Chicago XI was the group Chicago's 1977 release, and the last to feature the original lineup - in January 1978 Terry Kath died when he accidentally shot himself. Over the previous ten years the group had evolved into one of most successful rock groups of the era, and it's estimated that they sold over 100 million records.
Originally known as the Big Thing, and then the Chicago Transit Authority, the nucleus of the group met as students as DePaul University. Their first album, the eponymously titled Chicago Transit Authority, earned them a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. With the threat of legal action over their name from the actual Chicago Transit Authority, it was shortened to just Chicago, and this became the name for subsequent albums too, with just a number added. Mention has been made on the band's website in 2017 of a new album, which would be Chicago XXXVII!
It's also worth mentioning that the Chicago logo was inspired by Coca-Cola, and that their cover designs have been widely praised; indeed, John Berg's Chicago covers featured in a New York art museum exhibition. Trivia alert! The inner gatefold photo was by Reid Miles, the designer behind the classic Blue Note jazz album covers of the 1960s.
From Chicago XI, here is Till The End Of Time.
Cartridge: Acutex M412 STR
Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession
Turntable: Kenwood KD7010 direct drive
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