The Magic Continues to Bristle with the Wind: Chicago

from Steel Notes Magazine Fall 2021

Robert Lamm By Don Aters

The Magic Continues to Bristle with the Wind:

CHICAGO

BY DON ATERS

Few bands have transcended the decades with the unique ability to make horns the priority component that would see them climb the ladder of success and maintain that brilliance through seven decades. During the embryonic days of The Big Thing”, their chosen craft was a tinge arcane to the world of “Rock n’ Roll” but changing the complexities of grandeur for the masses was not on the agenda.

The dystopian attitude would soon prevail as the hippie diaspora was on the horizon. The stage charisma, charm, crowd rapport and collective, melodic gifts as a touring band were and will remain. Augmented with the ethos that would transcend with “The spirit Of An Entire Generation” these are the collective souls that define archetypal musicians with the mirth of joy when playing as a unit while deftly segueing from one mercurial tune to another.

Their cacophony of lyrical sensations would see Robert Lamm, James Pankow inducted into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2017 and into the asylum know as Rock n’ Hall Of Fame in 2016. Amidst their collective awards, a myriad of other kudos and plaudits were bestowed, inclusive of “Grammy Award”, “Lifetime Achievement Award” were unveiled.

This amalgam of Dionysian, musical warriors have redefined what constitutes legendary, the tunes that defined an entire generation despite the decadence of the sixties and beyond. When I spoke to Robert (Lamm) last month, I mentioned when a replacement is needed, is there an audition? Robert alluded to just having a one show replacement and if preferred by the others and himself, whomever is now a member of one of music’s greatest musical attraction in the history of recorded music. They are the doyens of an entire culture who were critical in helping paint the tapestry of the entire Woodstock Generation. The disparity between paradigm and paradox is easily conjured through the minds of followers after all these years. The torch of those who have made a difference through the sands of time is now carried by the passion of fans and the alchemy of Chicago - 2021-2022.

The first song at any chosen venue is dedicated to Terry Kath although never announced to the burgeoning hordes across the globe. The love of live performances has always triggered these iconic musicians and inspiration to continue their chosen path while we make the sojourn to watch them regardless of demographics. Perspective may vary but from the recesses of this menial mind and 6,000 bands from the glory days in San Francisco, it will never get better than these performances.