"Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" live (Tanglewood 1970)

[@tomasjedinak9249]

I’m obsessed with this concert. Real musicians for sure. Love it!

[@maximojoe7398]

So am I.. It convinced me that they were the greatest band in history...period

[@davidscott1052]

I saw them live at the Hammersmith Odeon London in 1977.....they were every bit as good as I hoped...lucky to see Terry Kath....😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@Perromedic0]

Umm,Today I got it

[@kamala2111]

I think it’s their best show peak performances

[@alcambrola2834]

@@kamala2111 I was fortunate to see Terry Kath 8 times. He and the band were pure magic. When Terry left us too early, it took the spirit and soul out of the band, and they never recovered. Being a trumpet player in the high school band, these guys were our musical heroes. Fortunately, I discovered Tower of Power. Seen them almost 100 times. Getting back to Terry Kath, He was the best guitarist I ever saw. It was almost like he was channeling through the guitar.

[@juliocalderon2992]

Early Chicago showed their sophistication beyond mere rock bands. These were musically trained students at DePaul University and Roosevelt University. In this song you hear symphony rifts and blues written by Jimmy Pankow (the trombonist). Terry Kath’s guitar and vocals are world class.

[@boataxe4605]

Except for Terry Kath, he was self taught. The combination of trained musicians and a natural talent is what made them special.

[@steveskouson9620]

James Pankow (Jimmy Trombone) wrote this whole Ballet! He is still with the band. Saw him, (and the rest of Chicago, with the Brian Wilson Band) this 7 June. My birthday present to me, and 3 good friends. steve

[@josephalvaro5244]

Terry Kath was such a fierce player and gave the band the edge it really needed to crossover to a rock audience.

[@wiegajc]

Terry was the heart and soul of this band. Yes they had hits after his passing but in my opinion he was the glue . Just wasn't the same band without him

[@steveskouson9620]

I'm sticking to the Abe Lincoln axe story. Abraham Lincoln had an axe. Changed the handle 3 times, and the head twice. Still the same axe. Yes we lost Terry. In my other favorite band, we lost Dennis Carl, and Carl Dean Wilson. (But we still have Brian Wilson.) Last Tuesday, Matt (Al Jardine's son) sung all of Carl's parts. That concert was in the tradition of a BeachAgo concert. Brian's band, was the first show. Chicago, (the band that was SO good, they named the city after them) came on second. The Beach Boys, if they were still around, would have been a Bucket List Item. But, that band is now a third rate Beach Boys cover band. Jan and Dean did better than Mikey's weak band. Papa Doo Run Run STILL does better! Chicago, wasn't quite a Bucket List show, well, not before they started. Now, BOTH shows are Bucket List concerts. (And, I made it to them.) Terry, Dennis, and Carl. All SORELY missed! I still say that that "axe" in Terry's hands, looks like a hatchet. He was VERY impressive, on stage! steve

[@alcambrola2834]

Agreed

[@scatteredfrog]

I have a feeling Terry would have left anyway -- he was growing dissatisfied with the direction Chicago was going and was actually sketching out a solo album at the time he died.

[@oldmanghost219]

@@scatteredfrog Yes. Terry had a studio booked for later that day for a new 4 piece band.

[@danatirrell2457]

This band died when Terry passed. What happened after was a different band.😢 TK and this band sure did change my life. I was actually in Lennox on that night. Staying with my grandparents. But at 11 years old, wasn’t allowed.

[@michaelcollums4197]

Terry Kath is such an under appreciated guitarist, singer and musician.

[@treich9072]

He's my ultimate favorite guitarist and singer in history.... If the accident didn't happen, he would've become a monster solo artist / guitarist on his own! He was just starting to record his own solo album, just before his untimely passing. I'd bet he would still be playing and singing today!

[@MrLeftfootlouie]

He was an excellent singer, for sure.

[@josephkodzis1223]

Terry Kath was such an incredible talent.

[@tomgebarowski8156]

Without question, one of the alltime best on all levels you mentioned! The sheer musical talent & musicianship of this entire band Chicago was incredible! Their debut album CTA was so badass!

[@gilldavidmour4199]

But people bring his name up very often.

[@jimr7398]

Danny Seraphine is amazing, he was a huge influence on me.

[@jimwilson5148]

One of Buddy Rich's favorite drummers

[@ryansyler8847]

A lot of comments on Terry Kath being underrated and underappreciated (all true) but can we take a moment to talk about Peter Cetera as a bass player? The power balled Cetera of the 1980s has kind of overshadowed his stature as a bass player. I'd put him up there with the best of them.

[@craigmeier8376]

About 13 when this came out. About 64 now. Still brings tears to my eyes.

[@steveskouson9620]

I hit 64 last Saturday. (June 4th.) I saw Chicago, this last Tuesday. along with the Brian Wilson Band. (June 7th.) TWO bucket list concerts in ONE night. The tickets were a gift to me, and 3 CLOSE friends. At that time, I didn't know the Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon, but I knew ALL the songs. The set must have lasted longer than that notorious I Ron Butterfly song. (At least that is what Bart Simpson called it.) "I'm a MAN" was just as long, and just as enjoyable! The Brian Wilson band, I broke into tears about 3 times. Matt Jardine, (Al's son) sung Carl's parts in most of his songs. I lost it, at God Only Knows. Sir Paul McCartney is right. One of the best songs ever. Sir George Martin re- mastered this song, at Brian's house. Even better. steve

[@steveskouson9620]

3 days after I turned 64, they were here in Phoenix. I got 4 tickets, the Brian Wilson Band opened the show. (Bucket list item, since '68.) They NAILED it! Second half Chicago. Not really a bucket list when I got there. Now, a larger bucket list, than the first show. steve

[@happiness5556]

Same here. 67 next month and never knew who Chicago was. Duh! 😂 Don’t get me wrong. I loved every song they sang but just never connected the dots when I was in middle school.

[@EdHindel]

​@@steveskouson9620Thanks for sharing memories Steve

[@Blap552]

My friend and I used to do Air band in his room!❤

[@philvaclavik6890]

Shame on you two people that gave the thumbs down. This is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.

[@davidderitis9068]

GOT THAT RIGHT !

[@steveskouson9620]

The long version of "I'm A Man" that I saw last Tuesday is pretty damn good. (And, just as long!) steve

[@paulblakey4589]

It certainly is. Some of the greatest music ever produced. Terry you are sadly missed!! Thank you to Leonid and friends for keeping Chicago’s music alive.

[@Blap552]

Terry Kaths' voice was Outstanding! I Love Chicago!❤

[@jeffreyglenn3193]

It's one thing to put a masterpiece like that on vinyl, it's quite another to replicate it, no improve upon it during a live performance. Epic!!

[@johnnyboycassidy749]

totally agree. well said.

[@artysanmobile]

It is virtually always the opposite direction with a suite believe it or not. The writing is given form and refined by rehearsal and performance, then the session is committed to tape after many, many live performances. That’s just the way musicians fortunate enough to be in a solid band work. Solo composers of course work differently.

[@willard2729]

1976 show at Madison square garden - they ended the first set with this. My best friend, a led zep fan who came with me because I had an extra, showed his palms to me - beet red from clapping so hard. Musical ecstasy in 14 minutes

[@markkracht9413]

Simply said I miss Chicago from that era.

[@susandavis7436]

This will never get old! A masterpiece of work!

[@rufarolo]

This band takes to heaven, Terry is the soul of Chicago

[@tomsimpson9964]

I never get tired of this track...simply awesome....

[@KennyFisher-io4dm]

Same for me! I love this version!

[@Suldog29]

What a great soulful voice Terry Kath had. Magnificent.

[@Raellives]

After all that fantastic music, you’d swear that any/all vocal would fall short, nope! Terry steps up and ..... perfect!

[@garylee7622]

I saw the original group 4 times in the 70's. awesome.. I still feel so sad about Terry Kath to this day.

[@stephenliptak2035]

Me too. Twice each year st Carnegie Hall. Absolutely fantastic.

[@garypugh1153]

That just kicked ass 🎶🎸🎼

[@bloozswami]

I saw these guys at the Fillmore East when they first came to NYC. Terry Kath blew me away. He had a cocoon of 6 bottoms (looked like Fender 4x12') stacked up in a "u" shape. He used a Gibson SG, but, when he did his feedback thing for about five minutes he used a Strat. It was extreme to the max. Immersed in between those speakers, THE DUDE WENT OFF!!! Great guitar player and performer.

[@gilldavidmour4199]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@MichaelJohnson-ke6kw]

I never get tired of watching this

[@gearguitarguy]

My first ever concert was Chicago in Vancouver in late 1977. Terry Kath accidentally died a couple of months later. I've seen them live since then with different guitarists. So glad I got the chance to see them with Terry. I've been to probably close to 50 concerts in my life, but that first one was still top 3 of all time. Incredibly tight band. This song (medley) was a definite highlight.

[@jah0524]

I also saw Chicago in the fall of 1977 at Louisiana State University. Terry Kath seemed bored at that concert, stood on the far right side of the stage, and didn't appear to be involved with the band at all. Like he didn't want to be there. The rest of the band was good.

[@jeffreytinnell646]

Amazing music - such a great dynamic from soulful ballad to driving rock to jazz, with such pure musicianship.

[@DoofsterDan]

Even Bach influences.. these guys were so great.

[@polara01]

Just this one song of Chicago's is in album unto itself... so many great artists in this band everybody contributing just simply amazing it never gets old...only we do.

[@mjnc3672]

James Pankow wrote it in 7 movements, which was unheard of outside of classical music. This is a true masterpiece, performed flawlessly. I saw them in Philadelphia on the same tour in 1970. They were just as presented here, so this takes me back to that concert. We were in the 6th row, with Terry Kath directly in front of us.

[@polara01]

@@mjnc3672 wow! How lucky you were to witness history. I was a little too young to go to concerts at that time I always told my uncle's I wish I was about 10 years older I would not have missed out on any of this stuff I even realized it back then to a point because I was listening to the albums and would not get to go to any concert yet because I was too young and by the time I got old enough most of those guys burnt out or died but still attended a few good concerts I was able to see Journey on their first tour with the original crew that was just incredible but yeah you saw one of the magical moments in all of musical history!

[@jmmccrory1387]

I love seeing them playing the whole piece live back then. They seemed like they would’ve been a blast to jam with.

[@luisvillarreal925]

I was 23 when i heard their golden music. I bought their first album ( Chicago Transit authority) and I kept buying every album that was coming out. I went up to Chicago 19. I listened to every song from every album and every single one is a master piece. I just turned 80 and their music still ROCKS ME!!!! MY FAVORITE BAND FOREVER!!!

[@upyours574]

@luisvillarreal925 there will never be another group like these guys fo sure.

[@BarryHope-bj5um]

I had Chicago at Caranie Hall( #5) . It had posters of the states that ratified the Vote 18 amendment. Ohio was one of the first.

[@gregpadilla3506]

Like everyone else here this is my first time seeing this. This brings back such great memories of my father who always played this in the early 70's. RIP Pops.

[@Yellowjjacket]

I think that if Terry Kath had not died, he would have eventually went out on his own. He plays, sings, and writes songs as good as Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonamassa, Jeff Beck, Clapton, etc. He has a tremendously soulful voice, and I don't believe, for one minute, he would have spent his whole career with a pop band like Chicago. He also had a gritty side, and was one of the best guitar players ever. I just think he was way too good to stay with Chicago.

[@JohnnyJimsAZ]

I am completely baked right now and that was 100% awesome throwback memories. Brought to you by a 420 moment. 💨

[@steveskouson9620]

Just amazing what a Trombone player can do! steve

[@luisvaldes1568]

Amazing first time seeing this. No frills, just Great music played by Pros. Also just saw a clip of Colour my World from 1977, does not get any better.

[@Victoriak117]

This what I can say, this is how real Rock n Roll supposed to sound like

[@malcolmtyler1673]

Actually, Victoria, I think that it's more than R&R. This music was in a progressive genre.

[@steveskouson9620]

I work with a guy who was an "80"s big hair band performer. He is now 5.5 feet tall, and losing his "big" hair. He thinks that Brass doesn't belong in a "rock-n-roll" band. I think HE doesn't belong in a decent Rock And Roll band. (Oh, he HATES the music from Brian Wilson Group, as well.) June 7th, saw Chicago AND the Brian Wilson Band. BOTH groups KICKED ASS! steve

[@jeremyheintz1479]

We still miss you Terry. RIP

[@jah0524]

Nothing sounded better than this side of the album when played on a vinyl record and a tube amplified stereo system.

[@mrlahey9933]

It’s gonna be my next pick up for this reason

[@deltonkillen8024]

Every time I see this I am awestruck and dumbfounded.

[@steveskouson9620]

For the last few decades, Colour My World was my favourite Chicago song. Not any more. Ballet For a Girl in Buchannon now is. (Yes, Colour My World is in there.) steve

[@lizcenterfield1963]

Thanks for all the kind comments. This suite made me realize this wasn't the Chicago I thought I knew. And I'm a Massachusetts native so Tanglewood was a must-see. Glad I did. The full video can be found elsewhere. Very much worth watching.

[@alcambrola2834]

If you get a chance, check out Terry's solo on 25 or 6 to 4. I was fortunate to have seen them with him 8 times. When he left the world too early, it totally changed the dynamic of the band. I don't have words to describe how good they were. I'm a Massachusetts native also and still live here.

[@donovanjones4175]

Liz, Montreal and Toronto Canada here. Thank you so much for this. It’s a true gem.made me smile 😊

[@lizcenterfield1963]

@@donovanjones4175 You are so welcome. I don't own this video, I just felt that the suite needed to be posted on its own. The Tanglewood concert is what instantly turned me into a massive Chicago fan.

[@stevehoogenakker9619]

I just read through the tabs of this song. There are 71 chord combos. Crazy. Not just your local garage band!

[@JustChiminin]

Fantastic . . After all these years it's still inspiring.

[@divermike8943]

Ever known a song that sent chills up and down your spine the first time you hear it? How about one that still does 53 years later?

[@divermike8943]

Okay, this is more of a suite, not "a" song.

[@rickbennett7135]

That is so true Still gets to me. Of course the fury they played with back then and the freshness of them playing their new creations can't get matched today - even by Chicago.

[@RodintheVille]

Makes my heart race still 52 years later.

[@danielgolus4600]

This was from their second (and latest) LP, released six months earlier, so the songs are still fresh for the band and the audience. Despite a number of miscues, this is a masterful performance of a rather challenging suite. Thanks for posting it!

[@raychasse2607]

That tour in 1970 also played at Yale Bowl In New Haven, CT . They were fabulous & to end the night they finished with “ I’m a Man “. I’ve since seen them at least 12 more times but anybody that was there that night will never forget it.

[@pandaman8946]

52 years later and still, one word: Chills…

[@orndorffr]

I almost always listen to the part from 7:07 to 7:32 more than once because I feel like I need to appreciate more. It sounds very complex and they always pull it off so well.

[@OliverPeabody]

It’s like a Yes song with horns

[@kevinbarrett3706]

A Masterpiece

[@sdanen4]

Timeless, Epic, Classic and such a beautiful song…..performed by the best band of that time …….

[@markfaris4735]

The whole performance from the beginning to the end is simply mind blowing and mind numbing. Fourteen plus minutes with every hair jumping off your skin is a simple reminder that geniuses were meant to move our souls. Thank you Chicago!!

[@lizcenterfield1963]

So true. I was jumping, or glued to the screen, or both, the first time I saw this video. Never knew the two singles were part of a suite. Just one freakout moment after another, literally thinking "how long can this go on?" So perfect.

[@EdHindel]

You can tell they were really enjoying themselves.

[@PeterS-ep8cs]

❤

[@jd4444]

Grew up in Dekalb. IL. They were the best. Like going to a symphony with my mom.

[@BudmanPackfan]

The transition to, and through the closing fanfare at 10:35 is just so... uh-uh-uh yea! Tight!

[@BrianfromLeavenworth]

There are a few different videos of the ballet from the same concert, but this is the best. Clearer video and audio, even hearing some of the banter of the band during the ballet, and better camera angles. Love seeing the cameras focused on the different band members. Other videos of this performance only show one or two cameras.

[@Ryan-on5on]

This incredible medley right here, ladies and gentleman, might be the closest thing to progressive rock ever reached by an American band, and I mean that in the best possible way imaginable btw! Chicago in its early years was, no holds barred, the pinnacle of late sixties/early seventies rock.

[@upyours574]

What a great freakin band! A lot of talent in one band!

[@jeffmonungolh3233]

These original lineup of people! Since my uncles made me listen to this band, i immediately fell in love with their music.

[@jdcamc]

The best Chicago there ever was!!

[@davidderitis9068]

Simply not long enough!!

[@lonniegarrison3662]

They are Masters of their craft. LJG

[@tombowman1521]

Chicago at their finest. When they lost Terry, they lost the heart of this band. If he were still with us, he'd rank right up there with Brian May and David Gilmore as the world's greatest guitarists.

[@downtownrodnyc]

This American prog rock - I love the way Terry, Peter and Danny lock in the groove at 1:27 and the dueling time signatures starting at 10:57 is the pinnacle for me.

[@poom641]

wow - they sound amazing

[@DougMcDave]

Terry Kath, why did you leave us?!?

[@scottrussell7423]

Right? Terry grew up not far from where I live so I think of him every time I drive by his old elementary school. He really means a lot to me.

[@alcambrola2834]

I'm glad I got to see them with Terry 8 times. Mind blown!

[@foreignfilmfan711]

My late brother gave me a copy of the Chicago II album in 1970, and it’s been one of my favorites since. I’ve been fortunate to see Chicago in concert 5 times (so far), 4 times in New Jersey, and once in Hong Kong, they delivered every time. In Jersey, they play at the PNC Arts Center, which has an amphitheater as well as an open lawn section. It seems that they time it so that they play this suite right at dusk. When the sun is setting below the horizon, and they start playing Color my World, it’s magical! I’ll try to see them again this summer. Also seeing Elton on his farewell tour, life is finally good again, after the awful last 2+ years!

[@1bluesdoc]

Not like, love! This is awesome and I watch it often :).

[@2birdlady]

Wowza! Great then and still great now!!

[@doubtfulecstasy4220]

It never fails to piss me off when the radio plays the edited version of Make Me Smile and cuts that glorious outro at the end. Thank you, James Pankow. Chills every time I hear that ending.

[@anthonyprado8183]

i first heard this piece back about 1970. i was a teenager. i couldn't listen to this often enough. I played this album (2nd Chicago album) over and over. this is a masterpiece. To me this was the piece where Chicago showed the world what they could do. I saw them do this live too. i think it was in Long Beach, CA. they delivered!!. did you hear the yelling at the very end when it was all over. WOW!. Another amazing thing is that the horn players (Mr. Pankow and the gang) are playing w/o charts. Nowadays you see horn players w/ charts all the time. Chicago's horn players are playing this from memory. This is the first time i have seen this live performance on video. Kudos and thanks to whomever captured this on film And to whomever posted it for the world to see.

[@barrychitwood3946]

I recall the first time I heard this on the radio. It blew me away!

[@josephoconnor4927]

This is a part o f my high school prom it is amazing

[@lizcenterfield1963]

Of course most rock bands play without sheet music, but the horn parts are more complex for sure. Two hours + is a lot to play from memory, but these are musician brains. When I was in high school band I would usually memorize a piece after a couple of run-throughs (I mean, these were high school-level arrangements, not hugely complex) but it takes a while to transfer it into muscle memory.

[@lizcenterfield1963]

My stepfather used to recite poetry and books that he said they were required to memorize in school. 40 years later, word for word. He said educators of the 1930s agreed that learning to memorize things was an important skill.

[@stevehoogenakker9619]

I love Leonid and Friends, but Chicago created this music in the 60's. It's like the difference between creating the Mona Lisa and copying it. No shade on Leonid, they sound better than the last 2 Chicago concerts I attended.

[@richardgreenleaf3259]

That's what I needed at the moment. Really wanted to listen to the Ballet, especially as I was tapping out the final notes of "So Much to Say, So Much to Give" and the beginning notes of "Anxiety's Moment".

[@goranthalen7640]

Love this Live show, CHICAGO in their prime and so first rate magical musician ship in all of them. A special note is that The swedish singer Björn Skifs who had a smash hit with "Hooked on a feeling" 1974 with the band Blue Swede in The USA, went to see Chicago Live in Stockholm`s Concert Hall and were so devasted by their supreme musician ship that after the concert they called their bands to an end. "They where all we ever wanted to be as musicians and we could never achieve this kind of first rate music so we just have to end it" But Björn went on solo and are still regarded as one of Swedens most accomplished artist`s in popular music in Sweden for over 50 years.

[@lizcenterfield1963]

Great story! Funny I was just adding "Hooked on a Feeling" to a '70s playlist for my daughter yesterday!

[@lestercarvin4422]

A classic

[@chrisdickenson8116]

Just one thumb up is not nearly enough for this group, or this song.

[@DoofsterDan]

So tight! I so hated when they moved to the soft ballads but that’s what people wanted, that sold TONS… and i’ve still got their early stuff to listen to.

[@greensombrero3641]

historical concert!

[@ptplayers1]

Wish i could play like Danny and sing like terry .

[@coltoncooper170]

Or play like Terry too

[@suevargas7286]

No one compares💞🔥🔥🔥

[@strtserctlmserc4484]

.myband sacrifice was an eight piece band in toronzo we played mostly chicago songs giged many schools and bars in ontario in late sixties and seventies we loved them

[@grizz61]

Such an underrated band

[@Al-po2oh]

Terry Kath could hang with anybody on guitar. Amazing phrasing.

[@alcambrola2834]

Many guitarists from the old days who are still around, From Joe Walsh to Steve Lukather said Terry was the best. I've seen him 8 times and I would have to agree.

[@pegph4988]

This was about the time of my first (small) Rock concert, Chicago playing at Elmira College. What a fantastic trip it’s been.

[@darthcheney7447]

Doesn't get any better than this. Much thanks to the Bill Graham Estate for dropping this little gem. Also check out some of the other 1970 summer Tanglewood Series. Santana with the Miles Davis opener is super killer.

[@lizcenterfield1963]

Enjoying it now, thanks!

[@alcambrola2834]

Even when Terry was playing rhythm, it was like he was soloing.

[@bruscifer]

OMG!

[@SuperDGlaze]

The first concert of my life. I was 15. Seattle Washington just before Terry Kath died. Love this!

[@jefferypassagecpa9125]

Me as well. Spring 1971 age 15.

[@johnvillanova1023]

That was f***ing incredible! 👍😄

[@steveskouson9620]

A month and 17 days after I turned 12. STILL a KILLER! steve

[@Swamper-ph9pn]

I was just waking up to the world when this came out. Helped form my world.

[@StevenFrench-hs7kc]

Chicago is one of the rare bands that is GREAT!! live, and boy they sure are

[@joedavidovich2214]

Unbefuckinlievable!

[@doubtfulecstasy4220]

Thanks for posting.

[@Fnortner01]

BRAVO!!!

[@suevargas7286]

Ended our Saturdsys to this jam❤❤🔥🔥 RIP my brother Jesse🙏🙏😪💞

[@mikebennett7261]

Absolutely fantastic! It's more than that!

[@user-ty6do8yz4l]

Masterpiece

[@joeherald7319]

If I had a time machine I would set it for that day in July 1970 at Tanglewood and I'd be leaning on the gate when it opened.

[@glennw5095]

Magical performance at Tanglewood...

[@steveskouson9620]

Is the best Ballet that Chicago has ever done? PLEASE prove me wrong! steve

[@fossie32]

Brill! As they say at the end, thank you very much!

[@sdanen4]

Shear Genius……

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

Pankow, watching intently as Terry sings "Colour My World", must've been thinking, "How lucky can we be?"

[@randysteele6741]

And Terry must be thinking, as he's singing Jimmy's masterpiece within a masterpiece, "How lucky can we be?"

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

@@randysteele6741 Excellent point, Randy!

[@apackerfan]

Terry Kaths voice reminds me of Alex Chilton, the Box Tops

[@BaltoD60]

I love Terry❤

[@johndurost5931]

Great trumpet,trombone etc. ...