British guitarist analyses Chicago's Terry Kath live in 1970! 

Chicago was so well known for their horns but Terry’s guitar solo on 25 or 6 to 4 is as good as it gets

I used to live with Terry and his wife in Los Angels. He was an incredible player. I used to think he was in the wrong band as he was so often overlooked for his guitar and vocals because Chicago was known for the horns. He had a small studio in the house and was constantly writing. I'm glad he's finally getting the credit he deserved. He was also given the flip side of any singles. He was loved by all the rest of the guys. If you haven't seen it yet his daughter made a film about her Father called Looking For Terry. Sadly she didn't know him. P.S. He loved Joni Mitchell as well.

Excellent!!! I love Chicago. Terry Kath is criminally underrated as a guitarist.

Terry was so underrated as a guitarist and vocalist. He was always my favorite member of Chicago.

Terry Kath was way ahead of his time. Jimi Hendrix said Terry was the best guitarist of the time. We lost Terry way too soon. There is no telling what masterpieces were left in him if he had lived longer than he did. Rest in Peace Terry.

“You gotta check out this guy Terry Kath. His band is CTA. He's the best guitar player in the universe.” -Jimi Hendrix

The best guitarist I ever saw, hands down. Terry you are sorely missed.

Chicago is another band that I “didn’t get” when I was younger, but now I think they are incredible.

Their horn section, their songs, lyrics, and Terry Kath’s crushing guitar solos made Chicago such a great band. But Terry’s distinctive voice WAS Chicago.

Terry was a bad man man.What a musician.Had mad soul.Sad ending to such a gifted young cat.His music lives on though.Peace/Respect

It's good to see how he still lives in the hearts and minds of so many who loved him and miss him to this day 😢

Hello Fil here! Terry Kath had many special qualities as guitar player too bad he needlessly left us at such a young age. I know and appreciated Terry's guitar playing as I played in a Chicago cover band

My favorite all-time guitarist!!

25 or 6 to 4 Tanglewood live 1970 epic song and guitar solo. Chicago at there best and terry wow. The full solo exists

How can anyone not appreciate early Terry Kath and Chicago.. Big time rhythm section.. Danny Seraphine right up with Bonham.. Moon.. Baker.. Terry Kath a beast..

Bravo Fil for your spotlight and analysis on the great Terry Kath!

So glad that I was able to see Chicago in concert, with Terry Kath, back in 1975. He was a force on stage.

I’m from the Chicago area and era. My two older sisters were both trombone players back when Chicago (Chicago Transit Authority in those days, as you mentioned) released their first record(s). They got turned on to the group through a jazz lab they played in after high school. I remember wondering why CTA wasn’t as “big” as more well known groups because they were superior musicians with jazz/rock sounds I’d never heard before or since. When I listened to this track I had tears in my eyes, still mourning the fact that by the time I was able to afford a ticket to one of their live concerts, Terry Kath was gone; and the dynamics of the group had changed because of his loss. Still, I was blown away by their sound even after they settled into a more commercial sound and released songs that kept them at the top of the charts. I have borrowed Chicago albums and played them many times over the years, still trying to figure out what made them great and why I couldn’t stop listening to a number of their songs. Make Me Smile was definitely near the top, if not at the top of that list in my head. This is one of those times when RU-vid shines by making these gems available at the stroke of a keyboard, all while you can still upload a video of your brother’s wiener dog just for fun. I mourn the day that this ability to witness history is ever taken away from us. It’s even better when I put a on Chicago album while watching a video of my brother’s wiener dog! ;) But, I digress... Thanks for your look back and for shining a light on Terry’s great talents for younger generations. I just subscribed.

Terry Kath, one of the best lead guitar players EVER!

Funk, jazz, blues and rock. Versatility was the hallmark of Kath era Chicago. Solid musicianship from the whole band. On a British talk show, Hendrix was asked if there were any contemporaries whom he admired, Hendrix responded, "Terry Kath." Some close to Kath said Terry struggled with praise from "Caesar." After all, where does one go after having been crowned by a king?

I bought the Chicago II album as a teen in ‘72. IMHO Terry Kath was the soul of that band. His guitar and voice came straight from his heart. After he died they lost their rock sound. Danny Seraphine is also a world-class drummer who really knew how to compliment Terry’s guitar, such as during the guitar solo in 25 or 6 to 4.

No one ATTACKED the guitar like Terry Kath.

I will always love Terry Kath ❤️... His talent will never be duplicated.

I cannot hear this without memories of escaping into my little transistor during long school bus rides.

Terry was a beast on his guitar and sang with a ton of power. He lead Chicago into forefront of mainstream rock. Jimi Hendrix acknowledged Terry’s skills and was a fan.

“Cry sweet tears of joy...”

Chicago never recovered from his death, loved TK.

Brings me back to being a little kid listening to their songs when "AM" radio was the medium

Monster player, singer and writer

THANK YOU for giving some love to Terry Kath! This cat was so incredibly talented that all superlatives fall short. The rendition of '25 or 6 to 4' from this performance (Tanglewood 1970) features a guitar solo that has to be seen to be believed. And that voice, so soulful!

I became a Chicago fan in January 1998, and Terry Kath was at the core of why I dove for their music. It was his guitar playing that did it for me, but his singing was only slightly less important for me. Other commenters have got it right. The whole concert kicks ass!

I always thought Terry's best solo was in 25 or 6 to 4. That is my favorite song by Chicago. Also I don't think I ever saw Terry Kath not fighting with the Guitar. RIP Terry! Also Fil there is a better video of this song, Chicago live from Tanglewood. Thanks for bringing back some memories Sir.

Terry is the greatest plus an amazing soulful vocalist!

Undoubtedly one of the best bands/guitarist ever thanks now I will watch your review!!

The horns were always so incredible to listen to. I couldn't believe it when I found out that there were only 3 guys. Everything changed with the band after Terry died and I think that Chicago was never as good after that.

RIP Terry Kath. His guitar playing was just out of this world. He was an instrumental musician and together Chicago is one of the best bands ever in the world of rock and roll. I love this band so much!!!!!

Knock out analysis! Terry was legendary..... I wish there was a live video out there of 'Southern California Purples'.

Great cover of Terry and Chicago Fil. Terry is one of my main influences. I was so sad when he left us. What an underrated talent he was.

I'm a Chicago 🎶🎸🎷🎤🎹🎺fan ! , born and raised here. I'm a friend of " Kenny Cetera " I'm Blessed. " Rest in Paradise Terry " ☝🙏🎤🎸💜💘

Ya where the edit is, they go into “color my world” then back into make me smile. That whole concert is excellent!!! They changed (for the worse in my humble opinion) after he passed. Great analysis as always Fil!! 🇺🇸

Terry Kath an amazing guitarist with a wonderful voice and Chicago an amazing band 💜

Watch his daughter Michelle Kath Sinclair's documentary The Terry Kath Experience. Amazing tribute to her father who left her tragically at the age of 2

So, I would like to clear up a misconception. There would not have been a round in the magazine; it would have been in the chamber. After a gun is fired, it loads the next bullet into the chamber of the gun. If it is the last bullet, that bullet would go into the chamber and the magazine would be empty. This is one of the things that they teach you about gun safety and it is what I learned in the military; an empty magazine does not mean the gun is safe, you have to check the chamber first and eject the bullet to make it safe. It is likely that Terry knew this but forgot about it in the moment. Unfortunately that happens too often. I am not a gun enthusiast. I don't own a gun. It is just something that I learned early on which has stuck with me.

So glad you included this fantastic concert. I had a special invitation and didn't go. Regretfully missed a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks again for sharing!

Don't know all the "backstory" on Chicago but I'd put them in top 10 bands for many reasons but mostly because of their talented, versatility of people/personalities, musical compositions, instruments, and longevity in the public ear. One of the few greatest hits albums you can put on 5 hr loop (or some such), and not go nuts. "25 or 6 to 4" is one of my favs; for the guitar of course. If able to go back in time, i would've early-introduced the word "Nasty" to describe Terrys lead solo on it. (maybe copyright it too...lol) And Hendrix would've agreed, most def. You "read" a lot of minds in selecting this group (via Terry Kath) for analysis....esp mine. Cheers FIl ! 🍻 👍

Finally! I have been waiting for this a long time! Oh and BTW there is a very good Chicago tribute band called leonid and friends that actually cover this very well.

His solo in 25 or 6 to 4 at this concert is one of my favorites! Another great talent taken too soon RIP TK! Thanks Fil!

I was fortunate to see Terry and the band on 3 seperate occasions. Amazing, brilliant, guitarist and singer. The man put his soul and heart into each show. I cried when i learned of his death, but will always have their music. RIP Terry...you are missed.

I dropped 2 live feeds to join Fils post. I didn't wait 1 second. They are the best thing on YT.

I tickled the like button. (it slapped me)

I am always amazed at how well you articulate your ideas about players and bands. You've pointed out many details only another musician would notice, probably. It is really exceptional. Thanx!

I am new to your work. Incredible analysis. Love these!! One of my favorite bands and songs here. The talent of these seven guys has always boggled my mind. What a gift to all of us.

Terry Kath had a unique guitar sound and great backing vocals to compliment Peter Cetera’s totally distinctive vocals. His lead vocals were unworldly. A great loss way to early.

The horn work made Chicago unique And distinctive , he is a superb guitarist This was a fabulous time in Rock and Roll as the music became more complex and interesting absorbing elements of jazz and classical , great stuff!

You amaze me ! Just sharing with my 25 year old son that Chicago was such an amazing band ...growing up with them in the 70’s radio hit after hit on the Jersey Shore and always loving there sound and there USA top 40 hit ranking back in the day. I think now (growing up in NJ on the Beach and now living in Chicago for the last 9 years being exposed to the blues and Detroit and the midwest music scene) I appreciate The band Chicago on so many more levels. Terry Cath’s voice for example competing or moving with the strong music and brass had to be so strong, and it delivered. The mixing of music and vocals -and - melody reminds me of Led Zeppelin’ s Take Me Home at the end when Roberts Plants Voice competes with the instruments . For those of you who have not yet visited the Rock n roll hall of fame I encourage you to do so. The the Chicago, and the George Clinton Of Parliament displays we’re so amazing ....and there is a common blues/ jazz / midwestern thread. The funny thing was I went in 2010 to see the Traveling Doors expo that brought me in. On a layover in Cleveland, as a flight attendant a friend and I went and it was the Chicago and Funkadelic Part I loved the most. And when 3 dog-night get inducted I will visit for sure .... Thank you Wings Of Pegasus as always Love your selections to review! The fact that you selected Roy Clark wow !!!! He was so fab. Happy weekend all from the Windy Citi of Chicago!m

I wish I had a fraction of the talent Terry had on the guitar.R.I.P. Terry,you are sorely missed.Thank you for the video.

All i wanted for Xmas in '70 was records, the 'blue' Chicago being one. Gift from my Dad. All about the horns and my school days with an Alto sax, That said, Terry was a kick ass guitar player and singer.

Thank you, dear heart! He was awesome, wasn't he? 😉

Best analysis of Terry’s talents I’ve ever heard/read, and I’m even more impressed it comes from someone so young. I remember hearing Free and Make Me Smile on the radio. Those songs were so different it didn’t even sound like the same band. I thought both songs were different bands, different singers. I thought they were my two new favorite Black singers! Nope. Both were Terry Kath, who just happened to be an amazing guitar player on another song that sounded like a totally different band, 25 or 6 to 4. I was 12, and Chicago released 3 albums in 2 years, and I didn’t know who Chicago was. When the lightbulb went off, that the same guy, Terry Kath had a voice that could scream Make Me Smile, croon Colour My World, or use his guitar to melt your face with 25 or 6 to 4 or most of the first album, he became my favorite musician, which he remains to this day. Thanks for a great, great analysis.

Terry Kath went to my High School. I’ve seen the band several times. Unfortunately, Terry was gone by the time I was old enough to see them. But what a great band!

👍👍👍👍👍! Real feel good band. You just feel hood listening to them. They lift you right up. Thanks Fil. 🤗

Too many guitarists see playing rhythm as a chore. Terry was obviously a passionate rhythm player! He used to be a bass player and you can see him doing what good bass players do -- he locks in with the drummer. He's right in the center of the groove, driving the band. And leading the band too. Notice who cuts the band off at the end of the song. He may be underrated by many, but I have *always* dug his work.

I sure hope that you will analyze Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" (at this same concert, which is Tanglewood I think), as Kath's guitar solo is basically unbelievable.

This was such an excellent sincere and knowledgeable analysis, and just says what a diehard Terry Kath fan wants to hear! Thank you Fil, YOU have a new fan!

He's like JImi Hendrix on steroids. One of the best bands of the 70's.

How is that Jimi Hendrix thought that Terry Kath was the best guitarist in the world and yet Rolling Stone claimed he wasn't even on the top 100 of all time. Very educated and nuanced analysis. Thank you!

Another great job Fil. Very economical with the commentary, much appreciated. Terry’s daughter made a fantastic documentary that’s a must-see for any fan of the uber talented Mr Kath.

Thank you Fil the British Guitarist. This song makes me so happy!

The reason for the cut is "Make Me Smile" is part of a longer piece by trombonist James Pankow "Ballet For a Girl From Buchannon." It basically bookended the piece. This is an edit of a performance of the full piece. That's actually the full solo basically. The cut occurs as the band goes into the next section. "Colour My World" was also part of it. The full performance is also available on RU-vid.

Another fun fact for Terry Kath's bio: he, and several other members of Chicago, appeared in a 70s cult movie called Electra Glide In Blue, and Kath provided vocals for the song 'Tell Me', which contributes to a stunning final scene. The movie was directed by James William Guercio, who (I think) was Chicago's producer at the time. And a recent booster for interest in Terry Kath: in the recent movie 'We've Got A Ghost', Terry Kath gets honourable mention when one of the characters quotes the Hendrix line. Gone maybe, but never forgotten.

No top 10 playlist from 1970 -1976 can go without Chicago in my view. The managed to create a distinctive Chicago city sound that hasn't been replicated beyond the influential and identifiable jazz and blues era in that town. It's no mistake, to my mind, that Chicago came out of such fertile soil. Terry Kath and the rest of the amazing musicians in the band gave an equivalent to Steely Dans New York/LA urban jazz/rock fusion.

I saw them at the Fillmore East early on . GREAT guitarist ! RIP Terry .

I loved Terry Kath's playing As a young guy just starting to play, I was in awe. Thanks for another smash-up job of analysis, Fil

Terry Kath was such a great guitarist with such unique vocals! The man had soul..felt the music. Loved the Chicago harmonies. Such a tight band! Sad sad loss the day he tragically died. Thanks once again Fil! U rock!😎🎼🎶🇨🇦

My request from a couple weeks ago ! Thank You ! LOVE your channel. Salute from Pittsburgh bro

Saw Terry & Chicago around 1976 at our small college. They were massively huge by then. Found out later we only got them at our small school because they were testing a new sound system from Clair Brothers, who were located nearby. I was a beginner guitarist. It literally felt like Terry was from another planet. I had seen some of the top rock guitarists of the time, and he was just on another planet based on his technique, feel and expression. Also, they did a number of basically 'jazz/smooth jazz' songs off their latest album. Many of my peers were really bummed because it was not what they were expecting. But I was transfixed. Looking back I would say his playing in that concert was kind of on the same level as Coltrane for creating some kind of 'spiritual' experience. Not what us heavy metal fans of the time were used to :) He changed my outlook on what emotional affect a guitarist could generate.

Chicago, an all time fave of mine, thank you :)

He was the heart and soul of Chicago and still one of my all time favorite players.

Much like 911 most of us will always remember where we were on the exact moment of the "Tragic" news. I was on my way to school. I was a senior. I graduated in 78. I was listening to WMMS home of the buzzard. It was Cleveland Ohio's go to Rock station then. I moved back to Michigan afterwards. But I was halfway to school when it came across the radio. My jaw hit the floor ! Shock turned into a feeling of total emptiness, and grief. I had to hurry up and get to school in order to talk to ANYONE, as a way to vent out my shock and saddness. I'm sure that everyone has a similar story of where they were, and what they were doing when the news broke our hearts .. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there I do not sleep I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sun on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the mornings hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight I am the soft stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there I do not sleep ...

Terry Kath is one of my favorite gutiarist. I cried all night when he died. I couldn't believe it when I saw it on the news.

I have to say that for someone who is too young to have seen Terry Kath live or anxiously await each Chicago album arrive.....your analysis is spot on, mate! I was there.....I was in my teens when Chicago was crushing it. I knew all their songs. I went to as many of their live performances as possible I played sax as a young man, was in several local bands but never made it big. But my love for music and in particular, Chicago, Terry Kath and the Moody Blues are by far, my favorite groups and music compilation. You absolutely get Terry and you nailed it. Well done.

Only one rock guitarist could hold a candle to him, somebody under-appreciated in their own right: Jeff Beck

Thank you Fil for amazing analysis with positive energy & unique angles in the sometimes mystifying music industry.

You have covered so many great performances! Kath and Chicago are fantastic! That first CTA album really caught my ear. Respect for these guys all.

The entire Chicago Tanglewood concert is phenomenal but of course 25 or 6 to 4 and this song are my very favorites This one more so because we not only get another amazing guitar solo but one of Terry Kath's greatest vocals. (There's also a BONUS bonus for those of us who find him INCREDIBLY SEXY there's a great shot of him...um..let's just say from behind at the end when he turns his back to the audience!) I grew up in the 70s so I've heard this song thousands of times on the radio and on one of my all time favorite albums. which was their first greatest hits album. I've always loved 25 or 6 to 4 and and their other early hits, many of which they play during this concert. But since Chicago was primarily and intentionally a faceless band I didn't know much about the individual band members other than general knowledge that they'd met in college many of them and some of them had master's degrees in music that was about it. I didn't know any of their names or even that one of them had died. that is until one day a few years ago I you wanted to hear 25 or 6 to 4 and I stumbled on the Tanglewood performance and I was a goner I will truly truly smitten with Terry Kath which very quickly escalated into a major obsession, and I'm not the only one who got sucked in by this particular performance as noted in many comments sections of his videos as well as the fan pages devoted to him. Now I'm such a fan that I buy every Terry Kath t-shirt that I can find I have 2 framed posters of him in my living room, I named one of my cats Terry Kat (TK for short) and I have a little stuffed bear about 3 in tall named Berry Kath of course and he's "playing" an led lapel pen of a Fender Stratocaster. I also bought a copy of his daughter Michelle's crowd-funded documentary Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience as soon as it went on sale and cried all the way through it the first few times I watched it. I spend way too much time searching for new photos to add to my Terry Kath Pinterest board and haunt RU-vid for every Terry Kath video I can find. Like many of his devoted fans I'm saddened not only by his tragic and untimely death (it was by an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound and not from playing Russian roulette as is widely reported) but also feel that he has been widely forgotten and never gets the recognition that he deserves as a truly great guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter; so it makes me really happy to see videos like yours introducing this amazing talent to a new generation of fans. Thanks for helping to keep his memory alive #TerryKathLives

I saw Chicago in 1974, my first rock concert, Terry was wearing a hockey jersey and I could not believe how great they all were but especially him. He was so great.

Fil, I'm a gun enthusiast. Thankyou for discussing Terry's death in a rational, factual way. For someone who is not familiar with firearms, you did an outstanding job describing the scenario.

Chicago is incredible, that entire concert is worth a repeat listen. I’ve sat and watched it many times, such a great band. Good one my friend, thanks.

Terry was a monstrous player.So overlooked in the grand scheme of music!

Not a die-hard Chicago fan but I did really like what was on the airwaves. No doubt they were a great band 👍😎🤘

You nailed it when u said Terry had the rare combo of being able to play, sing, and compose at a high level. That's superstar stuff. Wish we could have seen more years of that combo, but grateful we got to see what we did.

One of the great musical experiences of my musically rich life was seeing Terry Kath play live with Chicago in 1977. When he shredded the scales in the intro to Questions 67 & 68, I was absolutely floored. A tremendous talent lost to the world way too early. Thanks for the look at/into his artistry.

About time!! Great you doing guitarist's again!!

CHICAGO WAS RED HOT BACK THEN 😍😍😍

Great in-dept analysis of Terry Kath. After watching another of your videos where you talk about hand spread, etc. Here's a guy with HUGE hands. It amazes me that Terry could play so incredibly even though chording had to be difficult with fingers that seem to be a fret width each.

Very good evaluation and memories. Good advice as well. I have to say those are the famous last words..."oh, it's cool. It's not even loaded, see"... 💥

The level of energy , excitement and creativity coming out of that band in the late 60s and early 70s was just insane. I kind of feel sorry for contemporary pop music fans who have to live in a computer-manipulated atmosphere which kind of saps the energy from the enterprise.

Good pick for Terry but In my opinion 25 or 6 to 4 shows his talent not challenged by any guitar player. 🎸

Terry was the soul of Chicago. Excellent analyzation of Terry Kath and the band. I'm now one of your many subscribers

Thank you for honoring one of my favorite artists. I still enjoy Chicago, but the void he left was never filled. I'm with you on Terry's voice, it was magnificent and worked well with tenor Cetera and baritone Lamm.