The Dukes of September Rhythm Review 2012

The Dukes of September Rhythm Review 2012:

Donald Fagan, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs

Arrived at Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) located on the campus of Finger Lakes Community College, in Canandaigua, NY to find a somewhat empty parking lot. On the concourse early arrivals were taking advantage of the summer concert venue by purchasing food (Dinosaur barbeque to gelato) and drink (wine and beer) from various vendors. Joan and I found our seating and settled in.

The three hit-making artists, Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), Michael McDonald (The Doobie Brothers) and Boz Scaggs, appeared right on time and began with an assortment of their signature mix of blue-eyed soul, rock, jazz and R&B which included ‘Reelin’ in the Years,’ ‘Takin’ It to the Streets’, and "Lido Shuffle'.

The Dukes were accompanied a stellar band: Jon Herington (guitar); Freddie Washington (bass); Shannon Forest (drums); Michael Leonhart, Walt Weiskopf and Jay Collins (horns); Jim Beard (organ); plus background singers Carolyn Leonhart and Catherine Russell.

The audience (if there were patrons under 40 - Joan and I did not see them) seemed to enjoy the idea of hearing an old tune that they could remember when. Carolyn Leonhart covered Gladys Knight and the Pips’ “Heard It Through the Grapevine.”  Catherine Russell took the lead on Erma Franklin's "Piece of My Heart".  Boz Scaggs delivered a triumvirate: Muddy Waters' "The Same Thing," Teddy Pendergrass' "Love TKO," and Buck Owens’ “Love’s Gonna Live Here.” Boz dug into his catalog to bring forth this nugget "Miss Sun".

Michael McDonald, for his part, picked up an accordion and gave Chuck Berry’s "You Never Can Tell" a Cajun twirl and then put some real soul into his lead vocal on Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me By Now" as well as a great cover of Arthur Conley's "Sweet Soul Music".

The band members also put out the staple tracks like McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’,” Scaggs’ “Lowdown” and Steely Dan’s “Peg.” These songs haven't lost their appeal even after you've heard them a million times before. For my money this was a superb musical event.

The headliners and their supporting cast were musicians of the first order. Plus they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The concert followed by the sandwiches at Eddie O'Brien's put a nightcap on Founders Day.

Footnote: Live Concert videos were recorded by RTMorasonMD2 at The Dukes of September's performance at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY on Saturday, August 11th, 2012.