The Chicago Transit Authority recorded this double-barreled follow-up to their eponymously titled 1969 debut effort. The contents of Chicago II (1970) underscore the solid foundation of complex jazz changes with heavy electric rock & roll that the band so brazenly forged on the first set. The septet also continued its ability to blend the seemingly divergent musical styles into some of the best and most effective pop music of the era. One thing that had changed was the band's name, which was shortened to simply Chicago to avoid any potential litigious situations from the city of Chicago's transportation department – which claimed the name as proprietary property. Musically, James Pankow (trombone) was about to further cross-pollinate the band's sound with the multifaceted six-song "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon." The classically inspired suite also garnered the band two of its most beloved hits – the upbeat pop opener "Make Me Smile" as well as the achingly poignant "Color My World" – both of which remained at the center of the group's live sets.
Features the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD player) and the latest 24bit 192kHz remastering. A real treasure through and through – one of the most unusual Blue Note albums you'll ever hear, and a set that's one of the best-remembered from the team of pianist Jack Wilson and vibist Roy Ayers! Long before Roy struck out on his own in the world of funky soul, he worked often in the 60s with Wilson – and the pair have this unique way of blending vibes and piano that's completely fresh, and still unmatched all these many years later!
Reissue with the latest remastering. Features original cover artwork. Comes with a descripton in Japanese. Recorded at the Cafe Praga, Bologna, Italy, Dec 4,5,6 1990. Although he started out playing in fusion-oriented settings, Steve Grossman developed into an excellent hard bop tenor in the tradition of Sonny Rollins (although he developed his own sound). Grossman originally started on alto when he was eight, added soprano at 15, and tenor at 16. He started at the top as Wayne Shorter's replacement with Miles Davis, playing in his fusion group from late 1969 up to September 1970. Grossman was with Lonnie Liston Smith in 1971, spent a valuable period (1971-1973) as part of Elvin Jones' group, and in the mid-'70s was with Gene Perla's Stone Alliance. Steve Grossman has mostly led his own bands ever since, recording as a leader for such labels as P.M., Owl, Red, and Dreyfus.
It sounds jazzy, lazy, cool and looks extremely good. The CD "jazz lounge" is unique cool jazzy lounge sound fine with: Jazz Brushes, plucked bass, the typical jazz guitar riffs and cool saxophones. 25 tone beads provide over 2 hours jazzy sound food for your CD or MP3 player. Whether on sunset lounge terrace, stylish bar, or fire, so it sounds rrreally smooth. In addition, a non-stop mix by DJ Maretimo. Relax extremely cool… enjoy the finest lounge music in jazz style. Jazz lounge Vol.4, a smooth & jazzy lounge trip. Presented by Jazzy James Jr.