Monday, February 10, 2014

THE DUKES OF SEPTEMBER: DONALD FAGEN, MICHAEL MCDONALD, BOZ SCAGGS LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER

429 Records has announced the release of The Dukes of September Live on DVD and Blu Ray DVD on March 18th to coincide with its PBS debut airing on Great Performances in March and subsequent airings during PBS' March pledge drive (in New York, Thirteen will air the concert Thursday, March 13 at 9:30pm) .  The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue—a super group comprised of pop/rock/R&B icons Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), Michael McDonald (Doobie Brothers) and Boz Scaggs--formed in 2010 as a touring entity which evolved out of the New York Rock and Soul Revue which showcased the three musicians performing the R&B and soul music that inspired them as well as a selection of their respective hits.  Directed by David Horn, the concert was filmed in November of 2012.  The Dukes of September Live will be released worldwide by 429 Records March 18th.

The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue, a moniker hearkening back to the aristocratic names of doo wop groups from the '50s, features Fagan, McDonald and Scaggs and is rounded out by Jon Herrington (guitar), Freddie Washington (bass), Shannon Forrest (drums) Jim Beard (organ), the horn section consisting of Jay Collins, Michael Leonhart and Walt Weiskopf; and vocalists Carlyn Leonhart and Catherine Monet Owens;  has performed worldwide since its inception in 2010 and garnered rave reviews.  The super group is a touring act which resurrected the short lived 1990's New York Rock and Soul Revue which also included Phoebe Snow, Charles Brown, Chuck Jackson, the Brigati Brothers and Walter Becker.  Their concept of a rock and soul revue is a rollicking showcase that focuses not just on their well-known hits such as "Reelin' in the Years," "Lido Shuffle" and "Takin' it to the Streets", but also forays into rock and R&B gems such as "Sweet Soul Music" and "Love T.K.O."

Says Boz Scaggs in Huffington Post: "It's been a rare treat exploring the Great American Soul and R&B songbooks with aficionados, Fagen and McDonald and the Steely Dan Band. Great company indeed. We've covered Ray, Aretha, James, the Isleys, Chuck, Gladys, the Stones (that would be Sly and the family), Marvin, Muddy and more celebrating the Masters. And I feel like I've had the best seat in the house."

Says Donald Fagen: "I love revues like the Dukes. Different singers, all kinds of surprises.  If the listener's indifferent to one tune, they'll dig the next. Plus, we're a real band.  Mike, Boz, the musicians and singers are on stage all night."

Says Michael McDonald: "Having a history with Donald and Boz that has been so meaningful to me personally, makes the experience of stepping on stage with them both all these years later, an especially profound one. They were both a significant part of my musical education and two of the musician/composers I've held highest in regard over the years."

Songs performed include:
"People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul"
"Who's That Lady?"
"Sweet Soul Music"
"I Keep Forgettin'"
"Kid Charlegmagne"
"The Same Thing"
"Miss Sun"
"You Can Never Tell"
"What A Fool Believes"
"Hey Nineteen"
"Love T.K.O."
"Peg"
"Lowdown"
"Takin' It To The Streets"
"Reelin' In The Years"
"Lido Shuffle"
"Pretzel Logic"
"Them Changes"ber

Directed for television by David Horn, Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs: The Dukes of September, was produced by Mitch Owgang.  John Beug and David Horn are executive producers.  For Great Performances, Bill O'Donnell is series producer. David Horn is executive producer.

~ 429 Records

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