funk, jazz, blues and rock. Versatility was the hallmark of Kath era Chicago. Solid musicianship from the whole band. On a British talk show, Hendrix was asked if there were any contemporaries whom he admired, Hendrix responded, "Terry Kath." Some close to Kath said Terry struggled with praise from "Caesar." After all, where does one go after having been crowned by a king?
Watch his daughter Michelle Kath Sinclair's documentary The Terry Kath Experience. Amazing tribute to her father who left her tragically at the age of 2
I own the flick, it is good. Terry was a great guitar player.
@@JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et he sure was!
I'm here because of that flick
I went to the premier in Toronto, in 2016, and own the film. A must-see for any music lover.
It is very good.
I will always love Terry Kath ❤️... His talent will never be duplicated.
I always thought Terry's best solo was in 25 or 6 to 4. That is my favorite song by Chicago. Also I don't think I ever saw Terry Kath not fighting with the Guitar. RIP Terry! Also Fil there is a better video of this song, Chicago live from Tanglewood. Thanks for bringing back some memories Sir.
This is the Tanglewood concert.
I am always amazed at how well you articulate your ideas about players and bands. You've pointed out many details only another musician would notice, probably. It is really exceptional. Thanx!
Too many guitarists see playing rhythm as a chore. Terry was obviously a passionate rhythm player! He used to be a bass player and you can see him doing what good bass players do -- he locks in with the drummer. He's right in the center of the groove, driving the band. And leading the band too. Notice who cuts the band off at the end of the song. He may be underrated by many, but I have *always* dug his work.
All great points!
The greatest solo ever was from this concert with Terry Kath on 25 or 6 to 4.
Best analysis of Terry’s talents I’ve ever heard/read, and I’m even more impressed it comes from someone so young. I remember hearing Free and Make Me Smile on the radio. Those songs were so different it didn’t even sound like the same band. I thought both songs were different bands, different singers. I thought they were my two new favorite Black singers! Nope. Both were Terry Kath, who just happened to be an amazing guitar player on another song that sounded like a totally different band, 25 or 6 to 4. I was 12, and Chicago released 3 albums in 2 years, and I didn’t know who Chicago was. When the lightbulb went off, that the same guy, Terry Kath had a voice that could scream Make Me Smile, croon Colour My World, or use his guitar to melt your face with 25 or 6 to 4 or most of the first album, he became my favorite musician, which he remains to this day. Thanks for a great, great analysis.
Don't know all the "backstory" on Chicago but I'd put them in top 10 bands for many reasons but mostly because of their talented, versatility of people/personalities, musical compositions, instruments, and longevity in the public ear. One of the few greatest hits albums you can put on 5 hr loop (or some such), and not go nuts.
"25 or 6 to 4" is one of my favs; for the guitar of course. If able to go back in time, i would've early-introduced the word "Nasty" to describe Terrys lead solo on it. (maybe copyright it too...lol) And Hendrix would've agreed, most def.
You "read" a lot of minds in selecting this group (via Terry Kath) for analysis....esp mine. Cheers FIl ! 🍻 👍
@RDE Lutherie _"......very few will give you more than a second or two of "yesterday at the mental institution",_
🤛😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤜
Big joke is how long it took them to get in hall of fame.. Politics at all levels of institutions
What bugs me is now the horns come in near the end of 25 Or 6 To 4. Takes the life out of the solo.
@@dustylover100 May have been the intent, for all we know..... (things come to an end in this reality)
Brings me back to being a little kid listening to their songs when "AM" radio was the medium
Finally! I have been waiting for this a long time! Oh and BTW there is a very good Chicago tribute band called leonid and friends that actually cover this very well.
I cannot hear this without memories of escaping into my little transistor during long school bus rides.
Great cover of Terry and Chicago Fil. Terry is one of my main influences. I was so sad when he left us. What an underrated talent he was.
So glad you included this fantastic concert. I had a special invitation and didn't go. Regretfully missed a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks again for sharing!
Terry is the greatest plus an amazing soulful vocalist!
I'm a Chicago 🎶🎸🎷🎤🎹🎺fan ! , born and raised here. I'm a friend of " Kenny Cetera " I'm Blessed. " Rest in Paradise Terry " ☝🙏🎤🎸💜💘
So, I would like to clear up a misconception. There would not have been a round in the magazine; it would have been in the chamber. After a gun is fired, it loads the next bullet into the chamber of the gun. If it is the last bullet, that bullet would go into the chamber and the magazine would be empty. This is one of the things that they teach you about gun safety and it is what I learned in the military; an empty magazine does not mean the gun is safe, you have to check the chamber first and eject the bullet to make it safe.
It is likely that Terry knew this but forgot about it in the moment. Unfortunately that happens too often.
I am not a gun enthusiast. I don't own a gun. It is just something that I learned early on which has stuck with me.
So true. I have seen it many times. People forget to rack the slide and eject the round in the chamber.
I was 16 when I heard the news of Terry's death over the car AM radio while with my parents. At the time I didn't know much about Chicago but that news report always stuck with me. It was later when I discovered how much of a talent we lost that day.
I know the 9mm was a new gun to him as he was showing it to the keyboard player. I wonder if he'd owned nothing but revolvers before and forgot about the chambered round in the auto. Either way a very sad ending to a great talent
Thank you for detailing the difference between a bullet in the magazine and one in the chamber. Like you, I’m not into guns, but this fact has been known to me because of my parents, even though my step-dad had revolvers, not semi-automatic weapons. How many comedy routines have been shown on American television throughout the years where people say their gun isn’t loaded, but almost shoot off their foot? I beg anyone thinking of buying a gun to not do it. But if you are determined to own a gun, any gun, you do not put a bullet anywhere near the weapon until you have a chance to be properly trained in the mechanics of that weapon. The life you save may be your own, or your child.
Bottom line, always treat and handle a gun like it's loaded.
So so well put .Any gun is never never not loaded period.
It's strange my Dad was a huge gun nut but extremely safe to the point that I would sometimes decline going to target shoot .
Obsessive Compulsive Safe I guess is the term I'm looking for. His life ended at age 56 same as Terry's did.
I think he meant to do it, drug's were at play his whole life. It happ way back in' 99 ' hell I was still in my 30's . I'm sorry don't mean to tell y'all about it, guess it struck a coard in me how right you guy's are. Maybe one day we get to find out, did Terry mean to do that...
Maybe not.
Kind of think we do ✌️
RIP Terry K
You too Dad
I was fortunate to see Terry and the band on 3 seperate occasions. Amazing, brilliant, guitarist and singer. The man put his soul and heart into each show. I cried when i learned of his death, but will always have their music. RIP Terry...you are missed.
Knock out analysis! Terry was legendary.....
I wish there was a live video out there of 'Southern California Purples'.
Agreed! Would love to see SCP filmed live.
“South California Purples”. Just saying as a fan since ‘72.Love this unknown cut
You amaze me ! Just sharing with my 25 year old son that Chicago was such an amazing band ...growing up with them in the 70’s radio hit after hit on the Jersey Shore and always loving there sound and there USA top 40 hit ranking back in the day. I think now (growing up in NJ on the Beach and now living in Chicago for the last 9 years being exposed to the blues and Detroit and the midwest music scene) I appreciate The band Chicago on so many more levels. Terry Cath’s voice for example competing or moving with the strong music and brass
had to be so strong, and it delivered. The mixing of music and vocals -and - melody reminds me of Led Zeppelin’ s Take Me Home at the end when Roberts Plants Voice competes with the instruments . For those of you who have not yet visited the Rock n roll hall of fame I encourage you to do so. The the Chicago, and the George Clinton Of Parliament displays we’re so amazing ....and there is a common blues/ jazz / midwestern thread. The funny thing was I went in 2010 to see the Traveling Doors expo that brought me in. On a layover in Cleveland, as a flight attendant a friend and I went and it was the Chicago and Funkadelic Part I loved the most. And when 3 dog-night get inducted I will visit for sure .... Thank you Wings Of Pegasus as always Love your selections to review! The fact that you selected Roy Clark wow !!!! He was so fab. Happy weekend all from the Windy Citi of Chicago!m
Terry Kath an amazing guitarist with a wonderful voice and Chicago an amazing band 💜
No top 10 playlist from 1970 -1976 can go without Chicago in my view. The managed to create a distinctive Chicago city sound that hasn't been replicated beyond the influential and identifiable jazz and blues era in that town. It's no mistake, to my mind, that Chicago came out of such fertile soil. Terry Kath and the rest of the amazing musicians in the band gave an equivalent to Steely Dans New York/LA urban jazz/rock fusion.
Ya where the edit is, they go into “color my world” then back into make me smile. That whole concert is excellent!!! They changed (for the worse in my humble opinion) after he passed. Great analysis as always Fil!! 🇺🇸
Actually, they go back into "Now More Than Ever" which is essentially a reprise of the song.
On the album, it's a whole 15-minute suite called "Ballet for a Girl in Buckcannon" of which "Make Me Smile" and "Now More Than Ever" (essentially a reprise of "Make Me Smile") are the beginning and end. This is prettty much what they did when they built the single.
@@JohnHolton All correct except I don't think there was a single, correct me if I'm wrong. Compilations and greatest hits pieced together 4 and a half minute versions like that though.
Thankfully after it came out, FM had really got its thing together so we hardly had to suffer through singles anymore then.
The edit is fairly obvious at 11:20
@@Bill_Woo As I recall, there WAS a single, but it was edited together without the knowledge of the band-the label maybe?-and hit the radio before they knew about it.
How is that Jimi Hendrix thought that Terry Kath was the best guitarist in the world and yet Rolling Stone claimed he wasn't even on the top 100 of all time. Very educated and nuanced analysis. Thank you!
the rolling stone is 💩
All i wanted for Xmas in '70 was records, the 'blue' Chicago being one.
Gift from my Dad. All about the horns and my school days with an Alto sax,
That said, Terry was a kick ass guitar player and singer.
This was such an excellent sincere and knowledgeable analysis, and just says what a diehard Terry Kath fan wants to hear! Thank you Fil, YOU have a new fan!
The horn work made Chicago unique And distinctive , he is a superb guitarist
This was a fabulous time in Rock and Roll as the music became more complex and interesting absorbing elements of jazz and classical , great stuff!
I am new to your work. Incredible analysis. Love these!!
One of my favorite bands and songs here. The talent of these seven guys has always boggled my mind. What a gift to all of us.
The reason for the cut is "Make Me Smile" is part of a longer piece by trombonist James Pankow "Ballet For a Girl From Buchannon." It basically bookended the piece. This is an edit of a performance of the full piece. That's actually the full solo basically. The cut occurs as the band goes into the next section. "Colour My World" was also part of it. The full performance is also available on TH-cam.
The level of energy , excitement and creativity coming out of that band in the late 60s and early 70s was just insane. I kind of feel sorry for contemporary pop music fans who have to live in a computer-manipulated atmosphere which kind of saps the energy from the enterprise.
I sure hope that you will analyze Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" (at this same concert, which is Tanglewood I think), as Kath's guitar solo is basically unbelievable.
I have to say that for someone who is too young to have seen Terry Kath live or anxiously await each Chicago album arrive.....your analysis is spot on, mate!
I was there.....I was in my teens when Chicago was crushing it. I knew all their songs. I went to as many of their live performances as possible I played sax as a young man, was in several local bands but never made it big. But my love for music and in particular, Chicago, Terry Kath and the Moody Blues are by far, my favorite groups and music compilation. You absolutely get Terry and you nailed it. Well done.
Good pick for Terry but In my opinion
25 or 6 to 4 shows his talent not challenged by any guitar player. 🎸
Art Schamberg go listen to Clapton in cream he was untouchable
I agree with you, Art. 25 or 6 to 4 is unbelievable.
I wish I had a fraction of the talent Terry had on the guitar.R.I.P. Terry,you are sorely missed.Thank you for the video.
Terry Kath was such a great guitarist with such unique vocals! The man had soul..felt the music. Loved the Chicago harmonies. Such a tight band! Sad sad loss the day he tragically died. Thanks once again Fil! U rock!😎🎼🎶🇨🇦
“Old” Chicago!! My all-time favorite. Goosebumps from start to finish. Thank you for highlighting (and enjoying) them!
Saw Terry & Chicago around 1976 at our small college. They were massively huge by then. Found out later we only got them at our small school because they were testing a new sound system from Clair Brothers, who were located nearby. I was a beginner guitarist. It literally felt like Terry was from another planet. I had seen some of the top rock guitarists of the time, and he was just on another planet based on his technique, feel and expression. Also, they did a number of basically 'jazz/smooth jazz' songs off their latest album. Many of my peers were really bummed because it was not what they were expecting. But I was transfixed. Looking back I would say his playing in that concert was kind of on the same level as Coltrane for creating some kind of 'spiritual' experience. Not what us heavy metal fans of the time were used to :)
He changed my outlook on what emotional affect a guitarist could generate.
His solo in 25 or 6 to 4 at this concert is one of my favorites! Another great talent taken too soon RIP TK! Thanks Fil!
“Cry sweet tears of joy...”
"...touch the sky!!!"💖
Much like 911 most of us will always remember where we were on the exact moment of the "Tragic" news. I was on my way to school. I was a senior. I graduated in 78. I was listening to WMMS home of the buzzard. It was Cleveland Ohio's go to Rock station then. I moved back to Michigan afterwards. But I was halfway to school when it came across the radio. My jaw hit the floor !
Shock turned into a feeling of total emptiness, and grief. I had to hurry up and get to school in order to talk to ANYONE, as a way to vent out my shock and saddness. I'm sure that everyone has a similar story of where they were, and what they were doing when the news broke our hearts ..
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the mornings hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there
I do not sleep ...
Terry Kath, one of the best lead guitar players EVER!
Another fun fact for Terry Kath's bio: he, and several other members of Chicago, appeared in a 70s cult movie called Electra Glide In Blue, and Kath provided vocals for the song 'Tell Me', which contributes to a stunning final scene. The movie was directed by James William Guercio, who (I think) was Chicago's producer at the time. And a recent booster for interest in Terry Kath: in the recent movie 'We've Got A Ghost', Terry Kath gets honourable mention when one of the characters quotes the Hendrix line. Gone maybe, but never forgotten.
Tell Me was also used during the closing montage on the final episode of Miami Vice.
I dropped 2 live feeds to join Fils post. I didn't wait 1 second. They are the best thing on YT.
Amen. I interrupted Fil, himself, doing his analysis of Van Morrison's 'Into the Mystic'...I feel so GREEDY!
If I didn't already have Spectrum, Id ask why we entered buffering. but Spectrum taught me what sitting here and looking like an idiot already taught me the point, thanks for raising the rates btw, assholes.
Thanks!
@@wingsofpegasus Don't thank me, but I'll thank you. You're the bomb Fil, you keep me young at heart! You keep my youth alive with all these vids brother! I love the input you add, we rarely had access to much of the information as there sure as hell wasn't anything even close to an internet back then. Most music I was interested in, and you cover a lot of it, was rarely touched on Rolling Stone in my day. You had to spend hours trying to find fan clubs and the like if you wanted insider info and the only fan club I joined was Blue Oyster Cult's. In fact, I didn't even know they booted the drummer when they did until I went to a show and recognized that the former roadie had been playing the drums. Those silly 80's, we were so barbaric back then...
Terry Kath went to my High School. I’ve seen the band several times. Unfortunately, Terry was gone by the time I was old enough to see them. But what a great band!
👍👍👍👍👍! Real feel good band. You just feel hood listening to them. They lift you right up. Thanks Fil. 🤗
... don't worry... 💔
Terry had it all... phenomenal guitarist, voice that was incredibly soulful and as you say Fil, gritty... what a sad loss of a great talent. I loved everything about Chicago. Sounds of my youth...🎼🖤
Thank you Fil.
Monster player, singer and writer
.... and can play without vision.. (the hair).
Terry was a gifted guitarist and musician. He was horribly underrated, and that of the Band Chicago. I lived through this incredible band. Being from Chicago made it sweeter. What memories. Terry was incredible as Hendrix stated. He was a natural. He never was a selfish player. He had love and respect with his fellow band members. This was a tragedy beyond measure. A beautiful song.
❣🙏😥🎼🎸🎺🥁
The solo didnt get cut off, the whole middle 12 minutes of the song got cut out. Make me smile is the first and last movement of a 14 minute piece called "Ballet for a girl in Buchanon." The entire version of the song live from Tanglewood is available on youtube. This is just a short snippet of the beginning and end of the Tanglewood version. The Ballet starts at 1:10:10 of this video. But do yourself a favor and watch the entire concert. th-cam.com/video/_oAoSZ2y1cw/w-d-xo.html
Spot on! Used to do many Chicago tunes back in the 70's with a dance cover band in Boston. We did an edited version of the "Ballet" to get the "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World" sections in as the most danceable sections (both great "stand-alone" songs!!!). Saw Chicago live three times including at the old Boston Garden where Springsteen opened for them (not long before his breakout with the magazine covers...;-). Chicago were great live back then.
Thank you Fil the British Guitarist. This song makes me so happy!
He's like JImi Hendrix on steroids. One of the best bands of the 70's.
That was great. Very generous. I don't get
Gun fascination, myself.
Chicago, IL in 1930 and
40 years on were musically
amazing.
Gary Powell Hell, even Jimi himself thought that Terry was better than him! But, in my opinion, they both are in the same league.
I really liked Chicago until about 1972 but then lost interest as they went in a different direction. The energy in Terry Kath's playing and singing is really incredible.
@@billfurman1494 The chances he shot himself are very slim.
@Bob733333
There are instances of
murder for greed in the
music biz!
So horrible to lose Terry Kath so early. Stunning vocalist (white Ray Charles) and one of the best guitarists potentially ever. Get the chills listening ...
Chicago never recovered from his death, loved TK.
yeah,,,they were never really the same again....they became "the peter cetera band"...
You're correct - they never recovered from his death!
RIP Terry
One reason I love this channel is that Fil gets me to REVISIT this music which I grew up with. I was pretty young when some of these artists were hitting in the US. I was for example 10 or 11 years old when I first heard Chicago in 1969 and too young to really appreciate it, admittedly. Also, I had a tendency to take this music for granted cause we had an “embarrassment of riches” in music of that period. This series of videos here with Fil allows me to reach back and hear these very familiar performances with a new appreciation for the talents/workmanship of artists of that period. It is especially gratifying to re-appreciate it because we are lacking with today’s artists, in my opinion, such high quality performances. Thank you Fil, you are doing a great service here.
Terry was clearly the band leader during this time. He counts in and pretty well sets the tempo. They are all watching him. Yes, to BOTH rhythm and lead - amazing. The tempo does pick up during the song especially when Terry is soloing - and Danny begins to speed things up. Amazing band. I just saw them two weeks ago - first time since 1975 Beachago with Beach Boys.
There's been guitarist throughout rock and roll that are phenomenal. That goes without saying. But there has never been a time that I have seen or heard Terry Kath that I'm not just so damn proud to of witnessed a true musician through and through. He was able to manhandle a guitar like no other guitarists out there I know. A lot of guitarsits out there, each one with their own style but none of them that I know of had the flare that Terry Kath did. I think that's also in part to the fact that he was a beast of a guitarist amongst a very progressive elite Jazz Rock band. They all played off each other so well and to be able to stand out in a song with a horn section to boot speaks volumes about Terry's genius. Once again thank you very much for highlighting such a great clip. On a side note, anybody that says Chicago was a soft rock band needs to crank the volume on this one, shut up and listen! LOL
Not a die-hard Chicago fan but I did really like what was on the airwaves. No doubt they were a great band 👍😎🤘
Absolutely brilliant assessment! I love Chicago and especially Terry Kath. Also, I have had guns my whole life and the first thing you’re ever taught is never ever point it at anyone, and never put your finger on the trigger unless you need to use it. If you follow that advice you will never have a problem.
Chicago's original lineup was like a jigsaw puzzle that fit perfectly.
Terry Kath was a very underrated piece of that puzzle as far as the general public goes.
Those in the know absolutely knew about his genius.
The bands vocals, horns and other instruments were exceptional but overshadowed Terry's part in the band because of the other 6 members of the democratic band.
It was a faceless band.
RIP Terry Kath....🌈
I loved Terry Kath's playing As a young guy just starting to play, I was in awe. Thanks for another smash-up job of analysis, Fil
He may be relatively unknown, and underrated, but for those who know good music, he's very highly regarded. Basically, those who have taste, know how great he was.
IMO Chicago was the first true Progressive Rock band. NOBODY was doing what they were doing when they came out. The elements of Rock, Blues, Soul, Funk and Jazz shine through on every record. Terry's playing was head and shoulders above others that were on the scene at the time. Combine that with a voice that poured so much emotion and you've got the entire package right there. They toured with Hendrix and he and Jimi spent a lot of time together talking music and floating the idea of doing a record together. Jimi said Terry was a waaaaay better player than he was. He was truly in awe of him as a musician. And thats high praise from a guy that everybody was trying to imitate at the time. Terry talked about leaving Chicago and putting a straight ahead rock band together, just guitars bass and drums. It would've been great to see that come to life because there's no doubt it would've been amazing.
Fil... I love listening to you break down these tunes, you lend some valuable information and insight to a lot of young musicians no matter whether they're beginners or advanced players.
Keep it up brother, all the best. CHEERS.
We really didn't lose any of the guitar solo here. "Make Me Smile" is part of the 7 part suite "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" which was written by Jimmy Pankow (the trombone player). The edit was right at the transition from the first to the second movement, and then this video comes back right at the final movement "Now More than Ever" which is a reprise of "Make Me Smile".
Chicago was one of the most innovative bands ever, and Terry was one of the greatest guitar players - and he was perfectly happy to play rhythm guitar in the background when the spotlight was on other members of the band.
He was the heart and soul of Chicago and still one of my all time favorite players.
Thank you, dear heart! He was awesome, wasn't he? 😉
A refreshing alternative to your standard band, from that era, that consisted of drums, lead, rhythm, and bass. Nobody can accuse Chicago of trying to copy any other band. They were original.
No accident with his death. No one commits suicide like that. It's just alcohol and guns don't mix. People say Terry is underrated, but it's more like he's not rated at all
Critics forget about him. I'd say he's in the top ten of rock guitarists.
Toxicology showed no alcohol and a negligible amount of cocaine in his system. He made a fatal mistake.
Even in an incredibly talented outfit like this one, the loss of one member can make such a huge difference. With Terry Kath, Chicago can go toe to toe with a great many of the top bands. Without him, they're a pop group. What they did with Terry running the show, however, was fantastic! I wish that I had been old enough to have seen him play live.
I did get to see them play. While my memories of the concert are vague, my feeling that Kath was amazing is still as vivid today as it was back then.
I knew Terry because I went to both elementary and high school with him. He used to bring his acoustic guitar to Taft High School and play it in the cafeteria during lunch. Used to sit at a table right next to him. Incredible memories from the early 60’s. RIP Terry:-(
Well said.
I’m so happy to see you react to Chicago. One of my all time favorite groups. Must have been to 7 or 8 of their concerts back in the 70’s. Most people who know Chicago from their top 40 hits just focus on their horn section. Listening to every song on every album, one discovers just how great a drummer Danny Seraphine is, how good a bass player Peter Cetera is, and of course, how talented Terry Kath was as a guitarist and vocalist. Love the reaction videos👍
i will keep this brief -- thank you for being here in this universe. you seem like an awesome person and i love your site!
I saw Chicago in 1974, my first rock concert, Terry was wearing a hockey jersey and I could not believe how great they all were but especially him. He was so great.
Another great job Fil. Very economical with the commentary, much appreciated. Terry’s daughter made a fantastic documentary that’s a must-see for any fan of the uber talented Mr Kath.
I tickled the like button.
(it slapped me)
Hahahaha! I know what you mean. 😎👍
You should be honored
Thank you Fil. Early Chicago with 3 singers and great musicians were awesome.