![]() ![]() They bring with them the happy reward of recognition, of realizing that yes, indeed, this is as good as I thought, this is as powerful, as cool and unexpected. Not only don’t they fall apart, they get better every time you hear them. Like the greatest songs, these ones endure. These songs are sturdy and solid, designed so they won’t fall apart on the street. These are songs written by a guy who understands the intrinsic architecture of songs. “They shouldn’t fall apart like a cheap watch on the street.” I thought of that quote while listening – and then relistening, many times – to Bitter & Sweet. “Songs should be sturdy,” Van Dyke Parks said. ![]() But this a new level of greatness for him. Marc Platt has been writing great songs and making powerful albums for years. This is a masterpiece, a chain of powerful songs beautifully produced and rendered. Marc & The Plattitudes Bitter & Sweet Produced by Lisa Nemzo * Dream Wild Records And please somebody tell the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame to WAKE UP and induct the band with the second most chart successes of all American bands behind only the Beach Boys. I had a great time and it was a memorable night of music. If you get a chance to see Chicago, GO! They’re a great American band, and sound as fresh as ever. Lou Pardini on keyboards and Drew Hester on percussion were a welcome addition. Jason Scheff held the rhythm section together with his solid bass playing, although not as strong as a vocalist Peter Cetera’s shoes, like Kath’s, are hard ones to fill. Drummer Tris Imboden was terrific and did a great drum solo on “Beginnings.” Keith Howland did a credible job on lead guitar but unfortunately nobody can replace Terry Kath. Lamm held the band together and gave it its soul. The original core of four musicians is still in place: Walter Parazaider on sax and flute, James Pankow on trombone, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, and Robert Lamm on keys and vocals. I did long for Terry Kath’s incredible voice, but the band did a valiant job in making up for his absence.įor the next 2½ hours we traveled remarkably through 25 hit songs, including classics “Saturday In The Park,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and one of my all time favorites, “Beginnings.” They even did “ Rockin Around The Christmas Tree” from their beautiful newest album, a tribute to Christmas called Chicago XXXIII: O Christmas Three. ![]() ![]() When “Color My World” started I had forgotten what a beautiful song it was. Way back to a time when the quality of music was at such a high level. When the lights dimmed and “Make Me Smile” began with that incredible sound of the horn section, I was brought back. The set opened with a great rendition of the full side of Chicago’s second album. The setting was the beautifully restored Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, a glorious art deco former movie palace. I was really looking forward to reacquainting myself with all the songs and albums that have been such a part of the soundtrack of my generation. I mean, hey, the Lovin Spoonful is in the Hall Of Fame! Now 34 years later I find myself enjoying again one of my favorite groups, and one that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was the original lineup with Terry Kath, the great guitarist that added an incredible edge to contrast the smooth horn section and effortless singing style of Peter Cetera. The first time that I saw Chicago was in 1977 after just graduating from college as a music major in New York. This horn based, hybrid band sounded as fresh as ever as they effortlessly performed rock history, song after song. Saban Theater, Beverly Hills, CaliforniaĬhicago rocks the Saban Theater! Chicago’s triumphant return to Los Angeles proved why they are one of the greatest and enduring bands in rock and roll. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |