Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan

[JazzManJim]

Anyone heard of this piece of music?

It was performed by Chicago and was on their second album (I believe), inventively named Chicago 2. The piece itself is about ten minutes long and has several different sections, medley style. Each piece is fairly sophisticated for a rock and roll song. Then again, early Chicago was very sophisticated.

The piece was, when recorded, deemed unsuitable to be put on the first album because the record execs thought it was too long, too complicated, and too "jazzy". So they hacked it up and teased out two complete songs: "Make Me Smile" and "Color My World".

I'm glad to say that the piece has earned a revival in the past few years from the group. They lead their live concerts with the piece and it gets great audience approval. It's a hell of a piece of music.

If you can find it, find it. Trust me on this one.

 

[Dillinger]

I love that album. Chicago was the 2nd Rock show I ever saw (the 1st BIG one - it was in Madison Square Garden - the first "rock" show I saw was Blood, Sweat & Tears)...

Anyway - have the original album (vinyl) and still listen to it. Hell - its got Terry Kath on guitar before he shot and killed himself cleaning his gun. I have to say, he hasn't played the same since then.

"Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" is one of my favorite pieces of theirs. I mostly like their earlier stuff - they got too pop after Chicago 4... In high school I was in a band that played some of their music - being a flute player it was, of course, required that I memorize "Colour My World"

http://members.cox.net/mfortes/chicago2.jpg

 

[Saint Peter]

I love Chicago's music. However, the drummer consisitently plays behind the beat. Makes it a tough listen for a drummer who has reached for the perfect time/beat placement his whole life.

 

[JazzManJim]

I love Chicago's music. However, the drummer consisitently plays behind the beat. Makes it a tough listen for a drummer who has reached for the perfect time/beat placement his whole life.

It's part of their jazz feel. Their horns also drag the beat a little (most of the time).

 

[Basia]

I love Chicago! I saw them once when I was I want to say twelve, and now, a good chunk of my CD collection is Chicago, but I don't think I have that one..

 

[JazzManJim]

I love Chicago! I saw them once when I was I want to say twelve, and now, a good chunk of my CD collection is Chicago, but I don't think I have that one..

Basia..if you don't have them, get Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago II. Those are, I think, the best albums they've ever done. And if you've come to expect ballad rock from them, they'll also be a big eye-opener.

 

[Rambling Rose]

I just have one question:

25 or 6 to 4?

 

[Saint Peter]

It's part of their jazz feel. Their horns also drag the beat a little (most of the time).

I understand where you are going here. I just dont think it changes the jazz feel to move the beat forward. In my jazz training the 2 and 4 were more important than life. A crisp HH or steady backbeat held the band together. If that element is behind the beat, in time but behind the beat, the band has an uncohesiveness.

 

[Basia]

Basia..if you don't have them, get Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago II. Those are, I think, the best albums they've ever done. And if you've come to expect ballad rock from them, they'll also be a big eye-opener.

I don't have either of those, but Chicago II will be my next CD buy.


I do have a vinal question, here seems to be the place to ask.

Four origional Aerosmith Vinals just reventally fell into my hands, but I don't own a record player. Any ideas on where I could find myself one?

 

[Saint Peter]

I don't have either of those, but Chicago II will be my next CD buy.


I do have a vinal question, here seems to be the place to ask.

Four origional Aerosmith Vinals just reventally fell into my hands, but I don't own a record player. Any ideas on where I could find myself one?

Pawn shop might be a starting place. Many high quality turn tables have ended up in pawn shops since being kicked in the chichi's by the CD.