Chicago (the band) Instrumental edit, 1969-1974Chicago Instrumental Medley: A 50 minute compilation of my favorite instrumental lines of early Chicago. Ok. Most important fact about this project: It's all about the music. I tried to make the visuals as interesting as possible, but really, the best way to enjoy this is by turning off the monitor, killing the lights, and cranking up the volume. =========== This project highlights what I consider Chicago's best instrumental moments, 1969 - 1974. It is noteworthy that nothing from Chicago VI made the cut, although on another day, the interlude from "Just You and Me" could have made it, as well as the guitar work on "Rediscovery". Also, more from Chicago V could have been added, but some pieces were rejected because they were reminiscent of earlier pieces or they just couldn't be matched up properly. Certainly, one could pull a run or two from Chicago VIII, X, & XI, but the true magic ended in 1974 with Chicago VII. That album had some misses, but the band seemed to be giving creativity & energy one last shot. When instrumental lines are your criteria, it is (painfully) obvious that Chicago never reached too far after VII. CTA & Chicago II were especially loaded. I regret not including elements of "Color My World", but without voice separation, I could not find a seamless way of editing it in. Also, I duplicated one line in South California Purples and took a few liberties with "Loneliness is Just a Word" in an attempt at better transition. ========= Lastly, after 50 minutes of solid instrumentals, I knew the ending needed to be special. I'm not sure I pulled it off, but at least it's different!
