Chicago Chronicles 4/16 – FINALE – Liberation
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I’ve been so inspired by the sheer excellence of the Genesis Chronicles that I’m starting a new project. I initially started charting because I wanted to play Chicago songs on drums as the original drummer was phenomenal. I’d love to do something similar to the Genesis project but with Chicago. Now I don’t expect to spend a year or enlist 17 authors but I’m putting it out there for anyone that would be interested in contributing keys, guitar, bass, and horns. I can do drums and vocals.
Chicago and Genesis are similar in that they both started off as musically complex and then had the biggest hits of their careers in the late 70’s and 80’s by taking a more simplistic pop approach so I think enough people out there would enjoy the variety.
Thanks to my contributors:
Chicago Transit Authority (1969)
At long last I have a release for you guys. Here are 6 songs from the first album when they were known as Chicago Transit Authority. They would shorten it to Chicago after this release. Just a heads up these songs are not perfect. If I waited for that these woud never see the light of day. 6 songs including 4 hits and 2 deep cuts.Thanks to Sideshow for the video previews, narutostarwars123456 for guitar tracks, donotpassgo for 5 lane keys, and Nightmare Lyra for guitar on I’m a Man.
GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
Chicago Chronicles concludes with “Liberation” from the debut album Chicago Transit Authority. At 14 minutes it is the longest song in the catalog. It’s a composition that provides a unique space for Terry Kath to create and share the awesome depth and breadth of his talent with the guitar. With his masterful ability to shift from aggressiveness and intensity to softness and sensuality, Terry shows the myriad of sounds he can coax from his guitar. From ethereal, delicate strumming to his supersonic shredding, we stand witness to his genius in this groundbreaking instrumental.GUITAR: MrBurpler/Mb1nightmare
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
The tight rhythm section—those drums — and, man, that bass. That blonde cat plays some seriously monstrous bass … and it’s all providing a platform for Chicago guitarist Terry Kath to weave a spell and mesmerize the crowd with his incredible skills. Heck, the vocals don’t even start until they are almost 5½ minutes into the song. And the horns … the glorious horns that dance around the vocals and the guitar solos, they set this band apart from their peers. When people scoff in disbelief after being told that Chicago used to open for the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, 1969’s Chicago Transit Authority is the album I pull out, and “Poem 58” is the “go to” song. This is the “penny drop” song that causes people who only think they know Chicago’s music to go, “Oh, I get it now! There’s a lot more to this band than I realized.”GUITAR: Mb1nightmare
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Listen” is a succinct, driving rocker with sustained guitar feedback, funky bass, organ, and more horn accents along with a good rock guitar lead by Kath.GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Someday (August 29, 1968)”, co-written by Pankow, and featuring a doomy start before it breaks into a melodic tune about revolution and coming together.GUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS:DoNotPassGoGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS:DoNotPassGoGUITAR: Nightmare Lyra
5 LANE KEYS:DoNotPassGoGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS:DoNotPassGoGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS:DoNotPassGoGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS:DoNotPassGoChicago II (1970)
GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: DenVaktare
MAKE ME SMILE: HARMONIX
Chicago Chronicles Epic Week 5 is back with “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon”. At 13 minutes and spawning two of Chicago’s earliest hits – “Make Me Smile” and “Colour My World” – “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” is a grand achievement showing chops well beyond the years and maturity of several other bands of that era.The song bursts out of the gate with James Pankow’s in-your-face horn chart, with Chicago’s tight rhythm section joining in shortly after eventually leading into Terry Kath’s soulful vocals. Where their debut and arguably the first few songs of Chicago II “introduced” them, “Make Me Smile” is one of the first signs of Chicago becoming more comfortable in their skin and exerting their personality. Gone is the tentativeness of a band that sounded like they were still pinching themselves because they couldn’t believe THIS was actually happening to THEM. It’s not so much a cocky swagger as it is a knowing self-assurance.Sadly, most casual listeners are only familiar with “Make Me Smile” and “Colour My World” portions of this brilliant 13-minute song cycle. As such, they’re missing out on the truly delightful instrumental interludes of “Anxiety’s Moment” and “West Virginia Fantasies,” and the equally strong “So Much to Give, So Much to Say.”While there were other grand musical movements to come on Chicago II and others down the road, for better or worse Chicago had set the bar extremely high with “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.” As good as some of their other more ambitious musical endeavors may have been, it could be argued that none of them matched the musical brilliance and scope of this track.GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: DenVaktare
Chicago Chronicles Epic Week 4 is back with “It Better End Soon”. It’s a musically brilliant chronicle of the anti-Vietnam sentiment of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Anchored by a tight rhythm featuring some of Peter Cetera’s best bass playing of his entire Chicago tenure and Danny Seraphine’s tight drumming, the song chugs along with a slow build to an intense crescendo after giving Walt Parazaider a chance to show his chops on the flute and also gives Terry Kath an opportunity to soulfully preach.GUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS: StackOverflow0XGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS: funkydunklemanGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS: BearzUnlimited
Video PreviewGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS: BearzUnlimited
Video PreviewGUITAR: nsw123456
5 LANE KEYS: StackOverflow0XChicago III (1971)
Giving birth to a project is never easy but here we go with my 3rd pack all from Chicago III. My MVP this time around definitely has to be bsbloom. His timely contributions enabled me to release this much sooner than I had anticipated. Thanks to the rest of my collaborators who are listed for each track as well as Sideshow for the video previews.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
Chicago Chronicles Epic Week 3 is back with “The Approaching Storm”. It’s among the most involved, challenging, and definitive statements of jazz-rock fusion. As pop music morphed into the mindless decadence that was the mid-70’s, Chicago abandoned its ambitiously arranged multifaceted epics, concentrating on more concise song-crafting. “The Approaching Storm” has a jazzy hook and features great instrumental solos especially Walt Parazaider on sax.GUITAR: BearzUnlimited
5 LANE KEYS: BearzUnlimitedThis tune is funky from start to finish with a blistering outro guitar solo from the master Terry Kath.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: ArcanonA short but sweet tune with a jazz swing beat and fun organ solo.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: FujiSkunkThis is Peter Cetera’s 2nd writing credit and first great love song. It’s got a country tinge to it.
GUITAR: bsbloom
DRUM SOLO: Kloporte
5 LANE KEYS: StackOverflow0xAlso know on the album as the travel suite part 1 is an acoustic Crosby Stills and Nash inspired ditty, followed by a face melting drum solo and finishing with the best known song on the album Free!
GUITAR: missingn042128
5 LANE KEYS: StackOverflow0xThis song peaked at #20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. For those that just want to get to the hit song you have your option though I highly suggest you play the entire suite above.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracket / GreenPanda12Latin/jazz inspired number with an outro flute solo that will slay all you key meisters.
GUITAR: BearzUnlimited
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketAnother funky tune with dueling trombone solo in the middle which I had to only the most prominent solo at any given time.
GUITAR: GanonMetroid
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThe other hit on the album peaked at #35 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: StackOverflow0xThis is an epic song about the birds and the bees. Never has such overtly sexual lyrics been put to such beautiful music. There are many moods and movements throughout with something for everyone.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
This beautiful beatlesesque love song featuring great harmonies and split lead vocals between Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm.GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
A blues rocker with an almost constant soloing from Terry Kath talks about loving someone for themselves regardless how well off they are. Robert Lamm seems to imitate Ray Charles with his vocal delivery.Chicago IV (1971)
GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
This did not receive much radio airplay, but is a notorious example of Chicago’s political persuasions in the early years of the band. It is a nose-thumbing directed at President Richard Nixon. Nixon was at the apex of his political powers then. Watergate was just around the corner and the notorious burglary that led to his ruin occurred just weeks after the album was released. This was the only new song included on the Chicago At Carnegie Hall album, a 4-disc set comprised of songs recorded during a week of concerts at the venue in April 1971.Chicago V (1972)
GUITAR: narutostarwars123456
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketA very proggy hard rockin’ album opener with a nightmare keys chart which concludes the solo section with all 3 horns soloing at once.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketA beautiful midtempo number which Beach Boys inspired harmonies.
GUITAR: anglebracket
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThunderous drum intro, 5/4 bridge and saxophone outro solo from hell.
GUITAR: narutostarwars123456 /BearzUnlimited
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThis is the 2nd most well know track from the album. Part one is a duet between Terry Kath and Peter Cetera. An edited version of the song was released as a single in October 1972, eventually reaching #24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Video PreviewGUITAR: anglebracket
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketDark riff with great harmonies and a mean guitar solo.
GUITAR: narutostarwars123456
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThe one you all know and love. Saturday in the Park was very successful upon release, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100,%5B1%5D becoming the band’s highest-charting single to date, helping lift the album to #1.
GUITAR: narutostarwars123456
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketA funky tune with subtle complex drumming throughout by the master Danny Seraphine.
GUITAR: anglebracket
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThis song was the one that inspired me to learn how to author. It’s probably my favorite Chicago song of all time. Very jazzy throughout.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThe closing track is a beautiful piano guitar ballad with soulful vocals by Terry Kath. There is no bass in the song.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Mississippi Delta City Blues” a song written by Terry Kath which shows off how great a rhythm guitarist he was. The brass doesn’t overdo it, punctuating the verses in a manner reminiscent of James Brown’s band – the whole song sounds a little like Brown’s Papa Don’t Take No Mess. The song was one of the earliest written when they formed in 1967. This version was recorded for Chicago V but shelved once the album went from a double to a single LP. It would be rerecorded for Chicago XI in 1977 but this earlier take IMO is much more powerful and raw.
Chicago VI (1973)
GUITAR: anglebracket
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThe classic love song with a brilliant jazz mid section. It reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: : BansheeflyerA nice mid tempo piano rocker with some great pedal steel guitar work.
GUITAR: anglebracket
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketNo horns in this one. Terry Kath’s beautiful multi guitar layered sound is more than enough.
GUITAR: anglebracket
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThis is the final triple vocal song during the Terry Kath era. This uptempo rocker will give bass and keys players fits.
Video PreviewGUITAR: BearzUnlimited
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThis song is a personal favorite. The drum start mild but build up to a thunderous fury by the end.
GUITAR: MrBurpler
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerThis is Peter Cetera’s 2nd contribution to the album featuring a harmonica solo.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
Laid back funky track that grooves all night long.Chicago VII (1974)
GUITAR: Arcanon
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
DRUM ANIMATIONS: MrBurplerChicago Chronicles Epic Week 2 is back with “Devil’s Sweet”; an at-times menacing track that goes off on wild tangents throughout its 10-minute runtime. It’s an experimental piece, perhaps the most experimental thing Chicago ever committed to wax, though it mostly winds up being a showcase for Seraphine’s drumming chops. With “Devil’s Sweet”, Seraphine not only gets an extended drum solo, he gets to illustrate a softer side by playing with brushes. In many ways, the first side is a portrait of the band’s percussion-horns axis, and shows a really different take on the band to that point, with influences ranging from Miles Davis to John Coltrane to Santana.This chart is 2 years in the making. I initially asked Meander to map and chart drums when I first started not having the confidence to do it myself. Since then OscarJ had a run at perfecting the massive amount of drum notes and finally I went in more recently and precision tuned the tempo map and drums. It’s not 100% but damn close. Thanks to those 2 guys for getting the ball rolling. Enjoy!GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracket/Bansheeflyer
VOCALS: Dash Riprock“(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long” was the first single released reaching number 9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketA party anthem is ever they had one. This song was played live on New Years Rockin Eve 1974. Mostly instrumental but fun from start to finish.
GUITAR: Arcanon
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThe first of two epic instrumentals it features a brilliant guitar solo from Terry Kath and plenty of odd time signatures throughout.
GUITAR: Arcanon
This version is studio rehearsal with a different arrangement than the album version. It’s more uptempo and hard rockin’. I chose not to chart the keys as they were very hard to decipher. Don’t worry I won’t make a habit of it.
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracket
The final track on the album was actually donated from Robert Lamm’s solo album of also called Skinny Boy with a new horn part added. It has no guitar but the bass part played by guitarist Terry Kath is brutal and the funkiness is non stop
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Video PreviewGUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: anglebracketThis acoustic ballad features a beautiful bossa nova arrangment and silky smooth vocals by Peter Cetera.
Video PreviewGUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer“Call on Me” was the second single released from the album, it reached number six on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It has rock and latin jazz feel with vocals by Peter Cetera.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
5 LANE KEYS: : GreenPanda12A dark mid tempo piano rocker with some of the funkiest bass work Peter Cetera ever recorded.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
5 LANE KEYS: KemirochOne of two Terry Kath tracks it features dark atmosphere of clean guitars in the intro and finishing with hard and heavy with blistering solos. Lead vocals are provided for the first time by trumpeter Lee Loughnane.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer“Wishing You Were Here” is The third single released and it reached #11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
A moody folk rock tune with backing harmonies provided by 3 members of the Beach Boys.GUITAR: Narutostarwars123456
5 LANE KEYS: -para-doxThe first 2 sides of the double album featured mainly jazz rock instrumentals. This one opens side 2 with a great groove and fancy drum work. This one leads directly into Hanky Panky/Life Saver.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
5 LANE KEYS: GreenPanda12Hanky Panky is a short 2 minute instrumental with a moody jazz solo sandwhiched by a dark riff. It leads directly into Life Saver which has the first vocals on Disc 1. It’s a feel good pop rock song with 1920’s style horn riffs. Great for a party
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />Chicago VIII (1975)
GUITAR: BearzUnlimited
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerGuitarist Terry Kath wrote a tribute to Jimi Hendrix and it’s simultaneously the most beautiful, lush, and complex song he did. It’s in my top 5 Chicago songs and will give guitarist fits for the amount of solos. If you get one song from this pack make it this one.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
This song could have easily been written by Black Sabbath but instead it’s written and sung by Peter Cetera. Great guitar solos and busy drumming throughout. Sorry but no keys were done. There isn’t any until the last minute or so and it was buried so I left it out.
GUITAR: atupomaruru
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Brand New Love Affair,” is a song written by James Pankow. The song peaked at #61 on the charts.[1] Guitarist Terry Kath sings the first half while bassist Peter Cetera sings the second half. Keyboardist Robert Lamm played the distinctive Fender Rhodes electric piano on the song – the intro particularly showcases its lush vibrato bell-like sound.
GUITAR: MrBurpler
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
VOCALS/PRO KEYS: Dash Riprock“Harry Truman” is a song written by Robert Lamm for the group Chicago and recorded for their album Chicago VIII (1975), with lead vocals by Lamm. The first single released from that album, it reached number 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.[1]
GUITAR: MrBurpler
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerThis is a lovely Robert Lamm ballad sung by Peter Cetera with simple but fun drumming.
GUITAR: MrBurpler
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerA piano rocker with a dazzling middle section and great harmony vocals.
GUITAR: narutostarwars123456
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer“Old Days” is a song written by James Pankow with lead vocals by Peter Cetera.The second single released from that album, it reached #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
Double lead vocals between Terry Kath and Peter Cetera with constant lead guitar throughout.Chicago X (1976)
GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerGuitarist Terry Kath wrote a rip roaring opening track that is much more down to earth than his contributions to the last 2 albums. The awesome sax solo is sadly the last time Walt Parazaider would have a prominent solo on a Chicago album.
GUITAR: Jake
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerThis raunchy tune from Jimmy Pankow features some smoking horn parts, guitar solo, and shuffle rhythm throughout. The lyrics are a little obviously about procreation
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />GUITAR: Mb1nightmare/MrBurpler
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
A lyrical retelling of their career up to this point Scrapbook is pure funk.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerAnother Rainy Day in New York City is a song written by Robert Lamm and was the first single released reaching #32 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerYou Are On My Mind was the third single for the album, reaching #49 in April 1977.
GUITAR: bsbloom
This track was recorded during the album sessions but left off and resurrected as a bonus track in the early 2000’s. It’s the most unusual ballad I’ve heard written by guitarist Terry Kath featuring many moods, twists and turns and continuously ramping up to a furious climax. No keys were charted as they are very low in the mix.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerTrumpet player Lee Loughnane wrote and contributed a lead vocal for this song.
Chicago XI (1977)
UPDATE 7/2 – Chicago XI pack released!
Here is part 2 of my 2 pack release for Chicago XI released in 1977. Credits listed below. Also thanks to my friend Masayuki Funatsu for creating a great image for this pack and mb1nightmare for playtesting.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer“Baby, What a Big Surprise” is a power ballad written by Peter Cetera. The first single released from that album, it reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys provided additional backing vocals on the recording while saxophonist Walt Parazaider plays flute on the distinctive flute introduction and trumpeter Lee Loughnane plays a piccolo trumpet.
GUITAR: nsw1-6/BearzUnlimited
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerSadly this was Terry Kath’s final contribution to a Chicago record before his untimely death a year later. Thankfully it’s a gritty blistering track that sizzles with lead licks and solos throughout.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
This ballad written by drummer Danny Seraphine features lush strings and jazz solos throughout as well as a beautiful lead vocal by Terry Kath.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerAnother track written by Danny Seraphine with lead vocals by Robert Lamm with some interesting guitar licks throughout by Terry Kath.
Hot Streets (1978)
Here is my pack for Hot Streets released in 1978. This is the first album after the death of original guitarist Terry Kath. Credits listed below. Also thanks to my friend Masayuki Funatsu for creating a great image for this pack and mb1nightmare for playtesting.
GUITAR: Mb1nightmare/MrBurpler
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer“Alive Again” is a song written by James Pankow with Peter Cetera singing lead vocals. The first single released from that album, it reached #14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was the first new single after their split with producer James William Guercio and first hit after the accidental death of Terry Kath; Donnie Dacus replaces him on guitar. The opening guitar and horns riff of this song were used in the opening highlights montage by the NBA on CBS from 1979 to 1981.
GUITAR: ghostbyob
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerThis brilliant title track was written and sung by Robert Lamm. It’s sadly the last jazz influenced song Chicago would do for many years. It features solo sections for flute and a great outro solo for new guitarist Donnie Dacus.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer“No Tell Lover” is a song written by Peter Cetera, Lee Loughnane, and Danny Seraphine with Cetera and Donnie Dacus singing lead vocals. The second single released from that album, it reached #14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. After “No Tell Lover”, Chicago failed to chart a single in the U.S. top fifty for nearly four years, finally breaking their slump with the 1982 number-one hit “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”.GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
This song is a vocal introduction and guitar showcase for brand new member Donnie Dacus. He has a soothing vocal delivery and great guitar chops. after 2 verses and a short solo section the song concludes with a blistering 2 minutes of outro guitar solo which the band brilliantly backs him up on. Danny Seraphine is on fire throughout.
GUITAR: MrBurpler
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerBeautiful uptempo ballad written and sung by Robert Lamm. Danny’s drum do not take the simple approach and are very fun to play.
Chicago 13 (1979)
Here is my pack for Chicago 13 and 14 released in 1979and 1980. Both were transitional albums that performed very poorly at the time leading to more line up changes on guitar and yet as always there was brilliant music to be found. Credits listed below. Also thanks to my friend Masayuki Funatsu for creating a great image for this pack and mb1nightmare for playtesting.
GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Street Player” had previously been released by Rufus. It did eventually reach hit status, being sampled for both the 1995 hit “The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall into My Mind)” by The Bucketheads, the 2009 hit “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” by Pitbull and the 2013 remix by dance music producer “Tradelove”.
GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerLaudir DeOliveira (percussion) contributes the breezy, jazz-flavored “Life Is What It Is” featuring an equally liberating vocal from Peter Cetera.GUITAR: bsbloom
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerWritten and sung by Peter Cetera “Mama Take” is very Beatlesque in sound.
GUITAR: DemonUnicorns
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
The ragtime blues feel on Danny Seraphine’s “Aloha Mama” has some well-seasoned brass augmentation, proving that Chicago had not completely abandoned its roots or audience.
Chicago 14 (1980)
GUITAR: Mb1nightmare
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
This frantic song written and sung by keyboardist Robert Lamm features a pair a blistering solos from new guitarist Chris Pinnick.
GUITAR: Mb1nightmare
5 LANE KEYS: BansheeflyerThis Robert Lamm tune was originally written and recorded during the session for Chicago X(1976). This version is much more hard rock oriented.
Chicago 16 (1982)
UPDATE 10/2 – Chicago 16 pack released!
Here is my pack for Chicago 16 released in 1982. Although they had a moderate hit with 1978’s Hot Streets, for all intents and purposes Chicago had been adrift since the tragic death of Terry Kath in January of 1978. Chicago 16 is where the band finally righted itself, in no small part due to the addition of guitarist/keyboardist Bill Champlin, the namesake of the ’60s San Franciscan psychedelic outfit the Sons of Champlin, who in addition to joining the band brought into the circle the producer who would change Chicago’s commercial fortunes: David Foster. The Canadian producer had worked with Champlin on a solo album, Runaway, which made a very small ripple on the Billboard charts upon its 1981 release, but did pave the way for the sound that Chicago developed on 16. Under the direction of Foster, Chicago turned away from any lingering jazz-rock roots they had, and they also backed away from the disco aspirations that sank their turn-of-the-decade platters. Instead, they pursued a glistening modern pop sound, anchored with dramatic drums, built on synthesizers, decked out in arena rock guitars, layered with harmonies, and stripped of any excesses — which by and large included Chicago’s famed horn section, which was now used for punctuation instead of functioning as the center of the group’s sound. This was no-nonsense, all-business, crisp and clean pop for the Reagan era, and it not only became a smash hit for Chicago — reaching the Top Ten, thanks to the singles “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “Love Me Tomorrow” — it defined Foster’s sound, which in turned defined adult contemporary for the ’80s. It may not have been too faithful to Chicago, at least what the band was in the ’70s, but amidst ’80s adult pop, it’s a high watermark — and a lot punchier and tougher than the singles would suggest, too, since almost all of the album tracks are relatively high energy and soulful. Credits listed below. Also thanks to my friend Masayuki Funatsu for creating a great image for this pack and mb1nightmare for playtesting.
GUITAR: StackOverflow0x/Mb1nightmare
5 LANE KEYS: FujiSkunk
This is the last brilliant song written by Jimmy Pankow and showcases Bill Champlin on brilliant lead vocals as well as the lead guitar skills of Chris Pinnick.
GUITAR: StackOverflow0x/Mb1nightmare
5 LANE KEYS: FujiSkunkHere’s the first time Peter Cetera and newcomer Bill Champlin would trade vocals and it sounds fabulous.GUITAR: StackOverflow0x/Mb1nightmare
PRO/5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“What You’re Missing”, was released and peaked at #81 on the Pop chart. This song reminds me of Turn it up the Radio by Autograph though it came out 2 years before that and with Cetera singing much better obviously.
GUITAR: Sygenysis
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Love Me Tomorrow” was written by Peter Cetera and David Foster. The second single released from the album, it reached #22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
GUITAR: Mb1nightmare
5 LANE KEYS: FujiSkunk
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is a song written by Peter Cetera and producer David Foster, and released on May 17, 1982 as the lead single. It was their first top 50 hit since “No Tell Lover” in 1978. In the fall of 1982, while it was moving down the Hot 100, it just left the top 50 within two weeks from #4.The album version of “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” segued into a second song titled “Get Away,” which was closer to the older horn-driven Chicago sound. Most adult contemporary radio stations at the time did not play the entire album track, however, choosing to cut it off just before “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” segued into “Get Away.”The song was also featured in the movie and soundtrack for Summer Lovers (1982).Chicago 17 (1984)
Here is my pack for Chicago 17 released in 1984. Along with You’re the Inspiration which was released last christmas you now have 5 tunes to enjoy. Each song has a guest review from Mr samjjones.Credits listed below. Also thanks to my friend Masayuki Funatsu for creating a great image for this pack and mb1nightmare for playtesting.
DRUMS: AJFOne23
ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS: Dash RiprockGUITAR: Chips
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
VOCALS: Dash Riprock
While most Chicago purists scoff at Chicago 17, the album was certainly the band’s most blatant attempt to hit pop mainstream. Peter Cetera really took charge on this album, and sings lead on this up-tempo song, which was the fourth single released from the video. Cetera also contributes a fun, funky little bassline into this song, and drummers will get a hi-hat workout. The other instrumentation is pretty straightforward…keys players have to wait until 1:15 to get involved, but they get to listen to more glorious Cetera vocals. p.s. I command you to watch the incredible music video. Yes, this really happened. MTV was awesome back in the day.GUITAR: StackOverflow0x
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
This song opens with a pretty piano intro, and features another lovely Cetera lead vocal. The full band doesn’t kick in until after the first verse, but it’s a good full band experience overall. Drums are minimal, but fun. Your vocalist gets a chance to shine here.P.S.AJFOne: This is my favorite song from the 80’s era.GUITAR: StackOverflow0x
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
VOCALS: Dash Riprock
This song is one of the better known “rock ballads” of the 80’s. Here, Cetera trades off vocals with Bill Champlin, and the result is one of the better examples of dude/dude love song duets in music history. The song starts with a keys intro solo, and is a nice slow, easy entry for G/B/D. The song is really about the keys and harmony vocals of Champlin/Cetera. Special credit to James Pankow for the very cool horn break that appears about 3 minutes in, too.Chicago 18 (1986)
Here is my pack for Chicago 18 released in 1986. It was the first release following the departure of Peter Cetera and the last album produced by David Foster. Bassist Jason Scheff would replace Cetera on the high vocals.
Credits listed below. Also thanks to my friend Masayuki Funatsu for creating a great image for this pack.
GUITAR: StackOverflow0x
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Niagara Falls” is the fourth single released from Chicago 18 reaching #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. Lead vocals were shared by Jason Scheff and Bill Champlin. When writing the song, the band misspelled “Niagara” as “Niagra”; this mistake can be seen in the music video’s title and most likely on the album, as Warner Bros. Records and Chicago never corrected it.GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: StackOverflow0x
If you’ve been paying attention to the 80’s output I’ve released you’ll notice an absence of keyboardist Robert Lamm who was such an integral part of the bands early success. His role would be diminished throughout the 70’s and by the 80’s he was a sideman in his own band contributing less and less to the songwriting. Forever is reminder of his greatness. The lyrics acknowledge the rising divorce rates in society and being hopeful that he won’t end up that way. It concludes with the most prominent sax part in a Chicago song since 1976’s Once or Twice. I was sad to learn that founding member Walt Parazaider did not do this part. Instead a session who also played sax in the 80’s hit “St. Elmo’s Fire”.GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“If She Would Have Been Faithful… ” is a song written by Steve Kipner and Randy Goodrum with Jason Scheff singing lead vocals. It was the third single released reaching #17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics deal with being thankful that your ex cheated on you which allowed the subject to meet the love of their life.GUITAR: nsw1-6
5 LANE KEYS: StackOverflow0x
This is an upbeat rocker written and sung by Bill Champlin. Vocalist will enjoy the soulful performance.
GUITAR: StackOverflow0x
5 LANE KEYS: Bansheeflyer
“Will You Still Love Me?” was the second single released from Chicago 18 reaching number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1987. The song was Chicago’s first top ten hit following the departure of Peter Cetera, and it featured new singer and bassist Jason Scheff on lead vocals.Chicago 19 (1988)
Here is my pack for Chicago 19 released in 1988. Credits listed below.
Also thanks to my friend Masayuki Funatsu for creating a great image for this pack.
GUITAR: StackOverflow0x
5 LANE KEYS: MrBurpler
“I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” is a hit song written by Diane Warren with Bill Champlin singing lead vocals. The first single released from that album, it reached number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.GUITAR: StackOverflow0x
5 LANE KEYS: MrBurpler
Diane Warren had written Chicago’s 1988 number three pop single “I Don’t Want to Live Without Your Love.” The band’s management wanted to tap Warren for more hit songs. The Warren ballad “Look Away” was gleamed from a situation that one of the songwriter’s friends was involved in. One day when Warren was visiting her at her office, her friend’s ex-husband came by. The friend told him that she’d met someone and they were planning a wedding. Warren felt that the ex wanted to get back together. “Look Away” featured Bill Champlin on lead vocals and continued to de-emphasize the band’s brass section. The strategy proved successful with the million-selling “Look Away” staying at number one pop for two weeks and going to number one adult contemporary in late 1988.Just wanted to say that this is a great idea.
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />Just wanted to say that this is a great idea.” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />Thank you I was starting to think that people didn’t care. I really do need help with the other instruments because it’s not possible for me to become proficient in charting keys, guitar, and horn sections because I’m in school and the complexity of their early music is mind boggling.
I’ve been asking people individually but response has been slim to none. If anyone is willing to contribute PM me.
Just wanted to say that this is a great idea.” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />Thank you I was starting to think that people didn’t care. I really do need help with the other instruments because it’s not possible for me to become proficient in charting keys, guitar, and horn sections because I’m in school and the complexity of their early music is mind boggling.
I’ve been asking people individually but response has been slim to none. If anyone is willing to contribute PM me.
If you find accurate GP5 files (Including guitar/bass and any kind of keys parts) I could help with the pro stuff. I really need good and accurate music sheets otherwise I can’t do shit.. Worst case scenario is you find sheets, but not in GP5 format, so I’d need to transcribe at least guitar/bass for exportation in EoF, I’d rather not do that, it takes a while.. (MIDI files works too, but they are often not so accurate…)
Love Saturday In The Park! Glad to see it is being worked on. Looking forward to playing it on keys.
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />If anyone is good at bass and guitar (5 lane that is) please let me know if you’d like to contribute. It’s especially important for bass as Peter Cetera was a beast on the 4 string. His parts deserve to be done justice
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />Added updates for Introduction and Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is from CTA 1969. Keys added for Saturday in the Park.
So I take it you got all the project files for the Chicago songs I helped you with at the time? If you want, you can rerelease them in your thread as they technically are your songs. I only added overdrive to them if I remember correctly.
So I take it you got all the project files for the Chicago songs I helped you with at the time? If you want, you can rerelease them in your thread as they technically are your songs. I only added overdrive to them if I remember correctly.I do yes. I couldn’t have gotten my start without your assistance. Now that I’ve gotten much better as an author I want to update everything I released in your thread. It will take time though. This is an epic project
So I take it you got all the project files for the Chicago songs I helped you with at the time? If you want, you can rerelease them in your thread as they technically are your songs. I only added overdrive to them if I remember correctly.I do yes. I couldn’t have gotten my start without your assistance. Now that I’ve gotten much better as an author I want to update everything I released in your thread. It will take time though. This is an epic project
Right, might as well wait for more instruments to be added. Good luck!
Excited for this. Especially I’m a Man and Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is.
Is that intro going to be separate or with Does Anybody…?
Excited for this. Especially I’m a Man and Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is.Is that intro going to be separate or with Does Anybody…?
Well my original drums only chart did not include the piano intro. If anyone knows how to move the tempo map to include it that would help. Otherwise I’d have to retempo map the whole thing.
It’s question (67 & 68) time
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_cheeky.001.gif” />If we were to do a full album would you choose Chicago II or V?
Both are pretty close to being done but the classical Terry Kath suite “Memories of Love” from II would be a bitch but if you want it I’m down.
Let me know
Well my original drums only chart did not include the piano intro. If anyone knows how to move the tempo map to include it that would help. Otherwise I’d have to retempo map the whole thing.You can select the whole song (from 3.1.00 to the end), hit export and choose to export the time selection only. Then you can open a new project template, add the song audio, tempo map the intro, and import back the MIDI at the right time.
” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_wink.gif” />
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