Record Reviews

CHICAGO ~ CHICAGO XXXVI NOW FRONTIERS 652 (Barcode: 8024391065228) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2013 - 2014 Released: 2014 This is the 24th studio and 36th overall album by the iconic American Brass Rock group ChicagoFind albums by this artist. It is the first album of original songs by the group since “Chicago XXXFind albums with this title” released in 2006. The lineup of the group includes founding numbers: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Walter ParazaiderFind albums by this artist and trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist and members who joined the group over the years: bassist Jason ScheffFind albums by this artist, guitarist Keith HowlandFind albums by this artist, drummer Tris ImbodenFind albums by this artist, vocalist / keyboardist Lou PardiniFind albums by this artist and percussionist Walfredo Reyes, Jr.Find albums by this artist, and a host of guest musicians appear on selected tracks. The album presents eleven songs, all written by the group’s members. Musically the group returns to the hey days of their career, faithfully reproducing the Brass Rock sound that the group co-created and played from day one, and most importantly the album proves that they are still able to write excellent songs and wonderful instrumental arrangements. Considering the fact that contemporary Pop / Rock has almost completely nothing to offer, going back to the sources seem to be the only logical way to be taken in order to produce worthwhile, coherent, interesting and artistically challenging new material. Yes, there is nothing innovative or groundbreaking here, but that is the fate of music since decades now, so at least we are able to hear new material, that follows some of the best standards achieved decades ago, and there is nothing to be ashamed off about it. Overall, this is an excellent album, which is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish, full of great songs and superb performances, tight, professional and well recorded. I’d take this any time before wasting time on the sonic garbage that surrounds us from so called Pop / Rock “artists” these days. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 25/03/2022Posted: 25/03/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ CHICAGO XXXVII CHICAGO CHRISTMAS (2019) RHINO 603497849758 (Barcode: 603497849758) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the twenty-fifth studio album by the legendary American group ChicagoFind albums by this artist, now in their sixth decade of continuous activity. It is the first studio album since “Chicago XXXVI NowFind albums with this title” from 2014. The album presents ten (one in two versions) songs, seven of which are new original songs by the band members and only three are standard Xmas songs in new arrangements. Three founding members of the group: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist and trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist are still part of the lineup and between them wrote most of the songs on the album. The music remains within the established Brass-Rock idiom, with brilliant melodies and excellent brass arrangements, which have faithfully carried the group through their lengthy career, which knew some ups and downs, but in retrospect can be seen as one of the most spectacular in American Rock. The fact that this album includes primarily new original Xmas songs testifies to the longevity and continuous creative power Chicago are able to kindle. Overall, this is a brilliant Rock album, steady as a rock (he he) and full of brilliant music and excellent musicianship. They don’t make music like this anymore and this album, being an exception, is a perfect proof of that statement. For many Chicago’s faithful followers, this is just what the doctor prescribed. Of course it can be listened to all year round, Xmas or not!

Updated: 04/11/2022Posted: 04/11/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ CHICAGO XXXVIII BORN FOR THIS MOMENT BMG 4050538811728 (Barcode: 4050538811728) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the twenty-sixth studio album by the legendary American group ChicagoFind albums by this artist, now in their sixth decade of continuous activity. It is the first album of original (non-Christmas) material since “Chicago XXXVI NowFind albums with this title” from 2014. The album presents fourteen songs. Three founding members of the group: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist and trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist are still part of the lineup and between them wrote most of the songs on the album. The music remains within the established Brass-Rock idiom, with brilliant melodies and excellent brass arrangements, which have faithfully carried the group through their lengthy career, which knew some ups and downs, but in retrospect can be seen as one of the most spectacular in American Rock. Overall, this is a brilliant Rock album, steady as a rock (he he) and full of brilliant music and excellent musicianship. They don’t make music like this anymore and this album, being an exception, is a perfect proof of that statement. For many Chicago’s faithful followers, this is just what the doctor prescribed.

Updated: 03/11/2022Posted: 25/10/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, WASHINGTON D.C., 9/16/1971 RHINO 603497834174 (Barcode: 603497834174) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by the seminal American Brass Rock band ChicagoFind albums by this artist, recorded on September 16, 1971. The material is all previously unissued, except for one track. It is the second live album recorded the same year, after the “At Carnegie HallFind albums with this title” (or “Chicago IVFind albums with this title”) live album, recorded in April that year. It was recorded shortly before the band recorded their 4th studio album “Chicago VFind albums with this title”, and includes some early versions of material included on that album. The 3CD album presents twenty-six tracks, which span the band’s output released on their first three studio double albums. All the material (except one song) is original and was written and arranged by the group members. The group’s original septet lineup, with guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter CeteraFind albums by this artist, drummer Danny SeraphineFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Walter ParazaiderFind albums by this artist, was one of the most versatile, talented and perfectly synchronized music ensembles ever. They defined the Brass Rock idiom completely and perfectly and no other ensemble managed to create as much creative music over the years. They were also superb instrumentalists, composers and arrangers, which set them apart from other Brass Rock manifestations. Of course Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist were also awesome, but they were completely different stylistically and conceptually, although definitely Brass Rock related as well. As usual, Kath’s incredible guitar technique and inventiveness stand out and he remains as one of the greatest guitar Masters in all time, sadly rather anonymous to most contemporary music listeners. An immediate instinctive comparison between this album and the “At Carnegie Hall” album comes up, but in fact it does not make sense for many reasons. This album is a straight-ahead document of one concert in its entirety, whereas the gigantic “At Carnegie Hall” was compiled from a series of eight concerts (released in its entirety as a 16CD set only in 2021). This album was recorded for documentation purposes and not for a formal release. In short a comparison is unnecessary and this album, despite the fact that the sound quality is a bit murky, is by all means a superb piece of music and an important historical document of an era and a musical genre almost extinct today. Overall, this is a brilliant snapshot of the essential Brass Rock ensemble Chicago at its musical peak, with almost three hours of Godly music, which no true music fan should miss. This is a true musical feast for my ears!

Updated: 16/11/2024Posted: 16/11/2024

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ LIVE AT 55 MERCURY 602465741728 (Barcode: 602465741728) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is a live album by the seminal American Brass Rock band ChicagoFind albums by this artist, recorded in November 2024, celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the release of the legendary debut album by the band in 1969. The 2CD album presents thirty-one tracks, which span the band’s output created over the years, including all the memorable material. Only three founding members of the group: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist and trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist are still part of the current band’s lineup, which includes newer members as well as a huge cast of guest musicians, including guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Robert RandolphFind albums by this artist, Chris DaughtryFind albums by this artist and others. Although some of the new arrangements and the guest appearances sound often a bit schmaltzy, parts of the magic are still there and the music is of course timeless. Chicago defined the Brass Rock idiom completely and perfectly and no other ensemble managed to create as much creative music over the years. They were also superb instrumentalists, composers and arrangers, which set them apart from other Brass Rock manifestations. Of course Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist were also awesome, but they were completely different stylistically and conceptually, although definitely Brass Rock related as well. Overall, this is a retrospective snapshot of the essential Brass Rock ensemble, somewhat spoiled by contemporary American kitsch, but with over two hours of Godly music, this is definitely worth listening to, and shedding a tear in memory of the great times.

Updated: 06/01/2025Posted: 06/01/2025

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1969-1978 RHINO 081227969585 (Barcode: 081227969585) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1978 Released: 2012 This excellent Box Set includes the remastered / expanded versions of the first ten studio albums by the iconic American ensemble ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which defined the American variation of the Brass Rock genre, together with other ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, FlockFind albums by this artist and many other less renowned music makers. Chicago were, in retrospect, the most prolific and enduring of them all and are undoubtedly an American Rock legend. They managed to combine incredible songwriting abilities, which resulted in their songs charting, despite the fact that they were hardy chart material, incredible instrumental abilities, superb vocalists and arrangement skills, which amalgamated Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop, producing a unique sound, which managed to stay relevant despite the fads and fashions of the ever changing music scene. The ten CDs in this box include the first three double albums: “Chicago Transit AuthorityFind albums with this title”, “Chicago (II)Find albums with this title” and “Chicago IIIFind albums with this title” as well as seven single albums: “Chicago VFind albums with this title”, “Chicago VIFind albums with this title”, “Chicago VIIFind albums with this title”, “Chicago VIIIFind albums with this title”, “Chicago XFind albums with this title”, “Chicago XIFind albums with this title” and finally “Hot StreetsFind albums with this title” (a.k.a. “Chicago XIIFind albums with this title”). Not included in the Box Set are “Chicago IVFind albums with this title”, which was a live album and “Chicago IXFind albums with this title”, which was a Greatest Hits compilation. All the albums, except the last one, were recorded by a steady lineup, which of course helped to establish a polished style and superb interplay. The lineup included bassist Peter CeteraFind albums by this artist, guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist (who died tragically in early 1978), keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Walter ParaziderFind albums by this artist and drummer Danny SeraphineFind albums by this artist. Percussionist Laudir de OlivieraFind albums by this artist joined the group in 1973. Overall, this Box Set is an unbelievable treasure chest of incredible music and a Bible of American Brass Rock. It features some of the greatest American Rock guitar playing by the hands of Terry Kath, many of the sublimely composed early suites, which can easily be considered as Progressive Rock masterpieces, and simply superb music in general, from start to finish. The remasters improved the sound of the original albums, but the bonus tracks are quite insignificant. No serious music collection can afford not to include this Box Set, even if one owns all the individual albums already. Absolutely essential! Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 23/09/2022Posted: 23/09/2022

CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1979-2008 RHINO 081227954130 (Barcode: 081227954130) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1979 - 2008 Released: 2015 This is the second Box Set, which includes the remastered / expanded versions of further ten studio albums by the iconic American ensemble ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which defined the American variation of the Brass Rock genre, together with other ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, FlockFind albums by this artist and many other less renowned music makers. Chicago were, in retrospect, the most prolific and enduring of them all and are undoubtedly an American Rock legend. They managed to combine incredible songwriting abilities, which resulted in their songs charting, despite the fact that they were hardy chart material, incredible instrumental abilities, superb vocalists and arrangement skills, which amalgamated Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop, producing a unique sound, which managed to stay relevant despite the fads and fashions of the ever changing music scene. The ten CDs in this box include the following albums: “Chicago 13Find albums with this title”, “Chicago XIVFind albums with this title”, “Chicago 16Find albums with this title”, “Chicago 17Find albums with this title”, “Chicago 18Find albums with this title”, “Chicago 19Find albums with this title”, “Twenty 1Find albums with this title”, “Night & Day: Big BandFind albums with this title”, “Chicago XXXFind albums with this title” and finally “Chicago XXXII Stone Of SisyphusFind albums with this title”. Not included in this Box Set are albums, which were either live albums, Greatest Hits compilations or Christmas compilations. Chicago managed to maintain a relatively steady lineup, which of course helped to establish a polished style and superb interplay. By the time the last of the albums included in this Box Set was recorded, the following four founding members were still playing in the band: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / flautist Walter ParaziderFind albums by this artist. Bassist Jason ScheffFind albums by this artist was in the band since 1985 and drummer Tris ImbodenFind albums by this artist since 1990. Contrary to popular opinion I totally reject the accusation that Chicago completely lost their initial impact. The fact is that they still produce brilliant music, which gradually went through many changes, as did the entire music scene, but never lost their ability to write superb tunes and play with guts and gusto. The ten albums in this Box Set offer some incredible music and continue the Brass Rock tradition proudly, albeit in many different ways. Overall, this Box Set is an unbelievable treasure chest of incredible music and a Bible of American Brass Rock. It features simply superb music in general, from start to finish. The remasters improved the sound of the original albums, but the bonus tracks are quite insignificant. No serious music collection can afford not to include this Box Set, even if one owns all the individual albums already. Absolutely essential! Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 25/09/2022Posted: 25/09/2022

CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ WHAT`S IT GONNA BE, SANTA? RHINO 081227389222 (Barcode: 081227389222) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1998 - 2003 Released: 2003 This is a reissue / expanded edition of the nineteenth studio album by the legendary American group ChicagoFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1998 as “Chicago XXV The Christmas AlbumFind albums with this title”, which included the band’s interpretations of Xmas classics with just one original song. This reissue from 2003 adds six additional songs and the entire album is resequenced. Four founding members of the group: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Walter ParazaiderFind albums by this artist are still part of the lineup and between them wrote most of the arrangements on the album. The music remains within the established Brass-Rock idiom, with excellent brass arrangements, which have faithfully carried the group through their lengthy career, which knew some ups and downs, but in retrospect can be seen as one of the most spectacular in American Rock. Overall, this is an excellent album, full of brilliant music and excellent musicianship. They don’t make music like this anymore and despite the fact that this is Xmas music, the Rock spirit of it remains unchanged. For many Chicago’s faithful followers, this is just what the doctor prescribed. Of course it can be listened to all year round, Xmas or not! Since the Xmas albums are not included in the two studio albums Box Sets, they are worth having separately in every serious Chicago collection.

Updated: 20/11/2022Posted: 06/11/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend