Chase (the band) released their debut album Chase in April 1971. "Get It On", was released as a single and spent 13 weeks on the charts. The band received a Best New Artist Grammy nomination, but was edged out by rising star Carly Simon. Chase released their second album, Ennea, in March 1972; the album's title is the Greek word for nine, a reference to the nine band members. Midway through the sessions G. G. Shinn replaced Terry Richards on lead vocals. Following an extended hiatus, Chase reemerged early in 1974 with the release of Pure Music, their third album. The songs were written by Jim Peterik of the Ides of March, who also sings on two songs on the album, backing up singer and bassist Dartanyan Brown.
Chase's work on a fourth studio album in mid-1974 came to an end on August 9, 1974. While en-route to a scheduled performance at the Jackson County Fair, Chase died in a plane crash in Jackson, Minnesota at the age of 39. Also killed, along with the pilot and Co-Pilot were keyboardist Wally Yohn, drummer Walter Clark and guitarist John Emma.
In 1977 a Chase tribute band (composed primarily of the original lineup, plus Walt Johnson) recorded an album entitled Watch Closely Now. RIP Bill, you were the greatest first trumpet player in history and we miss your silky smooth double high Cs!
Check out the "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" lick at the end of this ripping live performance.
~ Chase ~
