Chicago's epic song "Make Me Smile" was released as a single in March, 1970. At the time I was a senior in high school and was playing trumpet in the horn section of a rock band that performed every weekend in the various officers' clubs at the military bases on Oahu. The song was written by Chicago's talented trombonist, James Pankow. It was Chicago's first Top 10 record. It featured the singing of Terry Kath, the amazing bass lines of Peter Cetera, and Danny Seraphine's incredible drumming. Unlike the noise that's called music today, Chicago was the real deal. No auto-tune, drum triggers, or computer-enhance effects. Just real music performed by real musicians. There was no weak member of the band. Every player was phenomenal. As a 74-year old musician (yes, I still play my clavinova here at home), I am grateful I grew up in the era that I did.
Here Rick Beato manages to open a window into this piece:
See what I mean?
I so miss bands that play like this. They were one of the most skilled and musically advanced bands of their time. I simply can't get enough of great music like this.