Chicago in Concert (7/31/21) I saw Chicago four times between 1970 (when they were still the Chicago Transit Authority) and 1976 and, while they were a great band, nobody was going to claim that they were tight or precision instrumentalists.  That can be heard plainly on the live album Chicago IV where the occasional misstep is chronicled for all to hear.  Last night, at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, the band proved that not only are they still the consummate entertainers but are also now one of the tightest bands on the planet.  No more missed notes on the brass, the three instrumentalists hit every note with enthusiasm and precision rivaling such bands as Earth, Wind and Fire and Tower of Power.   Now 54 years old, Chicago is also one of the most active bands on the road, not just from number of shows, but also in how the ten members are all over the stage highlighting different members depending on the song.  Nobody has their own position on the stage, save the drummer and percussionist.

Mel Carter's Latest Mel Carter  has had a terrific career in music from his days in gospel to his discovery by  Quincy Jones , his working with  Sam Cooke  and his many hits like  When a Boy Falls in Love ,  Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me ,  (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings  and  Band of Gold . Carter has recently released a new album called  The Other Standards  where he covers some "off the beaten path" songs from the 40's, 50's and 60's (along with one original of his own) that were recorded by such greats as  Billy Ecksteine ,  Julie London ,  Ivory Joe Hunter ,  Jo Stafford ,  Sonny Til ,  Arthur Prysock  and a number of others. In doing so, he has revived songs that deserve to be in the upper echelon of what we now call standards and that deserve to be remembered and heard by a new generation. The other amazing thing about the new album is that, at 69, Mel's voice is as clear and strong as it was during his hitmaking days. It's an instrument tha