Monday, September 13, 2010

Monday music: "Uptown," Chicago

I plan to feed through a number of high-quality vintage videos of my favorite band, Chicago, at its peak. I'll focus on live performances of songs you probably never heard. When Chicago was at its best, it was the best.

This little tune is "Uptown," from 1977 (lyrics).


On guitar is the phenomenal, late great Terry Kath. Stars above, but that man could make his guitar walk and talk, and laugh and weep! If you've ever even tried to play, notice how Terry plays both rhythm and lead. What a towering talent.

Any "greatest guitarists" list that leaves off his name is worthless.

14 comments:

Family Blogs said...

OK. I officially give up playing guitar!

DJP said...

I think that for all but about 12 people in the world, that is an appropriate response. The man was phenomenal.

Brad Williams said...

Aw man! That was great! If only he could sing in English! :)

DJP said...

...and tap dance!

Mike Westfall said...

Pretty good on the wah-wah pedal too!
Great video.


I'd give up guitar in defernce oo, but I never started...

DJP said...

I've added the lyrics link to the post now, Mr. Picky.

(c;

Bill Honsberger said...

Great find DJP. Shows the power of the early matchless R and B that I fell in love with. I hadn't begun faking guitar yet so that wouldn't have inspired me to quit, but back then I was faking drumming and Serrafino always moved me to fits of inadequacy.
Thanks for this one
Bill

DJP said...

Yep; both Danny and Terry moved me to fake guitar and drums.

I loved Kath's lead, but almost loved his strumming just as much. Dude had a jackhammer wrist, the most amazing blazing strums.

Away From The Brink said...

Dan, I came across this cover of "If You Leave Me Now" recently, thought you might enjoy it:

方大同

The artist is Fang Da Tong (方大同), aka Khalil Fong. He is American born, now based out of Hong Kong.

DJP said...

Yes, thanks, that was fun. (Muffed the lyrics, though — "We'll both regret," not "We'll both feel bad.")

Away From The Brink said...

Yeah, I wondered about that lyric change too...

JackW said...

I liked the hat.

I'd like to see him with an acoustic. (AKA real guitar) ;-)

Away From The Brink said...

One more Chicago cover, "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" by Angela:

Click Here

Alice said...

DJP said: "When Chicago was at its best, it was the best."

I just love Chicago (in it's prime) too. Awesome!