This was early Chicago with Terry Kath on vocals and guitar. He brought that heavy groove and funk with his voice and that scratchy, distorted guitar. They were never the same after his death.

@sherristeele528

2 ай бұрын

I saw them live in '22 and it was one of the best concerts I ever attended. They were great with Terry and great since.

Danny Seraphine's drumming is so crisp and clean 👏 👏 👏

@aviatom1

2 жыл бұрын

He was killin it!!!

@charlesbishop4000

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve always loved the distinct sound of Danny’s drums! The snares have a fullness I’ve never heard anywhere else. Everyone is doing a phenomenal and life changing job!

@brucemarshall9521

2 жыл бұрын

@@aviatom1 The most melodic drummer.....ever.

@jowsmith1904

2 жыл бұрын

@@charlesbishop4000 DANNY WAS MY FAV DRUMMER BACK IN THE DAY.

Danny Seraphine is one the most underrated drummers ever. The dude was a monster.

I first saw these guys when I was 15 years old. They were Chicago Transit Authority. I was completely blown away. I had the pleasure to see them live again in the 1990's. What a great band ❤

Written by a teenage Steve Winwood and performed when he was in the Spencer Davis group. I love both versions.

@RicoBurghFan

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. One of the rare instances where both the original and cover are certified classics. Interestingly, this is the only cover that Chicago ever did and boy did they ever bang it out.

@MRCATL3

2 жыл бұрын

It was done first by Muddy Waters, then by Bo Diddly. know your history

@barbmirell6789

2 жыл бұрын

@@MRCATL3 Different tune, different lyrics, same title.

@larrylaunsteinjr1015

Жыл бұрын

Me too, equally well.

@MRCATL3

Жыл бұрын

Not taking anything away from Chicago, Steve Winwood, or Bo Diddley. Just important to recognize the roots

This was a remarkable album in so many ways. And yes, there was a lot of it was that was recorded in a live session with some minor overdubs. Two amazing things was a debut album that was a double LP, and that even in 1969 it sounded this great mainly because they used a lot of new state of the art recording equipment and techniques. Jimi Hendrix reportedly said that Terry Kath was the best guitarist he'd ever heard.

@aviatom1

2 жыл бұрын

He nailed that wah 🙃👍

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

Terry Kath must be bad ass if Jimi likes him!

@jowsmith1904

2 жыл бұрын

@@HarriBestReactions KATH WAS A MONSTER.

Chicago's version had 3 different vocalists singing. First was Terry Kath, legendary guitar player, 2nd was Peter Cetera, the bass player, 3rd was Robert Lamm, keyboardist. Terry was the driving force of Chicago but died young in a gun accident. After that the record companies pushed them into doing love songs since they sold so well. Everything with Terry Kath is worth checking out. The 3 horn players did the cowbell and other percussion instruments on this song since horns weren't involved.

@scottlaughlin9897

2 жыл бұрын

Ty, I actually just noticed that for the first time and was gonna comment and couldn’t remember the 3rd singers name? And boom the 2nd comment “ yours “ pops right up with my answer and comment. Too funny 😂

@1bigrowdy

2 жыл бұрын

The Terry Kath Story on YT is with a watch.Also Rick Beatos what makes this song Great. MAKE ME SMILE

@tonyanderton3521

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, Sue - 3 contrasting vocal styles, all brilliant.

@jowsmith1904

2 жыл бұрын

AFTER KATH DIED THEY WERE NEVER THE SAME SADLY.

@bdjennings55

2 жыл бұрын

Actually, in the final segment, you can hear the horns underneath the “I’m a man” background vocals.” But I didn’t realize it until I heard the digital version on headphones for the first time.

The good years for Chicago. 💥

Didn't we have the best music back then, damn this brings back awesome memories

Early Chicago was formidable indeed! What as awesome cover version!!✌🏻✨

Loved this when it first came out . Still love it decades later.

This for Chicago album is the best they ever did.

@nashtndawg

2 жыл бұрын

I loved all of their 70s stuff with Terry. When he died, the soul of Chicago was gone.....

One of the best live bands ever

One of the greatest debut albums ever! Back when Chicago was badass!

Jimmi Hendrix loved and respected Terry Kath the guitarist telling an interviewer once that Terry was better than him. You can't get a better reference than that. RIP Terry!!!

Spencer Davis said this was the greatest recording of this song he ever heard.

I don't care who you choose in the band. There was no weak link. An amazing collection of virtuosos with supreme writing skills.

The live version is a must see

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds good

I have always liked this version over the original, Kath was feeling it.

@scottlaughlin9897

2 жыл бұрын

And the drum solo!

@RicoBurghFan

2 жыл бұрын

So was the whole amazing band.

@1bigrowdy

2 жыл бұрын

Kath was ALWAYS feeling it .Check out the Terry Kath story on Yt

@roymoore3156

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t think I’ve heard this by anyone other than my CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY .......... I still have the album and it’ll play right now without many scratches...I believe radio quality now.

One of their horn players said that as he was watching from the side of the stage, as Terry Kath was jamming a solo, Jimi Hendrix came up and said "Man, I wish I could play like that!"... 😎🤘

Danny Seraphine's drumming on this song in particular was one of my inspirations for becoming a percussionist.

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

The drummer was nuts!

@tonyfred123

2 жыл бұрын

I just typed the same thing above. I was inspired to play the drums due to this recording.

Loved to dance this one. Everyone went wild during the drum solo.

I was 13 when this album came out and it was the 1st record I ever bought. I can't tell you how many times I laid in my bedroom floor with my headphones on listening to this song. It still gives me chills. And I learned how to play the drums thanks to the amazing percussion on thus track. I rate it still as some of the best ever recorded. Thanks for reacting!

@ricksloop1075

2 жыл бұрын

One of my first albums too! Started out with Chicago and Butterfield Blues band . Picked up both at the same time. And what a long strange trip it’s been since then.

@karenscigliano9787

Жыл бұрын

@@ricksloop1075 perfect!!

Harry my man. Dig your groove, baby. You MUST watch them perform this live at Cottonwood.

I always felt CTA showed what Chicago could have been. Yes, they had a lot of hits after that, but nothing with the raw energy and musicality that CTA hits you in the face with. Great reaction!

Thanks for playing and reminding me of my favorite song by Chicago

I love both versions, but I'll take this one every time. As for Danny Serafine's drumming, I think even Buddy Rich would have complemented it.

This song has blown my mind for many years now...

Whenever I hear this, it is always a wow for me. Chicago is a great band but Kath was just an amazing guitar player and his voice...

Peter Cetera was a master on bass, in addition to his singular voice!

I love your reactions to my favorite band Chicago. Your reactions remind me of the joy I experienced when I heard these songs when I was young.

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

✌🏾

Good reaction to Chicago Harri. Glad you reacted to this song.

If your body doesn't move involuntarily to this song then your dead inside.🥰😂

I bought the "Chicago Transit Authority" album in 1969, when I was in my 20s. Loved it then; love it now!

You mentioned the guitarist and the bassist...those were also the two lead singers here, Terry Kath and Peter Cetera, both somewhat underrated for their respective instrumental prowess. The caviat on that statement is that Jimmy Hendrix famously stated that his favorite guitar player was Terry Kath...so he was maybe not too underrated...lol. Love your joy in sharing the music, Harri.

❤ great tune from a great album. Thank you!

One of the most electrifying tracks I ever heard when it came out, and still so today.

There is a little known and not well respected guitar player named Jimi Hendrix who said that Terry Kath was a better guitar player than him. While that may be humility speaking, Terry earned that respect.

Steve Winwood is an underrated musical genius

Terry Kath was the man. He's also my favorite vocalist in the group

Great version of this song. Also great bass.

Great song and reaction !! Terry Kath (RIP) on guitar.

Great reaction, Hari! It is fun watching, listening or both to early Chicago! I am glad you enjoyed it!

One of my favorite Chicago songs is the not so well known 1971 song "Lowdown" it is a great vocal by Peter Cetera with a super lead guitar by Terry Kath, the horns and drums are also great. Peter C. was mad because Terry Kath walked in and laid down a fantastic guitar part and walked out of the recording session. One and done. Classic.

@Miketheman1986

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve heard Kath hated that song too. Fantastic guitar solo yes, which saved the song, but I can imagine why he hated it because Cetera’s choice of repetitive basic chords must’ve been so boring to Kath.

@danielvolk237

2 жыл бұрын

@@Miketheman1986 That sounds about right. 👍🙃 Thanks Mike.

Harri, you need to react to Chicago live I think it was filmed in 69 but amazing version of this song,25 or 6 2 4, make me smile etc just a rocking set list. Amazing!

Back when groovy was groovy. When excellent musicians played.

Great reaction. Thanks for the song.

Danny Seraphine was just a pure pro. You hear them live, with Seraphine's adjustments during Terry Kath's jams, it's really impressive. Pete Cetera should also get credit for doing a very credible job on the bass.

I had never heard this version of this song. It’s wonderful and I’m as surprised as you are Harri! 🌺✌️

Harri, if you get a chance check out the Chicago concert at Tangelwood on KZread. It is Chicago at their best.

@millerrmann

2 жыл бұрын

Have you their Beat-Club version from 1969 kzread.info/dash/bejne/iYFqzpmtp7LMo9I.html

Can't wait until March so I can request 25 or 6 to 4 live at Tanglewood. I think that it is THE GOAT of guitar solos as Terry Kath plays like a man possessed. Classic. 👍😉😎🔥🌏

Harri if you liked this version of this song then you’ll love the Chicago Live At Tanglewood 1970 version you can see for your self the energy and fun they are having doing this song it will blow you away

One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands! My toes started tapping with the first beat! Thanks!

Harri, there is a current Russian group which has specialized in paying respect to Chicago. They are all top shelf talents. In fact, Leonid and Friends version of this tune will knock your socks off. As will all they've produced including some EWF hits. Check them out. They are outstanding. With a very inriguing story re their beginnings.

Features a awesome drum solo by Danny Serephine.

I am so grateful to have been 19 years old when this came out. Hormones, great friends, girls, mind expanding naturals, and… CHICAGO!

As Todd said, early Chicago was amazing. They are musicians with chops. David Foster ruined them in the '80s and relegated them to a soft rock love song band - and that's not what they ever were! Check out "Live from Carnegie Hall" and you'll hear their greatness!

"Searchin So Long" will be right up your alley!!!

Terry Kath RIP to one of the absolute greats!!! Danny kicking ass on the drums as well....... what a groove!

Now you need to see Leonid and Friends do it. Just sayin. Best cover band in history, and they do honor to Chicago and many other artists from the 70s. Do it for yourself alone, Harry, no need to react, but you will be overjoyed.

@barrycohen311

2 жыл бұрын

Those guys kick ass....

@hurricane1951

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely a great band.

@Katehowe3010

2 жыл бұрын

They weren't renowned for their creativity when it came to album titles!

@danielvolk237

2 жыл бұрын

Have seen them twice and plan on seeing them again when covid clears up. I heard the lead guitarist left. Sergey was his name. Great band. 👍😎🔥

@IllumeEltanin

2 жыл бұрын

Leonid and Friends are worthy!

Every time someone else reviews this song by Chicago I listen to it. Thank you for an intelligent and well-researched listen. You are the best. Thank you. And if no one has said so before, thank you for not pausing the music during a solo.

Excellent video reaction

A great recording and awesome mix.

One of those rare occasions in which a cover version matches the original. Chicago did it their own way. I love both versions equally.

A lot of covers of this were recorded, but this has to be the epitome. Still appreciate the teenage Steve Winwood's/Spencer Davis Group original. If they had only known the heights to which their composition would go ... as well as "Gimme Some Lovin' ".

Uncle Phil, he needs to react to 25 Or 6 To 4!! Live or studio works for me! He said he couldn't imagine Chicago doing much with this song so he must be thinking of the love song Chicago after Terry passed away.

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

I was 😂😆

@suecook1326

2 жыл бұрын

@@HarriBestReactions I love Chicago, saw them live a couple of times with Terry and most recently in 2016. While this song is great, I believe 25 Or 6 To 4 is equal to... or dare I say, better than I'm A Man?? lol!

@michael7191

2 жыл бұрын

Yes yes yes yes! 25 or 6 to 4 is quintessential Chicago. Guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals and horns all working together, but especially Kath on guitar. 100% energy from start to finish. Honestly I don’t think there’s a better song by any band.

@John_Locke_108

2 жыл бұрын

@@suecook1326 I agree with you completely.

@beno7238

2 жыл бұрын

@@suecook1326 the lyrics to 25 or 6 to 4 have a crazy backstory as well!!

I remember when I first bought this album and I heard this song and I kept playing it over and over and didn't listen to the whole album until a few days later. Eventually I had to purchase a second copy. Great album and this song just pushes so hard.

You cannot beat early Chicago.🔥👍🎧

Those first few Chicago lp's were enough for me. Legend. Live @ Carnegie Hall, too.

I knew you would love this Harry. So glad you finally heard this version.

Harri, you would LOVE a song by the band called, Boston and their song, More Than A Feeling. You really need to do a reaction. Fantastic song, and I promise diamonds to your ears!

pretty much all of that double album was recorded in one take except for a few minor adjustments. especially in "Liberation" you can hear them tuning and then counting in and after a minute Terry comes with a staggering solo lasting just about rest of the song going through different styles of soloing and finishing off with "ooh ooh thank you people" excellent album with some songs really sticking out. South California Purples once gave me my one and only out-of-body-experience. was amazing. Hendrix said Terry was the most amazing plr he ever heard.

Ah yes children.....back in the day when the Chicago Transit Authority was badass kicking blues rock jazz all at the same time!

gotta watch this song live tanglewood 1970

They owned it!

You crack up Harri yeah that's the feeling I still get when I hear this tune✌🤘

This song has always been a powerhouse in my memory bank! Chicago very deep catalog and who doesn't love horns! #felakuti

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

Now you speaking my language! Fela Kuti

Spencer Davis Group first did this song, but Chicago did a great version.

Musical masterpiece!

I'd forgotten this one. Thanks for reminding me.

Harri. Get your socks blown off with chicagos. Poem 58. Some of the finest guitar, bass, drum battle. Even if you dont do a reaction you will not be dissapointed🤘❤️

@IllumeEltanin

2 жыл бұрын

Pretty much every track from the debut double album, Chicago Transit Authority is worthy of a reaction.

2 things that you need to realize about this version. First it features all 3 lead singers, Terry Kath, then Peter Cetera finally Bobby Lamm. Second they do not use the brass in this song, unlike most of their songs during this era.

@josephonesi2924

2 жыл бұрын

The brass section became a great percussion section.

The Quad Mix will blow you away!

This is Chicago transit authority. Whole different city.

There First Album is the Best! Your doing it now! Roll Brother!

I don't know if you're aware of this, but every time you've reacted to early Chicago (from '69 thru about '71), you have been blown away. I know you've often said that you're quite familiar with their softer sound that was prevalent in the late 70s and 80s, but it is kinda seeming like you (like many of us Chicago fans) prefer their earlier work. What do you think?

@jowsmith1904

2 жыл бұрын

I THINK YOU ARE CORRECT.

Terry Kath one of my top ten guitar players of all time.

I think this is a Fantastic record from Chicago, one of their best numbers. 🎸🎸🎶🎶💕💕👍

I was a kid when that song first came on the radio. I couldn't believe it was Chicago.

That. Whole. Album. Rocks.

Now that is what you call a jam session gone wild.

This song just builds and builds and builds

Harry, there is a video of Chicago doing this song live, and it is just as good as the studio version. Also, there is a Russian band Leonard and Friends who do a superb virtual live studio cover of Chicago's cover of this song, All the same energy to enjoy!

Same song, Tanglewood 1970, even better live in concert.

I've listened to this for years, but only after I rearranged my office & placed the speakers slightly above ear level did I truly hear & appreciate the drum solo. I might have noticed the same thing after I got good headphones recently (for Home Free, etc.). I made a drum solo only cut, and can spend time listening to it over and over. Thank you, Mr. Harri, for this & all of your reactions. You, sir, are diamonds in my ears.

When they still let Terry Kath loose on guitar and didn't bury him in the mix under the horns. There is a cool live version of this. I think it's from Tanglewood. Make sure you look up the video.

Early chicago with kath on guitar. When chicago was still a rock and roll band

This is what people are talking about when they say they like early Chicago and don't care much for the later "Hard Habit to Break" period. I'd recommend any of the hits from this period.

The Spencer Davis original was from 1967. This cover is from 1969. Only about two years apart. As you can hear there is a major difference in style and sound quality. Both Rock and recording technology were evolving and maturing at an astounding rate back then. If you listen to a variety of songs from those two years you can hear the overall difference. BTW, this version wasn't by Chicago. It was by Chicago Transit Authority. They didn't shorten their name until their second album.

Cover of the Spencer Davis Group original. Written by Jim Capaldi and Stevie Winwood.