Terry was one of those rare guys who when he was in the zone he practically became his guitar, pure passion. Criminally underrated singer as well in my opinion.
My guess is that he was somewhat "unconscious" while playing. I don't think anyone can think about that much and that fast... attack notes and rhythm. In retrospect, he probably could not have remembered the whole solo.
I got a chance to watch parts of Terry's daughter's video on her dad...they were searching for his missing guitars. She told the story about his mom sending him to a professional to take lessons. He came home after the second lesson and told his mom he wasn't going back. When he was pressed, he told her, "They won't let me play the guitar the way it was meant to be played." That's amazing and it says so much about his insight into the guitar.
One of the best examples of lead guitar playing ever caught on film.....note that Terry BARELY looks at his hands during this earth shattering solo.....not sure there is another guitar player that is as underrated as Mr. Kath in the history of mankind.....and of course the whole band is on fire!
Thomas, I've watched a couple documentaries on Terry Kath and one thing sticks in my mind more than anything else. His mom sent him to get guitar lessons and as she picked him up from his second lesson, she asked him when the next one was. He told her he wasn't going back. When she asked why, he told her. "He won't let me play the guitar the way it was made to be played". Looks like he figured it out.
Yes, you could say Cetera was a fantastic and underrated bassist. All the guys were really consummate musicians. Solid on whatever their roll on each song.
I saw Chicago with Terry 8 times. There isn't a word to describe the experience for watching play was almost mystical. When he left us too early, the heart and soul of the band was gone.
I wept on and off for a week after Terry died. He was both the creative and musical engine of Chicago. The story Robert Lamm tells is that his lyrics were just words until Terry Kath and James Pankow (trombonist) got in the studio and got the music right. They did it in one day. They also created and arranged the horn parts almost immediately. That's how good they were.
Really appreciate the way you let Terry play it through the first time, instead of talking all over it. Then went back and broke it down. Very respectful, and well done.
Kath was just blistering the whole song.... What a guitarist we lost when he died.... Hendrix, when asked how it felt to be the greatest guitarist in the world, said, "I don't know; you need to ask Terry Kath." Hendrix toured with Chicago once and got see Kath every night.
Well said. You could think the final vinyl was a studio enhanced series of takes and overdubs. Not a chance. The live performance outshines the recorded version in almost every way except balance.
I've said it lots of times before: Terry Kath could access "the zone" at will. Just watch him. As soon as the solo starts, that dude is completely off in his own world.
I have long considered this to be his best solo on this tune. Even better than the iconic one on the album. He just never held back. Every gig was 110%!!!❤
To me, it was clear that during Terry's solo, HE was setting the pace. Everyone else in the band was following *him*, and not the other way around. What a master he was! Huge fan of him and the band.
Focus in on any instrument any time you listen to this live version and you'll be amazed. There's just no weak links in a band like this. Great reaction, Michael! This was a banger!
Terry went to my High School. Many of the band members were from my neighborhood. Probably one of the best group of musicians and vocalists to form a rock band.
There could be an equal guitar solo somewhere….and an equal band performance somewhere……. But there will never better …. ever ! I’ve been mesmerized 100s of times watching this , and I’ll watch it 1,000s more , I’ll never tire of it … Simply the best , truly the best . Bass magic from Peter .. The rest of the band superb Peace from BC Canada 🇨🇦
It's funny but I recall the first time I ever heard this song, late at night in the back seat of grandma's car looking at the light's of Calgary as we drove toward her sister's house. I was age 7 the brain doesn't forget greatness even after 54 plus year's, at the time I was perplexed about the deeper meaning in the song but i think now it's about the band jamming late in the night.
I am a keyboard player but I love this channel for the music theory lessons. I saw Chicago in 1969 when they were still CTA. First concert I had ever been to. Terry was amazing!! The whole band was great. Opening act was another horn band from San Francisco called "Cold Blood." Lead singer was a woman named Lydia Pense. She is still preforming. I will never forget this experience. Thanks Michael for all that you do. Love your passion. You help me keep the keys in my hands!!!!
I'd have to say you picked the right double bill for your first concert-wow! Terry Kath was such a phenomenal guitarist, what incredible soloing he does! CTA back then was ferociously good, wish I'd seen them live. Cold Blood is one of my favorite bands, Lydia Pense I have seen live and she kicks ass-all that soulful power in a 5 foot woman! To see two horn sections like that must've been quite the experience!
@@Marcus_C51 Back in the day I was more of a Lydia fan than a Janis fan. Yes, I was trained in jazz and big bands, so to see horns in rock music was really something special. Some 54 years later, I am still a huge fan.
This is a classic! As good a guitarist as any from that period, he was truly amazing, pity he died in such a stupid way, he had so much more to offer 😥
so friggen raw.....Terry puts everything he has into it plain and simple, can give 2 shits what anyone thinks.....just him and that guitar.....love this
One of my favorite vids of Chicago- pure chaos in the beginning - drummer can't quite get the (ride?) symbol to stand, people helping him- meanwhile Terry starts feeling it and just launches, they pull it together just in time and man how good was that...
Mike’s face melts a million times, classic reaction. There is actually a second full solo; which is hard to find. Love to see you react to “ Make me Smile” from the same concert.
Thank You!!! Mr. Kath is probably THE most underrated guitarist! Here in this he is Eric Clapton and Frank Zappa combined! Even sprinkle in some Hendrix! He is all these guitarists in one! Love his tone here! And like you said...his playing to rhythm. This is what separates him from a "shredder." I personally can only take so much of shredding. But Mr. Kath's rhythm/sense of time makes this beautiful! It's like a bluesy, fonky, concerto!
Terry never repeated the same solo, he always improvised on the basis This shows that he touched what he felt at that moment. He's like a jazz musician doing a solo I have a proverb that says that "some card the wool and others get the fame" Terry has been one of the greatest and unfortunately he left us very young.
Ah, those were the good old days! No dancing troupe, no hi-tech light show, no designer backdrops. Just a messy, wire-covered stage full of talent. Man, they were cookin' this one!
@Brian Stanaland Look up Leonid and Friends! They're a Russian band that covers Chicago (Terry Kath era) Danny Serephine is good friends with them, and did a video with them! Enjoy! 😎✌️
Thanks for this. More Terry Kath!!! Kath is criminally underappreciated in the realm of guitar heroes, songwriters, and arrangers. See his daughter's documentary as soon as you get the opportunity.
There have been countless great musicians and bands, and it's easy to focus in one or two and say "that's the best it's ever been done!" However, when I listen to Chicago live I'm convinced they were one of the absolute elite. Every musician, song, performance....impeccable from start to finish. This group had it ALL: great songwriting, elite musicianship, PASSION, extraordinary vocals, and attention to detail. No one artist or group is "The Best," but few have done it as well as Chicago.
Terry Kath is so underrated. I always loved his playing and incredible energy. Not only could he play he could sing very well. If you want to get blown away by him, watch "Make Me Smile" from the same show.
Terry’s tone came from 5 things, his two hands, his guitar, a Wah-Wah pedal and an old tube amp that actually picked up some local radio stations causing the heavy reverberation sounds.
Was present at this concert... Tanglewood (not far from where I lived in Western Mass)... Summer of freshman year in college (University of Massachusetts-Amherst)... BUT... Terry Kath wasn't the only INCREDIBLE guitarist we heard that summer at Tanglewood... The Who & Santana also performed at Tanglewood that summer... Santana... Townshend (whom I later got to meet while working a Super Bowl in Miami). Not sure too many music fans can say they attended concerts during the same summer with The Who, Santana & Chicago... If you have had a similar two months, good on you too!
Over 50 years after first getting this record, when watching this clip of this tune and this band - that original lineup - it still sounds as thrilling as ever. Indeed, the complete show from which this is extracted is phenomenal. For those not so familiar with the early Chicago: We read about Hendrix saying that Terry Kath was 'the best'. That happened after he saw Chicago (then named Chicago Transit Authority) at the Whiskey a Go-Go on Sunset Strip. He invited the band to open his upcoming tour. Al Kooper was also in the Whiskey audience. Impressed, he flew back to NYC, where he quickly assembled a like-minded band - Blood, Sweat & Tears - and secured a record deal (as a hit songwriter, having been in Bob Dylan's band and been a member of the Blues Project he had some pull). His intent was to release a jazz-rock record before Chicago did, which is exactly what he did in February 1968. Though their 'Child is Father to the Man' had some success, Chicago Transit Authority's debut in April 1969 was the one that really scored big and kicked off the jazz-rock craze in a big way. Being a double album packed with great tunes ('Introduction', 'Beginnings', 'Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?' etc. and priced about 60 cents more than a single disc it was an compelling bargain and - albeit slowly at first - became a major hit. "25 or 6 to Four" is from 'Chicago', the band's second album, also a double. The shortened name was forced upon them by the real Chicago Transit Authority of the City of Chicago, who threatened to sue them. How ironic that once the band became a success the City treated them like honoured sons. That debut album contains 'Free Form Guitar', several minutes of just Kath and his guitar generating roaring and wailing with feedback howling, sounding at times like a war zone. Hendrix would do the same with 'The Star Spangled Banner' at the Woodstock Festival in August '69, several months after the release of that Chicago Transit Authority album containing 'Free Form Guitar'.
Before I even started playing guitar , he's solo in the studio version hook lined and sinker me into what I strive for in a solo. You have so many guitar greats likes Hendrix ,Stevie ray ,Johnny winter and so many more coming from that era but this guy was the one who really made me wanna play guitar solos. That wah sound! Great video!!
I don't know how I missed this reaction. It's great to see someone feature Terry Kath and Chicago. I grew up listening to Chicago (high school) and their first five albums are insanely good. Love to see more people exposed to Terry Kath and Chicago's early work. No mention of Kath's dynamics to which he was a master.
I never noticed it myself, but I read one time that someone thought Terry Kath sounded like Ray Charles when he sang. I got to thinking about it and he really did…almost in an uncanny, unnoticeable way! For some reason, most people don’t associate their voices. I just got through watching this all the way through, and watching Terry literally brought tears to my eyes because he was sooo incredibly good. It was just the epitome of someone being what psychologists call a “self-actualized” person, and being absolutely the best they can be. It is just an emotional thing to watch because he’s so otherworldly. And for the world to lose someone like this at such an early age because of a senseless accident…it’s just so incredibly sad. It’s like losing John Lennon…so sad and unfair to the world. How much did the musical world miss out on because they died so early?! 🫤 And by the way, let’s don’t forget that Jimi Hendrix told Terry Kath that Terry was better than him. That pretty much says it all as far as Terry’s talent. I really don’t think it’s possible for anyone to be any better than Terry. There’s just so high a human being can reach and I think Terry reached the pinnacle.
I just came across your video man, I am not a guitar player, (never gave it a serious try) I'm a singer/drummer. To me T. Kath was the best ever.... Love your reaction during the TK Solo. How can anyone not Smile with amazement when watching TK play. Love the break down man. Your the best.... Thx
I grew up in the 80s. The first Chicago song I knew was probably Saturday in the Park. And I knew this one, but not the live version. Then Cetera started singing all the money-making love songs and duets. So I wrote off Chicago, never really knowing anything about Kath. Boy was I wrong! It’s great to go back and learn about Terry Kath’s virtuosity. .
I just can't get over how great a song this was, and still is! Chicago ends their concerts with this song. But, this song was released in the summer of 1970!! Musically, it just rocked the music airwaves back then, and Still does down to this day! How many songs have done that over the decades?! Awesome!
I saw an interview with Lamm where he said Terry was a big improviser live. And sometimes he would back himself into a corner while soloing and then would muscle his way out of it. Incredible energy. Fun to watch him man handle that guitar. At times its seems like hes going to break the neck. His 7 minute solo on south california purples on the carnegie hall album is another masterpiece
My first rock concert was either Terry Kath's last or penultimate show. Dad took me either to November 30th or December 1st, 1977 at Oakland Coliseum Arena. First rock concert with friends was Rolling Stones at Candlestick Park. Alas, that ticket stub is missing too.
I think their cover of The Spencer Davis Groups cover of I’m a Man will also interest you. A bit of Kath’s own style mixed in with Hendrix style and more. lol
I can’t believe you even attempted to dissect this! Thank you! This has been my favorite song since it can out. Yes, I’m old. Terry was why Chicago was my favorite band until he passed. He doesn’t get near the discussion he deserves. Thanks again!
"Is that how it ends on the record?" - followed by some real hard thoughts about that closing chord progression. THIS. This reminds me of high school me 20+ years ago learning guitar after hearing this song. Sitting there with my guitar and an old rough "Chicago Transit Authority" LP trying to learn by ear... Loved your video - I know it wasn't your intention, but man, that brought back some good memories!
I got to see them in concert in the early 70's what a fantastic band. Terry Kath was a amazing. Of course Danny and Peter are no slouches either. The horn section was unbeatable then. I was a drummer ina garage band back then and couldn't wait to see Danny, but was wept away by everyone else too. On the record Danny does this great flam on the backbeat but in concert just through it in once in awhile. You can tell by the pace of the live version he was just keeping amazing time. Good job on the break down. I remember being in total shock when I heard Terry had died. I just couldn't believe it. I would love to see where his music would have gone had he still been with us.
In an interview Danny points out that when you listen to the studio version you can hear that it's 'two' drum kits. As if one Danny wasn't enough on the record !!! But your point of all these great elements colliding when they played is something we're just so fortunate to have heard. So uplifting.
When I watched the Tanglewood video of 25 to 6 to 4, my son’s comment afterwards (he is 24) was, “Boy, that band sure was loud.” Ladies and gentlemen, I have totally failed as a parent. 😊
Omg !! That's funny. They're used to the Kohn Mayers and Dave Matthews ...just show them how cool they are !! Yeah saw them twice, both times outdoor..and they were loud even outdoors !!! But they were GREAT !!!!!!!
That's okay. It was just his initial comment upon being introduced to a history and genre of music which was probably pretty foreign to him. At least he was affected in one way or another... Even if only by the loudness of it. You tried to plant the seed. Maybe it will sprout. Maybe someday. You never know. It's hard being a father, man. You don't have to tell me. The fact that you tried says something about your character. 👍
I cant think of anyone I know who plays guitar, that wouldn't have the exact same reaction as you throughout that solo section (especially the fist pump/shout). I've seen that performance many times and I completely agree. Its like Terry Kath is the hero of our story.
+1 Leonid's previous/original guitarist, gone for 18 or so months now, particularly had the Terry feel down... I saw them twice live in their mostly pre-covid configuration (some member changes since, still very good), and while their take on this song wasn't nearly as long, that guy's solos were inhumanly (seemingly) effortless. I'm sure he was channeling him. Probably watched this video a few times!
There, ’s a great documentary about Terry Kath featuring his daughter and her quest to find his signature guitar. The Terry Kath Experience. Phenomenal.
Awesome song by this great band. Terry Kath easily rates in my top 3 rock guitarists of all time, if not #1. I was fortunate to have seen him and Chicago live almost 50 years ago. This video clearly captures his incredible artistry and talent. I’m no guitarist myself, I tried but couldn’t get my left and right hands to talk to each other, but I found this reaction and analysis to be extremely interesting. Thank you.
Subscribed!! I was lucky to see Terry in concert twice. Incredible player- Singer-Songwriter. Introductions is all one needs to hear. Thanks for making this video. Awesome!!
Chicago was the first big concert I went to in 1977 at the Philadelphia Spectrum, I was lucky enough to see them shortly before Terry Kath passed away, they were incredible!
so glad you got to this one at last michael, ..totally relate to your reactions, ,its unbelievable talent for 1970,, i can`t get over how many times i`ve listened to it in all these years it still hits the spot. i was 17 😂👍👍👍
