Chicago - Lou Pardini Sings "Make Me Smile" - August 2009

[yoshkoful]

Thank G-d for Lou Pardini. His vocal talents justify this band continuing to entertain throngs of people for the foreseeable future. I saw them twice recently in Toronto and loved every minute of the concert. Love you guys.

[CTAWorshipper]

I finally had the chance to see in a concert the newest band line-up, and let me tell you that Lou Pardini and Drew Hester BLEW ME AWAY!!!! Drew Hester is the replacement they never had but always needed for Laudir de Oliveira, and Lou Pardini is the ideal replacement for the never liked (by me) Bill Champlin. Lou Pardini has a great voice range! I liked the guy.

[fayette202]

VAST IMPROVEMENT! Champlin has ruined that song for the last time. Now if Scheff could find the door I might start going to their concerts again.

[MrJayBBluejay]

Be it the original Columbia Records/James Guercio produced records with the lineup with Terry Kath, the Peter Cetera/David Foster years after Kath's death, Jason Scheff's joining the band to replace Cetera, Tris Imboden replacing Danny Seraphine, or this lineup, I would rather have any incarnation of CHICAGO than 100 Justin Biebers anyday.

[MrJayBBluejay]

The best singer for Chicago for this Terry Kath song after Terry Kath's death, is, in order:

1. Robert Lamm-he captured the original essence of his fallen band member

2. Lou Pardini-just joined but also captures the soul of Kath

3. Bill Champlin-loved is own arrangement, had some of the soul of Kath, but voice was a little high-pitched for the song. I will miss his duets he did with Peter Cetera and later Jason Scheff.

[BAMAMARV]

@MrJayBBluejay --- Ditto 100%, but I also agree with one poster below that if Lee wasn't busy with his trumpet part, this might be a good song for him with his tone, just wondering if he has the note range for it.

[champfan0]

I will miss Bill I enjoy "his spin" on the old Chicago songs, I also enjoy Terry very much, with that said, I don't care for Lou. I just saw them in concert, Lou sounds more like Robert or maybe Lee than anyone else with that said, there is nothing wrong with him, he just doesn't bring anything new to the sound, I honestly think Chicago would sound the same without him.

[foreverdjendy]

They should have given this part to Lee, he sounds more like Terry....

[normanrlevin]

I have seen Bill Champlin perform with Chicago several times and am so glad he is gone. He may be a great pianist and composer but his singing did not fit Chicago songs at all...and i'm being kind here.

[fayette202]

@normanrlevin I couldn't have said it better myself

[hansumjoe]

chicago-Champlin+Pardini=jukeb­ox

nice guy, but he's no Bill. stay at home and play one of the many greatest hits packages and save the money from the concert...sounds the same

[Firebat246]

All I have to say is THANK GOD Lou has replaced Bill. If I had to sit through one more "Make Me Smile" butchered by Bill I was gonna lose my mind. Sorry if I sound too harsh on Bill but he never sang this song the way it was intended. If anyone has seen the show in 2007 where Robert Lamm sang this, it's amazing how spot on he was compared to Terry. I think Lamm should have sung this all along not bill. Thankfully now they have a proper replacement. Lou has that terry sound in him and I love it!!

[ilconsigliere56]

Lou Pardini sounds awesome! Please, don't compare him to Bill Champlin. If you want to make a negative comparison, then go to Terry Kath. But compared to Champlin, Lou rocks! His voice is very, very similar to Terry. If you don't agree, listen to their shows on DVD LIVE.

[Runner7836]

I didn't care for the way Bill Chaplin sang the Chicago songs live. He overdid it w/ the soul overtones. Just sing the song the way it was written. I agree with PhiLISM

[tmg1968]

Ugh, this Pardini is trying to sound like Bill Champlin, who sounds like WIllie Nelson...good grief! Terry Kath rules!

[utahdrumtech]

Everyone has their opinon about Chicago... personally, I'm amazed at how they have lasted through all the changes! The music they play really has stood the test of time (and many, many musicians)! I'm glad ALL of the various musicians have been a part of this incredible band we call CHICAGO!! Keep jammin guys-

[Poolboy150]

I was at this show......drove from Atlantic Beach NC to Atlanta......so worth it....the 25 th time I had seen Chicago in concert!

[iiBrandi]

I love Lou Pardini. Awesome voice live too!

[xxxisforporno]

shutup trolls

[wonkavella]

sorry i love the new guy he sounds like him and i like it new blood i welcome him

[datzme49]

lou pardini in neither terry kath or bill champlain vocally and he shouldnt try to be...but lets remember that this concert was about two weeks after he was hired...lets give him a little time to get his vocals worked out...THEN kick him to the curb!!! :)

[1tallguy49]

don't take me wrong on this. Even though Bill's voice is nasal. It was never a good fit when he sang Terry's songs. Robert was a better fit for that. Bill was great when he sang his own stuff.

[1tallguy49]

Sounds better than bill singing with his nasal voice

[psychodelicrock12]

Robert Lamm sounds better than this guy.  I am surprise that Robert sang this at times when Lou filled in for Bill 2 years ago.

[danno131305]

Bring back Bill. The REAL Chicago.

(and Walt)

[cetera06]

I'm sorry if I disagree with a lot of comments, but now I can tell that Chicago is gone forever without the last good musician as Champlin....he was the last sign of spirit in the band (vocaly)....Best regards!

[marsczar]

Bill said it best in a recent interview:

"Chicago has become a tribute band of themselves". So true. It's a shame that there are two key originals out there who would very well likely come back for the sake of the music, Cetera and Seraphine, at least for a tour, if the originals would swallow their pride. But, alas, instead we have "Chicago Tribute 2010". Having seen the band every year from '76 (yeah Terry) thru '06, they ain't ever getting my ticket money again to see this crap.

[classicrockdrumming]

@marsczar I BEEN THERE SINCE 1970, EVERY YEAR, AND YES THEY SHOULD CHANGE THEIR NAME, THIS IS NOT WHAT IT WAS. IT'S HARD TO TAKE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HORN SECTION DON'T SHOW UP,. I WISH THEY WOULD CUT BACK ON THE NUMBER OF SHOWS, MAYBE WE WOULD GET A LITTLE BETTER QUALITY.CHEERS. SORRY FOR THE CAPS, I'M NOT GONNA RE-TYPE THIS.

[npwd]

I like it, I always found Bill's voice too 'nasaly' whereas this guy sounds more like the 'Chicago' sound...altough this is the only time I've seen the new guy. Unfortunately (to the person who said Bill was going through the motions), I feel Chicago have been 'going through the motions' for years now. I saw them in July and only James/Lee/Walt look like they're enjoying what they do now. There is no togetherness onstage and maybe some fresh blood will revitalise them a bit. Just my opinion.

[adorablejaney]

do we really need the balloons? no!

[dereksmalls1985]

First off, Chicago is (and will always be) my favorite band in the entire world. That being said, this wasn't bad, but I don't know if Pardini is a good vocal fit for the band. I think he's trying too hard to sound like Bill, and hopefully he'll make the song his own.

I wonder if the Greatest Band Ever is on the out... :(

[champfan0]

Hoosier, from what I've heard your right, it is an unfortunate loss and Bill was the only thing that kept me coming out to see Chicago year after year. And I still say Lou sounds like an impersonater.

[baftoh]

what is with the Maynard G Krebbs bongo playing?

[HuskerEd40]

Drew Hester.

[pak3857]

I get tired of reading all the negative from all the idiots. TERRY SHOT himself ( pretty dumb for the HEART & SOUL OF THE BAND) The ORIGINALS decided to preserve and move on. Donny Dacus wew. Bill C. Hell yea ( 28.5yrs) He must have done smthn right. Cetera left to pursue his solo career, good for him. Danny wanted to BE IN CHARGE rather than play drums. tell me smart ass's who do YOU think should replace these musicians. Sure as hell dont think LAMB could last 2.5 hrs a nite 6 days a week.

[pak3857]

Im so glad you people have all the time in the world to gratique these people. Jason is no longer 22 so i guess his voice has changed, as people do the older they get. Same with Bill.. Same with the horn players...probably why they dont show up as much anymore. You people probably dont realize that CHICAGO has dubbed the background vocals on a lot of their stuff live and still sound bad. You people need to get a life. Like it or move on. Bill has 2 grammy's many number 1's w/ chicago

[danno131305]

@HuskerEd40

Lou has a little TERRY in that voice. Very nice.

[takemeback1969]

while I agree Bobby has the best voice for Terry's songs. I definitely like Lou's voice better than Bill's anyday. Bill was just too whiney. Bobby said it best he NEVER was the best fit.

[Firebat246]

Why the heck is Rob not singing this song now that bill is gone? I am going to see them tomorrow and am SO disappointed that I wont get to hear Robert do this song when he sounds THE BEST... /sigh

[champfan0]

Well I think you guys are right, I don't think Bill has been happy for a long time, and I don't think Jason is either these days. But this Lou guy sounds like he is trying to impersonate Bill. When Bill came along in 1982 he did not try to sound like Terry. Jason has a similar voice to Peter but again he does not sound like he's trying to impersonate Peter. If Lou is a perminant replacement he really should try singing the songs his own way or Chicago needs to try someone else.

[mattdawg83686]

Hi, I agree Lou should make the songs his own. I'm just wondering if he'll be able to. I've heard some of Lou's stuff, and it's obvious why he's in Chicago as he sounds like a younger Bill.

[mattdawg83686]

I have to agree that Bill had to leave. I saw Chicago perform a year ago and Bill looked like he was going through the motions. My theory is Bill started singing some of the songs differently in order to keep them and himself fresh and fell out of favor with the higher ups. After listening to some of Lou Pardini's music, I think he will be a welcome addition to Chicago.

[RedCeltYank1]

The Reality is.....Bill needed to leave, he has little to no tone left on his voice after years of abuse. He can't hold a straight line out anymore due to either torn chords or boredom. He almost got annoying because he just wouldn't be the Bill we loved on Chicago 16-19. Now, truthfully, if Peter would come back for a last hurrah, they might vocally be worth listening to again! Don't know if Lou is better than BC circa 1982, but he's definately better than the BC we've gotten the last 10 yrs.

[ChinaLuster]

Go take a listen to Bill's new album, No Place Left To Fall. He gives an extraordinary vocal clinic as he sings most the lead and harmonies. Listening and studying his studio and live technique since the 60's, I believe him to be one of the greatest vocalist I've ever heard. I understand maybe not liking his style, I have a brother who feels the same way, he has sung on everything. If you'rea Peter Cetera fan, there is one song with Peter singing backups and Michael English on Lead parts.

[adorablejaney]

Thanks for the heads up! I will check it out!

Aj x

[mrswmayres]

This is wonderful...a big shout of from the Ayres in Reno! Incredible!!!

[georgiaslide]

I'm with brassplayer. No band stays the same after 40 years, it's impossible. I'm just glad the music was made and is still being performed.

[snapytom555]

Just revisiting Mr. Pardini's cd A Night To Remember. can't imagine a Chicago fan not enjoying it . Seems pretty lame to judge a performance through the internet, taken from a cell phone, played back through my laptops speakers.

I have seen the band over the last thirty five years and never once was disappointed no matter the members in the band, no matter the venue. As someone posted before "it's about the music" . did anyone notice that besides signing the guy can also play the keyboards?

[brucear]

That's not very good. Robert should be singing all of Terry's parts. Much much better.

[menschenfreundin]

Even if I wasn't a huge Bill fan, I'd say, this doesn't sound to good. On the other hand, the guy prop. needs just some more practise. What I find much more interesting is that they've been hiding Bill on the left background all the time and the new guy ... centerstage?! Imteresting, isn't it?

[drhey19]

This is from a Chicago/Earth, Wind, and Fire Show. The riser is designed to accommodate both bands while on stage at the same time. Lou is right where Bill was for the 04, 05, and 08 tours which featured EWF. If anything in my opinion Bill was featured more so in the 07, 08, and 09 Tours with his performance of the "Champlin Medley" or "Look Away" which pretty much featured him more so than any other member.

[dcitalyandpardini]

dude that, and im dead serious, is my uncle, my name is Matthew Alan Pardini and his wifes name is Betsy, just for proof

[scammett]

IMHO, Lou sings this song EXACTLY the way Lamm, Pankow, Parazaider and Pankow wanted Bill to sing it. But Bill was, is, and always will be Bill - no matter what anybody else wants! I'm grateful to Chicago for introducing me to the world of Bill Champlin! As a good friend of Bill's told me back in the early 90's "if you think he's good with Chicago - you should see how much better his is without them". And he was absolutely right!

[chifinn]

Wow, first it was not Chicago without Terry then Peter now Bill who was not an original member. the legend continues...

[artcorvolet]

F...the band forever screwed up firing bill champlin....RIP Chicago!!

[kjp2345]

Bill didn't get fired, he left to promote his new album which i still think is stupid but yeah.

[HoosierInOK]

It's been reported (by those supposedly in the know) that he was voted out by the originals + Jason. Don't know that there was unanimity, but given Robert's comments that Bill was "never a good fit," he certainly wanted him gone. The "mutual parting" spin is largely Bill not wanting to make this a bigger deal than it already is. I think he really didn't mind getting out on some levels.

[prostyle17]

Bill was let go from the band sorry to inform you he is a personal friend of mine and he is going to kick some major ass now that he can focus on making real music!

[PhilUSM]

yeah im sure bill champlin is your friend. and no one is saying hes a bad singer he just was not right for terry kaths songs

[marmont48]

@PhilUSM NO ONE is RIGHT for Terry Kath songs! People should stop resembling! Peter and Jason, Bill and Lou. Chicago is the ONLY band who's still performing more than 40 yrs and people all around the world, STILL want to see and hear them LIVE! Even without Peter and Terry and now Bill. I've seen them in Amsterdam with Peter and Terry in '69, with Jason, Bill, Keith in '99 and in Paris 2008 and 2011 with Lou! Thanks to them ánd the original hornsection and Robert Lamm they still kick ass!!

[oldbandguy]

WEAK!!! I don't care if he's new. This is a Chicago and they are a professional band. You could hear that level of vocal performance at 5,000 bars across the country any night of the week.

[janielaurel]

not bad for the new kid.... remember, Bill put his personal stamp on this song. Lou is doing a pretty good job of doing his own version, and that'll settle down with time. Remember Jason had a hard time doing Peter's vocals when he joined the band. Give this talented man credit for filling HUGE shoes, and give him credit for being the enormous talent he is in his own right. That's MY story, and I'm sticking to it. And yes, I WILL continue to see Chicago concerts. :P

[brassplayer]

"Filling Bill's shoes won't be easy."

"It's just not Chicago without Bill."

etc. etc.

I'm sure people felt this way when Terry died, or Peter left, or Danny was fired or ...

As for me, I'll miss Bill. I love his vocal stylings and look forward to his solo stuff. However, what's done is done and I'm ready to move on. Chicago has primarily been about the music, not the individuals.

[fenderbass57]

@brassplayer

BS Bill Champlin was NOT an original member of the group and I feel that he NEVER should have been. Very limited talent and he added next to nothing! Nobody can replace Terry Kath but they should have found someone better than Champlin!!!

[drumdadof4]

@fenderbass57 Are we listening to the same bill champlin? Dude, open your ears. And I guess all of the #1 songs he has written over the span of time must not count)

[fenderbass57]

@drumdadof4 How many CLASSIC Chicago songs has he written??? Let's face it if Terry Kath hadn't sadly passed away the only way that Bill Champlin attends a Chicago concert is with a ticket!!!

[fenderbass57]

@drumdadof4 It's just an opinion, if you like him, GREAT!!! I'll take Terry Kath ANYDAY!!!

[RotKopf5150]

Wow! Considering he's had less than two weeks to rehearse and had to jump right into tour mode, I think he is doing a fantasic job! So I'm gonna praise him....

(and I don't presume to have any rights to critique a professional's performance, but rather consider it a privilege *grin*)

[driftylew]

I'm sorry.. to me - its just not Chicago without Bill.

[bjc5252]

Give the guy a break. Bill was not a founding member of Chicago and never fit it - he didn't have the same style as the rest of the band members. Saw the concert at MSG and he was uncomfortable with Earth, Wind and Fire.

[hansumjoe]

not even close....and I am going to be hard on the guy (it's my right)...at least I got to see Bill before it happened. Sounds like the album, and I can listen to that for free

[harold127]

He struggles a little in the lower range but overall not bad.

[JasonicaPR]

He does pretty fine...At the beginning, he kinds of struggles but then he begins taking flight. It surely will be better as he feels mor an more familiar wit the material. Filling Bill's shows won't be easy, so I wish him good luck. He's got to be better tna Bill, because it's absurd that Chicago fired Bill just to put a worse singer instead.