Search - Soundstage Presents Chicago - Live in Concert on DVD

Worthy of the Great Band, Chicago

Rik22 | New York | 12/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As noted in other reviews, this DVD, which features a live performance of the supergroup Chicago that aired on PBS, is recommended highly over their other live DVD, "Live by Request" which was shown on A&E. The less-than-excellent sound and visual editing on the A&E disc has been corrected on the Soundstage production and makes this DVD a worthy document of one of the great rock bands of all time. The vocals are tight and well mixed and the horns, those all-time great horns, sound fat and up front in the mix. The video editing is crisp and professional. The selection of songs finds a nice, if not usual, set of hits, blending ballads and rockers that display this group's eclectic abilities. Highlights include a blazing version of "I'm a Man" from the band's very first album, "Chicago Transit Authority". In this rendition, they've added a horn part to this tune-that-has-no-horns and the group simply, cooks. "Free" is another upbeat rocker that is given excellent treatment in this set. Original founding member Robert Lamm is especially good on this DVD, with pop evergreens, "Beginnings" and "Saturday in the Park" sounding as fresh as if they were written yesterday, not 30 or more years ago. This DVD, "Soundstage Presents Chicago-Live in Concert" is highly recommended for all Chicago fans and all fans of popular music. Nice work, Chicago!!"

Great Band, Great Concert

Edward J. Shannon, AIA | Elgin, IL United States | 10/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had seen the Chicago Soundstage on TV last Summer and just purchased the DVD today. It's a fantastic recording. The horn section sounds(and looks)great. Keith Howland's guitar is not as vivid as should be, tho.

Still, this is an excellent concert recording. I think it's far better (in sound quality) to the "Live by Request" DVD. It's also a continuous concert, which is nice. After selling more than 120,000,000 records, which include 20 top ten singles, 12 top ten albums (5 of which were # 1!) it's an enigma why this talented band has not been inducted in to the Reck and Roll Hall of Fame."

34 Years On: Still Bringin' The Chops

ChaseTheDragon | Hawaii | 11/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ah, the mighty Chicago. My first favorite group. Sadly, as popular as they became and as popular as they have remained, Chicago has never, EVER, received the true artistic acclaim they deserve. It is simply absurd that Chicago is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Period.

But about this DVD? You should buy it. It is far better than Live By Request. No commercial breaks. No guest interviews. Simply a full concert performance by guys who can bring it anytime, anywhere. This DVD is so good that I haven't been able to take it out of my player to check out the new Queen and Stray Cats DVDs, which are sitting here ready to go.

And what a concert this is. Stunning performances of 25 or 6 to 4, Hard Habit to Break, Feelin' Stronger, etc., etc. Best of all, not just Make Me Smile and Color My World, but the full Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon. Critics always rave (rightfully so) about thematic suites like Tommy, Pet Sounds, Abbey Road side 2, etc., but to my ears Ballet for a Girl in Buchanon pretty much deserves mention in that group as well.

One thing, though. If you are an old time fan, this DVD WILL make you miss Terry Kath. This is not a slight on Keith Howland, who is an excellent guitarist (but, Keith, what's up with the green Strat?), but Terry was truly special both as a singer and as a guitarist. Not to slam Bill Champlin or Robert Lamm either, but I really feel the absence of Terry's gruff growl on Dialogue, Color My World, etc.

SO, bottom line, go pick this up. And toss the Rhino remastered versions of Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago II into your cart as well."

FINALLY! A Chicago QUALITY DVD

Firebrand | Woonsocket, RI | 11/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own Live by Request, and I was disappointed with the horrible sound mixing. DON'T BUY THAT ONE.

I came to this one with hope that the Soundstage brand would make sure its quality was assured....and it was confirmed!

This DVD has great sound, very good surround sound (you feel like you're there). I reviewed it on a Laptop with headphones..and it sounds so full...imagine on a home theater!

The track selection is good and the video/sound editing is perfect. The musicians give it their all, with Lamm giving some heartfelt vocals in his tracks, the brass warming up the music, the drums powering through, and everything sounding funky and rock. Nice job, Soundstage and Chicago!

THIS is the one you've been waiting for. Skip Live By Request-Chicago...go for this infinitely better one."