Chicago was really a band to experience. And Terry Kath, the band’s guitarist, was something else entirely to behold. He’s by far one of the most underrated guitarists of the 20th century. He was stellar at lead guitar, killer at solos, and a fantastic group leader overall. So many of his guitar tracks were mind-blowing. Better yet, he learned it all himself; formally educated musicians wouldn’t stand a chance against Kath, armed with a guitar. Let’s look at just a few of Terry Kath’s finest guitar tracks with Chicago!
Videos by American Songwriter
“Introduction”
This is one of those songs that even non-Chicago fans probably know. Released in 1969 on Chicago’s debut album The Chicago Transit Authority, this song is an almost sonically perfect mix of rock music and jazz instrumentation. Back then, much of Chicago’s work had that kind of sound. There are some blues and pop elements heard as well, but Kath cuts through all expectations of all of those genres with his guitar performance. He’s absolutely entrancing on “Introduction”.
“Make Me Smile”
I think “Make Me Smile” is a bit on the underrated side. This 1970 track is just fun, complete with an uplifting melody that is sure to put a smile on your face, as the title predicts. That trumpet really adds to the ambiance, and when it begins to melt into Kath’s guitar solo, “Make Me Smile” will send you to another planet. It’s really gorgeous.
Not only does Kath prove himself as a guitarist on this track, but his vocals really come into their own in this song. “Make Me Smile” is one of many songs with a standard under-five-minute runtime, but listeners always want more.
“Song Of The Evergreens”
Terry Kath was on a different level on the 1974 album Chicago VII. The track “Song Of The Evergreens”, specifically, is particularly gorgeous. This song has so much atmosphere and airiness to it. Lee Loughnane’s vocals are excellent, as is Robert Lamm’s keyboard performance. But nothing tops the way Kath plays his guitar on this one. Overall, the song is simple, imperfect, and full of charm. I wish “Song Of The Evergreens” was longer, but in a way, its shortness makes it all the more compelling. And that send-off solo? Incredible.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
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