Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience

Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience is a riveting and heart-touching documentary, offering a unique perspective on a hidden rock 'n' roll legend, Terry Kath, the original guitarist and founding member of the multi-Grammy award-winning band, Chicago. Directed and produced by Terry’s daughter, Michelle Sinclair, it provides an intimate and insightful look into the life, legacy, and impact of this underrated artist. The movie stars Mike Campbell, Peter Cetera, Mat Campbell, and Dean Deleo, amongst other notable figures.

Kath was an exceptional guitarist, singer, and songwriter, whose boundless talent remained somewhat in the shadows due to his untimely death in 1978. Many music enthusiasts remember him for his deep, soulful voice and searing, blues-rock guitar playing that were a vital component of the band's early success. The documentary seeks to shed light on Kath's story with fresh and deeply personal details, giving him long-overdue recognition for his instrumental contributions to the rock ’n’ roll industry.

Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience delves deep into Kath's career and private life through a treasure-trove of rediscovered footage, personal narratives, and candid interviews with his bandmates, family, and friends, including Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Peter Cetera, the bassist and co-lead singer of the band Chicago.

The movie starts by introducing Kath as an individuals, followed by his journey towards becoming one of the band’s key figures, winning him accolades for his unparalleled guitar skills and vocal range. His humble beginnings, rise to fame, musical inspirations, and the challenges he faced are depicted with honesty and raw emotion. Using well-chosen film clips, home videos, and concert footage, the documentary fleshes out Kath's larger-than-life personality, his love for music, and the magic that his presence brought to the stage.

One of the central themes of the movie is Kath's relationship with his daughter Michelle Sinclair, who was just two years old when Kath passed away. As the film's director and producer, Sinclair's journey to discover her father as an artist and person forms the heart of the film. We see her conducting interviews, examining personal memories, and even visiting Caribou Ranch, Colorado, where Chicago recorded several hit albums. It's a poignant exploration of her father's life and a daughter's quest to understand what her father was truly like.

One of the film's most notable segments is Kath's interaction with Jimi Hendrix, who famously referred to Kath as "the best guitarist in the universe." These segments boost the documentary’s authenticity and provide an in-depth understanding of Kath's music prowess and his profound impact on fellow musicians.

Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience also delves into darker moments of Kath's life. It addresses his struggles with substance abuse, his tumultuous relationships, and his eventual spiral into depression. These serious undertones give the film a strong sense of authenticity and help viewers understand the highs and lows of Kath's life and career.

Through the documentary, tributes from surviving band members, including Peter Cetera, underscore Kath's formidable talent and influence. Importantly, the film also gets up close to the music, offering electric live performances and rare studio clips that demonstrate Kath’s unmatchable guitar skills and his unique voice that could range from a sweet croon to a gritty rock-shout. Featuring some of Chicago's biggest hits, the documentary is as much a sonic treat as it is a visual one.

Additionally, interviews with other musicians like Mike Campbell and Dean Deleo indicate Kath’s far-reaching influence and the mark he left on the contemporary rock scene. Their recollections, coupled with Peter Cetera's inside perspective, contribute to a multi-dimensional portrayal of Kath as a revolutionary musician.

Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience is a labor of love, a tribute, and a voyage of discovery that brings Terry Kath back into the spotlight. Offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Kath’s musical journey and his personal life, this documentary is a must-see not only for fans of Chicago or Terry Kath, but for anyone who appreciates the transformative power of music. It's a poignant exploration of themes such as love, loss, self-discovery, and, above all, the enduring power of rock 'n' roll.