Live at the Wolf Trap - The Doobie Brothers DVD Review

DVD Review

Named after the 1960’s Californian nick name for marijuana – ‘ a doobie ‘,the ‘Brothers’ release their first live DVD since 1996.Fronted by founding fathers Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons,along with later members Michael Hossack,Keith Knudsen,John McFee and six add-ons,they romp through a spellbinding night of country-boogie at the world famous Wolf Trap National Park for Performing Arts on July 25,2004.It’s great to see one of my all-time favourite bands on stage.My interest in them began with the singles Listen To The Music and Long Train Running in the early 70’s.I also ventured to buy the album What Once Were Habits Are Now Vices in ’74.Their ever changing line-up brought blue-eyed soulster Michael McDonald a year later,transforming their sound into a jazz-inflected white soul-funk a la What A Fool Believes.McDonald eventually left to become a major solo star.

This line-up brings together their early sound,both vocally and instrumentally: a highly distinguished and recognisable fusion of country blues,rock,rhythm and blues,gospel and jazz.It’s brought them sales in excess of 50 million world-wide.Their popularity continues since they reformed in 1988.Full of trademark lush harmonies,and skilful musicianship they play a huge 23 song setlist.Covering most of their popular tracks,you get pedal steel guitar,violins,brass section and twin percussion.Ageing they may be,but their music is as relevant today as it ever was.Johnston,Simmons and McFee do their bluesmasters thing as they tackle bottleneck styles and acoustic guitars with just a tad of showboating.

Highlights:Dangerous,Another Park,Another Sunday(sax solo by Marc Russo),a Bluegrass instrumental-Steamer Lane,the countrified Black Water and the two big hits-Music and Long Train.

Elly Roberts