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Chicago releases yet another seasonal anthology Holiday horns
By John Benson
“There’s nothing like putting some brass in your Christmas celebration. At least that’s the mindset of the horn-fueled, classic-rock outfit Chicago this holiday season with the release of the band’s latest Yuletide affair “Chicago XXXIII: O Christmas Three.”
“We just wanted to do it one more time,” said trombonist James Pankow, calling from Nashville. “There were still a few strings unattached and we felt an urge to do yet one more anthology of holiday favorites. The timing was good and it had been a while since the last release. Also, this band is orchestrally motivated being that we have the built in horn section so we went for it. It’s really a natural extension of our musical roots. We’re well suited to do these things.”
The band’s first foray into seasonal music came with 1999’s gold-selling “Chicago 25,” which was followed-up in 2003 with a re-release of the same album under the title “Chicago Christmas: What’s It Gonna Be Santa?” That effort included six new holiday songs recorded with famed producer Phil Ramone.
This time around, Chicago reconvened with Ramone for the 14-track “Chicago XXXIII: O Christmas Three,” which includes new tune “Rockin’ and Rollin’ on Christmas Day” with guitarist Steve Cropper. In fact, there are a slew of guest appearances: Dolly Parton on Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmas Time,” America on “I Saw Three Ships” and BeBe Winans on “Merry Christmas Darling.”
Perhaps the oddest pairing involves country legend Parton, who was around the Music City studio when Chicago recorded the album.
“Dolly just popped into our mind,” Pankow said. “She’s such an icon, not only in music but in the entertainment world in general. She’s associated with that down-home feeling and we thought her inclusions on the record would put a special stamp on it, but each of these songs had a special moment. One that stands out and couldn’t be more fitting for a gypsy like one of us who is always on the road and sometimes doesn’t get a chance to be home for special holidays is ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas.’ This year again we’re busy on the road touring the Christmas album.”
That touring includes a Sunday show at Cleveland’s State Theatre, where the band will mix in some of its favorite holiday tunes along with its catalog of hits (“25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Colour My World” and more). In case you can’t make that date, Chicago’s “Evening of Holiday Music and Greatest Hits” plays movie theaters Dec. 6 and 15 (check fathomevents.com for local listing) for a seasonal showing.
Considering Chicago is airing a concert video nationally in theaters and recently toured the world, with more jaunts planned for next year, the group’s future appears bright.
“Little did we know this music would become timeless, multigenerational classic stuff that would far outweigh the importance of the individuals that perform it,” Pankow said. “It’s amazing how this music has become so durable and given us a career.”
Therein lies the reason why Pankow feels as though his Christmas wish has already come true.
“I’m very blessed,” Pankow said. “We all are.”