Steve Vai Instagram – Hey Folks, last weekend I was honored with the opportunity to perform a few songs with the mighty @chicagotheband band at the Chicago and Friends Tribute Concert at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. These concerts are a tribute celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the their debut album “Chicago Transit Authority.” A special TV tribute concert “Decades Rock Live” will be culled from the performances and aired at some time in the future.
The whole experience was outstanding. This historic band has been making hit records and touring for the last 57 years, and they sound more full and powerful than ever. Terry Kath, who was the original guitar player in Chicago until his death in 1978, was an inspired visceral player whose raw 60’s-70’s guitar tone helped shape the sound of rock guitar in popular music starting from their days opening up for Jimi Hendrix, who was a fan and friend of Terry. It was an honor to pay tribute to this legend and the band by contributing to several songs throughout the night. I have not played in such a huge sounding and robust band since Zappa. The horns were slammin’, in tune, funky and phenomenally arranged.
I also had the opportunity to meet new people and bond with them, which is my favorite thing about these kinds of gigs. Besides all the band members, some of those artists were @callmekingfish, @chrisdaughtry, @thevoiceplay, @robertrandolph, and @judithgloryhill. They all delivered like bosses! And a shout out to the current guitar player in Chicago, Tony Obrohta. An outstanding player who fits the band perfectly and an overall terrific person.
Thanks to the whole band for inviting me to contribute to this special event. I’m humbled.
Here is a clip I found from the audience of the last little guitar cadenza I did on a song called “South California Purples.” I’m sure the final TV version will sound infinitely better, but here’s a taste.
Enjoy | Posted on 27/Nov/2023 01:26:12
