X-Nico

5 unusual facts about James William Guercio


Chicago VI

After recording all of Chicago's first five albums (including the live album Chicago at Carnegie Hall) in New York City, producer James William Guercio had his own Caribou Studios built in Nederland, Colorado during 1972, finished in time for the band to record their sixth album the following February.

Chicago VII

While audiences were somewhat mixed in their reaction, Chicago greatly enjoyed the experience and decided, after years of talking about it, to record a pure jazz-influenced album, and headed straight to producer James William Guercio's Caribou Ranch studios to cut their ambitious new album.

Chicago XI

While recording Chicago XI, longtime producer James William Guercio's smothering artistic control had reached its breaking point, with the band deciding to take their career into their own hands and strike out on their own after finishing the album with him.

This would be the last Chicago album to feature guitarist and founding member Terry Kath prior to his death in an accident with a gun the following year, and the last Chicago album to be produced by James William Guercio.

Hot Streets

Having worked with James William Guercio since their 1969 debut, Chicago decided to part ways with the producer following the release of Chicago XI in 1977.


Beau Hill

After being promoted to head engineer at Applewood, Beau got his first production job working for Chicago producer and Caribou Ranch Studios owner James William Guercio.

Terry Kath

Kath's compatriot, James William Guercio (who later became Chicago's producer) was lead guitarist in one of two road bands performing on The Dick Clark Show; Kath was the bassist in the other band.


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