Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
When I was in my teens, like many boys my age I discovered those wonderful, intriguing, lovely people of the opposite sex.
The one song we all danced with the girls to as close together as we could, or as they would let us – was “Colour My World,” released in 1970 by the rock group known as Chicago.
It may be 24 years later, but they’re still going strong, with three original members in the band who continue to tour, dating back to 1967 when they first formed as Chicago Transit Authority: Robert Lamm (vocals, keyboards), Lee Loughnane (trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals), and James Pankow (trombone, backing vocals).
There’s much to like about this unique group, who play Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena here in Atlantic City this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2.
Their huge string of hits, which still sound good to this day, includes “25 or 6 to 4,” “If You Leave Me Now” (in our opinion, one of the prettiest rock songs ever recorded), “You’re The Inspiration,” “Saturday In The Park” (with its iconic piano opening by Lamm, who also sang lead on the track), “Hard Habit to Break,” “Baby What A Big Surprise,” and many more.
The fact they still have three original members in the group on tour is quite impressive, considering that many, if not most of the rock “legacy” groups such as Foreigner, Foghat and Sweet, to name a few, tour with no original members.
How they made horn sections in bands not only cool, but almost essential to this day also sets them apart. Lamm once called Chicago “an abnormal rock group” because of their horn section, which was relatively new in a rock group back then.
Coolest Chicago story? The great Jimi Hendrix, after seeing Chicago perform, went up to then-band-member, sax player Walter Parazaider, and told him, “your horns sound like one lung. And your guitar player (Terry Kath) is better than me.” Hendrix ended up opening some of Chicago’s shows.
Guys of a certain age, grab your wife/girlfriend and catch this legendary band one of the two nights they’re in town; gals, same thing (bring your guy). I’d never suggest you do something we ourselves wouldn’t do. So, hopefully, we’ll see you there.
Chicago performs live at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2. 8 p.m. each night. For tickets and info: https://casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/chicago
This ‘N’ That: Anchor Rock Club in AC continues to promote and support local, original music as much as any venue here at the Jersey Shore. This Friday, Nov. 1, local singer/songwriter Sage Thomas performs at the spacious New York Avenue club, premiering her new six-song EP of dreamy, ethereal pop, “Emotional Crash Course” (released last July).
“I am beyond stoked to be able to bring my debut EP to life this Friday at the Anchor Rock Club,” Thomas told us this week. “My EP ‘Emotional Crash Course’ is full of raw feelings and high energy, and is going to be so fun to play live. I’m so thankful for Greg (Mungan, Anchor booker/head honcho) and the team at the Anchor for being so welcoming. See you this Friday!” Also on the 8 p.m. bill: The Customers and Lane Simkins.
For info and tickets see: https://www.tixr.com/groups/anchorrockclub
Guitar lovers, don’t miss renowned guitarist Stanley Jordan performing his Greatest Hits show this Saturday, Nov. 2, on Route 9 in Tuckerton at Lizzie Rose Music Room.
For info and tickets see:
https://www.lizzierosemusic.com/
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
