Chicago "Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon" On Tour Extended Preview - Oct. 9, 2014 Episode

Formed in 1967 in Chicago, the “legendary rock band with horns” released their first album “Chicago Transit Authority” in 1969. Since then, they have had record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 34 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards. In this episode, the four founding members reveal the very beginnings of the group, and how it all began with a simple hand shake.

[@audioworkshop1]

I was there in Chicago in 1967-68 when they first performed at Barnaby's on Rush street as CTA ... there was a snowstorm that evening and only about 20 people showed up it was like hearing the Beatles at the Cavern I knew I was hearing something special, especially Terry who was a force of nature, Peter had just joined the from the "Exceptions" the whole group was playing at an etheric level, I read Danny's book [I got him to sign a copy for me] about that night. To this day I have never seen or heard anything like that before or since, raw dynamic creative, and fun-loving those were magical days of rock, I played in groups before and after that but that night will live in my memory as a very special time... this performance is but a shadow of that bygone era without Terry Peter and Danny the magic is gone... such is the way of Artisans

[@petereyles5583]

Perhaps the best suite of music ever recorded!

[@jerispencer5220]

My dad would've went crazy watching this performance. RIP Pops.

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

Loved seeing Lee sing "Colour" -- excellent job for the Hall of Famer!

[@daisyjane1070]

Doesn't he have a great voice?! So soulful. Love that Lee :)

[@AllisonDancerChick1982]

Colour My World is not one of my favorite Chicago songs, but my mom and I agreed when we saw Chicago in concert that he sang it well. I love how excited he gets after he plays his trumpet solo - makes me laugh everytime I see clips, because he always does that and everyone just goes nuts!

[@jameshowland7393]

I couldn't listen to it. I had to pause it as soon as he started singing. It was my wife's absolute favorite song. She passed away on Mother's Day 2012 and it is still too much for me to listen to it.

[@Leftee54]

Yes--Lee is definitely great--his voice is so heartfelt when singing COLOR MY WORLD.

[@4beer5beer]

Thank You James Pankow

[@53lemac]

Still brings tears to my eyes! So beautiful, so much memories, so much love.....

[@kenhman5583]

53lemac I'm laying in bed watching this wonderful video thinking that some time in the future, these amazing musicians will all be a memory. And music at some point will never be the same.

[@trysometenderness7466]

That damn horn section! So many years...so many tunes! Icons!

[@0000bridge]

When EW&F and Chicago started touring together, you had the best horn sections since Glenn Miller and the other Big Bands.

[@iammabelle1]

And all four original members are in their 70s. Amazing!

[@RCGoetzke]

+Mabelle Francisco-Laude Lamm is 71, Parazaider is 70, Loughnane is 69, and Pankow is 68, although Lamm looks to be the youngest.

[@lisamiller99]

Robert G. robert lamm is 72!

[@funch357]

Yep. Time passes even on KZbin.

[@Nico-pb1sr]

@@funch357 comedy

[@briandouglas5552]

I love that Chicago plays on after 50 years! I love that they still give tribute to Terry. I love that four are still original members (in their 70s!) and still give a great performance to fans. I love how the newer members bring their best, respecting what came before and adding themselves to the long history of the band. Personally, I don't miss Cetera because of his attitude toward these guys who gave him the spotlight so often. In fact, I like the sound they have NOW and love hearing their new material. Chicago didn't die when Terry took his own life. They staggered, recovered and moved forward. I love that!

[@18parman]

Terry did not take his own life. He accidentally killed himself. Big difference.

[@kelliestevens5887]

Great attitude, it’s refreshing to hear a positive attitude instead of the same old one of thing we’re not the same after Terry. Of course they aren’t the same. But I think Terry would be happy that the band continued

[@robertmarggraf1708]

Cetera ruined things with his high voiced sappiness.

[@daleburke4491]

It was David Foster's sappiness ..... They weren't making hits. And Foster dragged them into douchebag balladland..... He got them hits,...... But that wasn't Chicago....... The soul was gone

[@ReidLangford]

@@daleburke4491 how right you are! The Foster years in the early 80s were not my favorite. Yes he turned in some chart topping songs but at the expense of losing the Chicago sound. Foster’s goal was to make Cetera the focus of the band, relegating the horns to a negligible role (and as we all know, the horns are what sets the band apart!). Don’t get me wrong, I like the songs that became hits…but ballads and sappy love songs just aren’t what Chicago is all about!

[@theresaheintschel7491]

chicago will always be my favorite band of all time! love you guys!

[@lucyarroyo]

I love Chicagooooooooooo!!!! With all my heart!!!!!!

[@davidscott1052]

lucyarroyo i saw them in January 1977 at the Hammersmith Odeon ..they had all the original members

[@arturosaldivar2924]

Really?.. Even if you are a Spanish girl?

[@tesscatalla-james6588]

thank you very much for sharing this album- very refreshing indeed. After seeing them perform at The Forum last July 18th 2015, it was very heartwarming to see the big 4 in their 70s still rocking and playing great! I love them all to pieces and was so immensely happy to see them live for the first time in 46 yrs!!!

[@RCGoetzke]

+Tess Catalla-James Loughnane (69) and Pankow (68) are not yet 70.

[@jimfladwood4393]

I miss Walter on the sax 🎷 ALS is a tough time. Please pray for him and his family... thank you 🙏

[@funch357]

The part that starts at 4:21 has always astonished me not only for how lovely it sounds, but for how absolutely TIGHT these guys must play in order to pull it off! Chicago musicianship at its best!

[@DIESEL0759]

At least a few of them have had 50 years + to practise being that tight...

[@ReidLangford]

@@DIESEL0759 While you have a point about the original members having played together for over 50 years, I would suggest to you that they have always played this tight from the start. Having listened to Chicago for the last 56 years (yeah, I’ve been a fan since the beginning) I can attest to their professionalism and musicianship.

[@DIESEL0759]

I think you misunderstood what I posted. It wasn't a knock on the current lineup..All are professional musicians and should play tight, regardless of who is in the band. It was merely mentioning that while there are new(er) members of the band, this particular lineup has had many years together and in some cases, over 50 years. Am I making more sense?

[@ReidLangford]

@@DIESEL0759 I understand perfectly. 😄

[@chantaloke18]

Saw the band perform in Niagara Falls last night (April 4th). COMPLETELY AMAZING. These guys are still as tight and solid as ever, and Jimmy, Lee and Robert were as on point last night as they were in the early 70's. Anybody who thinks this band has lost a step has obviously not seen them in concert. What a great concert. Worth every freaking dime.

[@janetdalton9340]

This is one of my favorite Chicago songs. They are still.great. They made the 70s even better. Robert Lamm was my favorite and still is. When he sings Beginnings now it is just as good as the 70s. He and his voice held up great!

[@mdelaubergine8930]

Great vocal by Lee on "Colour My World." Perfect flute solo by Walt.

[@peterm4486]

"Ballet" is a masterpiece!

[@nicolek.3614]

No one has Terry’s soul, but I think Lee did a really good job on CMW.

[@Rylan101]

I think Lou was a great replacement to sing Terry's parts! Lou is amazing!!

[@alberthenley2988]

@@Rylan101 Who is Lou or Lee? And is that other guy on keyboards Robert Lamm?

[@sfpincchicago]

@@alberthenley2988 Lou Pardini, keyboards Lee Loughnane, founding member, trumpet Robert Lamm, founding member, keyboards, guitar

[@allenf.5907]

Lee's still singing it in 2022. The Ballet is amazing!

[@aaronosheroff2980]

In my opinion, it’s far, far better with Pardini on vox then when Champlin would sing it in his later years.

[@chriskelly1017]

But so much better with Terry kath

[@nancyedwards256]

Fabulous! Brass wins my heart!

[@WordsandSoundsMusic]

This is a masterpiece of a composition and performance. Why can't Chicago produce stuff like this these days?

[@johnsinko5361]

I have been a die hard. Best thing James ever put together.

[@ClaytonCoffman]

What a classic tribute to Terry Kath to have his longtime friend and fellow bandmate Lee Loughnane sing Color My World!

[@sandraklein2651]

Love, love, love Chicago....Especially James Pankow....Something about him😉🇺🇸❤

[@firsttrykram]

Still sounds great in 2021!

[@funch357]

That "Girl in Buchannon" should be damned proud of the music she inspired!

[@steveguinn9740]

I agree, but she was actually in Buckhannon, WV.

[@steveprestegard5151]

James Pankow's ex-fiancee. The song is an attempt to get her back, which failed.

[@streyper]

Love seeing Walt with the band!

[@jameshowland7393]

If anybody deserves to be there it's him.

[@therealstuffedzebra]

The first music I heard from Chicago was this suite. A monumental classic piece that stands the test of time.

[@jimfladwood4393]

After all the years, still great and so amazing!

[@johnderoy1193]

Lee doesn't want to, but for the Love for a Brother he sings it now, and its good

[@adit346]

LOU give his best in the lead vocal in this song and somehow he did an awesome job, probably for the modern era of CHICAGO he was the best

[@steinfranken1108]

What a joy it must be to be able to play such wonderful music. It was great when it first came out and it is great here. Thank you, guys!

[@rickbennett7135]

I never get tired of hearing The Ballet!

[@legasiguy551]

Great piece of prog rock music! Great to listen to it in it's entirety like it was intended!

[@nickucera205]

Wow, Lee singing Colour My World. How sweet is that. I don't follow these guys too much these days, but they were a BIG deal when I was young.. What a treat it was to see this!!!

[@RCGoetzke]

+Nic Kucera Champlin always butchered that tune.

[@speedrcer1]

+Robert G. I actually liked Chaplins take on this. Maybe this guy will grow on me. He was new on this tour and perhaps trying too hard.

[@nickucera205]

speedrcer1 ... are you talking about Champlin? or are you talking about the guy singing on this video? (In case it's the guy on the video, he's a founding member of Chicago and has been around since the "Beginnings". And, if you didn't know that, check out there first few albums (at least up to Chicago VII). The original Chicago was an amazing and adventurous band.

[@speedrcer1]

+Nic Kucera You might have this gent mixed up with the great Robert Lamm, who is singing background on this video. (who must made a deal with the devil as he never ages!) I've been a Chicago fan since the early 70's. Anyone know who the new keyboard player is?

[@nickucera205]

Actually, that is Lee on vocals. (You can see him playing brass prior to the song. -- We are talking about Color My World, right?) Robert Lamm is on the electric piano.

[@ceterababe]

Nice flute work, Walt.

[@sighwilly9473]

Can't believe all the negative replies... if you can do better.. get the fuck up there & do it. Or move on... these guys are doing a great job. I love everyone that has ever played with this band. A legendary group.. that is one of a kind forever. 💖 💖 💖

[@danmichel1998]

Love Lee, but does anyone else think he looks like Larry Fine in this video? Great job on Colour My World!

[@brucemccaffrey4160]

This is actually the best version of this since Terry Kath. They did a fantastic live show show on XM in June from the whiskey a gogo. got to listen to the whole show. Have seen them twice.Once withe beach boys and once with EWF.

[@laurendavis4193]

It has been a long time since I listened to this all the way though. It has stood the test of time

[@marleneopila1618]

I attended this show and it sounds as great as it did in May. A wonderful performance and the fine acoustics of the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware!

[@scottloveday8598]

I still love the same unique horn section and Robert Lamm, if they got Danny back they would be on top again. I know the importance of a drummer there's no more Jazz Rock feeling nothing really cooks anymore it's just there and a little boring because I know how it's supposed to sound and that ain't it.. it's more funky rock or something I'm not sure..no more Chicago Gallup that Danny Seraphine gave it like riding a horse. Now you know why Led Zeppelin didn't try to replace John Bonham. Tris imboden is a great drummer but he doesn't cook the band has no Jazz Rock feel. it's very stiffening it's all about the feel.

[@ggmusicdrums]

That suite NEVER gets old!

[@daveking2069]

Its so crazy to see Jimmy Pankow prancing around on the stage like a youngster. Loved Chicago since they first were a band back in 1969 or 70. The brass got me hooked.

[@jimfladwood4393]

1967 is the first year for Chicago as a band.. I had the honor to see them play at barnabys on state st in Chicago. I was 17.. My uncle was a janitor there and got me in.

[@patrickjames1080]

​@@jimfladwood4393 epic Jim

[@jimfladwood4393]

Yeah I’m with you! Such an incredible group. The brass was a new foundation in rock music. Walter, Jimmy, Lee ! AMAZING 🤩

[@rikusuomela6330]

Thank you for keepin The Chigago alive

[@iceaxe56]

Riku Suomela That is not Chicago--sounds like a cover band

[@danno131305]

iceaxe56 Why were you here?

[@iceaxe56]

Dan TheMan Didn't have to be Peter Cetera was Chicago--That does not sound like Chicago--They sound like a COVER BAND

[@danno131305]

"Ballet' didn't feature Cetera on lead vocals. Not sure what your point is reference this video.

[@mrjwpotter]

+Dan TheMan Well I disliked the way Cetera took Chicago . .to me this sounds a lot more like the original perhaps not the lead guitar which is great but not Terry Kath . .

[@papagcortellino5283]

Just ain't the same....to relive the original sounds, I always go back to the live Chicago/CTA video 'Live at Tanglewood' here on the tube.

[@zdrumdude]

You hit that right on...me too. That tangle wood concert was them at there best. I do that horn section credit for sticking it out. Even after Kathy’s death

[@anamariepamelaarcangel3568]

Me three! So addicted am I to that Tanglewood vid that I need to get a monthly fix. ☺️

[@robertoetojo5861]

Fantastic horns work incredible precise awesome .. very intricate music

[@take942]

That was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikeevans5810]

Chicago will always be the guys with the horns and Robert Lamm

[@GianiGighen]

A four (at least) leaders band !!!!

[@fieldysgrl98]

and peter cetera. Chicago IS Peter Cetera.

[@mikeevans5810]

@Slimm Jimm sorry you feel that way

[@mikeevans5810]

@@fieldysgrl98oops, peter cetera is a solo act these days

[@mikeevans5810]

@Slimm Jimm ouch, been called worse by better people, no harm done

[@juliocesaroceguedadiazdele8642]

Exelente ejecución de colors my world, la mejor banda ❤❤

[@robinjackson3947]

They are so very talented and beautiful

[@helpinghal]

Watch the video of Chicago's performance at Tanglewood 7/21/70 and see how different this song is with the original seven members.

[@NOTLIM214]

I've seen it a thousand times. It's true Chicago.

[@ScottieMacF]

Yeah. This version is horrid.

[@JeffThomasBlack]

I appreciate this version. Terry Kath was inimitable. Too great to ever be followed or imitated by another human.

[@RoswellJazzFestival]

That show was only about 20 minutes from my home . . . unfortunately I was only 6 years old was still listening to stuff like "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" and "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport". :(

[@MichaelLRosen-pv3jo]

Incredible!!!!!!!!

[@chrischoir3594]

This guitar player is great

[@susanasotomayor2271]

Chicago a través del tiempo Chicago por siempre gracias por su buena música y lindas canciones

[@catsonly4805]

played solo opening at band concert many moons ago (colour my world). wasn't supposed to solo, but other band members chickened out (didn't practice), and the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and the soloist! ;)

[@davidfitzgerald1074]

by the way. my favorite song of theirs that and 25 6 to 4.

[@melday6989]

Just superb.

[@woody95124]

Love there original harmony at 5:05....killer.....

[@nastyzebra7370]

Nothing but goosebumps....OM....purrrr

[@cesarbernardoretamoso7983]

En 1970 los escuchaba en radio .a mis 18 años hoy los miro y suenan iguales la mejor banda de todos los tiempos 👍😊👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@susanasotomayor2271]

Siempre serán mis favoritos

[@jo-annkawakami3373]

Miss Terry Kath's vocals & blazing guitar. Luv'd that Lee sang Color My World for Terry.

[@magneto7930]

Epic...just epic!!!

[@amaitreya4390]

James Pankow based it on classical music styles - that’s why it still sounds so compelling. A suite for all time!

[@josejuanespinosadelgadillo5565]

Que bien se escucha Color my world con Lee, Excelente!!!

[@bettyrocco3021]

love to see Keith and jason together on stage . Best line up . Also with jeff Coffey

[@zaphbmail]

Still great

[@tooter1able]

Great plaYING AND SINGING LEE!

[@dispersedcampingprosconsof879]

just one word "Awesome"

[@starshiptrooper7670]

I've always wondered if this was inspired by the medley from Abbey Road? Saw Chicago in 77', Nashville.

[@funch357]

Or it could just be a bunch of pieces of incomplete songs that Pankow pasted together to form a suite. That's what the Abbey Road medley always struck me as.

[@starshiptrooper7670]

I have to agree.

[@funch357]

McCartney has said this re. the Abbey Road medley -- a musical collage.

[@esperanzacovarrubias513]

Alive forever terry kath

[@mauricecunningham492]

Nobody can replace Terry Kath

[@ClaytonCoffman]

C'mon KZbin! A commercial interruption?? Even F.M. radio back in the day didn't do that during this medley!

[@ClaytonCoffman]

Ridiculous! 2? One just before the end of Color my World. Makes me want to dig out my wallet, KZbin! NOT! For concert videos like this, save your video ads for the beginning or end. Put up text ads during the songs if you have to advertise! Even KZbin isn't what it used to be! Too commercial!

[@MrPorsche85]

What album was this on origanly? Chicago 2? God, I played the gooves off this! And I remember being in clubs in the 70s when the house band played Color my World, it was great to be close dancing with a beautiful woman!

[@Swizzenator]

Masterpiece. Did Pankow write this whole piece?

[@marieburckley7777]

Yes, he did.

[@GianiGighen]

Still great , very clean... maybe a little too much clean but that's the way it goes today. Nothing to compare with the incredible strenght of the 1970 live version.

[@NOTLIM214]

I love the piece, but it's not the same without Terry, Danny and Peter.

[@woody95124]

WAIT i SEE ROBERRT LAMN IN BACK!

[@alexandrashepard4145]

Love Lou's version too!

[@timeto_rise]

I never knew Lee has Phil Collins voice

[@brianjlevine]

Maybe its me but it seems like a lot of the funky little nuances of the original bass lines are missing.

[@Tony-uv8hr]

"Make me smile" and "Colour my world" should always be heard in the full context of this "ballet." As it was on the original album. This was a good effort and very clean but lacks the passion and tempo of the original. Look for a video of the original band doing this back in the day. Interesting contrast. No one can replace Terry Kath's amazing vocals or guitar work. And the original drummer was a heck of a lot more, um, energetic. But it was nice to see this performed live again, so many years later.

[@perryparsons9960]

Lee is hands down the most underrated trumpet player ever. And probably the most heard, day in, day out, for 50 years. I hear him as bumper music for talk radio shows, on the classic rock stations, on the oldies stations, is so ingrained in the American lexicon and most people don't even know his name. All the average person can say is "that's Chicago!"! 12:45. That is a hell of a blow for any horn player, that he nails it dead on AND does vocals is beyond amazing. No slights to Jimmy and Walter, buy hey, trumpet player, Lee is my hero.

[@warriorv9359]

he's not terry Kath that's for dawm sure

[@ernieblakey9489]

Karakoe!!

[@jmlincolorado]

help im a rock

[@twominutepianoman9868]

Pardini yells great.

[@prof2yousmithe444]

Terry would be proud!!!!!!

[@chrisadams2246]

I'm thinking that this isn't 2014. Because if I remember correctly, Walt hasn't been touring with them since about 2010. I've seen them here in Pittsburgh in 2012, 2015, and this year and, Walt wasn't with them. But, I could be wrong.

[@mariastipa8382]

Walt doesn't tour anymore but still considered part of the band. I believe he has health issues

[@chriscianciolo5823]

He did sporadic shows for much of the 2010’s up until 2016, when he completely left the road

[@janetfong6800]

Lee is so cute.

[@Ricktpt1]

Terry Kath was a critical ingredient. But it's (typically) Guitar-centric (or vocal-centric) self-indulgence to think the Horn players (or other rhythm players) were no less a critical ingredient. The more complex the Ensemble the more Jenga (any music, take your pick) like it becomes. Pull a piece out, the whole thing falls apart. It is easier for three (or four) guys to "screw around" for ninety minutes on a single three chord tune. (Fill in your Rock icon here). In reality the B.S. factor is much higher in those situations. Chicago's Music is more (admirably) through composed, and thereby means that there is a "standard" from which to deviate. A harder target to hit for five decades running. I could quibble over compromises that they've made in order to STILL do this at their (original member) ages. But I won't. ONE (only) example? In this er, Ballet, the sustained notes (non-critical areas of the arrangements) aren't held out for as long, because, for horns (unlike Guitar sustain or plunking your hands down on an Organ keyboard) that $%^& takes endurance. It's the reason Horn players are REQUIRED to screw around less. The local power plant doesn't do their heavy lifting for them. They have to actually GET IT TO THE MICROPHONE. When they were kids, they pushed harder. We do most everything with more sincerity as kids. There are a couple of intonation blips. (Oops, I said only one, sorry...) But there's this: Would I rather have them still doing it or NOT doing it because they (and nobody can if they're that age) "bring it" (or not) like they did when they were twenty two. It's easier for the (fill in all rhythm instrument based quartet here) to carry on like that for ninety minutes. But if you've got four pounds of Brass on your face, it's different. The same is (somewhat less, but still) true for Vocals, btw. Josie sounds LOWER now (when you hear it live) than it does on the record. That ain't your record player. It IS lower. Ditto for whatever tune the Eagles did in tribute to Glenn Frey. Compromises have to be made. It doesn't mean they should just QUIT. What I would rather see is them come back with a TRUE "Horn/Jazz" centered recording. I hear (monster former Maynard Ferguson Arranger/Trombonist) Steve Wiest is writing something for them. I also hear that it will speak to their remaining "original member" strengths. I look forward to THAT recording. Kath was an ICONIC Guitarist/Singer. But he was one critical cog out of seven. The arrogance that the horns weren't the PRIMARY unique aspect of the band is where (according to all accounts) the primary (and fatal) failing of David Foster emerged. (But he DID think enough of them to "borrow" their "section" style for that St. Elmo's tune.)

[@woody95124]

Robert Lamn quite to?...Just the main part of the band is left...The HORNS........

[@thejohnlocke]

As a Chicago fan and a teenager I transcribed this from a 33rpm LP, (slowed to 16rpm so I could pick out the notes an octave lower) - wrote out all the parts and played them in a band I helped assemble. If you want, check it out here and let me know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqa1ept5jsqNjKc

[@showboardguy6048]

They may be called Chicago, but...

[@Platos-Den]

Love this tune but it's missing a bit of punch here.

[@josebarletta9089]

Walfredo reyes jr madstro d msica vip 11:27

[@GeoffStrehlMusic]

4:46 - What a shame

[@timupton8215]

How many original members here?, Geez why am I even asking?

[@0000bridge]

4

[@Gregoryt700]

Enjoyed very much... Bobby looks great for 70! One caveat: Lee is not a lead singer, his phrasing needs work