The Dukes of September Bring Real R&B to the PNC Bank Arts Center

September 4th, 2010

By Sonya Alexander, NY Classic Rock Examiner

The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue is a new and refreshing take on a traditional theme. On September 2, 2010, veteran musicians Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, and Boz Scaggs truly lived up to the term "revue" by playing a variety of rhythm and blues-based songs from various eras, though the PNC Bank Arts Center crowd didn't truly seem to appreciate the prime panoply of songs that were played. It seemed as if they expected the power trio to play only their own hits, which would have also been a top-notch show, but the fact that they played such a wide range of music was a testament to their true love and appreciation for music as a whole.

They kicked off the night with Don Covay's "Sookie Sookie" and Lee Michaels' "Heighty Hi," and from there it was a soulful mix of hits from other artists as well as their own. Michael did a duet with backup singer Catherine Russell, Fontella Bass and Bobby McClure's "Don't Mess Up a Good Thing," both tackling the tune with rich, sonorous vocals. Fagen then jaunted through The Grateful Dead's "Shakedown Street," channeling Ray Charles at the baby grand piano, rocking side-to-side, his body in constant movement. Boz Scaggs, voice-like-honey, then launched into a rousing take on Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell," with Michael jamming on the accordion.

Of the 25-song, two hour-set, only a handful of the tunes were the artists' own hits. Michael McDonald, with his wonderfully gravelly voice that at times seemed strained in the outdoor venue but was captivating throughout, performed signature songs "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and "Takin' it to the Streets," Boz sung his sultry hit "Miss Sun" along with crowd favorite, "Lowdown," and Fagen grooved with "Green Flower Street," "I.G.Y.," and "Reeling in the Years." They really got-down in a special tribute to Jersey's own The Band, performing three heady cuts by the seminal band: "Caledonia Mission," "Rag Mama Rag," and "The Shape I'm In." The guys also proved themselves to be generous musicians, giving each backup singer a solo: Russell belted out Muddy Waters' "I Love the Life I Live" and Carolyn Leonhart rocked Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady." One of the highlights of the night was Boz singing soul legend Teddy Pendergrass' "Love TKO," which he sang with such mellow, controlled vocals and cool passion, he left the somewhat mainstream crowd at a loss when confronted with such raw soul music. But it showed Boz has still got it, tenfold.

The seasoned triumvarite was backed by a lively, first-class seven-piece band: Jon Herington on guitar; Freddie Washington on bass; Michael White on drums; Jim Beard on keyboards; and horn players Michael Leonhart, Walt Weiskopf, and Jay Collins.They seemed to be having a good time, backing up the Dukes with plenty of energy and dexterity.

They closed the night with some wonderful 60s throwback songs; the Beach Boys' "Help Me Rhonda," with Boz on lead vocals, Fagen doing a touching rendition of the Thunderclap Newman classic "Something in the Air," and Michael closed it out with a funky version of Buddy Miles' "Them Changes." This was only the ninth concert out of the 22 in their tour, which wraps up in Las Vegas on October 2, but the performances and production-quality are seamless. The Dukes of September are more than just blue-eyed soul, they're consummate musicians that recognize great music crosses all genres and all boundaries of the imagination.