James Pankow, a foundational pillar of the legendary band Chicago, seamlessly navigates a dual existence: that of a celebrated trombonist, arranger, and songwriter, and that of “Papa” to a delighted gaggle of grandchildren. This precious familial interlude recently offered him a profound respite before he once again plunged into the demanding rhythm of his musical life, as Chicago embarks on its remarkable 58th year as a cohesive musical entity.
This iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ensemble, comprising ten immensely talented musicians, consistently performs between 80 to 100 shows annually, a testament to their unwavering dedication and enduring appeal. Their current tour circuit supports the much-anticipated release of “Chicago at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C. (9/16/71),” an expansive 4-LP/3-CD set. This monumental collection immortalizes a historic gig that, despite occurring over five decades ago, continues to resonate deeply with Pankow and their legions of devoted fans.
The Kennedy Center recording not only features a selection of early-career standards that cemented Chicago’s place in music history, such as the vibrant “Colour My World,” the energetic “25 or 6 To 4,” and the uplifting “Make Me Smile,” but it also showcases their more ambitious compositions. These tracks vividly reflect the distinctive progressive rock-infused inflections that characterized much of Chicago’s material prior to the 1980s, before the band strategically pivoted towards the globally successful pop ballads like “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” and “You’re The Inspiration,” which brought them a second wave of chart dominance.
Pankow vividly recalls a pivotal moment in the band’s nascent career: an encounter with Jimi Hendrix. “Hendrix knew what we were doing — he got it,” Pankow asserts, recounting Hendrix’s praise for their horn section, which he described as sounding like “one set of lungs,” and their guitarist’s exceptional talent. This profound recognition led to an unprecedented summer tour as the opening act for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, a remarkable feat given that Chicago had yet to record any material and were virtually unknown artists.
This transformative experience proved instrumental in catapulting Chicago into the spotlight. Following their tour with Hendrix, the band returned to the famed Whisky a Go Go, where record labels and industry figures began to take notice. “Word got out that we had opened for Hendrix,” Pankow explains, detailing how record companies initiated a bidding war that ultimately led to their signing a seminal deal with Columbia, a moment that truly marked the beginning of their illustrious journey in the annals of music history.
Despite being 77 years young, James Pankow’s enthusiasm for performing live remains boundless, fueled by an exhaustive workout regimen designed to prepare him for the rigorous demands of touring. He expresses excitement about the current tour’s setlist, stating, “We’re going to be doing some things from every album, which isn’t something we always get a chance to do. It’s going to be a lot more in-depth snapshot about what Chicago is all about musically.” This commitment ensures a rich and varied experience for concertgoers, showcasing the breadth of their extensive discography.
When questioned about the unparalleled longevity of Chicago, the St. Louis native admits to a certain bewilderment. He attributes their enduring success primarily to the music itself, observing audiences spanning three or even four generations, each engaging with the band’s compositions on their own unique level. “But the common thread in this music is one that all of them can relate to,” Pankow reflects, concluding with a profound sense of wonder, “And that is a mystery that I’ll never figure out.” This intergenerational appeal stands as a testament to the timeless quality of their classic rock sound.
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