Allegedly, Chicago is releasing a new live album at the end of April exclusively through their website (http://www.chicagotheband.com). The concert took place in January 2014, when the band performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It's a 2-CD set with all the familiar songs performed with the latest line-up and augmented by the CSO. The sample I heard was pretty good, so I'm in. However, the big announcement on 2/26 was rescinded the following day and the various links and posts were removed. I hope it's just a temporary glitch. More to come...

Jim

I ordered mine on Thursday and got confirmation for the order. It was a reasonable price...$14.98 + shipping, so I hope it comes through okay.

Excellent price. I'll try the link. No luck, just the "Now" CD and a DVD,

Rick A.

I received the link I used via email. When I click on that same link now, I get the following:

"You clicked on the correct page, but it is currently being updated. Please check the link again soon. Thanks for your patience."

I'm sure they'll have it up again soon. For those that didn't have the link, here it is, even though it's not currently working.

http://www.chicagotheband.com/chicago-symphony-hall/

Thanks WalterP!

Rick A.

Ten days later, there's been no update or reactivation of the links. Isn't this puzzling? Everything seemed so buttoned up when the announcement was made. The sound clip was made available, the art and a picture of the actual discs were on the site, the release plans were well-communicated via social media, and the ordering mechanism was put in place (congratulations, Walter!). A lot of thought and effort went into this. What could have happened?

It could be some legal trouble between Chicago and the CSO[one thing I found out is the CSO has their own record label].

It's been almost four months since this album was announced, and I haven't heard any follow-up information from any source about its status. I'd bet hwk is right about the CSO being a factor. The hush-hush possibly indicates a legal issue. Walter, did you get a refund or any update from http://www.chicagotheband.com? (Thumbs-up to anyone hearing Peter Cetera's "No Explanation" in their head right now! )

Jim

I hear you Jim. I have been patiently (which I am beginning to lose) awaiting this release.

Actually MFSL's Chicago II as well.

Sorry...I was out of town for three weeks and I'm still trying to catch up. I'll check on this as soon as I'm able.

I didn't know anything about this thread or CD until just now. It does appear the link is now dead, so I'd be interested to know if anyone succeeds in getting the CD. Otherwise, I noticed a different CD, the Nashville Sessions, listed in the store. Any thoughts on that?

I picked up The Nashville Sessions CD for $10 at a Chicago concert a couple of years ago. The current line-up (without Bill Champlin, but prior to Lou Pardini) re-recorded 15 of the band's pre-1980 hits using the original arrangements. The band wanted to own versions of their hits that they could license to TV shows* or video games** or use in remixes***, since Rhino owns the originals. They did a good job, though there's no mistaking Jason Scheff for Peter Cetera. (Not a slam: I love Jason's voice, but it's different than PC's.) Robert & Lee handle the other lead vocals. I found it interesting, but it's not essential for the casual fan.

* - This version of "Saturday In The Park" was featured on an episode of "Rules Of Engagement".
** - Around this time, Chicago registered the trademark "Horn Band" and others to perhaps put together a video game similar to Rock Band or Guitar Hero. Must have fallen through.
*** - Several of these recordings were used by John Van Eps to create Robert Lamm Songs: The JVE Remixes. At one point it was going to be a Chicago remix album, but the band voted the idea down.

Jim

Apparently, this album is officially coming out later this year. I've a few recent stories that mentioned it as Chicago's next album (#37?). Their sound engineer recently put together an HD mix of the album and Bob Ludwig recently mastered it. I learned that the people who ordered the album during the one day it was available received it, though there were some sound quality concerns. Perhaps that's been the hold-up for the last 10 months, though it's weird that a handful of people already got a version.

Walter, did you receive your copy? If so, how is the sound?

Jim

Jim...truthfully speaking, I received mine, but I didn't ever open it. I guess I wasn't that eager to get it. Now I'm wondering if I should open it. Perhaps I can make big money on my sealed copy.

Good idea!