newjerseynewsroom.com

Will appear in Atlantic City July 3

BY SHARON HARRIS-ZLOTNICK

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

It happens every time at every Doobie Brothers concert. It only takes a few notes for everyone in the crowd to recognize their favorites, performed by the veteran musicians. From the first sound of the chimes, motorcycle roar, or "do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do", screaming fans wait to chant "Black Water," "Rockin' Down the Highway," or "Jesus is Just Alright with Me" with the band.

Making their own distinct mark in the music world, the Doobie Brothers have entertained millions for decades. After almost 40 years, and millions in albums and CD sales, it is no wonder that fans know every note and lyric of their music.

The band formed in 1970, combining the talents of lead singers Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons with other skillful musicians in the San Jose, California area. They took the name- slang for a marijuana joint- to reflect the popular culture of the time. "It was prevalent in California, and we got a lot of pushback for the choice," Johnston says.

After an average first album in 1970, their sound caught on with the commercial success of the group's second album in 1971. Toulouse Street included major hits like "Listen to the Music." Subsequent best-selling albums launched a career that has thrilled multiple generations of music fans.

Members have changed throughout the years, but Pat Simmons has remained the one constant. Johnston started with Simmons in 1970, but left for health reasons in 1977. He was replaced by singer, songwriter and keyboardist Michael McDonald, who had performed with Steely Dan.

The McDonald era took the Doobie Brothers in a new direction. Their musical style evolved into a new type of blues, reflected in songs like ‘'Minute by Minute" "What a Fool Believes" and "Takin' It to the Streets". However, time had taken its toll, and following a 1982 farewell tour, the band broke up until 1987.

In 1987, drummer Keith Knudsen convinced 11 former Doobie Brothers alumni to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. The concert raised money for Vietnam veterans' causes. During rehearsal, several decided they should reunite. The "new" Doobie Brothers have toured and recorded ever since.

Through the years, Johnston and Simmons have blended rock and roll, blues and acoustical tunes to produce an impressive roster of music, recognized by multiple generations of listeners. The two have written most of their songs.

"There is no set pattern to writing music. The blessings are those songs that have taken 12 hours to write. We typically write the music, and then add in the lyrics," says Johnston.

Today's Doobie Brothers band includes eight musicians/singers who perform at approximately 80 shows each year. They play in theaters, casinos, college towns and at sporting events. Depending on the venue, the concert sets are either 75 or 90 minutes, and the playlist includes dozens of hits from their many albums.

The band members live all over the U.S. They meet at the first city on their two to three-week performance schedule, and then travel together. Everyone then "recharges" during an eight-day break.

Johnston says, "The Internet has changed the music world and the way music is played. In prior years, groups toured to promote their music; now, it is the other way. Groups record to promote their tours."

Future shows will introduce two songs from their upcoming CD, currently unnamed and in production. However, Johnston acknowledges they must always include the familiar "chestnuts", or Doobie standards.

He states there is plenty of "wiggle room" to mix it up. "We rotate many choices from our playlist, which keeps our sound fresh and maintains the band's enthusiasm and chemistry," Johnston says.

Fans can always expect to hear many standards, including "China Grove," "Listen to the Music" and "Long Train Running." However, Johnston also sings the 1965 Motown hit "Take Me in Your Arms" -one of his favorites - originally performed by Kim Weston. No matter the song, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The current Doobie Brothers lineup includes:

Guy Allison- keyboards/vocals; Michael Hossack- drums; Tom Johnston- vocals/guitar; John McFee- guitar/strings/vocals; Marc Russo- saxophones; Pat Simmons- vocals/guitar; Skylark- bass/vocals; Ed Toth- drums

The Doobie Brothers will appear on Friday, July 3 in the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City. Show time is 9 p.m. Ticket prices are $35 - $75. Tickets are available through the Tropicana box office or Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.