| Walter Parazaider |
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Information AboutWalter Parazaider |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT WALTER PARAZAIDER | |
| 1945 births | |
| living people | |
| american saxophonists | |
| people from chicago | |
| chicago musicians | |
| croatian-americans | |
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Parazaider, sometimes known by his stage name "The Pickle", began playing the clarinet at the age of 9, and by his teens had shown enough talent that he was being groomed for a career as a professional orchestral musician. Inspired by the Beatles hit "Got To Get You Into My Life", Parazaider became enamored with the idea of creating a rock 'n roll band with horns. Early sessions at Parazaider's house included Terry Kath and Danny Seraphine , friends from Walt's teen years. Another friend was Jimmy Guercio . The band, first known as The Big Thing, eventually became Chicago. Aside from being a founder, Parazaider's role consisted of playing woodwinds on trombonist Jimmy Pankow 's charts. Never a prolific writer, Parazaider's compositional contributions have been slight ("Prelude to Aire", "Window Dreamin'"), so his reputation rests largely with his playing, though there can be no doubt that he has suggested a horn line or two over the years. As such, much of Parazaider's best work is recorded. His solo on "Now That You've Gone" ('' Chicago V '') is perfect, and a nice display of his talent can be heard on "Long Time, No See" ('' Chicago VIII ''), which features a rare all-woodwind horn mix. Now 61, Parazaider tours extensively with the band (occasionally subbed by Larry Klimas). Parazaider is no doubt happy that his dream of a rock 'n roll band with horns has unquestionably come true. EXTERNAL LINKS Note: Chicago musicians, famously private and long content to be the "faceless" band mainly recognizable by their celebrated logo have, since the rise of internet communication, become more and more recognizable as individuals. One result is the long-underrated and self-effacing Parazaider gaining recognition as the band's visionary, and fans are paying attention to his saxophone's contribution to the signature richness of Chicago's horn section. Rather than running to the restrooms or concessions, hardcore Chicago fans relish Parazaider's rare solo excursions. |
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