Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Dizzy Doobi By CHUCK CROMER Gamecock Staff Writer During the past six months, a membership metamor phosis has occurred within the Doobie Brothers. In that time, one Doobie, drummer Michael Hossack has departed to seek a solo career, while another, Tom Johnston, has permanently quit touring with the band because of his frail health. To compensate, three musicians have joined. With the addition of Keith Kneudsen to supplement John Hartman on drums, and two former Steely Dan personel, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter on pedal steel and electric guitar and Mike Mc Donald on keyboards and lead vocals, a new, more mature Doobie Brothers sound has emerged. AN EXCELLENT example of this ne'w musiea maturation was showcased Friday night in the Carolina Coliseum before approximately 12,000 mesmerized fans. For 90 minutes the audience witnessed the collective results of an incredible musical fusion of two divergent philosophies--that of the old traditional Doobie sound centering around Tom Johnston's vocals and rthymatic guitar, with the laid-back, jazz-oriented style of Steely Dan. influenced by Baxter and McDonald. This musical fusion was an immediate critical success before a dumbfounded audience. Never knowing exactly what to expect next from the camoflaged Doobie Brothers appearance, the Coliseum crowd remained cautious and spellbound throughout the concert. These perplexing apprehensions would be quelled near the latter stages of the concert when the more recognized, rock 'n roll oriented Top-40 hits were performed. THE CONCERT itself was excellent in almost every aspect. Making full use of one of the most awesome sound systems that I've ever seen or heard, the Doobie Brothers combined a stage professionalism, mastery of their in struments and an intricate and tight blending of diverse musical sounds to produce a show that I did not feel they were capable of handling. The concert was divided into two distinct halves. The first segment was used predominately to show off the new Park / . es dazzle dev< band's musicianship and professionalism. Characterized by lengthy numbers that gracefully merged one song into another, the Doobies performed Jesus Is Just Alright, Rocking Down the Highway, Neal's Fandango, and I Cheat the Hangman. The extreme precision used to join slow and fast tempo music together was a work of art; a trademark of excellence. The first half's brillance was continued throughout the second segment as a panorama of past hits played in sur prisingly good taste. THE SECOND part of the concert was highlighted by the appearance of the Memphis Horns, five pieces that consist of two tenor and one baritone saxophones, a trombone and a trumpet. With their "Dixieland Jazz" support on Black Water and several other songs, the mostly passive corwd began to express their up till then repressed emotions through hand clapping and standing ovations. NEED SC We can he COMPUI gPlease s lane is the "source I obligatioi for Name or ,Address Danskin Leotards (-,ity and Tights Danskins are for everywhere and everyone. For partying and playing, exercising and dancing, and for just plain wearing around. Made of 100% easy care nylon. Available in a rainbow of colors and a multitude of styles at these Parklane Stores. DUTCH SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER pauk 1 a 10 ParlSlanew entertainment )tees The enthusiasm between the Doobie Brothers and the 12,000 fans attending Friday night's concert reaches a final climax with "Listen to the Music." Only the absence of lead vocalist Tom Johnston hindered an otherwise terrific concert. emecock Staff Photo by Gene Gaillard With the final number, China ~Grove, the crowd went berserk. An encore was demanded and the band generously complied by performing their most-popular hit Listen to the Music. The most striking facet of the new Doobie Brothers was their constant unity as a performing band. Lead vocals were shared by all members of the band. Also, no one musician or instrument dominated the others. McDonald's superb keyboards and the double-guitar work of Pat Simmons and Baxter were most prevalent, yet they all played to compliment the entire band's music. Any focus on one individual was unintended and definitely undesired. It would be unfair to state that Johnston's presence on vocals and guitar was not missed. But the proof of a good group is their ability to reorganize and progress when the loss of a key member becomes a reality. The Doobie Brothers have made a successful reshuffling without compromising the quality of their music. -EBODY TO LOVE lp. Send in the coupon and see. ............................................. 'ER DATINGWORKS Box 11677 Columbia, SC 29211 1 end me complete information. I understand there is no' State Zin call 256 0159 and we'll send you information IMBN' OAIE OR ) LI T0 l SPAGIETT YOI C wit ) 130 IC 53 i)\\