Tuesdays on the Tube

Tuesdays on the Tube: Chicago the Band

In 1967, a group of students from DePaul University thought it would be great to start a rock band with a unique approach—adding a horn section. 47 years and 36 albums later, they are still performing, touring, and recording with their original horn section. With James Pankow on trombone, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, and Walt Parazaider on sax/woodwinds, this band has been able to create a unique, signature sound that has stood the test of time.

Very few bands have been able to stay together this long. What I find fascinating is their music has been able to change with our culture, yet still keep their classic sound. Listen to their first album, Chicago Transit Authority (1969), and compare it to their newest album, Chicago XXXVI (2014). Different style but same sound.

This video is a full concert from when Chicago performed at Tanglewood in 1970. Just off of their second album, Chicago, these songs were the hits that put the band from the Windy City on the map. Let this video play in the background as you get to hear a great LIVE recording of a fantastic group.

Cheers and Vinyl.

Jeremy Smith

Jeremy E. Smith is the Founder and Editor of Last Row Music. He received music degrees from Grace College, Carnegie Mellon University, and The Ohio State University. Currently, Jeremy is the bass trombonist of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, the Huntington Symphony Orchestra, and performs throughout Ohio, where he lives with his wife and two sons. Smith is a member of the International Trombone Association and the Jazz Journalists Association.