The Doobie Brothers: A Night of Nostalgia and Nuance in Noblesville

The Doobie Brothers’ performance last night at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, was a testament to the enduring appeal of one of America’s quintessential rock bands. The group, known for their seamless blend of rock, country, and soul, delivered a set that was both a trip down memory lane and a showcase of musical mastery.

The show opened with an hourlong set by the legendary Steve Winwood, who, along with Dave Mason were the founding force behind the 60’s group “Traffic”. This was a thoroughly enjoyable set that touched on classics such as “Can’t find my Way Home”, “Feelin’ Alright”, and “Back in the High Life.”

At 8:30pm, just before rain on only one side of the lawn, the fabulous Doobie Brothers fully engaged the crowd for the next 96 minutes.

The band’s history is as rich and varied as their music. Formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, by Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, the Doobie Brothers’ name was suggested by a friend as a nod to the members’ fondness for “doobies” or marijuana joints. This casual moniker belied the serious musicianship and songwriting prowess that would catapult them to stardom.

The departure of Tom Johnston in the mid-70s due to health issues marked a significant shift in the band’s trajectory.

Michael McDonald stepped in, bringing with him a soulful tenor and a knack for smooth, keyboard-driven rock. McDonald’s era saw hits like “What a Fool Believes” and “Minute by Minute,” which won the band Grammy Awards and solidified their place in rock history.

McDonald’s collaborations with artists like Kenny Loggins on “This Is It” and James Ingram on “Yah Mo B There” and Patti LaBelle’s “On My Own” is a story in itself, but further showcased his versatility and contributed to his reputation as a musician’s musician.

The current lineup features founding members Johnston and Simmons, alongside McDonald and multi-instrumentalist John McFee. They are supported by a talented ensemble including John Cowan on bass, Marc Russo on saxophones, Ed Toth on drums, and Marc Quiñones on percussion.

The setlist was a journey through the band’s storied career. Opening with “Take Me,” the band quickly established a connection with the audience, who were eager to be transported by the familiar strains of “Here to Love You” and “Depending on You.” The energy only escalated with “Rockin’ Down the Highway” and “You Belong to Me, (co-written with Carly Simon” showcasing the band’s ability to blend rock-solid grooves with introspective lyrics.

Mid-set, the band hit their stride with “Cannonball” and “Sweet Maxine,” before delving into the introspective “It Keeps You Runnin'” and the reflective “Eyes of Silver.” “One Step Closer” and “World Gone Crazy” highlighted the band’s evolution, while “Minute by Minute” and “Without You” were delivered with the passion of musicians who truly believe in their craft.

The spiritual “Jesus Is Just Alright” led into the crowd-pleasing “What a Fool Believes” and “Long Train Runnin’,” before the set closed with the anthemic “China Grove.”

The encore was a celebration in itself, with “Black Water” and “Takin’ It to the Streets” reminding us of the band’s diverse influences, and the sing-a-long “Listen to the Music” serving as a fitting finale to a night that was as much about looking back as it was about the timeless nature of good music.

The band’s ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to their roots is a rare feat, and last night’s performance was a reminder of why they remain one of the most beloved bands in rock history.

Grade: A+

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