Chicago, REO Speedwagon
Washington State Fair, Puyallup, WA
09.09.14
I took the rare opportunity to make a call on Chicago at the State Fair on Tuesday, stepping into a throwback time machine that, until now, I’m generally content to let sit. Of the many groups I had seen over the decades, I had yet to cross paths with either Chicago or REO Speedwagon. But, it’s never too late for another first!
Atop the bleachers I watched as REO Speedwagon front man Kevin Cronin was busy creating an authentically vintage atmosphere. When I closed my eyes I was 23, sitting on a hot southern porch, window screen open to the radio. Cronin snapped me out, as he shuffled on stage performing with a broken leg. Thoughts of time and fragility made me anxious. His voice was familiar and constant, as he picked up his guitar and still managed a great set through the waning evening. REO burned through plenty of their classic hits, including, “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take It On The Run,” “Keep Pushin’,” and “Whipping Boy,” their latest track.
The distinctive sound that is Chicago certainly wasn’t happenstance, comprised of nine members led by front man Robert Lamm. Keyboards, horns, and multiple percussionists tip the iceberg in the pool of creativity, lending dimension and a wow factor that has yet to be matched by any other band over such a long span of time. Releasing their first new album in 10 years, Chicago XXXVI: Now, marks their 23rd studio album. Their set list is an embarrassment of riches, playing single after single. A sample of tonight includes “Color My World,” “Questions 67 & 68” (sung by bassist Jason Scheff, an equally amazing vocalist), “You’re the Inspiration,” “I’m a Man” (a powerhouse performance), and “Hard To Say I’m Sorry.” Actually, the list continues, but the quotations become hard on the eyes.
REO Speedwagon and Chicago dually started down their musical paths in ’67 Chicago. Their histories and accolades are long and twisting, and fittingly, the evening concluded with the “cross-pollination” of both bands. This included a rendition of “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” The number of musicians on the stage seemed slightly overwhelming, but each kept their corner tidy, producing a clean and interesting take on songs that now only exist in cemented time. I felt fortunate to be there as I kicked my feet up, soaking it in like a kid on the porch.
Contribution by Julles Mills
Photos by Sunny Martini
Chicago & REO Speedwagon
