Phase two of
the Doobie Brothers, the soul/R&B band with
Michael McDonald's lead vocal as opposed to the boogie rock of the initial
Tom Johnston era, closed its run with this "final" show at L.A.'s Greek Theatre. By this time, the lineup was expanded to nine with only
Patrick Simmons left from the original five-piece. Not surprisingly, the sound had also altered to favor
McDonald's throaty, baritone vocals and smoother, more blue-eyed soul/pop approach. As history would show, this was far from the band's farewell, but even though they have re-formed again to hit the summer shed festival circuit yearly,
McDonald has continued his solo career, making this a somewhat accurate title for this particular lineup. In any event, it's a tight, polished, enjoyable night, hampered by the slick qualities that made their albums of the time so popular.
Johnston-period members including
Tiran Porter,
John Hartman, and
Johnston himself appear to close the show with rollicking versions of "China Grove" and "Listen to the Music." The latter also kicks off the gig in a far inferior and seemingly rushed version that should probably have been cut. This album is not to be confused with the 1983's
Farewell Tour (out of print as of 2011) that captured the same band with different performances and a slightly altered set list. This one also features five "bonus" tracks, although "bonus" to what is unexplained. The juxtaposition of songs from the band's two styles is occasionally jarring, as a driving "Rockin' Down the Highway" segues into
McDonald's commercialized soul/jazz "You Belong to Me" early on. And why they didn't save
Johnston's signature "Long Train Runnin'" --nearly derailed by the inclusion of an unnecessary percussion section/drum solo -- for him to perform when he makes his surprise appearance at the end is also mystifying. Still, this is a professional band going through its paces with precision and a modicum of excitement and energy, although not a lot of surprises.
Simmons' is featured playing his "Slot Key Soquel Rag" which is a reminder of the acoustic, rustic style of music that influenced him. It's followed by "Out on the Streets," a lackluster
Simmons original that eventually appeared on his only solo album, but drags down this show and should probably have been left off and replaced with one of
the Doobies' M.I.A. hits such as "Another Park, Another Sunday" or "Eyes of Silver." [A DVD of the concert available separately, boasts better sound, a few more tunes, and between-song patter, and adds short interviews with the bandmembers. It also shows the somewhat sterile nature of the gig, at least until
Johnston appears to bring some much needed oomph. It's not clear why it has taken nearly 30 years for this to appear, but for fans of both eras of
the Doobie Brothers, it's a significant historical document that fills a gap in the band's catalog.]