Doobie Brothers Big Hit At Their Saratoga Show
by Dennis Jensen, Rutland Daily Herald, July 23, 1980
It was hard to believe, upon reading the press packet, that it was 10 years ago that the Doobie Brothers first broke into the rock music big-time with “Listen to the Music.”
But after listening to the Doobies rock the socks off about 20,000 fans at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center here Sunday night, there was no question why they still rank as one of the leading groups in the popular music field today, a decade later.
The Doobies — there are seven of them — are a group of disciplined musicians who go heavy on the percussions (there are two drummers in addition to one man on the conga drums) and heavy on guitar (there are two lead guitarists).
When a group has been around as long as the Doobie Brothers, it is understandable that the old favorites will be the best received.
The crowd delivered courteous applause when the Doobies played a few songs from their upcoming album, including “One Step Closer,” the title track.
But it was the old favorites, songs like “China Grove,” “Without Love,” “Listen To The Music,” and “Jesus is Just Alright,” that brought the sell-out crowd to its feet.
Amidst a chorus of “Doobies!” “Doobies!” from the audience between numbers, the Doobie Brothers would jump from a smooth, soothing number as in “Minute By Minute” to a rocking piece such as “Without Love.”
Two of the more rousing numbers, “Without Love” and “Jesus is Just Alright,” were sung well by a newer member of the group, Cornelius Bumpus. Bumpus, one of the more laid-back and lesser-touted members of the Doobies, is nevertheless a talent by himself.
The “Jesus” number was done excellently, and both “Without Love” and “Jesus” gave the two lead guitarists — Patrick Simmons and John McFee — a chance to show their stuff. These two aren’t just loud showmen who happen to play guitar. These are two talented pickers who could lead any top rock band in the country.
Despite all the talent in this group, it is Michael McDonald who stands out somewhat from the others. The voice of McDonald — who writes much of the Doobies’ latest music — is powerful and smooth (with a haunting sadness), and his songs are delivered almost effortlessly. His is one of the most striking voices in popular music today.
The crowd went wild over McDonald’s rendition of “What a Fool Believes,” and “It Keeps You Runnin’.”
The Doobies seem to be at their best when they go heavy on the guitar and with most of the band members singing. “China Grove,” probably the Doobie Brothers’ finest piece of music, combines both of these ingredients. And the crowd loved it.
The vocals — both lead and harmony — of “Oled Black Water,” a tune written and sung by Simmons, came off especially nice. Simmons, one of the founders of the group, has a good voice, but occasionally it was lost in the music.
The Doobie Brothers ended the concert with a rousing, extended rendition of “Listen To The Music.” They were joined in this number by The Dixie Dregs, a Southern boogie, heavy-on-the-eardrums, rock-country band.
By themselves, the Dregs — The Doobie Brothers’ warm-up band — were painful to listen to. But, while mixing it up with the Doobies, they toned down their act and actually enhanced the number.
One of thè Doobie Brothers — I think it was Simmons — said the group would return to Saratoga next year. If they do return, and a rock fan is only mildly interested in the Doobies brand of music, do yourself a favor and go — it’ll be one of the best shows you’ll ever see.
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