Have Yourself a Chicago Christmas

By Tim Wood

The long-running rock group Chicago has fulfilled a dream of their own in releasing their first Christmas album.

They've fulfilled the dream of many fans not only in putting out an album of Christmas music, but in bringing back elements of the classic Chicago sound that had long been missing.

With this marvelous 14-song set - 13 traditional songs, one original - the band has pulled away from the ballad-heavy sound of the 1980s.While there are strong reminders of classic, 1970s Chicago, the talents of the band's newer members are also displayed in full force.

One original band member who makes a significant contribution to this project is trumpet player Lee Loughnane, who co-wrote the one original song, "Child's Prayer," and arranged and sang a rare lead vocal on "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," perhaps the best song on the album.

"Child's Prayer," written by Loughane and John Durrill, features a childrens' choir as the lead vocal element. Composed of children of band members and friends, the choir performs to fine effect on "Child's Prayer" and "One Little Candle," a short song that serves as the exclamation point of the project.

Featuring Loughnane on flugelhorn, trumpet and piccolo trumpet evokes memories of traditional Christmas arrangements. The song is based on the traditional "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer taught to children with a Christmas theme. It's all too easy to label songs as future classics, but this one has that potential. It should be a favorite of choral arrangers and would work well for church childrens' choirs.

The beauty of the childrens' chorus on their two songs is that while they are certainly good singers, they sound like a group of children singing for fun. A highly-trained childrens' choir would not have worked on this song, but these children are just right.

Loughnane also is front and center on "Let It Snow," with elements of old rock and roll as well as some rhythm and blues. The famed Chicago horns are in fine form. Loughnane's vocal has a laid-back, soulful feel.

If there's a wild card on the album, it's "Feliz Navidad," a song made popular by Jose Feliciano. This arrangement is dramatically different from Feliciano's uptempo take. Arranged by founding Chicago keyboardist/vocalist Robert Lamm, it has a laid-back, jazzy feel. Producer Roy Bittan even plays accordion, while Chicago keyboardist/guitarist Bil Champlin adds a nice touch with synth vibes.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" takes a mid-tempo approach with latin-style percussion, helped out by guest percussionist Luis Conte. Guitarist Keith Howland contributes bluesy guitar licks. Also contributing to the feel of the song are James Pankow's brass arrangements. Rounding out the song are bassist Jason Scheff's lead vocals.

Champlin takes center stage on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." This song has a funky feel. Champlin did the overall arrangement, vocal arrangements, lead and background vocals, not to mention computer programming, electric piano, organ, synth bass and guitars. If that wasn't enough, he added some extra lyrics

."What Child Is This" also was arranged by Champlin, who along with Jason Scheff kicks off the song with some incredible accapella ensemble vocals. Fans of Champlin's gruff, soulful vocals might have trouble recognizing him on this track, as he takes a totally different vocal approach, which turns out to be totally appropriate for this song.

If you watched the Charlie Brown Christmas specials, you might get a kick out of Chicago's version of "Christmas Time is Here." Lamm arranged this song and his mellow lead vocals fit the slow-paced setting perfectly.

Lamm also contributed a moderately-paced arrangement of "The Christmas Song" (chestnuts roasting on an open fire, etc. ...) Other songs included on the album are "Little Drummer Boy," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "O Come All Ye Faithful,", "White Christmas," and, of course, "Silent Night."

Bittan's production lets the band flex its creative muscles. Most of the vocals and instrumental parts are handled by band members, with outside musicians used sparingly, yet effectively.

Fans of classic Chicago will love the similarities to that early sound, but fans who came aboard in the 80s also will find much to like about this early Christmas present from one of the all-time great rock bands.

Click here to order the Chicago Christmas Album from CDNow!