Chicago, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (2003): Saturdays in the Park
Bill Champlin and Chicago gave “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” the breath of fresh air needed to make this over-exposed holiday classic listenable again.
Bill Champlin and Chicago gave “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” the breath of fresh air needed to make this over-exposed holiday classic listenable again.
Bill Champlin is said to have always pushed new music on the band. This is once case where Chicago should said no.
Earnest and sweet, this update of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” showcases one of Chicago’s longest tenured non-original members.
Chicago guitarist Keith Howland added his first lead vocal to one of five new tracks included on 2003’s ‘What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?’
Chicago tosses out the often-corny way “Winder Wonderland” is usually rendered in this Robert Lamm-sung version.
There are several reasons why this non-regular release is a sleeper pick as my favorite latter-day Chicago album.