Lee Loughnane of Chicago performs at Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, California.
(Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)I’m working my way through the Chicago horn section. A few years ago, I spoke with trombonist Jimmy Pankow.
Recently, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with co-founder and trumpet player Lee Loughnane. At this rate, I hope to speak with the whole group before the end of the century. Jimmy and Lee are the only two remaining founding members of the band Chicago.
Our chat began with me asking about how he got started playing the trumpet, and what his inspirations were. I thought that Jazz trumpeters like Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, or Lee Morgan were probably some of his early influences.
Lee confirmed my thoughts by saying, “Freddie Hubbard. I originally started listening to Big Band albums like Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. Those were the records my dad had growing up. I would pick up my horn and play along with those if I could.”
Lee said, “Everybody else, for whatever reason, has not been able to continue on the road. The road is not an easy thing, the travel has never gotten easier. But we still enjoy playing live for people, and the guys that we put in the band are incredible players. They bring in their expertise and their personality, we play the same arrangements, but they sound a little bit different.”
Interview with Chicago Trumpeter Lee Loughnane
He took the time to speak during their current Summer tour. On the day of the interview, Chicago released “Chicago IX: Greatest Hits Expanded.” It’s a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the original album in 1975. The reissue is an expanded edition featuring songs from 1969 through 1980. It’s available on two-LP vinyl or a single CD.
The new edition expands the original 11-track lineup into a 21-track collection that now includes songs from every studio album released during that time.
A few of the new songs include “Street Player,” “Thunder and Lightning,” and “Baby, What A Big Surprise.”
Our conversation ended with Lee sharing why he and the band are still touring after all these years. He said, “We thought back then pretty much the way we think about it right now. We enjoy playing the music, and when we get on stage, we just enjoy the fact that we’re able to do it in front of live audiences, and they enjoy it. So, there’s no reason for us to stop doing this.”
