The Harmonious Return: Late-Career Vibes of the Doobie Brothers - Growth Instead of Testosterone
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Doobie Brothers' Final Project: Emphasizing Harmony Over Masculinity - Harmonious finale from The Doobie Brothers, prioritizing melodies over macho vibes.
In the recording studio today, the Doobie Brothers exude a calm energy, a far cry from their intense 70s and early 80s heyday. Michael McDonald, keyboardist and vocalist, shares with the London-based German Press Agency, "We've got no rigid plans, we're open to anything." He chuckles, "Maybe we'd've approached things differently with all our testosterone back then."
Marking a Milestone
The band's new album, "Walk This Road," is a significant milestone. After over half a century of history, it's the first time founding members Tom Johnston (76), Pat Simmons (76), John McFee (74), and Michael McDonald (73) have recorded together as a quartet. Although the lineup has fluctuated, these four veteran Doobies have never been jointly part of a studio session... until now.
A Divided Past
guitarist and singer Tom Johnston and the later-joining McDonald's differing musical visions led to their never working together long-term. Johnston stood for the classic rock 'n' roll sound with blues and boogie, epitomized by hits like "Long Train Runnin'." Conversely, McDonald's influence leaned towards soulful pop and R&B, as seen in megahits like "What A Fool Believes."
The Power of Diversity
Now, the Doobie Brothers celebrate their diversity as a strength. During their 50th-anniversary tour, McDonald's return as a permanent member allowed for the showcasing of the band's various sides. "We can now exhibit all aspects of the band," Johnston notes, "and that's pretty kick-ass."
Similarly, the new album emphasizes their versatility, despite most songs being written separately by the band members and producer John Shanks (Bon Jovi, Take That). McDonald states, "We pick the songs that resonate most with the band."
A Tour de Force of Highlights
The new LP features high points such as Simmons' captivating Southern rocker "Angels & Mercy," and the soulful "Learn To Let Go" with McDonald's distinctive, powerful voice still sounding impressive at 73.
Some songs McDonald penned years ago to cope with a personal tragedy, the loss of drummer Keith Knudsen in 2005. "It was a heavy blow," McDonald recalls, "for all of us."
The album features a collaborative track, the upbeat title song with soul icon Mavis Staples, sung by Johnston, Simmons, and McDonald together. The harmonious blend of styles makes for a seamless union of the band's distinct discography, providing a fitting late work for the Doobie Brothers.
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Insights:
- Originally formed in 1970, the Doobie Brothers developed a distinct sound that intertwined rock, soul, and R&B with Southern-fried boogie influences.
- Their style evolved over the years, incorporating a mellower sound after the addition of Michael McDonald in 1975 and experiencing even more changes as the band's members aged.
- The Doobie Brothers' "Walk This Road" album testifies to their ongoing creativity and musical exploration as they continue to elevate their craft.
- The Doobie Brothers, during their 50th-anniversary tour, brought attention to their diverse musical backgrounds, showcasing a blend of rock 'n' roll, soul, R&B, and Southern-fried boogie sounds, making for an entertaining spectacle that celebrated their unique individual talents.
- During the recording of their new album "Walk This Road," the Doobie Brothers, including celebrities like Mavis Staples, collaborated to create a captivating collection of songs that spanned various genres, offering a glimpse into the vocational training and lifelong musical journey each member has undergone, showcasing their community policy of unity and collaboration throughout their late-career endeavors.
