1. Blood Sweat & Tears
BS & T and Chicago were both formed in 1967 and both pioneered the fusion of horns with more traditional rock instruments. Whereas Chicago had more of an orchestral influence, BS&T was jazz-oriented. Songs like “Lucretia MacEvil” and “Spinning Wheel” employed long horn intros and bridges. Both bands evolved from progressive, psychedelic rock roots.
Essential CD:
What Goes Up! The Best of Blood Sweat & Tears
Two disc anthology covering the years 1967-1975 showing the progressive roots and transformation into jazz-rock.
2. The Buckinghams
This group originated in the same city from which Chicago took its name. The Buckinghams’ use of a brass section began with their 1967 debut album. Under the tutelage of producer James William Guercio, they perfected a horn-heavy trademark sound. Not surprisingly, Guercio went on to produce albums for Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears.
Essential CD:
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
If you’re familiar with the group’s hits like “Kind of a Drag” and “Don’t You Care” you may be surprised by the range of styles displayed in this compilation.
3. Earth, Wind & Fire
Trumpet and trombone were prominent in EWF’s debut album in 1971, eventually evolving into a full horn section. Their horn arrangements are often complex and sometimes improvisational. The synergy with Chicago is evident in the fact that the two groups toured together in 2004 and 2005.
Essential CD:
The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire
Remastered retrospective of their work during the period 1973-1983 that showcases the band’s stylistic evolution.
4. Jethro Tull
Tull’s work has been dominated by woodwinds (flute, recorder) but they have also incorporated brass into their work, most notably in their 1972 concept album, Thick As a Brick.
Essential CD:
Thick As a Brick
Tull’s concept album showcases the addition of brass to their usual woodwind section.
5. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Using a 60-piece orchestra and a choir, this group pioneered the concept of playing Christmas carols in rock opera style. Co-founder Paul O’Neill cut his teeth producing bands like Aerosmith and Humble Pie. TSO have released one non-Christmas album and have another in the works.
Essential CD:
Christmas Eve and Other Stories
Their debut album is still considered one of their best.
