Record Reviews

CHICAGO ~ CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY RHINO 76171 (Barcode: 081227617127) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2002 1st album by ChicagoFind albums by this artist. A revolutionary Jazz-Rock epic (originally a double LP) similar to the work done by Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, but more rock based. The quality of the material as well as the level of musicianship is astounding for a group of young players recording their debut album and with no studio experience whatsoever. The work of the group`s guitar player - Terry KathFind albums by this artist - is much in the forefront and deserves all possible prise. They took the rock world like a storm and a series of strong consecutive releases for over 30 years ensured their monumental status for posterity. Essential!

Updated: 18/04/2020Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Essential 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 ~ THE 1969 TORONTO CONCERT WETON-WESGRAM 064 (Barcode: 8717423052029) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2007 This is a “semi-official” archival live album by the iconic American Brass Rock band ChicagoFind albums by this artist, recorded at the peak of their early period following the release of their debut album. The music was recorded at the Toronto Rock `N` Roll Revival 1969 on September 13, 1969. The recording was first released on cassette in 1978 and subsequently bootlegged countless times, with different album titles, song titles and songs order. The original material included seven songs from the debut album and one song from the second album, which was not released yet at the time. The sound quality is pretty bad, but listenable, and considering how precious every bit of Chicago’s early music is, everything is forgiven. The music presents the admirable energy and zest of Chicago at the time, which had a hurricane effect. Guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist is featured extensively and his performances are absolutely stunning, proving again that he was a one of a king musician, beyond comparison to anybody else since his time. Overall, despite the fact that this is a bootleg and the quality of sound is far from ideal, the material is absolutely stellar and every second of this music is pure musical gold. As such, this is essential to all Chicago fans and Brass Rock lovers, as it does not get better ever since – over five decades ago – mind you!

Updated: 30/05/2023Posted: 30/05/2023

CD 1 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 ~ VI DECADES LIVE (THIS IS WHAT WE DO) RHINO 081227932336 (Barcode: 081227932336) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1969 - 2014 Released: 2018 This is an archival collection of live performances by the legendary American Brass Rock band ChicagoFind albums by this artist, and a founding member of the genre. The Box Set includes four CDs and a DVD, which span, as the title suggests, six decades of this seminal band, with the earliest recording captured in 1969 and the latest in 2014. The Box Set is lavishly packaged in a book format and includes a book with wonderful photographs and other memorabilia. CD1 and CD2 present the full set of Chicago’s 1970 performance at the Isle of White Festival. CD3 presents performance from France, USA and Australia captured between 1969 and 1977. CD4 presents USA performances captured between 1978 and 2014. The DVD presents the German TV show Rockpalast concert from 1977 and one bonus video track from 1973. Obviously the first two CDs offer the most important material, with the band at their strongest ever (original) lineup, following the release of the first two (double) albums and just before the release of their third (also double) album. The compositions and the performances are absolutely marvelous and consists of some of the best Brass Rock music ever recorded. The other two CDs present later lineups of the group, which despite passing time managed to maintain an excellent level of music, perhaps less ambitious and complex than in the extraordinary initial period, but still coherent stylistically and way above what was happening in music as time passed. Chicago managed to overcome the tragic death of their founding member, guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist in 1978 and lineup changes and continued as a group, despite the changing musical trends and fads. Overall this is a fabulous addition to the Chicago recorded legacy, which no fan of the group would like to miss in their collection, with the first two CDs worth they weight in gold!

Updated: 25/09/2021Posted: 25/09/2021

4CD+DVD 5 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

IF ~ IF REPERTOIRE 1037 (Barcode: 4009910103722) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006 Thi is the debut album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, formed in 1969 by three representatives of the burgeoning British Jazz scene, which was experiencing an unprecedented surge of creativity and revolutionizing the Jazz form at the time. Although partly inspired by American Jazz-Rock pioneers like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which were gaining wide popularity at the time, If was quintessentially different from its American counterparts. Essentially Jazz-Rock was "invented" in Britain several years earlier by musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist and others, creating a distinctive "sound and feel", which was quite different from the development of the genre on the other side of the pond. The Americans based their bands on the rich "brass" tradition, which was perfected over the years by countless Big Bands and Brass bands, adding an aggressive rock backbeat to the music, whereas the British used a different approach, which basically left the Jazz environment intact, rejuvenating it with modern rhythmic approach and electric instruments (and in some cases adding Rock vocals), but remaining faithful to the Jazz idiom. In short where the American Jazz-Rock mainly rocked, the British Jazz-Rock mainly swung. If were a great example of these differences and although short-lived, the band produced some of the most exquisite examples of British Jazz-Rock ever recorded. The core of the band comprised of the extraordinary guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and another saxophonist / flautist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist (please note the absence of trumpeters). All three musicians had behind them several years of playing Jazz in various ensembles and were amongst the most gifted young British players at the time. Supported by a great and versatile rhythm section: keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim RichardsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ElliottFind albums by this artist and fronted by unusually gifted and able vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, If were an absolutely perfect combination of talent and abilities, which actually worked. This, combined with the abilities of the "in house" composers (mostly Morrissey and Quincy), who crafted incredible melodies; crispy, complex and intelligent yet "easy" on the ear, made If a lean and mean music making machine of staggering proportions. All three main instrumental soloist were wonderful musicians, which is evident on this album from start to finish, but the most incredible work was surely performed by guitarist Terry Smith, who uses every trick in the book and beyond, always fresh and unconventional. It is most interesting to compare Smith´s work with Chicago guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist (what a coincidence – both named Terry), who also was the most gifted instrumentalist in his band. Smith´s adaptation of Jazz guitar techniques into Rock as opposed to Kath´s improvised Rock guitar playing again emphasize the differences between the two bands. Words of praise should also go to If´s vocalist, who demonstrated exceptional feel on top of his wide range and clear, effortless treatment of even the trickiest challenges. To summarize, If in general and this, their debut album in particular, are superb examples of what great music is all about. Although mostly forgotten and rarely mentioned in most references, this album is as essential to every Jazz-Rock fan as the air he breathes. Ignoring it would constitute an act of criminal negligence, not to mention the complete void in one´s musical education. Did I say essential?

Updated: 17/09/2022Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend