A Concert That Took Me Back Forty-seven Years...

This writing is dedicated to all those CHICAGO fans that caught their fire way back in the late 60's.  I was one of them!  And, I have to say, so were my teen-age kids!  I can't say for sure (because this very old brain of mine does forget some facts), but I believe they were one of the first Rock groups (along with the EAGLES) to include brass and reed instruments in their music.  I loved it then, and I love it still today...

Dean and I went to a concert in Grand Ronde to see the "old men" perform.  We were not disappointed.  They might have aged, like we all seem to do, but their music is just as fresh as it was more than 40 years ago.  The band today consists of  four of the originals, and some new faces.  We watched, got into the swing of things, clapped and yelled until we were hoarse.  And we came away from the concert feeling (almost) 40 years younger!

I am going to include several of the pictures here that Dean was able to snap.  Please pardon if some of them are a bit blurry.  I love them because they give me a memory of an unforgettable evening.

The entire band..."Rockin' Guitar!"

The best "horns" I have ever heard!

Trombone player extraordinaire!

Magnificent trumpet...best anywhere!

Sizzlin' Sax!

Let me talk about these three guys...  The Trombone player, Jimmy Pankow, in my opinion...and I'm pretty sure Dean would agree...was the life of the group.  In fact most of the songs throughout the years were written by this man.  He was absolutely amazing!  Walter Parazaider, Sax player, was also one of the originals and by far the best sax I have heard in a very long time.  And the Trumpet player, Lee Loughnane, blew Dean away.  Being a trumpet player himself, he can appreciate the gift this man has.

This drummer, Tris Imboden, joined the group in 1990 and was absolutely amazing as a solo drummer!  I think I could see smoke arising out of the drum set at one point!  Wow!  Loved every minute of it.  I think my Son-in-Law, Rich could really appreciate this one!  Rich...if you ever get a chance, you should go see these guys!

Their versatile Lead Singer/keyboard player/acoustic guitar player, Robert Lamm, still has the magic in his signature voice.  He was the originator of Chicago.  In the beginning (1967), they called themselves Chicago Transit Authority.  Remember that?  I do!  Somehow, I suddenly was taken back 40+ years and saw the younger band again.  I hope they never stop playing their music.

Other members of today's band include: Keith Howland on the rockin' guitar; Jason Scheff on the bass; Lou Pardini on keyboard and vocals; and Walfredo Rayez, Jr on percussion.  They all add to a very tight sound that is as relevant today as it was in the beginning.  BTW...they are about to release a brand new album sometime in July!  Can't wait for that!

I am going to close this writing with a  borrowed quote from Robert Lamm which expresses exactly what every one in the audience felt.  "While our music plays through the soundtrack of your lives, it resonates on the soundtrack of our own."  I love that!  It is so true.  Music has that capacity to resonate on our own soundtracks.  Every song evokes a memory.

Chicago, the early years.

Chicago today.