biography
pictures
This week LoneBoy is featuring the very brilliant and talented Robert Lamm. Robert kindly answered some of our questions which you can read below but first an insight from past to present.
Biography courtesy of Robert Lamm's Official Website
Robert was an art major in high school, studying drawing and painting, but changed direction enrolling at the music school at Roosevelt University in Chicago. It was here that the classical composers made an impression on him. Although piano was his instrument, composition was his focus.
As a founding member of the legendary rock with horns band CHICAGO, Robert has lived the changes that have occurred in the band and the world of music. This rock band, which began as an experiment in 1967, has alternately broken new musical ground, set trends, fallen into critic’s disfavour, considered disbanding, rebounded and continued to be successful, and found a permanent and influential place in the mainstream of pop/rock. Robert’s presence and participation has had much impact.
However, he has not been altogether comfortable with the musical directions the band has chosen to make survive. Rock is a vicious game. As a result he has also had an active solo career with six well-received albums.
Skinny Boy (Columbia Records 1974, Blue Infinity 2006)
Life is Good In My Neighbourhood (WB1992, Blue Infinity 2006)
In My Head (Mystic 1999)
Subtlety & Passion (Blue Infinity 2003)
Too Many Voices (Blue Infinity 2004)
Leap of Faith (Blue Infinity 2005)
In the mid-90’s he formed a trio with Gerry Beckley of ‘America’ and Carl Wilson of ‘The Beach Boys’ after Carl’s untimely passing, an album was released, “Like A Brother”(Blue Infinity 2005). It is a unique work of beauty, and was well received, but still a relatively unknown gem.
Stylistically, his music is in the domain of urban pop/ art pop / world music, which reflects his openness to all music. Robert has been thought of as “a social conscience” because of the nature of his song writing. His songs are very personal expressions in content and concept. He is constantly stimulated and challenged by writing lyrics and music about his view of the human condition as well as the conditions of his own heart. With each new song, he feels as if he has learned something new rather than having recycled something he already knew. He considers himself a work in progress.
His list of hit songs include such classics as:
Does anybody Really Know What time It Is?
Beginnings
Questions 67 & 68
Free
25 0r 6 To 4
Another Rainy Day in New York City
Harry Truman
Saturday in the Park
Dialogue
He has written dozens of other songs recorded with Chicago, and he continues to compose actively.
All photographs property of Robert Lamm.
questions & answers cd tracklisting
Subtlety and Passion
1 I Could Tell You Secrets
2 Somewhere Girl
3 The Mystery Of Moonlight
4 Gimme Gimme
5 Another Sunday
6 For You, Kate
7 It's Always Something
8 Intensity
9 You're My Sunshine Everyday
10 You Never Know The Story
11 It's A Groove, This Life
It's A Groove, This Life ... because, it’s about the people in my world, I have learned to accept them for who they are. And the song grooves nicely!.. Robert Lamm
If you could duet with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Terry Kath (guitarist and one of the founder members of the band Chicago)
Who are your musical influences?
Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Tom Jobim
How do you write your songs? Do you start with the music or the lyrics
I usually start with music, working with a groove, then melody, then lyrics.
Can you play any instruments if so which ones and do you have a favourite.
Fender-Rhodes 73 Suitcase piano
How did you get into music, was it from an early age?
My parents collected jazz records, I sang in a church choir, heard music in my head, always.
Do you have any musical training?
Private piano study, then University 2 years.
Which of your songs are you most proud of?
It’s hard not to be proud of songs which have become classic, like 25or6to4, Saturday in the Park, etc. But I really love ALL the songs on Subtlety & Passion.
Where were you born, and do you still live there?
I was born in New York and live there now.
Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?
I’d like to tour solo and record more solo, and score films.
Six words that best describe you..
ROMANTIC
READER
PLAYFUL
OPTIMIST
DREAMER
STYLIN'
How long did it take to write and record your album ‘Subtlety and Passion?
Two and a half years. Between touring.
What’s the best Live / recording moment you ever had?
Lost power, performed acoustic versions on the spot, audience loved it.
Where was your first public performance
Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, NY.
video
featured track
Video One
From Robert Lamm's 'Leap of Faith' concert in New Zealand, a great mix of American and Kiwi talent help Robert bring down the house with this great song.
Video Two
This video was recorded at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA (Just outside Los Angeles) on September 15, 2007. Bill Champlin was unable to attend this show. Robert Lamm stepped up and took over this lead vocal. This is only the second time that Lamm has ever sang this song in concert. The quality of the video is not so great. But, the performance is significant and historical in Chicago-perspective
Artist
NOW PLAYING - CHART SHOW 12.10.08
