Credits:

Chicago

Description:

Outsider Gems by US-based Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist to be reissued in analog format! LELAND YOSHITSU, a mysterious Japanese-American synth/guitar player, released "Outsider Gems" in 1976 at his own expense. The band features an acquaintance on drums and percussion, electric guitar [12-string Rickenbacker], acoustic guitar [also 12-string], bass, synthesizer, and even Moog. The primitive, weeping fuzz guitar is also a nice touch. The original version was released in 1976, and later reissued in 1978 under the name "This is my world" with one track omitted. This is a must have for all independent U.S. recordings!Since their formation in 1967, the great legendary brass-rock band Chicago has produced countless classic songs for more than half a century and continues to do so vigorously. The Christmas/Holiday album is no exception. CHICAGO CHRISTMAS" is their 37th studio album and their fourth Christmas album. Their previous Christmas albums have focused on standard Christmas numbers, but this album features a large number of new songs written specifically for this album, including "All Over The World" and "(Because) It's Christmastime". The album features new songs written specifically for the album, such as "All Over The World" and "(Because) It's Christmastime". The album is produced by Lee Rocknane, one of the founding members of Chicago. Incidentally, "Merry Christmas, I Love You," which he wrote with John Daryl of The Ventures, is also included on this album in two versions, an R&B version and a ballad version.They have been touring for 52 consecutive years. Despite several member changes, the outstanding musicianship of the members and the group ensemble have not changed, and the band still has a large and strong following. It was their manager who suggested that they record a couple of Christmas albums, but the band evolved it into the recording of a new full-length album. The result is this album, filled with Christmas-themed songs. Instead of recording in a studio, the band carried state-of-the-art mobile recording equipment on tour so that they could work on the album while on the road. Before recording the new songs, the band used rehearsals between sound checks at shows and on off-days to record songs in hotels and on the tour bus after shows. Many of the songs on the recordings were written by the band members, and the horn arrangements were done by founding member James Pankow.In addition to the newly written songs, "Chicago Christmas" also includes two standard numbers, "Here We Come A Caroling" and "Sleigh Ride". This is the second time Chicago has recorded "Sleigh Ride" (a different version was included on 2011's "CHICAGO XXXIII: O CHRISTMAS THEE"). More noteworthy is the Chicago version of the classic "What The World Needs Now Is Love" by Hal David and Burt Bacharach. The song was picked up by founding member Robert Lamb. He said that it has the perfect message for this year's holiday season. Numerous Christmas standards have been loved throughout the ages. This is a new addition to that vast songbook.

Tracklisting:

1.(Because) It's Christmastime
2.All Over the World
3.Bring My Baby Back
4.Merry Christmas, I Love You [R&B Version]
5.What the World Needs Now Is Love
6.All Is Right
7.Sleigh Ride 2019
8.I'd Do It All Again (Christmas Moon)
9.I'm Your Santa Claus
10.Here We Come a Caroling
11.Merry Christmas, I Love You [Ballad Version]