(editor’s note – no ex post facto proof for Billy Hinsche or Myrna Smith)
Doobie Brothers Still Rockin’ Hard
by Paul Kaza, Burlington Free Press, July 22, 1981
Few groups in pop music today rival the extraordinary popularity of the Doobie Brothers. The California-based band has piled up a string of million sellers over the past several years while surviving major personnel changes along the way. The concert Sunday at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga, N.Y., demonstrated how the individual strengths of the band have resulted in a group sound that is exceptionally infectious.
Contrary to the popular notion that the Doobies are no more than a backup unit for vocalist Michael McDonald, the concert highlighted the talents of every member. The music is a careful mix of new and old, pre-McDonald material. Vocals on the early hits such as “Long Train Runnin’,” “Take Me in Your Arms” and “Jesus Is Just All Right” are now handled by Pat Simmons and newcomer Cornelius Bumpus.
Some fans complain the Doobies haven’t rocked as hard since the departure of Tom Johnston. That theory held little water Sunday. From “Takin’ It to the Streets” to “Listen to the Music,” the Doobie Brothers knocked ’em dead — and they didn’t bother with ballads.
Ironically, the concert probably could have used a few quieter interludes. The rich clarity of McDonald’s voice was never totally definable above the roar of the other seven players. The Doobies carry an additional percussionist, Bobby LaKind, on the road, creating a three-piece percussion section. When combined with the dual keyboards of McDonald and Bumpus (who doubles on sax) and the driving guitar work of Simmons and John McFee, the sound occasionally reached overload proportions. But if they weren’t interested in playing ballads, the band laid down some of the finest rock you could ever hope to hear.
“Dependin’ on You” brought Simmons into the center spotlight and revealed his often overlooked talent as a guitarist. He seemed inspired by cohort McFee as both ripped off searing solos throughout the set.
Bumpus’ capability on the sax has added a new dimension to the band’s live performances. While sax tracks were added in the studio before, it couldn’t happen live. Bumpus also kicks in some great vocals, as in “One Step Closer,” the title track from their most recent album.
It is the Doobies’ incredible knack for “hooks” — both musical and lyrical — that ultimately sets them apart from the majority of pop outfits. As the hits rolled on (“Real Love,” “Eyes of Silver,” “Minute by Minute,” “Black Water,” “What a Fool Believes,” “China Grove”), one is struck by the wealth of exceptional music created by this band. Here’s hoping they’ll keep the hits coming.
Carl Wilson, a Beach Boy traveling with his own band as the Doobie Brothers opener, has played a part in a fair share of big hits himself. His current material, however, won’t continue the trend. The set was a painful listening experience as Wilson pounded his group through 45 minutes of absolutely throwaway hard rock. The only bright moments were Beach Boys tunes. Wilson’s need for a second identity must be questioned if this is the result.
Upcoming concerts at Saratoga include Marshall Tucker (Aug. 3), Gordon Lightfoot (Aug. 18), Willie Nelson (Aug. 31) and the Beach Boys (Sept. 1). For ticket information, call (518) 587-3330. SPAC is an approximately 2½-hour drive from Burlington.
The Knickerbocker News, July 17, 1981
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