Louis Q“What the people need is a way to make ’em smile. It ain’t so hard to do if you know how”
Listen to the Music – Tom Johnston, The Doobie Brothers
Fifty years of making beautiful music and touring culminated on one magical night when the four-time Grammy Award winning and Hall of Fame legends, The Doobie Brothers, made a stop on the last night of the current leg of their 50th Anniversary tour on Friday July 14, 2023 at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY.
On a beautiful summer night in upstate New York, The legendary band played to old time lifelong fans who have been listening to their music since their inception over fifty years ago. A noticeable younger generation was also in attendance and showed generous enthusiasm as The Doobie Brothers music has stood the test of time and in many regards continues to captivate new fans over the decades.
The Doobie Brothers were without original founding guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnson as he is unable to perform on this tour due to medical issues. Despite this huge absence, founding member Patrick Simmons (guitar, vocals) as well as John McFee who joined the band in 1979 and Michael McDonald who joined in 1975 along with touring musicians John Cowan (bass, lead and backing vocals), Marc Russo (saxophones), Ed Toth (drums, percussion) and Marc Quinones (percussion, backing vocals) never missed a beat and sounded like warm vinyl that soothes and uplifts the spirit. Multi-instrumentalist McFee is absolutely astounding to watch not only on guitar but his talent on the pedal steel guitar, violin and vocals is unparalleled in the world of music.
The last time The Doobie Brothers made a stop at CMAC was in 2015. Highlighting this 50th anniversary tour was the return of Michael McDonald. The last time McDonald, Simmons, and McFee toured together was twenty five years ago. Despite the absence of Tom Johnson, McDonalds soulful vocals remain unmistakable and astonishing on hits he performed with the band including 1978’s Grammy winning album Minute by Minute, which reached number one for five weeks which included the single “What a Fool Believes”.
The Doobie Bothers kicked off the night at 8 pm and wasted no time bringing their iconic and timeless sound to the exhilarated audience. Their 25 song set list (including encores) began with “Take Me in Your Arms ” (Rock Me a Little While, “Here to Love You,” and “Dependin’ on You.” which featured Russo showcasing his amazing musicianship on the saxophone that was increasingly captivating as the night progressed. Michael McDonald showcased his vocals on many of the best know 1970’s hits including “Real Love,” “Minute by Minute,” “What a Fool Believes,” as well as a soulful cover of Gladys Knight & the Pips “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.” Along with his powerful and soulful voice, he also shared his talents on both the keyboards and guitar.
The Doobie Brothers continued to entertain the captive audience as most in attendance were up on their feet dancing and clapping to hits including “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Jesus is Just Alright,” “China Grove,” “Better Days” from their newest album Liberté released in 2021 and of course second to last encore and fan favorite “Listen to the Music.”
Throughout the night, Simmons praised the CMAC crowd for their energy and enthusiasm and expressed warm accolades for the venue. He also shared it was an extra special night as friends and family were in attendance on the last night of this leg of the 50th Anniversary Tour. At times Simmons made jokes about the longevity of himself and the band humorously talking about remembering to take his meds. Despite over 50 years of making and playing these enduring classic songs, the band remains stellar and top notch as one might expect from the dedicated and talented musicians that are The Doobie Brothers at any age. After a short break, The Doobies 50th Anniversary will resume on August 12, 2023.
SETLIST CMAC 7/14/23: Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While), Here to Love You, Depending on You, Rockin’ Down the Highway, Neal’s Fandango, You Belong to Me, Slack Key Soquel Rag, South City Midnight Lady, Clear as the Driven Snow, It Keeps You Runnin’, Eyes of Silver, I Heard it through the Grapevine, Better Days, Real Love, Minute by Minute, Without You, Jesus is Just Alright, What a Fool Believes, Long Train Runnin’, China Grove, Black Water. ENCORE: Takin’ It to the Streets, Listen to the Music, Pretzel Logic.
