Classical Composer Reacts to Chicago Transit Authority (Sides 2 - 4) | Special Expanded Episode 490

[@TheAcgtrs]

Side 1, then 2… I firmly believe that “Introduction” is one of the greatest first track on any debut album, ever.

[@adladl4276]

I think Black Sabbath, on Black Sabbath, from Black Sabbath is a pretty amazing example too.

[@philsmith2444]

“Sit back and let us groove And let us work on you” Talk about an appropriate line for the song and the whole album.

[@caballero3601]

@@philsmith2444 Yes. The self-reflective lyrics are part of the song’s genius.

[@philsmith2444]

@@caballero3601 They tell you exactly what you’re in for. “We are not the band for passive listeners, you’re going to have to put some effort into your listening. We promise you won’t be disappointed.”

[@philipberger621]

The problem was that they had too many great songs that they had to move on to their next album. I don't remember this song getting any air time, along with South California Purples.

[@hurricane1951]

If more people had heard Poem 58, Terry Kath would be in the conversation for great guitarists, but sadly, probably because Chicago is known as a "horns band", he flies well under the radar. My favorite "guitar" song. I've listened to this at least 50 times over the years.

[@MB-mw1xr]

I’m more like listen 50 times A YEAR. 😁👍👍

[@sturgeonslawyer]

A lot of people have heard of Kath (PBUH). Jimi Hendrix (PBUH) once called him the best guitar player in the world. He probably isn't well-known to metalheads, but to more general music aficionados ... he is known. (He's also respected in prog rock circles, as the first several Chicago albums were very proggy.)

[@brianjlevine]

Peter is also a terrific bassist. The fact that he can sing lead vocals and play fairly complex and interesting bass lines is always impressive. Terry Kath is of course, one of the great guitarists ever. They were an incredibly talented band.

[@robertakerman3570]

Hi Brian, Might I add that "drumming/singing" is also magical? We mere Mortals just marvel @ this stuff.

[@thembill8246]

Key part of that is that they were an incredibly talented band. Once Terry died. It just was never the same. I blame Doc Severinsen for all the schlocky garbage that Peter cetera convinced them to put out under the Chicago name in the '80s.

[@Gregor9043]

Agreed, I always hear people talk about good voice. But his bass playing is just masterful.

[@philsmith2444]

Any bassist who can keep up with and complement Danny Seraphine is a one-percenter in my book.

[@inexplicablyleft2729]

You forgot to add that he can chew gum at the same time. I laugh at so many of the early videos when I see him doing that.

[@memorandom7484]

Man, don't you wish there were bands still making music like this today?

[@Inquisitor6321]

💯%

[@peterjordanson1021]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5DXoKWFibBop8U

[@craigkowald3055]

There are a few still around besides these guys including Tower of Power, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Earth Wind and Fire.

[@matthewking3126]

There are! But in their own sensibility. TapRoots is a modern group that plays Latin funk fusion, but they are heavily influenced by Chicago and others from back in the day ...

[@rayjr62]

No, can't do that. After all, this is going to take a ton of studio time (not to mention, talent) and that is going to cut into the stock holders profit margin, and our beautiful investors will not tolerate that.

[@jameslovrek8634]

I had the privilege to see this concert live at the Racine Case High School, in Racine, WI, About 75 miles north of Chicago. That was before they got sued and had to remove "Transit Authority" from their name. They were a late 60's protest band. One song they played live was "Song for Richard and His Friends" (It was kind of gruesome as they cut the head off of a charicature of Richard Nixon on stage) It was the best $6 I ever spent!

[@brianalpert2383]

Wow this brings back so many memories for me! The answer to the question, "why have I never heard this" is twofold. First, this album probably came out before you were born. More importantly, anytime you hear Chicago on the radio, all you hear is Peter Cetera's ballads, not this jazzy bluesy rock stuff. A friend told me that one of the members of Blood Sweat and Tears said that this was exactly the sound they really wanted. I just loved the first 2 albums. This is the United States' answer to progressive rock - based on jazz and blues instead of classical. I love all of it. Thank you for posting this.

[@garyclark9618]

Very good 😊 That song Spinning Wheel is so freaking awesome 😎 Actually it's one thirty a.m. and now I just have to listen to that song too!

[@paulclarry9991]

Agreed. David Clayton Thomas was soooo jealous that Chicago made it as a horn band while Blood Sweat and Tears was more or less a one-hit wonder. Cetera left Chicago because David Foster convinced him he was bigger than the band and because Cetera wanted to be known as a singer rather than as a bass player. Terry Kath's death was a huge setback for the band, but Foster destroyed it, turning it into a power ballad outfit. Cetera enjoyed his own success but somehow it seems that neither the band nor Cetera ever measured up to the success of early Chicago.

[@daveburns3886]

A producer ? Record exec who was working with Chicago TA before they released saw the possibilities of strong brass section with rock and formed a group called BS and tears.. the had 3-4 great songs but.. they couldn’t touch this however, the talent gap was immense

[@RockDocNeal]

Hey Doug, someone may already mentioned this story about Terry Kath and Jimi Hendrix, but if not.............very early in Chicago's career (when they were still CTA) they were doing a show at the Whiskey A Go Go on the Sunset Strip and Jimi Hendrix was in the audience. During a break, Jimi came up to Chicago's sax player, Walter Parazaider, and told him that the band sounded great and that "you're guitarist is better than me". Jimi and Chicago ended up playing a couple gigs together and Jimi had wanted to record an album with Chicago, but unfortunately, he died before they had the opportunity.

[@davidlitchke4964]

Terry Kath usually gets the most accolades, and understandably so, but everyone in this band was such an incredible musician.

[@harleyhexxe9806]

I totally agree

[@FG-gi9et]

Don’t forget that Bob Lamm practically wrote the entire album. He put them on the map

[@lucasroth7922]

Terry Kath! The most underrated guitarist in the history of music IMHO 🔥✌🤘

[@glennmichaelthompson4112]

Jimi Hendrix was a huge fan of Terry Kath's guitar playing.... so you're in good company!!!🎸🎼🎶

[@rexrossman6666]

I'm not convinced that Terry Kath was even the most underrated musician in the band. The argument could be made that Danny Seraphine was even much more underrated than Terry.

[@isitrealgood]

You're not so "underrated" if you're allowed to blow seven minutes of your band's debut double-album doing a Hendrix impression.

[@stevenhymowech9931]

Band was not at all the same after Terry died. He was the heart and soul.

[@eddcabrera2367]

I agree 110 % !!!!!!!!

[@leehjones]

Cetera and Kath. God, in high school we heard these guys and our heads exploded. How could a band that looked like our high school jazz band be this cool and funky? I miss old Chicago so much.

[@markthoele1808]

Me too.

[@dantana5774]

I was in high school when this came out, and my instincts told me that this might be the greatest album I'd ever hear

[@rickstadel5285]

@1:05:18 -- "Always start with Side One and run the whole thing. The whole thing is a composition."

[@thomasbeach7307]

Doug, if it hasn't been mentioned, the G hold you are referring to is Kath's guitar feeding back while holding that note. I must embarrassingly admit that when I was in HS when this came out, I was sure it was Parazaider holding the note on a clarinet.

[@markmaioli4]

"This is righteous" ... ABSOLUTELY CTA is in my top 5 favorite debut albums of all time 🤘

[@jimandlizhudson2501]

Still their best album; it is a stone cold classic. Unfortunately it seems to get forgotten. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@izzonj]

Free form guitar - i mean listening to this once is enough for most die-hard early Chicago fans. But really, it's amazing to imagine a world in which a record studio would allow a band to put this on their debut album. That this was done, alone, makes it remarkable.

[@jazzpunk]

I used to wonder if Van Halen's "Eruption" was a nod to Kath's piece...

[@debbiecatrambone4266]

That is one of the reasons when Jimmy Hendrix was asked what’s it like to be the best guitarist and his response was.I don’t know ask Terry Kath!!!!😮😅😊

[@pjeastwood9241]

I think I am the only person who listens to Free Form guitar for pleasure. I imagine I am peering out from under hood of a racecar as we fly around the track. 😁

[@pjeastwood9241]

"That's amazing! I don't think I like it. " made me laugh out loud.😅

[@peacefulpossum2438]

Yes, absolutely about 1968 DNC, a huge moment in Chicago history.

[@fenderchamp8241]

Poem 58, 53, 54 years later is just fantastic. Many people don't know this true gem.

[@ajaykiran973]

Absolutely phenomenal!!! Way ahead of what Led Zeppelin did in terms of sheer musicality.

[@stpnwlf9]

I played trumpet in band all through my school days growing up so naturally, I was attracted to Chicago for the horns. But after listening to the first couple of albums, I fell in love with Terry Kath's guitar work which is just some of the best blues and rock guitar in the history of music! At the same time, Free Form Guitar never did much for me. Over the years, while Kath used the Strat a lot, he also used Gibson SGs but apparently his favorite was a Fender Telecaster that was covered with stickers from the Pignose Amp company which Terry had invested in. That story is covered in the documentary The Terry Kath Experience which was put together by his daughter, Michelle.

[@oldmanghost219]

Same here except I played sax. I loved the idea of adding that guitar and rock to all the bands that I played in - Concert Stage & Marching. And i also recommend a Daughter's search for the father she never knew and the guitar that people had been looking for - for decades. She did find it., and the 1st one revealed looked like the one that he 1st used with Chicago, or at least in the live Tanglewood concert 1970. - The Terry Kath Experience - He already gave us part of the reason for the title.

[@daveburns3886]

Poem 58 is wicked cool.. Terry can just steal the show when they decide they should acknowledge his awesomeness. Don’t overlook the bass and drums, easily done with all else going on.. they’re all top notch..

[@helpme8742]

Danny Seraphine is such an amazing drummer and one of my inspirations ( no pun intended ) for my drumming. He was a big part of Chicago’s sound back in the late 60s and the 70s.

[@keithbarnes9419]

Me too along with Keith Moon & Carl Palmer

[@jeankutzer1556]

Danny has had his own band and done some recording. Even had Geddy Lee of Rush sit in with him once.

[@lolmarcos9912]

Danny was head and shoulders above any other drummer of that era. There were good drummers, but no one to compare with what Danny could, and had to, do. The combination of rock, jazz, switching different times and beats was way beyond what the basic rock and roll band drummers were doing at that time.

[@bjhellstream]

"I don't think I like it but it's amazing!" Best description of Free Form Guitar ever. I've been fascinated by the track since I was a teen. But do I like it? Well...

[@tonywtyt]

"I'm a Man"... Live video at Tanglewood is jaw dropping! You get to see the raw stage performance with no bells and whistles.... Oh, and "25 6 to 4"!!!

[@oldmanghost219]

Yes - Tanglewood and add to that - Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon. Terry was on FIRE !!!

[@paulfranklin8636]

Free form Guitar & The Old Castle (ELP Pictures at an Exhibition) both 100% guaranteed to get those famous fatherly words "turn that racket down" yelled from wherever he was

[@spikeysnack]

" 'music' to make your parents cringe and look at each other concerned..." Still, putting that onto an album in 1969 was an act of rebellion. I guess Jimi Hendrix might have done something similar by then, but Oh Lord.

[@caballero3601]

Don’t forget Revolution Number 9.

[@caballero3601]

@@spikeysnack Or it could have just been a case of:

[@caballero3601]

Hey Doug. “Free Form Guitar” puzzled me for decades too. I thought it was “too deep” for me to understand…until I got lots more life experience and education. Now I think this is more likely what happened: CTA producer James Guercio: “Hey guys! Listen up! We got too much music for one album but too little to make two. You got any ideas?” Terry Kath: “Hold my beer…”

[@timothystamm3200]

Apparently he was just messing around and the studio tech opened the mics and latter submitted it for the album. I do not know why they accepted outside of the fact that it filled it out and explained the end of Liberation.

[@oldmanghost219]

LOL - That's as good of an explanation I have ever heard. Joe Walsh in the documentary - The Terry Kath Experience - Said that he knew how Terry got some of those sounds but some he can't

[@caballero3601]

@@oldmanghost219 Yeah. I heard that! I think CTA’s members at that time were still heavily influenced by the Beatles. You hear that in many places on CTA and Chicago II. The Beatles got away with the experimental soundscape that is “Revolution #9” so CTA’s creators thought, “If it’s good enough for the Fab Four, it’s good enough for us.”

[@caballero3601]

@@timothystamm3200 How’d it explain the end of Liberation?

[@timothystamm3200]

@@caballero3601 they were willing to experiment with noise, because with Free-form Guitar you would have heard it before it shows up at the end of the solo section of Liberation.

[@edwardmansfield3475]

I saw CTA on their first tour of Britain back in 1969. The tour was very under publicized and nobody in UK had heard of them. It was a Saturday afternoon matinee performance at an Odeon cinema in the suburbs of South London. Only about 30 people in the audience. They played most of the stuff from this album and they were brilliant, despite the venue and small audience. Top drawer professional musicianship.

[@billburkhead9737]

I don't have your knowledge of the mechanics of the music, but I know what I like when I hear it and when this album came out, I LOVED IT - it is still my favorite

[@markthoele1808]

I bought this album when it first came out. Blew me away.

[@robertcussins2807]

Oh, don't know if you noticed Doug, but this was a live recording on Liberation and Terry's rhythm playing toward the end shows his right hand technique. Joe Walsh said he can tell a great guitar player by his right hand (or left, if left handed) and Terry had...well, he had it all.

[@JohnSmith-mx8wp]

Listen/Poem 58 are for me the guts of this great album. The sustained note by Kath at 21:11 goes through me like a friendly dagger....and the instrumental layering in at the finale is....like wow man.....

[@oldguyespo640]

I got to see them in 1968 just after the album release at the Oakdale theater in the round. The show was incredible and I was only 18 but I was surprised to see many older and middle aged people were in the crowd. They were raw and explosive playing even longer versions of some songs. My thoughts on side 3 1st cut Freeform Guitar is sides 1 & 2 are shear genius and side 3 cut 1 is pure insanity and the rest of the album is a combination of both. There is a totally different feel between the 2 albums and I always thought about WHY? They say there is a fine line between genius and insanity.These are my conclusions... You should check out Chicago II. It is still before they went strictly commercial and while they were still the REAL Chicago.

[@stevebifano7749]

Cetera is the most underrated bassist ever!!

[@NoviJimB]

Just a phenomenal debut album, another in a lone line of them from the 60's and early 70's. And a great example of the incredible creativity and talent and diversity of the music of that era. The times and the industry made for the perfect environment for bands of all different types to do what they wanted and go all over the map and make great music. We'll never see anything like it again. Everyone in Chicago is top notch, and it really helped to have multiple songwriters and singers. Robert Lamm wrote most of the songs on CTA, he was in a zone back then most of us could only dream about. Even though I'm a lifelong guitar player, I'm with you on 'Free Form Guitar'. Interesting, yes, but not a song I long to listen to. Not really even a song. But this album has five or six of their very best songs. It sure isn't what most people think of when they think of Chicago!

[@philf4086]

Chicago used all of the available notes and keys, sometimes many at the same time. No joke. Great stuff!! Poem 58 comes along and all of a sudden they are like a 3 piece. Their dynamics are second to none, crazy good. Terry Kath - wonderful, yes - incredible, yes - unequaled, probably!

[@laurietauchus8006]

Thank you for covering the Chicago Transit Authority album. I have listened to this group since childhood and have admired them greatly. I am a fan predominantly from this album to Chicago 17 and also like their recent album " Born For This Moment". As for August 29th, 1968, I was almost a year and a half old; I probably was sleeping when the violence was happening. My mom remembered watching this on TV. My dad was at work; my mom was so upset about what was happening that she called my dad at work to tell him about it. As an adult, I had seen the video of the activity and that upset me too.

[@stuartkinzel8195]

"I think I'm going to go to our herbal friend for this one." Good call.

[@talltulip]

Although you didn't say much (verbally) about Danny Seraphine's drumming, I appreciate you bringing attention to his work thtough your physical response. I feel that he is criminally under-appreciated. Kath and the horn section get most of the accolades (and are totally deserving, of course). But Danny is a bit overlooked much of the time, IMO. He's fabulous! And he's still touring (independent of the band).

[@RalphSpoiledsport]

I appreciate your speaking from an accomplished musician's point of view about music I have listened to for decades. It adds to my understanding.

[@danielm5473]

I love just watching someone else enjoy how great this music is. Chicago is my favorite band of all-time, and I even love all the "schlocky" 80's power ballads that everyone pretends to hate in comment sections, but you know you all sing along to "You're the Inspiration" when it comes on your radio and you're alone.

[@jondhuse1549]

One of the unique things about the Chicago horns is that they are not just there for stabs and backgrounds... they are a legitimate additional voice of the band. Somewhat similar to Blood Sweat, and Tears, but different from many other rock bands with horns.

[@skatter44]

As far as I'm concerned this is one of the, if not THE, best debut albums ever.

[@weksheddweller]

There's honestly a lot of great debut albums out there. Boston, Toto, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles' Please Please Me.

[@skatter44]

@@weksheddweller Well, I did say it was one of the best. I didn't say that it was absolutely the best.

[@shepgreenberg7659]

Chicago doesn’t get the respect they deserve. They should! The rhythm section of Kath, Cetera and Seraphine are among the best ever. Cetera in particular should be put upon a pedestal, the guy is a monster

[@mrheem44]

its because they sucked after 1975 or so,---can't remember exactly when the "old Days" single hit big but many knew something was seriously wrong. they were great while it lasted tho.....

[@oldmanghost219]

I can't see anything wrong with - Old Days 1975 - It is one of my favorites but you are right that it is about the time that Chicago began transitioning to commercial power ballads and they really lost me after Terry Died. It was Peter's vocals in Questions 67 & 68 along with the bass that really got my attention. He is fantastic. But i also have huge respect for Danny drums & Terry who is probably that most underrated guitar player in history.

[@mrheem44]

@@oldmanghost219 I love 'Question 67-68' one of their finest

[@oldmanghost219]

@@mrheem44 Thumbs up.

[@floydstoner2962]

Really enjoyed this video. Hope you continue with the next two Chicago albums - both double albums. The second Chicago album, to this day, remains my all-time favorite album from any band.

[@jzgtrplyr]

Chicago Transit Authority in 1968 played in a bar called Barnaby's just off Rush Street which was the nightclub district of Chicago at that time. Many bars in the area had live music which ranged from a piano bar to many fine rock banks. In March 1968 I played guitar in a rock band on Rush Street and the word on the street was you had to go to Barnaby's to see this band which I did. When I saw Terry Kath play and sing (especially "I'm a Man") I seriously thought momentarily about quitting the guitar. LOL They were a fantastic band even then with complexity, great musicians, and something entirely different from what everyone else was playing because all the rock bands at that time were playing Sgt. Peppers. Sadly, I've always felt Terry was the heart and soul of the band and they were never quit as good after his untimely death. Doug, since you mentioned Jim Guercio, I just wanted to let you know he was a great bass player and musician, too.

[@drewydd1389]

I saw CTA at Convention Hall in Atlantic City, NJ in the summer of 1969. It was a most wonderful experience from a group that was well ahead of it's time.

[@normantompkins1252]

Poem 58 is my favorite Chicago song of all time

[@robertcussins2807]

Oh...absolutely. Gads what a great power trio...Cetera, Seraphine, and Kath.

[@bennythedog93]

Me three!!

[@DRAGON_FAN_TIM]

chicago still tries today

[@Seej1982]

Have you heard the quad mix? Backing vocals bounce from one speaker to another as well!

[@briancoyne8815]

This was my favorite song to stump my friends…name that band! 4 minutes of “Robin Trower? Jeff Beck? Santana? Rory Gallagher? I give up!” 3.2 seconds after horns enter…”Chicago!? No way!”

[@flyerbob7525]

When I was first getting into music in the 80s it was the soft side of Chicago then once I heard Terry Kath and the Old Chicago my God I was hookec

[@danielstricker7836]

I had a great high school music appreciation and music theory teacher that I wish could have gone over this album like you are right now. A friend and I listened to Chicago until we knew their songs by heart. I didn't understand til later how unbelievably talented they all were. Terry Kath was very well acquainted with his guitar!

[@harleyhexxe9806]

I'm glad you were able to get around to listening to Chicago as they intended for everyone to hear them. They were and still are one of the most talented groups to emerge out of the USA. I still consider them to be the first American progressive rock band, or "Art-Rock" band, as the term was coined back in the day. They wrote and performed all their compositions on natural instruments, which would be emulated in the 70's with synthesizers by famous British bands. I can listen to their first three records and never get tired of it. Doug, even if you never get around to putting it on KZbin, I would recommend you listen to the entire 2nd and 3rd Chicago albums, and hear all the things the radio would never let you hear. It's fascinating music, like no one else could do.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Well, I'm listening to this on Friday, so nah, nah, ne, nah, nah. 😅🤣😂 BTW, one of their best albums, hands down, some of the best music you'll ever hear: rock, jazz, funk, etc. Two words: horn charts. Also, Poem 58 is one of the greatest jams ever recorded: rock, funk, jazz, blues. Amazing.

[@stuartkinzel8195]

Southern California Purples (as I'm remember it being called on my older brother's copy of this album) is my favorite Chicago tune. Great groove.

[@thomasmcd5862]

“I’m a Man” is my favorite song from this album. Hey Doug, look into the 2nd Chicago album next.

[@jaybone58]

Kath, Seraphine, Cetera, Lamm. Best rhythm section in the history of rock 'n roll.

[@TheProgCorner]

Chicago was my first love and CTA meant everything to me.

[@Humb7757]

The best Chicago I’ve heard is from live at Carnegie hall!! A magnificent 4 LPs box set when it came out originally! ❤

[@JackTorrence237]

Right on the money you are with this choice! Nothing can compare in my humble opinion! From Anyone, I mean NO ONE man! EVER! And as deep of a music lover I am, this is a Huge statement for me to make! I challenge anyone to put this statement to shame! Recorded after the release of their third album so it contains the music from all of their first three masterpieces! Please check this out if anyone is unaware! Peace

[@paulfranklin8636]

Poem 58 had me smiling...took me back to the days when I had hair and a slim waist.....a hot sweaty upstairs room in a pub and whole bunch of hairy hippies heads-a-bobbin to the groove....the bands my not have been as accomplished but the atmosphere was great

[@gummball]

I rediscovered this album recently after hearing it quite a bit in its day and there's a couple of the riffs and melodies that I've been humming in my head and playing on the guitar for decades not remembering where they came from

[@cindygrounds1261]

Saw them several times in early 1970s, they were always great never missed a beat

[@kennethcouch7622]

Side 2 would be my favorite but liberation is fantastic ! Happy Holidays

[@randycrooks6240]

To be fair on the Free Form cut, Terry was asked to do this because they needed to fill up a few minutes to fill out the double album..

[@markthoele1808]

Terry is one of the best you’ll ever hear.

[@leonardpoindexter5289]

I was just playing South California Blues on my bass and came across your review to listen if I had it right. You along with almost everyone else doesn’t remembers this song. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@billhawkins1236]

Thanks Doug! I first heard this album in 1968 on some older guy's high end stereo, ( for the time ) and it remains my favorite Chicago offering, and I'm really glad you feel the same about South California Purple's as I do. That being said side 1 is my favorite mainly, because of Introduction, it shows the musicianship of each member, a "true" introduction.🤠👍👍👍👍

[@esbenandersen2131]

I bought this in 1969, when it was released - 1st time I heard Free Form Guitar, it struck me that in certain places during the number I felt being on a race-track watching race-cars go by. I should mention, that in 1969, I came home early from work. turned on my radio and out came I'm a Man, which I knew from Traffic (and Spencer Davies Group - Stevie Winwood wrote it when he was 15). So I turned of my radio, went down to grab a bus and went to my favourite record shop and bought this - never regretted it 😀

[@gramps6334]

My favorite Chicago album. Poem 58 is my favorite Chicago song. Nice job!

[@tpctrash]

I just bought this album in 1972. I didn’t buy it before because I had no stereo. But I was working then and I played it constantly. I only had the stereo for about 2 weeks and got drafted into the army. I was more pissed about that I wouldn’t be able to play it then going into the army. Lol

[@davidarasin-kg9ho]

I'm buying this album ❤it

[@paulclarry9991]

A desert island album. I have been listing to this album for more than 50 years and never get tired of it...though almost universally no one likes it when Free Form Guitar comes on...to bad so sad. Columbia took a chance letting the band release a double album for its debut. The world is a better place for that decision.

[@MrCotocrew]

I grew up in Chicago during the late 60’s and 70’s, this album is the sound track of my youth..

[@keithbarnes9419]

If you were a band kid in the early 70's this was your jam.

[@tazmankb26]

I enjoyed that trip to the past and you add so much to it musically from a technical perspective. Have you done a Alan Parsons Project react? I think it would be a good one.

[@alansewell7810]

The build up of "Free Form Guitar" on the album cover is hilarious. It's in there because Robert Lamm ran out of songs to fill out the double album. SOUTH CALIFORNIA PURPLES and I'M A MAN are also on the CHICAGO LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL (Chicago IV) album . They have some of Terry Kath's best guitar solos.

[@cocktailsfortwo5660]

Cannot recommend the Carnegie Hall LP (IV) highly enough!

[@Gregor9043]

This is THE VERY FIRST album I remember captivating me as a kid, and listening to straight through. I still remember Dad putting the needle on it for the first time. Incredible musicianship throughout from every guy on every song.

[@justmefl7045]

Welcome to "Vintage Chicago" ... Might have been their best album of all. MILES beyond the sappy David Foster ballad band they became in the 80's. I remember buying it when it first came out and listening to it repeatedly. Terry was my idol at the time. Influenced my playing like no other.

[@submandave1125]

CTA is an amazing debut, but I think Chicago (II) is a thematically more solid, tighter, and cohesive release.

[@justmefl7045]

@@submandave1125 You're right. The first 3 albums were my favorite. Following that, while there were some excellent compositions on 4 & following, they weren't up to the same level - in my opinion.

[@submandave1125]

@@justmefl7045 I mentally group Chicago albums into epochs. - The initial trinity are largely untouched by anyone for sheer creativity, audacity, and execution. - After what I see as a live compilation of those three, V and VI were the beginning of Chicago as superstars and a move toward a more commercial product. - Then comes the odd man out, VII, which is kind of a bridge between wild experimentalism of the early days and hit-machine form that existed until XI. - After Terry's death we get Chicago in the wilderness, as they try to find their voice again on Hot Streets, 13, XIV, and XV. - The Chicago reformation happened on 16 to 19, returning them to the top of the charts but ultimately loosing the founding bassist and drummer, and, according to some, their soul. - After that, Chicago wandered in the wilderness some more until ultimately achieving their final form as elder statesmen of stadium rock largely performing as a cover group of themselves.

[@justmefl7045]

@@submandave1125 That's pretty much spot on.

[@rogermiller2159]

I was twelve when this came out. When I heard Chicago it changed everything. As a kid learning to play trumpet I was learning rudimentary lessons and boom! I had a direction.

[@zontar25]

Nice video, I'm a big chicago fan, since playing the trombone since 1968.

[@caballero3601]

Chicago made me proud to be a trombone player in HS in the ‘70s.

[@craigw1911]

"Poem 58" PROVES what Jimi Hendrix meant when he told CTA "your guitar player is better than me!" talking about Terry Kath! 🎸 It was said by Robert Lamm about the title of "Questions 67 & 68" that he was dating a certain girl in the years 1967 and 1968 and that was the inspiration for the title. Terry Kath perfectly bookends the debut LP with "Introduction" where he asks the audience to give the band a chance to play for them, Robert Lamm continues that theme with "Listen", then Kath closes it out in "Liberation" with the only sung lyric "Oh thank you people" to thank the audience for giving the band a chance.

[@kimballcarter]

Bought it when it first came out and still love it. When they lost Terry I felt like they never were near as good - kind of like when Lennon and McCartney were split. Terry added the grit and edge to the band. One of my all-time favorite albums. Hendrix’s respect for Terry Kath is a testament to how incredible he really was.

[@JohnLRice]

Agreed, although Chicago VII was the last album that I really liked by the band, and there were a few albums after that which still had Terry on them.

[@rogermiller2159]

I think you should revisit the post Kath Chicago. I was in eighth grade when this came out and I also had a bias towards the “new stuff”. The have more music then you can shake a stick at. (What ever that means )

[@JohnLRice]

@@rogermiller2159 What albums would you recommend? I'm game to try some newer stuff!

[@TheAcgtrs]

Free Form Guitar… you have to remember that this was in the midst of the Hendrix era of guitar exploration… Zappa, and others were also experimenting in textures. So, in that reality, Terry Kath’s FFG fits perfectly.

[@TheTinklingofBells]

You must be my age, there's no way any other generation could understand the significance of free form guitar.

[@saravanbichi]

My favorite side is Side One only on the strength of "Introduction"; to me, it's the best thing they ever did. It surprises me that they never equaled the intensity, color, and passion of the first song of their first album in subsequent releases.

[@astroworfcraig9164]

What an absolute treat for a lazy Saturday morning! When I was a teenager back in the '70s, I always skipped "Free Form Guitar." It wasn't until I was in college, when I could alter my state of consciousness with something a little stronger than herbs that I could fully appreciate it.

[@pauljenkin8447]

Loved this Doug! God, it's awesome that you are enjoying some of these songs for the first time and aren't they amazing. Thanks for the wonderful Friday night reaction. Keep 'em coming.

[@haydenarlington8256]

I, like most, only knew of Chicago from their hits. But after this and side 1, I think I have a new band I’ll have to listen more to. I never realized they were this good.

[@1planetmusic294]

Glad Doug posted this and caught your attention. Their hits were well crafted but their best stuff (IMHO) with just a few exceptions didn't generally make it to radio. Definitely check out Chicago V, VI, and VII for more incredible songs and playing similar to this, then Chicago III and II. I think you will really enjoy these as well.

[@joelliebler5690]

So many great tunes. My favorite is Questions 67 and 68 and it is probably because of the horns and vocals.One of my all time favorite albums and bands.Yes Terry could play anything and everything.Like the loss of Duane Allman And Jimmy music fans lost out on such greatness.i’m The Man became CTA’s song!

[@macsnafu]

What is up with those links? And why can't I open them up in a tab? Danger, Will Robinson. Danger!

[@binjured1]

May I make a suggestion? You already heard CTA, so just listen to them in order! I think you will understand the progression of Chicago!

[@oldmanghost219]

LOL when you were talking about Free Form guitar and saying that you would like it better if it was shorter or led into a song, apparently James agreed with because he wrote Liberation to show off Terry's free form chops. The band was real proud of Terry. Now moving on, I can't wait to hear when you get to Liberation

[@klausschlichting1591]

Thanks a lot Doug for doing this on CTA. As far as I remember only I'm a man' gained attention here in Germany because you could dance to it. I personally like all the first seven albums with Live at Carnegie Hall as a jewel due to the excellent package.

[@521Maxx]

Free form Guitar would inspire some mind blown terror movie if listened to more than once. I'm sure of it. 😅 In my younger years I played this album over and over and over again - loudly! CTA and Blood Sweat and Tears were my faves for a period of time - just so darn much fun hearing them again after a few(?) years! Gonna dig them up and give them a twirl again - have to do it when hubby isn't home - he'd have me committed!

[@GordonClarry]

Doug - thank you for this. I first heard this album when I was 11 years old in 1969. It captivated me then (as did the Byrds) and it remains my favorite album here in 2023. Introduction was by far my favorite tune as it progressed through each band member getting to make their mark. Poem 58, South Carolina Purples, and Liberation remain among my favorite tunes off the album although it was all solid. I play Free From Guitar to annoy people who can't appreciate it. I enjoy it because Terry Kath was staking his claim to be one of the most innovative guitarists - a title that Hendrix seemed to own. If I had to pick 3 albums to be stranded on a desert island with, it would be Chicago Transit Authority, Alan Parsons Tales of Mystery and Imagination, and Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds. Led Zeppelin Presence and almost any album by The Connells, Emm Gryner (especially Asian Blue), or The Ramones being close.

[@nedporkus8602]

Doctor Doug is in the house! I just stumbled on this video and your channel by chance and bam, you now have another subscriber amigo! When I was a kid Chicago was the common ground where my dad and I connected and bonded. My dad was a big band swing and jazz fan (the music of his youth and young adulthood), and by the time I was a teenager in the 1970s I was busy discovering the rock music of my time. My dad really dug the heavy brass sound that Chicago laid down, so this became our shared musical pleasure. It wasn't until years later when I was in my twenties, after he passed and I inherited his record collection, that I was able to better understand his music and came to realize just how hip and sophisticated his taste really was. Thanks for dusting off this album classic and giving it a spin.

[@timothystamm3200]

Free Form Guitar was not their last experimentation with noise it shows up later here of course and also in Chicago III as part of a multi track tune lamenting industrializations bringing harm to nature, plus a tune meant for Chicago V that they did perform at shows like the one they recorded Chicago Live at Carnegie Hall and Chicago Live in Japan. Specifically the tune meant for Chicago V was a lambast of Nixon demanding he resign with the noise section being an intro though the whole tune is off kilter.

[@zapniles8609]

Hey Doug, if you enjoyed this album, then you'll most certainly love the 1969 self-titled album by Blood, Sweat & Tears - same album producer, same overall brass rock awesomeness, only jazzier. Side 1 featuring a cover of the Billie Holiday song "God Bless The Child" and a cover of Traffic's "Smiling Phases" is rather magical, and Side 2 includes the major hit singles "Spinning Wheel" and " You've Made Me So Very Happy", which are nothing short of brass-rock classics. A "must have" album for fans of the genre.

[@caballero3601]

Ya. I’m surprised more bands didn’t incorporate some jazz, horns and wind instruments in the wake of Chicago’s and B,S & T’s success.

[@rickbowman21]

The bass kills me! Love it!

[@patriciastewart2239]

You said background music... The thing is... They're perfect for that! ✌️🎄

[@jamesrush2645]

Just one Great work!!! This is Rock and Roll

[@nicksodano4762]

On Free Form Guitar, Terry explored sounds that the band used as texture to great effect in songs like "A Song for Richard & his friends". David Gilmour did similar "experimental" sounds on "Animals" which to my ears sounded like sadistic laughter, on the track Dogs

[@gj8683]

Yes, on the Live at Carnegie Hall album (the four-record set), the lead-in for "A Song for Richard & His Friends" is Kath doing his free-form guitar thing. Kinda links the idea of chaos to Richard Nixon.

[@geofflupton1254]

Well, it took me a long time to get thru this, as it's been a very buys holiday season for me in so many ways. But....worth it, worth it, worth it! Thank you so much for this Doug, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Megan!

[@patriciastewart2239]

Peter down there with his base going into jam band mode

[@jeankutzer1556]

One song not recorded or released until years later was Mississippi Delta City Blues. This one needs to be heard followed by Terry's last recording with Chicago before he died which is called Taking It On Uptown with no horns. Supposedly a sample of what was to come from his upcoming solo debut with his new band. Sadly the day they were to start recording is when he died. Also in the works was Ray Charles and Joe Cocker recording some stuff with Terry. Jeez......

[@misterghee1]

Recoding Some snuff Joe being there ha mmyeah

[@oldmanghost219]

If only - He was to go to the studio the day he died. He could have then cemented himself on G.O.A.T. lists Definitely in the top 10. Thanks for the mention of the song. I will be looking for it.

[@lolmarcos9912]

When I bought 'Chicago XI', Mississippi Delta Blues took me by surprise. But what surprised me more, along with it was just a great Terry Kath song, was that he wrote it in the early '70's! Wonder what took so long to put it in an album?

[@danbeaudet6718]

The free form guitar reminds me of the Van Halen solo, that Marty McFly puts in his teenage father's ears, in Back to the future!

[@_richardleon]

but way better

[@myklegue3968]

South California Purples will always be my favorite Chicago song!! first time I ever saw CTA in Detroit they did the song Got To Get You Into My Life and it was at least half way through before I realized it was not one of their own songs but indeed a Beatles song...think the horns just sounded so natural for CTA.

[@jamesrathschmidt3660]

Summer, 1969, Fillmore East, my very first rock concert! Youngbloods, Chicago Transit Authority, The Mothers of Invention. Quite the introduction to live music, but Chicago was amazing. Thanks for the memories! This is truly a time warp moment!