Chicago’s a href=”https://somethingelsereviews.com/tag/night-and-day-big-band/” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Night & Day: Big Band album is frustratingly good. Working with producer Bruce Fairbairn after the rejection of Stone of Sisyphus, the band was in fine shape. In fact, this is the best they’d played since 1975’s Chicago VIII.
Part of the musical gravitas can be attributed to drummer Tris Imboden, who handled the mix of jazz and rock with an expert feel. Appearing on the second and last album where he plays all the drum parts, Imboden amazes while providing a deep yet modern pocket with bassist Jason Scheff.
The Bill Champlin-arranged “Goody, Goody” utilizes the rhythm section to significant effect. Champlin provides additional smoke with his Hammond B-3 organ runs, as well as acoustic and electric piano. Champlin continues his role as the go-to vocal arranger in the band, working with Robert Lamm and Jason Scheff to provide a modern funky take on this jazz classic.
An inspired James Pankow takes on the task of making the horn chart distinctive. Bruce Gaitsch, who kept the guitar chair warm for incoming guitarist Keith Howland, adds outstanding leads and tasteful rhythm parts.
“Goody Goody” is yet another example of Champlin shooting for the stars, and succeeding. The frustrating part about Night & Day: Big Band is that not many people – even long-term fans – ever heard it.
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