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

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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

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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