Musicians - Walter Parazaider

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	Musicians - Walter Parazaider

Walter Parazaider (born March 14, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois) is the saxophonist and occasional composer for the rock band Chicago. He also plays other woodwind instruments in the band, including clarinet and flute.

Parazaider, sometimes known by his stage name "The Pickle", began playing the clarinet at the age of 9, and by his teens had shown enough talent that he was being groomed for a career as a professional orchestral musician.

Inspired by the Beatles hit "Got To Get You Into My Life," Parazaider became enamored with the idea of creating a rock 'n roll band with horns. Early sessions at Parazaider's house included Terry Kath and Danny Seraphine, friends from Walt's teen years. Another friend was Jimmy Guercio.

The band, first known as The Big Thing, eventually became Chicago. Aside from being a founder, Parazaider's role consisted of playing woodwinds on trombonist Jimmy Pankow's charts. Never a prolific writer, Parazaider's compositional contributions have been slight ("Prelude to Aire," "Window Dreamin'"), so his reputation rests largely with his playing, though there can be no doubt that he has suggested a horn line or two over the years.

As such, much of Parazaider's best work is recorded. His solo on "Now That You've Gone" (Chicago V) is perfect, and a nice display of his talent can be heard on "Long Time, No See" (Chicago VIII), which features a rare all-woodwind horn mix.

Now 60, Parazaider tours extensively with the band (occasionally subbed by Larry Klimas), and his extended flute solo is often the reason many fans venture towards the restrooms and beer runs. Parazaider is no doubt happy that his dream of a rock 'n roll band with horns has unquestionably come true.

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