CHICAGO - Twenty 1 [Full Original Unreleased Ron Nevison Mix] (1990)

There's an interesting story behind "Twenty 1", the album released officially in 1991 by all-star band CHICAGO.
Originally the record was produced, engineered and mixed by the - in my humble opinion - best producer in rock & pop history; Ron Nevison. But at the eleventh hour, the project was handed to Humberto Gatica to re-mix, because the record company wanted a more poppy, polished sound.

Often regarded as a black sheep in Chicago's discography, I always liked "Twenty 1". It has some truly great songs on it and a delicate sound.
However, some years ago, the original Ron Nevison Mix surfaced among collectors and I was shocked. Is it the same album? Is that different.
"Twenty 1" is a perfect example on how a sound engineer is able to completely change a recording. Kudos to Humberto Gatica because he really modified the final product.

But let's get back to the original, unreleased Ron Nevison Mix. This is an entirely different beast.
I mean, Ron Nevison is a 'Rock' producer, and all his work for diverse bands has his distinctive touch, and I love it. Take as example Ozzy's 'Ultimate Sin', Survivor's 'When Seconds Count', Heart's 'Bad Animals', Damn Yankees albums, Icon's 'Night Of The Crime', and countless other gems.
And with "Twenty 1" was not an exception. Ron's mixing is far cleaner, crisp, less effects-laden than the material finally released and re-mixed by Gatica.



Done in 1990, Nevison's "Twenty 1" is more rocking I'd say. His 'studio approach' is not technical, it's very emotional, and you can tell that listening this mix.
The most notable, instant difference are the drums. All tracks feature real drums, played by talented John Keane (most of them were deleted by Gatica, who used electronic samples).
The vocals are more visceral, direct, less processed, while the guitars have a lively, valvular feel.

Just listen "Somebody Somewhere", it's simply a new song on this mix, where Bill Champlin comes more tight and the keyboards grasp much firmly to the melody, whilst the guitar solo rocks.
There's also a song not present on the official release, the velvety "Secrets Of The Heart" penned by Jason Scheff, replaced by "Explain It To My Heart" opening the disc.
Additionaly, Nevison opted for this tracklist sequence, which works far better in my opinion.
As bonus, at the end it's included "Love Is Forever", a song demoed during the "Twenty 1" sessions but never properly recorded / published.



Chicago's "Twenty 1 Unreleased Ron Nevison Mix" is a must have for collectors and AOR aficionados.
It's that kind of rare gems that worth to be discovered and enjoyed by fans.
Disclaimer: these are lossy, compressed files presented here for educational / entertainment purposes. Rights belong entirely to Mr. Ron Nevison.


01 - If It Were You
02 - Chasin' The Wind
03 - Who Do You Love
04 - You Come To My Senses
05 - One From The Heart
06 - What Does It Take
07 - Holdin' On
08 - God Save The Queen
09 - Man To Woman
10 - Only Time Can Heal The Wounded
11 - Secrets Of The Heart
12 - Somebody, Somewhere
13 - Love Is Forever (Twenty 1 sessions Demo) [bonus]

Bill Champlin – keyboards, lead & background vocals
Robert Lamm – keyboards, lead & background vocals
Jason Scheff – bass, lead & background vocals
Dawayne Bailey – guitars, background vocals
Tris Imboden – drums, percussion
Lee Loughnane – trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals
James Pankow – trombone, background vocals
Walter Parazaider – woodwinds, background vocals
Additional personnel:
John Keane – drums, percussion
Robbie Buchanan, Tom Keane, Efrain Toro – keyboards
Steve Porcaro – keyboard programming
David Foster – acoustic piano
Michael Landau – guitar
Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone sax


CHICAGO Twenty 1 Ron Nevison Mix
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