Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams Explores New Solo Album Let the Music Play
CHICAGO, IL — At 78 years old, Carl Giammarese, guitarist and lead vocalist of the iconic Chicago band The Buckinghams, continues to prove that music is more than just a career — it’s a lifelong journey. Known for classic hits like Kind of a Drag, Don’t You Care, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song), and Susan, Giammarese has kept his passion alive both on stage and in the studio. Now, with the release of his latest solo album Let the Music Play, he invites fans to experience six deeply personal tracks that highlight his growth as an artist while honoring his Chicago roots.
Monday Morning: Life on the Road
The album opens with “Monday Morning”, a gentle country-style piece that reflects Giammarese’s experiences traveling and returning home. Featuring harmonies by Chicago vocalist Dave Mikulsis of Hi Infidelity, the track speaks to the comfort of home after time spent connecting with fans on the road.
Let the Music Play: A Lifelong Commitment
The title track, “Let the Music Play,” is both an anthem and a mission statement. Backed by a full arrangement with a standout saxophone solo from Dan Moffatt, the song emphasizes Giammarese’s dedication to making music for as long as he can. It’s a declaration that for him and his fans, the music will always continue.
Lean on Me: Guitar Legacy
On “Lean on Me,” Giammarese showcases his enduring relationship with his guitars. Using his treasured Gibson ES-345 — in his collection since 1969 — the track delivers a biting, resonant sound that anchors the album’s rock essence. The song also highlights the mixing and mastering talents of Larry Millas, longtime collaborator and fellow Buckingham.
I Don’t Know Why: Youthful Insecurities
A heartfelt ballad, “I Don’t Know Why” recalls the vulnerability of teenage crushes and unrequited love. With a piano arrangement by Tommy Leerschen, the song evokes the classic styles of Burton Cummings, blending nostalgia with timeless emotional resonance. Giammarese discovered Leerschen through the Cornerstones of Rock concert series, further reinforcing the Chicago connection that runs through his career.
Whisper and a Sigh: Family Roots
“Whisper and a Sigh” offers a more intimate moment on the album, featuring keyboard work by Myles Green and harmonies from Giammarese’s cousin Jerry Elarde. The collaboration reflects his deep personal ties, harking back to the earliest bands he played in alongside bassist Nick Fortuna, before The Buckinghams officially took shape.
There Comes a Time: A Soulful Duet
The emotional core of the album comes with “There Comes a Time,” a stirring duet with Kiki Ebsen, daughter of actor Buddy Ebsen. Their vocal blend, accompanied by piano and organ, creates a soulful meditation on friendship, connection, and the passage of time. Giammarese praised Ebsen’s generosity and artistry, while she described the collaboration as a joyful, natural experience.
Chicago Legacy, Enduring Vision
With Let the Music Play, Carl Giammarese reaffirms his place not only as a member of one of Chicago’s most beloved bands but also as an artist unafraid to evolve. Blending personal stories, instrumental mastery, and heartfelt collaborations, the album serves as both a reflection of his legacy and a statement of his ongoing creative spirit.
Which of Carl Giammarese’s new songs resonates with you most — the nostalgic storytelling of Monday Morning or the soulful duet There Comes a Time? Share your thoughts in the comments, and explore more music features at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.