Chicago XIIby Chicago

Chicago is a very succesful American band, who at the time of the release of this CD (sometimes titled "Hot Streets")had just suffered a tremendous loss in the accidental death of founding member, guitarist Terry Kath. Up until this point, the original 7 members of the band played, wrote and performed on all of their recorded works. They auditioned guitarists and finally settled on guitarist / singer / songwriter Donnie Dacus. As far I know, Dacus had his notoriety by previously working with Stephen Stills. According to the music on this CD, the result of him joining the band is quite amazing! "Alive Again" (sung by bassist Peter Cetera) opens the record with a 'bang' and was the first single from the CD. Lee Loughnane's "No Tell Lover" was another chosen 'hit' from the CD and it's a fantastic song that the band still plays in concert today. "Take A Chance" is another gem, sung by Dacus, with a jazz/fusion type ending. Robert Lamm's "Hot Streets" is another great song, using a lot of syncopated rhythms and smoking solo by Dacus. It's amazing that the band could pick itself up after a crucial loss and did so well with this LP. Experience producer Phil Ramone handled the production very well; it was the band's first LP without James William Guerico in the production seat. I highly recommend this CD!