Titled “The History of Chicago,” this 1 ½ hour film by Peter Pardini gives a rich history of the generation-crossing band Chicago. Back when they started in the late 60s, the idea of “fusing” jazz and rock was in its initial stages, and Chicago was one of the very first rock bands to mix mainstream jazz rhythms, horns and melodies with the feel and attitude of rock and roll. And they did it as well, if not better than anyone else on the rock side, being neck and neck with Blood Sweat and Tears for the honors.
The film wisely spends a good amount of time on the early phase, which is the most intriguing historically, focusing on the original Chicago Transit Authority double album and then going chronologically through each year and phase. Just about everyone gets interviewed, with great insight provided by James William Guerco and Peter Cetera balanced off by perspective from the horn players Walter Parazaider, Lee Loughnane and James Pankow.
Due to the longevity of the band, there are segments that are going to seem more important to each viewer than another, which is to be expected for a band which has endured through phases like heavy metal, pop, disco and punk. The music endures due to the friendships and the commitment to the band over personal and private agendas. That alone makes the movie worthwhile.