BEGINNINGS (Chicago Tribute Band) - Rock Log 120411



Tonight, for the second time in 2011, The Den welcomed Beginnings, the ultimate Chicago tribute band.  Billboard magazine states that Chicago is the second most successful American rock band of all time, second only to the Beach Boys.  Thus, it is fitting that there be a tribute band.

Conventional wisdom dictates that if you are going to pay tribute to a band, then you had better perfect the attributes of such tribute-worthy band.  In this case, that would be the horns.  If you are paying respect to Chicago, then get the horns right.  Beginnings does that and then some.  Close your eyes and instrumentally you would think that you are listening to the real deal.  This band is tight and dead on, with the exception of the guitar, which I would classify as average.  Otherwise, this was a most enjoyable show.

Based out of Long Island, Beginnings is comprised of four horns, a drummer, one keyboardist, guitarist and bassist.  The vocals are shared adequately between four members, the better of whom would be the drummer Adam Colombo, who single handedly answers the question “If Ray Romano and Steve Perry had a baby, what would it look like?”.   Not to be outdone, bassist Mason Swearingen, is clearly the love-child born to power-couple Tommy James and Richie Sambora.  Otherwise, this band’s strongest asset is the Funky in the Middle Horns.  They flat out stole the show.  Whether facing off front stage in a brass battle or driving the bus from the downstage, these guys were fantastic and well worth going to the show.  Highlight for me 25 or 6 to 4 and the lowlight would be Colour My World, classic romantic song, but just plain embarrassing if you are three dudes named Randall, Vick and Homework. 

approximation, but damn close

The song selection was acceptable, but did include two Christmas songs and a few too many Chicago ballads.  I understand that you have to do a lot of the Cetera love songs for the ladies in the house, but there were just a few too many of those.  Speaking of ladies in the house, this is the first show in my years of Denning where there was not one woman that I would consider attractive.  That being said, there was one full-figured woman who I could not take my eyes off.  I had last seen her at The Cowsills 2010 and at that moment all that I thought to be feminine was completely erased from my brain.  Well, she was there again tonight, escorted by her fella, Mr. Gregg Allman.  Same ridiculously tight dress, but this time black.  The timing was not right to get a picture of her, the one to the right is just about spot on.

To recap this show, (a) Beginnings is worth the listen if you like great horns, and (b)if your demographic status is adult female and your weight begins with a three, then form-fitting garments should be a part of your wardrobe.    I am Vick and tonight I took a trip to the Windy City and it rocked.