It was a 10 out of 10 for me. This was 1969, and I was 10. It's a very influential age for a boy, this knocked me out. So did many other gems from 1969, but Chicago was the gift the keeps on giving.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

@@jeffrubinelectronics i’m the same age as you. Same reaction - all those changes, and it’s such an aptly named tune for the very first track on the very first Chicago album. It really is an introduction to all the different styles Chicago can and will give you. And it’s just wonderful to watch someone discover this piece of awe inspiring music for the first time. I wish I could somehow erase my memory of this song and hear it for the first time all over again, so I can fall in love with it all over again. It’s delightful to watch somebody discover this masterpiece for the first time, given that I discovered it five decades ago (a few years later than you).

The "breakdown" section was 19/8 time signature. The song was "written"and sung by Terry Kath on guitar. Terry could not write the music on paper but had it in his head. Terry worked with James Pankow (trombone) and James charted the music to paper. Introduction is truly a masterpiece. I saw Chicago for the first time in 1970. GREAT REACTION!

This was revolutionary when it came out, combining rock & funk with a horn section. This particular song takes the listener on quite the journey... And the horns hit parts of the soul that other instruments can't quite reach--- I feel elated whenever I listen to old Chicago songs.. Hope you'll give "Beginnings" from this same album a listen, it's fantastic, too. ✌🎶

Congratulations on having just experienced THE greatest song in the history of rock-n-roll, period. The multiple tempo and motif changes, the three fantastic soli (trombone, trumpet, guitar), the climatic tutti section; NOBODY else in the rock medium has been able to top this song.

This was Chicago’s “Introduction “ to the public; the 1st tune on the 1st album. They all get a chance to introduce themselves!

Their first song on their first album. Just insane

R.I.P. Terry Kath the great guitarist and vocalist on this tune

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

Also the composer. And he couldn’t read or write music! A music copyist had to get it down as musical notes. And it was a bugger to transcribe because of all the time signature and key changes and multiple things happening that I can’t describe because I don’t know music theory. Learn more about this specific tune in the documentary about the life of Terry Kath. It’s called Searching for Terry and was produced by his daughter, who was only two years old when he accidentally took his own life in 1978. The documentary came out in 2016. You can watch it free on KZread now.

8 out of 10? wow, how can it be less than a 10? Like you said, this song had everything and complete. Imagine your first album, first song and this is what you hear? Mind blowing for 1969. And still beautiful today.

so cool to see the younger generation to appreciate the phenomenal music we were blessed with

The first time I saw Chicago was in Milwaukee, Summerfest, July 1970. I was 13. Blessed I got to see Terry Kath play.

Trumpet, trombone and sax. Unreal horn section that stayed together for 50 years.

The bass playing on this song is great too

@Tarkus7

14 күн бұрын

Peter Cetera is just as inventive a bass player as McCartney or Jamerson to me.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

That’s Peter Cetera! Most people know him only for his singing, but before he emerged as the band’s de facto lead singer, he was every bit as notable a bass player. Too many people have overlooked that.

One of their absolute best. Just a total display of every band members talents. Pete Cetera bass was amazing

IMHO this should be everyone's first Chicago listen. It is, after all, the "Introduction".

The first Chicago song I remember is "Saturday In The Park" blaring out of the lowriders that used to cruise through the park on Sundays. From then on, it's been a love affair between me and Chicago. "Old Days" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" are among my many Chicago favorites. I could go on listing many Chicago songs that I love but you get the drift. Dive into Chicago, you won't regret it.

A musical masterpiece! Memorized this whole album back in the day! Still remember every note!

Nice reaction. Chicago didn’t get the airplay with their initial music, so they broke their ballads up into shorter, playable songs for radio. Give their song "I've Been Searching." Terrific horn play with bassist Peter Cetera singing lead. Chicago was a hit machine, sharing the stage together, letting each member of the band shine. So much music made over 50+ years!!!

I saw Chicago June 2023. First song they played was this 💥 BOOM

These dudes were in their early 20's, they sound so incredibly professional.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

Textbook example of TALENT.

This was guitarist Terry Kath’s masterpiece and is a perfect “introduction” to what the band was all about, a combination of jazz, funk and rock all merged into a unique sound. The song has been played to open every concert since Kath’s unfortunate death as a way of honoring him.

Hey man. Enjoyed your reaction to this great song. It was the first song on the first Chicago album and the title is perfect, because it really was an introduction to Chicago and what they were capable of as a band. This period of Chicago's career was my favorite since they still had Terry Kath, their lead guitarist and singer on this track. He unfortunately passed away too soon and for me, Chicago was never the same after that. Still have this album on vinyl and I will always enjoy listening to it. So glad you checked this one out. Peace.

It's always a party when you play Chicago.

You have the same look of amazement on your face that I had on mine when I first heard that song... in 1969 right after it came out.. I was 8 yrs old. I was captured then and I am still enjoying their music 50+ yrs later. Thanks for letting me relive that joy with you. Great reaction.

Chicago was an Awesome band! What a sound and such excellent musicians. You might also like Blood, Sweat, And Tears from the same era, also with a big horn section. also with excellent musicianship. Hi-De-Ho, You Made Me So Very Happy, Spinning Wheel, And When I Die, and God Bless The Child are all great places to start with them. 🙂

Wow! What a treat. I've heard only two reactors in the last couple years even play this. Thanks so much. This is the "real" classic Chicago...jazz rock; not the ballad machine they turned into later.

I loved the band since I was a kid! As an adult I took my mom to go see them. She said she didn't know their music, so I made her a mix tape (cassette -- dating myself for sure). She was shocked, because she knew most of the songs! She loved them. I didn't tell her that I had 2nd row for the concert!! FYI -- that was too close!! Those horns blew us out of the venue!! lol. One of the best concerts of my life!!

This early Chicago is some of the best music EVER.. perfect title of a song, and the first song on their first album.. each instrument is highlighted and introduced To the world!! They insisted that it had to be a double album, and had to agree on reduced royalties,, insisted on same double albums for next 2-3!!! Terry Kath was an amazing guitarist , Hendrix came backstage in Los Angeles and said he played better than himself and invited them on tour .. I wish I was old enuf to have seen that but I’m just 62!!

Holy Moly! You talk about songs being two minutes thirty. When I was a kid, that was all that was allowed on AM radio, or on a 45 disc.

They released a double album right out of the gate.

Thanks for your appreciation. Complete is the word indeed. I was fortunate enough to catch this band at the Royal Albert Hall London in late '69.

Those drums and bass... 🔥🔥🔥🔥

You stumbled upon in my opinion the best album of all time

Great album. I tend to forget this intro, thank you for the reminder. I was 17 when this album came out, it was the soundtrack of my senior year in high school.

The horns are awesome. Maybe re-listen and listen to that excellent bass, too.

They still start their concerts with this song. First time I saw them was 1970. Last time was 2019 with Earth Wind and Fire. Still sound outstanding with 4 original members.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

They’re down to three original members now - Lamm (keyboards), Loughnane (trumpet) and Pankow (trombone). Walt Parazaider (woodwinds) is the most recent original member to leave. Sadly, he has Alzheimer’s.

Whole album is magic. BAM!

I'm going to see Chicago this month. They mainly play their music from this period when they perform live.

You need to listen to "Beginnings" on the same album. I am 75 years old and grew up listening to them and so many other great groups. Thanks for your reaction.

Definition of "Fire" , achieved .

These guys both impress Janis and Jimmy. so take what you will.

I still have this album

Chicago sounded like a black band early in their career. Brass Construction, Mandrill and of James Brown's horn section! This sounds like a soundtrack for a "blaxploitation movie."

I was in the Air Force when the album came out (still have it and the poster that came with it). Totally blew my mind how amazing it sounded when played on my Garrard Turntable hooked to an AA-15 Stereo Amplifier from Heathkit that I had to build and a pair of speakers I built from parts I bought at Radio Shack (Yes! back then they sold quality parts to build your own - even sold Speaker Grill Cloth). Ahhh! The "Good Old Days!" (I'm 73 now) LOL

@williamj.sheehan2001

2 ай бұрын

Hey AF, sounds like you had a kick-butt stereo system! I can only imagine how great this Chicago album sounded on it!

@AFmedic

2 ай бұрын

@williamj.sheehan2001 It's "still have" not "had". LOL When the popularity of phonographs/turntables started dying I had the foresight to stock up on replacement needles. Over the years I had to replace a few components (capacitors, resistors, etc) on the Amp/Pre-Amp but still sounds great (was playing some records yesterday). Did replace the homemade speakers back in the early 80's with some Radio Shack Optimus speakers. This 73 yr old geezer is still "Rockin Hard" to Chicago, Grand Funk, Iron Butterfly, etc... LOL I tell my son that he better treat me nice or "that stereo system" is being buried with me so he can't have it. ROFL

@williamj.sheehan2001

2 ай бұрын

@@AFmedic Hahahahaha! That is awesome! Now, this is really getting in the weeds, but I remember one song (we had the "45") that seemed to have a really hot signal when we played it on the family stereo-- "You Better Think Twice", by Poco. Doggone it, you felt like you had the actual band right there in the room! Great tune!

@AFmedic

2 ай бұрын

@@williamj.sheehan2001 Not "great" but "Groooovy" ROFLMAO Poco's original bassist, Randy Meisner (who later joined the Eagles) really killed that Bass line. KZread has it. Side note - Original Poco members Jim Messina hooked up with Kenny Loggins (Loggins & Messina) and Jim Furay was an original member of Buffalo Springfield.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

I listened to it on a Heathkit too! My dad built it, and he used speakers that were gotten from a movie theater. He was an electrical engineering professor. And I first heard it when I was about 14 in 1973. 🤯

I remember the first time I heard from the band . While riding the CTA TRAIN

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

OMG!! 😱🤯🤩😳

When I was a little kid I had to listen to records to go to sleep .. like 2-3 years old. I remember this one and the Easy Rider sound track .. to this day I can't sleep unless something is playing. cheers.. Checkout live at Tanglewood I think they do this one live as well.. and live is even beter!

If you thought this was fire, on the same album is "Poem 58". Nine minutes of PURE FUNK! Chicago's first three albums were all double LPs and the fourth was a FOUR LP box set extracted from their eight live shows at Carnegie Hall in NYC! This was unheard of for any new band, to do double LPs right out of the gate. Lead singer Terry Kath was literally introducing the band to the audience when he wrote Introduction. Chicago had three members on horns. James Pankow on trombone wrote the arrangements. Lee Loughnane (pronounced "LOCK nane") on trumpet, and Walter Parazaider on saxophone, flute, and other woodwinds were the other two. Walt retired from touring a few years ago due to multiple health issues. Lee and James, along with founding keyboard player Robert Lamm are the only three original members still playing in Chicago.

don't forgetr the bass😊

You got it.

Okay first of all....I grew up with Chicago ( telling my age lol ) so I already knew how sweet their sound is. I love watching people do reviews on them that have never heard them. Watching the reactions is priceless 🙂. The only thing I was hoping for that you didn't touch on was how soulful Terry Kath sounds. That being said , if you enjoyed that one I encourage you to listen to Any Way You Want I think you'll love it. Thank you loved your reaction 😊

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

Also listen to An Hour in the Shower, another deep track by Terry on Chicago’s third album.

Check out Leonid and Friends. Their precise recreations of classic Chicago songs are amazing.

This is what happens when a handful of young jazz musicians get together and form a rock band. The lead vocalist on this track if the brilliant guitarist Terry Kaff.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

Kath

HOW good was the CTA? It impressed Jimi Hendrix enough to ask the Band if they would like to be the Opening for His Tour..

How were they going to go from funk to jazz? With STYLE, Skill, and practice!

Bought this in England when it first came out. Great album!

Please check out Tower of Power! An amazing band.❤🎉 More fantastic horns!

What's Not to like about Chicago. They were so good.

You should have reviewed the live version from the Tanglewood concert.

Not everyone prefers the studio version over lives. Depends on the song and performance, for one.

"Grandpas OLD" rocking jazz funk R/B late 60s, mid 70s Chicago is NOT your Daughters 80s Chicago. I grew up with this band in the late 60s. "INTRODUCTION" was the bands way of showing the world exactly what Chicago was ALL about Rock Soul Funk Jazz R/B & back to Rock. As the song says ... "Put You Thru The Changes ... Hope You Feel Moved" So many great early Chicago songs to check out. The guitar player & vocalist on this track was Terry Kath. The heart & soul of the band. Sadly Terry was killed in I believe1976 & when Chicago lost Terry they lost a HUGE part of their Power Heart & Soul. That's when they went "commercial" & started doing their love ballads Was never the same after they lost Terry.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

1978

One of my first albums and I love every song on it (except maybe Freeform Guitar - not really my thing). I hope you continue with some more from this one.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

I don’t think Free Form Guitar is ANYBODY’s thing. ☠️😵

Guitar was the late great Terry Kath

"Can't Miss Album" = CMA = CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) . Undeniable Math ...numbers don't lie .

You've got to listen to Side 2 of Chicago II Starting with Make Me Smile.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

Yup. The whole Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.

Great reaction. The horns were not just the centerpiece of this song but Chicago in general. At least early Chicago (late 60s to late 70s). 80s Chicago in their power ballad era was not Chicago to me. They were no longer unique and basically a different group. Only the name was the same. Chicago at their best was their horn driven jazz-rock version. All 7 original members were top notch musicians. Terry Kath was Jimi Hendrix’s favorite guitarist. Kath wrote this song and sang lead. Bassist Peter Cetera and keyboard player Robert Lamm were the other two lead vocalists. Danny Seraphine on drums ( amazing drummer) and James Pankow, Lee Loughnane and Walter Parazaider on horns. Several of their early albums included songs that were just jams without vocals.

@samuelgates5935

10 ай бұрын

You told no lies! Early Chicago was awesome! Those ballads were too sappy for me.

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

True. The band was always a democracy. Terry was one of the guys who liked to push the envelope along with Bobby Lamm. When Terry died, the creative push the envelope lobby got reduced, and they started going for what made money: That’s what the majority of the band members wanted​@@samuelgates5935

CTA =CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY

You have it an 8 out of 10? I'd really like to know what you rate as a 9 or 10 out of 10.

If you synch up the video with the audio (need a slight delay (in obs) in the audio to make it match), then I'll subscribe :) This remix isn't that great.. try the original.

Not one comment regarding Petera Cetera's unbelievable bass playing. Come On Man, you gotta do better!

@hfjjor3681

8 күн бұрын

There are at least two praises for the bass playing now.