Ah, the great horn bands! So many fine, fine hits between the two of them. Who was the best? If I was forced to choose, I'd give the nod by a millimeter to Blood, Sweat & Tears by the virture of David Clayton Thomas' vocals alone. How about you?

(Mama gets high, when a good man in the morning...)

I'd have to go for BS&T. Just liked their music better, although Chicago Transit Authority is one rocking set of tunes!

Close call, if you go by both groups' best stuff. Chicago, of course, has spent decades lowering their average ... So, Chicago Transit Authority for my favorite album by either, but BS&T overall.

And how about Dreams and If in the great 70's horn-driven rock category?

I'd give it to BS & T on the virtue of their first album alone. "Child is Father to the Man" with Al Kooper and no David Clayton Thomas.

Early Chicage of course. I love all their double albums. Their recent " live by request " DVD is fantastic. BS&T is not very very far behind either. Where are the BS&T now, by the way?
Mc

Okay, in the spirit of a fair fight, I'll vote for Chicago - the early stuff of course. They played such a variety of music and Pankow, Lamm and Kath were phenomenal. Even though both had great horn sections, I always preferred Chicago's. Horns aside, Chicago's slower, more melodic stuff was - to me - some of their best work.

Blood, Sweat & Tears is nowhere today. A few years ago I spotted a flyer posted at the Great Neck, Long Island post office announcing that David Clayton Thomas with BS&T were playing for free on a local beach. So I dragged my teenage son with me to see them, recalling the time I saw them in '69 with Procol Harum. I was pretty pissed off in '69 when I found out at the show that Al Kooper had left the group. But BS&T put on a good show.
David Clayton Thomas was the new guy in the group and wasn't on his high horse yet. The most recent concert was an utter disaster- maybe one original member was still in the group and they were really a backing band for Thomas. Both my son & I were very dissappointed. It was worse than an oldies show, so we picked up our beach chairs & left an hour into their show. :no:

Chicago.

I like the music up until Terry Kath died which would be just after Chicago XI. All downhill from there.

Chicago Transit Authority is my favorite album.

Chicago.

I like the music up until Terry Kath died which would be just after Chicago XI. All downhill from there.

Chicago Transit Authority is my favorite album.

I did not like Terry Kath's singing at first ( I was still teenager ) then his singing sort of glow on me afterwards.

I vote their double album that has " wising your were here " my best of the best Chicago albums. Great jazz rock as well as good singling too.

I quite like the young lead guitarist featuring in the " live by request " DVD.
Mc

Like 'em both- BS&T had an "edgier" sound perhaps, but in the earlier days, both of 'em were very good indeed.-Sandy G.

Unless you are from the Midwest you won't remember the Fabulous Flippers, Horns and choreography that rocked the Midwest in the 70's. They have made every Midwest state Rock Hall of Fame. I have been in contact with their lead singer and drummer, got some new and old "live" CDs. They were truly 'fabulous".

I liked both earlier works. Anyone remember The Band? Rock of Ages is great.

Ah, the great horn bands! So many fine, fine hits between the two of them. Who was the best? If I was forced to choose, I'd give the nod by a millimeter to Blood, Sweat & Tears by the virture of David Clayton Thomas' vocals alone. How about you?

(Mama gets high, when a good man in the morning...)

Horns? How about French horns à la Moody Blues? Nah, different music altogether.

But don't make me choose between Chicago and BS&T. Lots more good material from Chicago over the years, but just mention BS&T and I hear the opening of "Spinning Wheel".

Or DCT singing "Boom Boom Boom Boom".

Strictly on technical talent, BS& T was stacked with better musicians. Some of them had true jazz credentials and became solid studio musicians performing with alot of other talent from the day. Lou Marini was a great guest conductor of an all-star jazz band that I was in during the late seventies and was a great talent to work with. He simply loved to play.

Chicago was a great cohesive band grown from the dreams of a couple of guys that wanted to create a rock band with a great horn section. On their own musical talents, none of Chicago could make it as a solo artist. Yeah I know, women liked P.Ceteras voice. :) I do think that as song writers, Lamm and crew gave us alot of memorable lite rock songs.

Not apples and oranges, more like tangerines and oranges. Which do you like?