CHICAGO XXV - The Christmas Album

CHICAGO
Belissimo álbum natalino do CHICAGO, um combo cujos arranjos às vezes soam como uma "big-band"!
---------
CHICAGO - THE XMAS ALBUM
I have always liked Chicago, a band who gives each of the songs a new and spirited lift with stunning horn and rhythm arrangements. The original brass and woodwind section of James Pankow, Lee Loughnane and Walt Parasaider are all here. Lee Loughnane, original trumpet player for Chicago, comes out more on lead vocals than he has on the past, singing lead on "Let It Snow!" (this rendition became a big
hit for Chicago) Jason Scheff, bass player, sings lead on "Silent Night," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "O Come All Ye Faithful" (Walt Parasaider does a fine job on woodwinds). Bill Champlin, keyboardist and guitarist, sings lead on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and " "What Child Is This?". Robert Lamm, original keyboardist, sings lead on "Christmastime Is Here" (from a Charlie Brown Christmas), "The Christmas Song," "Feliz Navidad" and "White Christmas." With all the personell changes, it's hard to imagine a Chicago CD without him! Many of Chicago's children (and Roy Bittan's) are featured on lead vocals with "Child's Prayer" (which Lee wrote) and "One Little Candle". James Pankow, Chicago's trombonist, does a fine job with the brass arrangements and Roy Bittan from the E Street Band produced this
album and helped out with keyboards on many songs.
(By W. Langan - edited by CB)
---------
ALBUM REVIEW
This has to be the best Christmas CD ever! If you love "Chicago" you will love this CD. I start playing this CD in July and by the time Christmas is here, everyone I my office loves this CD. I have been a fan of Chicago for many years and believe me, this CD is one of their best. Bill Champlin and Robert Lamm sing like no one else can. Add this CD to your Christmas Collection and you will not be sorry. You will enjoy it for years. This is the first one I play every year. The Christmas Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas are the "BEST"!
(By Vicki Kiddy - Corinth, MS USA)
---------
MINHA OPINIÃO - tem razão a Vicky Kiddy aí em cima: é impressionante como o Chicago conseguiu imprimir seu marcante estilo "rock-pop-jazz" a temas natalinos, em sua maior parte pouco adequados a esse tipo de arranjo. Mas nas mãos competentes e experientes do "cracaço" James Pankow, tudo ficou fácil. Não é sem motivo que o CHICAGO (ao lado do Blood, Sweat and Tears) deve ser considerado como o mais bem sucedido e respeitável grupo do gênero; todos os que vieram depois, por melhores que
sejam, beberam nas águas do "mainstream" - ou seja: Chicago e BS&Tears. BELEZA PURA!
---------
CHICAGO XXV - The Christmas Album

CHICAGO:
Lee Loughnane - trumpet, vocals
Jason Scheff - bass, vocals
Walt Parasaider - woodwinds
Bill Champlin - keyboards, guitar, voice
Keith Howland - guitar, voice
Robert Lamm - keyboards, voice
James Pankow - trombone , arrangements
Tris Imboden - drums

TRACKS/FAIXAS:
1. The Little Drummer Boy - Chicago, Davis, Katherine
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Chicago, Traditional
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Chicago, Martin, Hugh
4. The Christmas Song - Chicago, Torme, Mel
5. O Come All Ye Faithful - Chicago, Oakeley, Frederick
6. Child's Prayer - Chicago, Durrill, Johnny
7. Feliz Navidad
8. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Chicago, Coots, J. Fred
9. Christmas Time Is Here - Chicago, Guaraldi, Vince
10. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Chicago, Cahn, Sammy
11. What Child Is This? - Chicago, Dix, William Chatte
12. White Christmas - Chicago, Berlin, Irving
13. Silent Night - Chicago, Gruber, Franz
14. One Little Candle - Chicago, Mysels, Larry