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 ~ 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 ~ 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