Articles by: Bob Helme

Chicago, “Hot Streets” from ‘Hot Streets’ (1978): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Hot Streets” from ‘Hot Streets’ (1978): Saturdays in the Park

The title track to Chicago’s ‘Hot Streets’ is a wistful look back at the jazz-rock style of the original band in its early days.

Chicago, “Little Miss Lovin'” from ‘Hot Streets’ (1978): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Little Miss Lovin'” from ‘Hot Streets’ (1978): Saturdays in the Park

“Little Miss Lovin’,” the third cut on Chicago’s ‘Hot Streets’ album, gets off to an excellent start – then problems set in.

Chicago, “Wish I Could Fly” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Wish I Could Fly” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

This is an interesting one-time listen for devoted fans of Chicago’s original group. Others need not apply.

Chicago, “Takin’ It On Uptown” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Takin’ It On Uptown” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s “Takin’ It On Uptown,” the last Terry Kath song released in his lifetime, is a nod to idol Jimi Hendrix – and so much more.

Chicago, “Your Love’s an Attitude” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Your Love’s an Attitude” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

It’s a shame this wonderful, mostly acoustic jazzy bonus cut from the late Terry Kath didn’t find itself on ‘Chicago X.’

Chicago, “Skin Tight” from Chicago X (1976): Saturday in the Park

Chicago, “Skin Tight” from Chicago X (1976): Saturday in the Park

“Skin Tight” makes for a nice little trip back to the kind of gutty rhythm and blues that Chicago was once known for.

Chicago, “The Christmas Song” from Chicago XXV (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “The Christmas Song” from Chicago XXV (1998): Saturdays in the Park

This is the Chicago I long for. It’s nice to see it return every now and then.

Chicago, “Till We Meet Again” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Till We Meet Again” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s “Till We Meet Again” is barely over two minutes long, and kindly labeled “filler.” Well-arranged filler, but filler nevertheless.

Chicago, “Brand New Love Affair, Parts I and II” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Brand New Love Affair, Parts I and II” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Road weary and dying for a day off, Chicago still manages to address both their jazz roots and rock and roll side in a single composition.

Chicago, “Byblos” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Byblos” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

From ‘Chicago VI’ on, it was increasingly apparent that guitarist / vocalist / band heart and soul Terry Kath was becoming weary of his diminishing role.