John Barry remembered one year later

My 10 favourite Chicago album covers

Chicago, one of my favourite bands, is known for incorporating rock with jazz-influenced horn sounds, making their music very distinctive. They are also known for their iconic logo and their artistic-looking album covers. They have released 34 albums since their formation in 1967. Here are my 10 favourite Chicago album covers.

Chicago V (1972) - Carved Wood

Chicago VI (1973) - Engraved Bill

 Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits (1975) - Painted Billboard

Chicago X (1976) - Chocolate Bar

Chicago XI (1977) - Map of Chicago

Chicago 19 (1988) - Modern Painting

Chicago 25: The Christmas Album (1998) - Christmas Wreath

The Best of Chicago: 40th Anniversary Edition, aka Chicago XXXI (2007) - Red Wax Seal

Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus (2008) - Chiseled out of stone boulder

Chicago XXXIV: Live in '75 (2011) - Sun & Clouds special logo

RIP Nicol Williamson

My favourite Chicago songs with Terry Kath

Terry Kath (1946-1978)

Terry Kath was the original guitarist of Chicago, one of my all-time favourite bands. It was 34 years ago today that the world lost one of rock's greatest musicians, singers and bandleaders in a freakish accident. He performed on the group's first 11 albums between 1969 and 1977.

Here are some of my favourite Terry Kath moments with Chicago:

"I'm a Man" (from Chicago Transit Authority, 1969)

The guys take a classic Steve Winwood/Spencer Davis Group tune and make it completely their own. Terry makes it sound almost like heavy metal with his aggressive guitar solos, combined with Danny Seraphine's frantic drumming. It also provides a rare opportunity to hear Terry share a lead vocal with fellow leads Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm.


"South California Purples" (from Chicago Transit Authority, 1969)

Written and sung by Robert, what makes this avant-garde piece stand out for me is Terry's guitar riffs. It even includes a quote from the Beatles' "I Am the Walrus" near the end.

"Make Me Smile" (from Chicago, aka Chicago II, 1970)

This is without a doubt one of my all-time favourite Chicago songs. Sung by Terry, it is the first movement of the epic "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" piece (it's also home to the classic "Colour My World"). The version most people are probably familiar with is the edited single version, which I like just as much as the longer album track. "Make Me Smile" became Chicago's first major hit, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"25 or 6 to 4" (from Chicago, aka Chicago II, 1970)

I think most people who listen to rock music know this song. Though Peter sings lead, Terry lends a lengthy guitar solo during the instrumental break that makes the song a classic. If you aren't familiar with this song, I recommend you hear it in all its glory from the album itself. It's better than the edited single version because it cuts out most of the guitar solo.

"Dialogue, Parts 1 & 2" (from Chicago V, 1972)

The song consists of a musical social/political debate between Terry and Peter that ends in a celebratory chant ("We can make it happen"). Terry's singing and guitar playing keep the momentum chugging along.

"Byblos" (from Chicago VII, 1974)

Terry wrote and sang this intriguing story about an encounter he had with a woman at a club called Byblos. This allegedly occurred while the band was in Tokyo. I consider this track to be one of Chicago's greatest non-hits.

"Oh, Thank You Great Spirit" (from Chicago VIII, 1975)

This is Terry's homage to Jimi Hendrix, who was one of his major influences. Hendrix toured with Chicago in 1969, and told Terry personally that he played the guitar better than him.

"Hope For Love" (from Chicago X, 1976)

One of Terry's tender and haunting ballads, he sings it with deep passion and conviction that evokes some of Ray Charles' soulful numbers. You can hear the Ray Charles influence rub off on Terry in this recording.

"Mississippi Delta City Blues" (from Chicago XI, 1977)

Originally performed live during Chicago's concerts in 1972, Terry took this song to the studio for their 11th album. It is a rocker that opens the album, which sadly would be his last. An early demo version of this song is available as a bonus track on Rhino's 2002 reissue of Chicago V.

"Little One" (from Chicago XI, 1977)

The closing number from the same album acts as a bookend to it. Written by Danny for his two young daughters, I used to believe that it was written for Terry to sing to his one daughter. It is a beautiful song, though it sometimes makes for an emotional listen knowing that it was one of the last songs he ever recorded. He died about four months after the album's release, just one week shy of his 32nd birthday.

Honourable mentions: "Free Form Guitar" (from CTA), "Colour My World," "In the Country" (both from Chicago II), "Wishin' You Were Here" (from Chicago VII) and "Tell Me" (solo recording from the 1973 film Electra Glide in Blue).

Last week I read exciting news that his daughter Michelle has received enough donations from fans to work on a documentary film about her father's life. It is tentatively titled Searching for Terry. Hopefully it will finally give Terry his place as one of rock's greatest performers.

RIP Etta James

RIP Sarah Burke

The day I met Muhammad Ali

In celebration of Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday, I thought I would tell you the story of how I got to meet this great athlete and humanitarian. 

It happened during the summer of 1985. I was 12 years old and visiting New York City for the first time. My parents and I had just stepped out of the Hilton Hotel to begin our day when I recognized Ali meeting with fans and reporters from a distance. I recognized him instantly after having seen clips of his famous boxing matches on TV. I told my parents to take me to where he was. As soon as he saw me, we shook hands and got this photo taken. He also shook hands with my dad. He was extremely friendly and gracious to all of us. Meeting the man often dubbed The Greatest became one of my greatest memories. 

I've met several celebrities over the years, and I rank meeting Muhammad Ali as one of the greatest of all.

Though I only got to meet him that one time, I did see him again live in Toronto in 2002. The city and the Toronto Argonauts football team honoured him for his sports career, and for his work in raising money for a cure for Parkinson's disease. When I met him he was already in the early stages of this disease. Though it had progressed by the time I saw him again 17 years later, he managed to retain a larger-than-life presence.


I hope The Great One of Boxing enjoyed his birthday today. Here's to you, champ!

From the Archives: "Grandparents Day and Betty White" (9/12/2011)

In honour of Betty White's 90th birthday, I am re-posting this blog from last September. Love ya Golden Girl, xo.

Grandparents Day and Betty White

Yesterday (Sept. 11) was Grandparents Day. It usually falls on the second Sunday in September. Though this year's Grandparents Day was overshadowed by the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, and understandably so, it wasn't too far from my mind. Since 2006 it has become my day to honour and remember my grandparents. I got to know three of my four grandparents, and I cherish all the memories I have of them.

About six months ago I had a dream where I got to meet comedic actress Betty White. I've been a fan of hers since watching her play Rose on The Golden Girls back in the '80s. Coincidentally, she shares the same birthday as my maternal grandmother (January 17), and I've sometimes fantasized about adopting her as my grandmother in the 17 years she's been gone.

In my dream I was in Los Angeles, and had tickets to see a taping of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I'm a Leno fan, and I got excited when I heard that he had invited Betty White as one of his guests for the evening. I must have taken leave of my senses at this point, because without hesitation, I devised a plan to get up close and personal with her.

Security at the NBC Studio must have been lax that evening, because I easily managed to slip pass the guards by sitting near the green room, where guests lounge out before going on stage. It wasn't long before I saw Betty White, and I wasted no time in saying hello to her. When she saw me, she was very kind and sweet towards me, and somehow understood that I was a harmless admirer.

After I gushed over her work on TV and film, I asked if I could make her my honourary grandparent now that my real ones are gone. She found my request flattering, and was touched by the sentiment. She added that though she couldn't commit to fulfilling this role, she appreciated the offer. She then kissed me and wished me well. She also encouraged me to watch her new TV series, Hot in Cleveland.

The woman is 89 going on 90, and shows no signs of slowing down. I've watched her new show, and by my account she's still got it.

Betty, if you're reading this blog, I want you to know that I love my honourary grandma. You are truly golden.

Fundraiser 2011 (Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League article)

http://bit.ly/ylGs2c

Date: Nov 08, 2011

Fundraiser 2011

by Don Barrie

The TPWHL held its 4th annual fundraiser event on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Spirale Banquet Hall on Don Mills & Eglinton. Many league players, volunteers and organizers took part and helped raise over $11,000.

CBC Radio personality Tom Harrington hosted the evening, and expressed admiration for the league’s efforts to get more people with disabilities interested in wheelchair hockey. A short video was then played of the CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada 2010 broadcast, featuring the TPWHL’s junior division.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by two very different musical acts. Pop crooner Brian Roman returned to perform songs from the classic tradition from the likes of Sinatra and Elvis. Roman was followed by hard rock act Start the Car. They revisited classic rock songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Ticket sales and a silent auction helped to bring about the evening’s total. Items were donated by sponsors and friends of the league, including NHL photos, autographs, music memorabilia and food baskets.A dinner was also served.

Many of the donations received from this year’s fundraiser will go towards financing other league events, including the annual awards banquet and the North American Power Hockey Tournament scheduled for summer 2012.

Richard Hunt remembered 20 years later

Wishbone Day coming May 6

Risk More

I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. I prefer to make goals instead. When applied to the context of the New Year, the word ‘resolution’ bothers me because to me it is a big statement people make about changing their lives, minus a game plan to back it up. The word 'goal' sounds more serious, because it suggest that your willingness to change comes with a plan, thereby giving it more backbone. When I tell myself I’m going to set a goal, I find myself putting more time and energy into achieving it.

If I have one goal to make for this New Year (or resolution, if you prefer), it is to risk more. John Tesh writes about this in his book based on his popular radio show, Intelligence For Your Life. In his book, he describes in detail all the life lessons he learned before deciding to stop co-hosting Entertainment Tonight in favour of a lifelong dream to be a full-time musician and composer.

Tesh writes that several polls have been conducted over the years which asked senior citizens (between the ages of 80 and 100) what they would have changed about their lives. Nearly every man and woman polled said they would have taken more risks.

I’m now at the same age Tesh was when he decided to risk more by answering the call to do music full-time. The reason why most people don’t risk more is because they're afraid that they will fail, or that they will compromise healthy relations with family and friends. I’ve had my moments where I’ve preferred staying in a comfort zone, rather than take risks.

My fear of failure often leaves me feeling numb or paralyzed inside, and in hindsight I believe it has hindered me from moving forward. When I thought I had landed a comfortable place in my fledgling journalism career a few years ago, it ended up leading to a dead end. When I subsequently pursued working in other fields, they often left me feeling dissatisfied, even though the money was sometimes good. 

Tesh reminds readers that experiencing failure is not a bad thing. I’ve come to believe that ‘trial and error’ can provide an enriching learning experience. You can learn from your successes, but I’ve found that learning from failure can make you a wiser – and happier – person. Tesh affirms this in his book.

Failure is part of the process of achieving success, regardless of where you want to be.

 

So this is my goal for this year, to risk more. It may even open doors professionally to areas I may not have considered a few years ago, such as teaching. I plan to blog more about this and the risks I’ve taken (and am taking) in the weeks and months to come. Stay tuned.