Chicago/Doobie Brothers/Nicola Congiu; 6/26/08

[jimmy19029]

For their 41st season in a row, Chicago is once again hitting the boards for their summer tour. This year they're partnering up with the Doobie Brothers, who were also their tour mates in the summer of '99.

Also along for the ride is Nicola Congiu, an Italian operatic tenor whose style I would put about halfway between Placido Domingo and Josh Groban. And like Groban, he's been endorsed by Celine Dion.

Tonight their caravan stopped at Susquehanna Bank Center(formerly the Tweeter Center, which itself was formerly the Sony Blockbuster E-Center) in Camden, NJ.

Nicola was on at 7:30 sharp and played for 20 minutes. Quite the killer set of pipes he has! I enjoyed him thoroughly in his opening set and later when he came out to take the lead on Chicago's If You Leave Me Now. What a treat! Jimmy Pankow announced him by saying,"We were taken out on tour by Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin way way back when. Now it's our turn to pay it forward.." Good going guys. Very cool indeed!

The Doobies blasted on at a couple of minutes past 8 for an hour set. I'd heard lead singer/guitarist Tom Johnston had been having voice troubles last year and had to undergo an operation on his throat. Apparently, it worked since he sounded fine, everyone sounded fine. All sang like angels! Jesus is Just Alright had a particular extra kick tonight as the boys hit us with this big sweet wall of guitars and voices. John McFee is a joy to behold as he is the band's current secret weapon providing dobro on Dangerous, sweet steel guitar on South City Midnight Lady and the gorgeous slide playing that only he can do. Then he pairs up with Patrick Simmons for some nice acoustic finger pickin' on Five Corners.

Back in 1999 the band covered the late 50s rock standard Little Bitty Pretty One(originally done by Bobby Day, then Thurston Harris and scores of others). Surprised to see it's still in their set. How 'bout changing up guys, and giving us another classic cut of yours instead? Just a thought.....

There was an intermission to do the usual stage set change and allow WOGL Radio to have a drawing for a free vacation giveaway. And an extra shout out to WOGL for having their "Guess the backwards song and call in" contest enabling me to win the free tickets to this show. My lucky song was 25 or 6 to 4....THANKS GUYS!

Chicago was out at 9:30 for their hour slot playing a similar set to what they've been playing the last several years. Like most the band's fanbase, I was disappointed not even to hear one of the songs from their latest album Stone of Sisyphus(which was actually slated for release 14-15 years ago but shelved). A performance of the title track on last Friday's CBS Early Show had raised my hopes that it might be added to the show. No such luck....

But it's always a thrill to be at a Chicago show. These days they seem to signify summer for me, much the same as their other frequent touring partners, the Beach Boys.

After a few minutes break, both the Doobies and our Chi boys were out for the joint finale. It was pretty cool to see Jason Scheff join Patrick Simmons and Doobie bassist/vocalist Skylark as they each sang verses of Takin' it to the Streets. And Walt, Jimmy & Lee provided the Chicago Horns stamp to that song's solo alongside the Doobies' current sax player Marc Russo. The Doobies really came up winners when they recruited this fine musician from the Yellow Jackets...and LOVE their current keyboard man too...the GREAT Guy Allison!

Robert Lamm, whom I'd heard had had some laryngitis at the beginning of this tour, sounded just fine tonight. Guitarist Keith Howland sounded okay singing lead on Feelin' Stronger Everyday and Bill, as always, is a joy to hear!
Walt Parazaider was there tonight as well and looking alot more trimmer. And Lee Loughnane has lost none of his lung power on trumpet. And a pretty cool drum solo by Tris Imboden.

AND SUMMER HAS NOW OFFICIALLY BEGUN!




Nicola Congiu:

The Power of Love
Too Much Love Will Kill You
Amor Mio
Angels



The Doobie Brothers:

Dangerous
Jesus Is Just Alright
Double Dealin' Four Flusher
Without You
Five Corners
South City Midnight Lady
Don't Start Me Talkin'
Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)
Little Bitty Pretty One
Black Water
China Grove
Long Train Runnin'



Chicago:

Introduction(intro only)/
Questions 67 & 68(partial)
Dialogue
Make Me Smile/
Colour My World/
Now More Than Ever
If You Leave Me Now (with Nicola Congiu)
Call On Me/
Alive Again
You're Not Alone
Hard Habit To Break/
You're The Inspiration
Beginnings
Tris Imboden's Drum Solo
Just You 'N' Me
Saturday In The Park
Feeling Stronger Everyday
Hard To Say I'm Sorry/Get Away


Chicago & The Doobie Brothers:


Rockin' Down The Highway
Free
Takin' It To The Streets
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is
Listen To The Music
25 or 6 to 4

[Moon Beam]

Oh I am ever envious of this one Sir!
Love both these bands.
Thanks for posting a review, good reading indeed.