For the latest on Chris Pinnick, visit his web page. Click here to visit Chris Pinnick's home page.
New information added 2/12/99
By Tim Wood
Update for 2002: As far as I can tell, That Darn Band is no longer in existence. If you know otherwise, please contact me.
Guitarist Chris Pinnick has played for an artist or two that you might have heard of - Herb Alpert, Chicago, Peter Cetera - and for a few that aren't as familiar.
He's played for Simon Stokes and the Blackwhip Thrill Band, an album that's his favorite of the many on which he's played. There have been many collaborations with former Doobie Brothers drummer Chet McCracken.
That Darn Band, with its ambitious multi-media plans and cloak and dagger theme, is the latest project for the veteran guitarist, whose answer to questions about the band show he's clearly into the theme.
Asked how he got into the band, he replies, "I was on leave after just completing a mission in Egypt (disarming a nuclear threat) when Shell (Bourdette) called and said that the 'band' was re-forming."
Actually, Bourdette, the organizer, producer, lead vocalist and songwriter for That Darn Band, had met Pinnick through a mutual friend and called him to join the group.
Playing in the band is fun, Pinnick says, because "It's new and exciting. The approach is to incorporate the music with vision. A real multi-media event. Plus, I get to utilize my secret agent talents."
Pinnick may be one of the best-kept secrets in pop music. His five and one-half year stint with Chicago included three albums and worldwide tours.
Pinnick was a Chicago fan prior to joining the group. He counts Kath as one of his influences. "I listened to him play a lot," Pinnick said.
Original Chicago member Robert Lamm once said that Pinnick sounded so much like Kath that it was "spooky." Pinnick said he didn't consciously try to sound like Kath, but that his playing might remind people of Kath because both he and Kath were influenced by Hendrix.
Another tribute comes from Chicago member, Bill Champlin, who was with Pinnick in Chicago.
"He's one of the very best musicians I've ever worked with. He really understands what the guitar is all about and knows more about note relationships than almost anyone in the biz. at least the guys I know. No faking for this guy."
Dawayne Bailey followed Pinnick in Chicago. He didn't know much about Pinnick when he joined the band. After hearing Pinnick's playing on a board tape, he was impressed.
"The very first solo I heard of his on that board tape was on 25 Or 6 To 4. I could tell immediately that Chris had studied Jazz/BeBop and was picking every note. Not easy to do at the speed he was playing.
"I also noticed right off the bat that he reminded me of Terry Kath. He possessed all of the characteristics and influences similar to Kath, but also had a modern up to date way of phrasing. A nice combination of old and new ideas with chops to burn."
Bailey added, "He was a great blend of technique and soul, just like Terry Kath."
Pinnick joined Chicago after the departure of Donnie Dacus, who had joined the group as a replacement for founding guitarist Terry Kath, who had died in an accident.
"I was hired by Danny Seraphine (Chicago's original drummer) who I had done projects with before Chicago. My first album was the Thumbprint Album, (Chicago XIV) and I did two more albums after that."
Those other albums included Chicago 16, the band's comeback album featuring the hit "Hard for Me to Say I'm Sorry," and Chicago 17, the band's best-selling album, with sales of several million.
Pinnick was one of several guitarists used on those three Chicago albums. He played on most of the songs and contributed solos to three to four songs per album.
He takes a simple, yet effective approach to his equipment, running a Fender Telecaster through a Peavey Classic 50 amp with no guitar effects.
His guitar playing career started in third grade. "I picked it up primarily because it was the only instrument left available in the school band."
Pinnick's influences include Chet Atkins, Roy Buchanan, B.B. King, Michael Bloomfield, Albert King and other blues guitarists, as well as Hendrix and Kath.
As to the variety of artists he's played with, Pinnick simply says, "I like variety and various styles."
Of all of the notable groups he's played with, his favorite album was his first, done with Simon Stokes and the Blackwhip Thrill Band.
And with That Darn Band, Pinnick can add yet another band, style and hopefully some more platinum albums to his collection.