Chicago was an undeniable force in the early ’70s, churning out albums and relentlessly touring. By September 1971, fresh off their third studio album and just weeks after the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors, Chicago graced its stage, marking a pivotal moment in their career and the venue’s history. This performance, captured on tape but mysteriously shelved for over five decades, finally sees the light of day thanks to Rhino Entertainment. The Kennedy Center concert offers a fascinating glimpse into Chicago’s evolving sound, showcasing a setlist distinct from their famed Carnegie Hall shows recorded earlier that year, highlighting a shift towards shorter, more concise compositions. This unearthed recording not only preserves a historical performance but unveils the band’s creative process and the dynamic musical landscape of the era.

A Night of Musical Evolution: The Kennedy Center Performance

Trumpeter Lee Loughnane, in a recent interview, vividly recalls the band’s relentless touring schedule in 1971. The road served as their rehearsal space, a crucible where their musical ideas took shape. This constant evolution is strikingly evident in the Kennedy Center concert, a performance markedly different from the Carnegie Hall recordings made just months prior. Loughnane himself expressed surprise upon revisiting the tapes, particularly hearing an early rendition of “Saturday in the Park” with Peter Cetera on lead vocals, a configuration that would later change with Robert Lamm taking the reins for the studio version. This fluidity demonstrates Chicago’s experimental approach, their willingness to reshape and refine their material in real-time, on stage in front of a live audience.

The Genesis of “Saturday in the Park”: A Non-Political Anthem

The introduction to “Saturday in the Park” at the Kennedy Center includes a noteworthy disclaimer: it’s not a political song. This clarification reflects the sociopolitical climate of the time and the band’s desire to remain focused on their music amidst growing pressure to take a public stance. Loughnane recounts how they often directed political inquiries towards Robert Lamm, the primary songwriter behind such tracks. This separation allowed the band to navigate the turbulent waters of the era, prioritizing their artistic expression while acknowledging the individual political views within their ranks.

A Free-Form Approach: Shaping Songs on Stage

Chicago’s willingness to present “rough sketches” of songs reflects their free-form, organic approach to music-making. Loughnane attributes this freedom partly to their record label’s leniency, allowing them to experiment and evolve their material on stage. The simpler production of the era also facilitated this flexibility, with less reliance on precisely timed lighting and sound cues. They could spontaneously change setlists, introduce new material, and essentially rehearse and refine their songs in front of a live audience, fostering a dynamic and interactive relationship with their fans.

From Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall: Overcoming Technical Challenges

The Kennedy Center tapes, much like the Carnegie Hall recordings, presented technical hurdles. However, armed with experience from the Carnegie Hall project, Chicago tackled these challenges head-on. Engineer Tim Jessup, along with the band, meticulously addressed each issue, focusing first on the rhythm section and gradually refining other elements to achieve the best possible sound quality. This painstaking process underscores their commitment to preserving and sharing these historical performances, even with the inherent difficulties of working with vintage recordings.

Crafting Epic Compositions: “It Better End Soon” and “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon”

Both the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall sets feature extended pieces like “It Better End Soon” and “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.” These complex compositions showcase Chicago’s musical prowess and their ability to seamlessly blend rock, jazz, and classical influences. Loughnane describes Jimmy Pankow’s compositional process for “Ballet,” highlighting how the music often came first, with lyrics added later. This approach, common among instrumentalists, allowed the music to organically unfold, leading the way for lyrical inspiration and creating a unique narrative flow within the songs. The live performances of these extended pieces would often evolve from night to night, demonstrating their improvisational skills and adding a unique dimension to each concert experience.

“It Better End Soon”: A Dynamic and Evolving Masterpiece

The dynamic nature of “It Better End Soon,” with its shifting arrangements and improvisational sections, exemplifies Chicago’s progressive musical approach. Each performance offered a unique interpretation, with Terry Kath’s “preach section” and Walt Parazaider’s solo providing opportunities for individual expression within the larger framework of the song. This fluidity and adaptability, coupled with the track’s inherent musical depth, resonated with audiences and solidified its status as a fan favorite.

The Horn Section’s Synergy: A Foundation of Musical Excellence

The tight-knit horn section, a defining characteristic of Chicago’s sound, developed their synergy through rigorous rehearsal and an intuitive understanding of each other’s musicality. Loughnane emphasizes the importance of mastering the intricate horn arrangements before integrating them with the full band, ensuring a seamless blend of sound. Their adaptability shone through even amidst the technical limitations of the era’s live sound systems. Loughnane recalls using cigarette filters as makeshift earplugs, relying on his internal sense of pitch and rhythm to stay in sync with the band. This resourcefulness, combined with Terry Kath’s ability to steer the band back on course with a simple whistle cue during moments of musical divergence, speaks volumes about their professionalism and their commitment to delivering a cohesive performance.

The Shift to Shorter Songs: A Response to Industry Changes

The move towards shorter songs on Chicago V marked a departure from their previous double albums. Loughnane attributes this shift primarily to changes in copyright payment practices within the music industry. Record labels began limiting royalty payments to a set number of songs, incentivizing shorter tracks and impacting the overall structure of albums. This change forced artists to adapt, capturing listeners’ attention within a more concise timeframe and reshaping the creative landscape of the music industry.

Chicago: A Legacy of Innovation and Musical Exploration

The Kennedy Center concert, a time capsule unearthed after decades, provides invaluable insight into Chicago’s formative years. It reveals a band at the cusp of mainstream success, experimenting with their sound, refining their compositions, and solidifying their unique musical identity. This performance, a testament to their creative process and their unwavering dedication to their craft, reinforces Chicago’s legacy as innovators and pioneers of a dynamic and ever-evolving musical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I listen to the Kennedy Center concert recording?

A: The complete concert is available in various formats through Rhino Entertainment. Check their official website for purchasing options.

Q: Are there other unreleased Chicago recordings?

A: While this Kennedy Center recording marks a significant discovery, it’s possible other unreleased material exists within the band’s extensive archives. Stay tuned for potential future releases.

Q: How did Chicago’s music evolve over time?

A: Chicago’s musical journey spans decades, encompassing various styles and influences. Their early work showcased a blend of rock, jazz, and classical elements, while later periods saw them explore different genres and incorporate evolving production techniques. Exploring their discography chronologically reveals this fascinating evolution.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and questions about this remarkable concert recording and Chicago’s enduring musical legacy. Join the conversation and contribute to the ongoing appreciation of this influential band.