Rock band Chicago are sincere, seasoned showmen

American rock band Chicago could have kicked off their concert here last night with any of the power ballads they are famous for, including one of their biggest hits You're The Inspiration.

But no, the 45-year-old group showed they were serious about keeping the promise trombone player James "Jimmy" Pankow made to this reporter that they will show the Singapore audience at the Indoor Stadium they are more than just a ballad band.

So, the epic 13-minute medley Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon opened the gig. The track, off their 1970 album Chicago II, mixes in colourful, instrumental progressive rock, jazz, slow rock jams, with a little funk and soul thrown in for good measure.

It sure showed off Chicago's eclectic sound, influenced by a variety of music genres and bolstered by the soulful and snazzy horns that they are famous for.