Remixes, relevancy and real

While channel surfing one night last week, I noticed a Chicago concert was coming up on the Directv concert channel. Although their performance was on very late, I decided to stay up and watch at least some of it or until I heard my favorite song, “You’re the Inspiration.”

For more than 30 years, I have been a fan of Chicago and have attended several concerts, although the last one was nearly 23 years ago, while my husband and I were dating. Chicago was touring with the Beach Boys that year, and they performed each other’s songs. It was pretty amazing to hear both bands playing each other’s music, while staying true to their own “sound.”

Chicago’s music in concert always sounded just like their records–or even better. I also appreciated the wholesome atmosphere at their concerts. It wasn’t unusual to see three generations of a family sitting together enjoying the music. And lots of music – real music – is what concert-goers got–no gimmicks or pyrotechnics or even very much conversation from the stage. Just a long set list of wonderful music. It was wonderful to watch the ease of this band on stage as they seemed to effortlessly play through the difficult arrangements of their songs.

Some skilled and talented musicians I have known have told me Chicago’s arrangements have complex rifts and bridges and are very difficult for many musicians to learn. It’s rare to hear any other bands covering Chicago’s music.Over the years, several band members have left Chicago, and their replacements have blended in with the band’s special sound. Musically, I have held the band in high esteem because of the song writing contributions of most the members, as well as their beautiful arrangements and strong vocals. Chicago could always be counted on for REAL music.

At the opening of the concert on Directv, I noticed something different right away. The band introduced the online winner of a contest conducted on their  Web site, who would be singing solo her favorite Chicago song. She did a decent job of singing, accompanied by the band, and I’m sure it was a big thrill for her. But it was a departure for the band, who had in the past avoided the gimmicky route. Another change from the last time I had seen a concert or televised Chicago performance was that Bill Champlin, who had been a  powerful vocalist for the group, had been replaced by Lou Pardini. As usual though, the band had chosen the right replacement, and Pardini sounded great and blended right in with Chicago’s sound. Jason Scheff, who replaced Peter Cetera in1985, was still with the band. Scheff’s voice seemed thinner and sounded strained when he reached for notes, and on vocals he formerly sang solo, he was now accompanied by Pardini and Robert Lamm, leader and founding member of the band. Still, these were changes that were probably acceptable to most fans.

As the band launched into “I’m a Man,” I was surprised at how trim and fit they all were, including the founding members who are now well into their ‘60s. Lamm, who never looks like he ages, was wearing his usual suit and tie, with a loosened collar. None of the guys looked beaten up by life or a rock and roll lifestyle.

I hadn’t heard “I’m a Man,” in a while, so I wasn’t sure if it sounded different. But when the band started singing “Just You ‘n Me,” I knew something was not right. All the melody had been stripped from that beautiful, sweet and happy song. This continued with each successive song, and some songs were performed with only partial vocals. Of course, Chicago is known for its heavy brass sound, but for this performance, they seemed to have abandoned vocals for instruments, going for 5-8 minutes with just instruments. Finally, “Saturday in the Park” came up on the set list, and Lamm performed it in its original form. But their performance then continued with remixes of their beautiful classics. Remixes void of any melody. REAL music has a melody. I stopped watching. I didn’t want to hear a remix of  “You’re the Inspiration.”

After I turned off the TV, I thought to myself, “Well, no need to follow their tour schedule anymore. I wouldn’t travel or pay to see any of that.” I couldn’t believe what I had just seen and heard from my favorite band..

Why did they do this?

According to some music critics, Chicago’s music is second only to the Beach Boys. As fan of both bands, I would say Chicago is on par with the Beach Boys

But clearly last week’s performance showed Chicago was changing its music for a younger audience in an attempt to be cool and relevant to a new generation. But why? What does Chicago have to prove at this point? Why cheapen great music? Is it just for the sake of relevancy? And when does real stop being relevant?

As I thought about this, I was reminded of a speaker/author I had recently seen on a television program, who had made the statement: “What is ‘real’ about us is what doesn’t change.” He had shown some photos of himself from infancy onward to his current age of 70 to demonstrate that his constantly changing physical appearance wasn’t the “real”part of him. He asked, “What is the ‘real’ part of you?” An interesting question...

I was also reminded of how the word “relevant” is currently used by some groups, who advocate a remix of sorts to Jesus and Christianity in order to appeal to a younger generation.

It’s not a new idea. It’s been tried many times. The created tries to repackage and remix the creator.

What is real about Jesus?

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and yes forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Does Jesus NEED the cool factor?

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created by Him and for Him.”Colossians 1:16

Just some thoughts about remixes, relevancy and real...

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