I attended this concert as a result of reading the news online. I certainly didn’t go looking for it because I never would have recognized the name of “the band.” A large banner ad popped up and several names of interest briefly appeared before the ad minimized. For once, I actually clicked on a banner ad and found myself staring at third row tickets on the TicketfeeMaster site – notably, a month after tickets had been on sale. I’m a sucker for a concert.
The Dukes of September are primarily three stars from yesteryear – Donald Fagen (Steely Dan, solo career), Boz Scaggs (Silk Degrees, anyone?), and Michael McDonald (who probably gained most notice the few years he was with the Doobie Brothers, followed by a solo career).
But first, the venue. Even though it is in its third year, this was my first visit to Alpharetta’s Verizon Amphitheater. Thankfully, parking and traffic arrangements were fully considered when it was built, a notable distinction above Atlanta’s two other major amphitheaters. On the other hand, it loses this inherited goodwill due to sandwiched seats that require sitting at an angle to your neighbors. Still, it remains the most convenient concert venue to where I live and work, and that will have to suffice.
An ironic drawback is that the first 10 or so rows are not optimal for watching a concert… at least when the band plays 15’ or more behind the front edge of the stage. The “Pit” seating area is a full 6’ below the stage level, and, well, here was my view of Michael McDonald playing piano.
I know. 3rd row and I’m whining. Actually, were it not for the music stand, I guess it’s not so bad.
In any case, the music was not just about the three main stars – it was a celebration or, perhaps, a 21st century retrospective of R&B songs from years gone by, mixed with a sprinkling of their own songs.
The supporting band was expansive and included a three person brass section, drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, and two female backup singers – with enough recurring members to be considered the 2010 edition of Steely Dan’s road band. They began the concert with an extended version of “Sookie Sookie,” an opening nod to the era of music that would be focused upon during the evening. Whether those in attendance expected to mine songs as far afield from the headliners is unknown, and even with a crowd primarily 50+ in age, many of these songs went way back.
How about the Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street?” Sung by Fagen, it blended with the overall tone of the night. McDonald’s cover of Buddy Miles’ “Them Changes?” A definite winner (except its placement as the show closer). The O’Jay’s “Love Train?” A perfect fit for the band. Willie Dixon’s “I Love the Life I Live” – perfect (and enlivened by a very enthusiastic Donald Fagen).
For those who mined music fairly deeply, a three song sampling from The Band were likely a great inclusion. Each singer took a turn through “King Harvest (Has Surely Come),” “Rag Mama Rag,” and another song I couldn’t place.
The misses? Well, Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady” was one. Despite a very capable lead performance by backup singer Carolyn Escoffery, it didn’t get people off their feet (to be fair, despite the groove, very few songs did). Still, the lyric is very repetitive, and it just didn’t connect. Another misfire was Scagg’s cover of Mink Deville’s “Cadillac Walk.” This may be one of his personal favorites, but it lacked any familiarity and seemed to have little traction. Similarly, Teddy Pendergrass’ “Love TKO” certainly fit his voice and the mood, but, hey, what about “Lido Shuffle?” That’s the song people really wanted to hear.
Michael McDonald covered a good sampling of his better known songs, “Takin’ it to the Streets,” and “I Keep Forgetting (We’re Not in Love Anymore)”, and “What a Fool Believes,” the last of which was a vocal challenge in the upper registers. He was at his best on the older covers, such as the duet on “I’ve Got News For You” (Ray Charles) sung in a forceful, clenched fist delivery.
Boz Scaggs, at age 66, remains as smooth in concert today as he did on vinyl in 1976. I imagined him more as a vocalist or perhaps a pianist, but he proved himself a more than capable guitarist throughout the night. “Lowdown” was awesome, but the major disappointment of the set list was their failure to include “Lido Shuffle.” He sang and played with great versatility.
Which leaves Donald Fagen, who took on the role of Master of Ceremonies, providing the introductions and a small amount of banter. Other than his share of the cover songs, he sang only 
“Reelin’ in the Years” and “Green Flower Street” from his personal repertoire. He is a very animated artist, and it was obvious that he was fully enjoying the music and being part of this band.
There was a also a certain freshness to the evening as well. While I would guess that there is a measure of joy in playing songs other than those they’ve been expected to play night after night (and year after year), it was obvious that not all of the songs were yet familiar. Members of the band were checking the music from time to time, and even the headliners had to make certain of the words and music. This isn’t to imply that they weren’t rehearsed or were somehow flawed. Their was great energy around all the songs, and the musicians were all very good.
The encore began with a gushy cover of the Beach Boy’s “Help Me Rhonda,” which (strangely?) worked to get the audience involved and singing. This was followed up by the aforementioned “Them Changes,” formidably delivered but misplaced. “One more for the road…” from “Lido” would have been a more logical and welcomed end. Nevertheless, the crowd cheered as the singers exited with a final wave, and the band reprised “Sookie Sookie” as exit music.
All in all, it was a super evening of great music and a quality departure from the annual “greatest hits” reruns coming to an amphitheater near you.