Smooth Sailing with The Doobie Brothers: The Story Behind 'Long Train Runnin'' and the Yacht Rock Revolution!
0 reactions
13 hours ago
Beatbounty
Celebrating the Legacy: The Doobie Brothers and Their Tribute Bands
The Doobie Brothers have inspired a plethora of tribute bands, with playful names like the Doobie others, Listen to the Music, and the Brothers Doobie. Among them is the Doobie Doubles, a group that exclusively performs upbeat rock tracks, steering clear of the mellow soul ballads that the original band is known for.
While Tom Johnston and John McFee haven’t had the chance to see these tribute acts live (“I guess I’m missing out,” Johnston chuckles), Patrick Simmons has explored a few online and finds them quite impressive.
“They feature some talented musicians,” he notes. “They may not replicate our sound perfectly, but that’s not the point. It’s marvelous that they take the time to learn our songs and share them. I respect anyone trying to make a living in music, and it’s genuinely flattering that they enjoy our work.”
The Band’s Evolution: A Journey through Time
Guitarists Johnston and Simmons have been collaborating since they founded the Doobie Brothers in San Jose,California,in 1970. McFee, who joined the band in 1979 and plays multiple instruments including mandolin, banjo, and pedal steel, humorously refers to himself as “the new guy.”
Together, they embody the various phases of this Rock and Roll hall of Fame band. The early 1970s saw Johnston leading the funky boogie-rock era, producing timeless hits like Listen to the Music, China grove, Black Water, and Long train Runnin’. This was followed by the mellow soul phase in the late 1970s and early 1980s, featuring Michael McDonald’s crossover hits such as Minute by Minute, Real Love, and the Grammy-winning What a Fool Believes.
The latter track is often cited as a quintessential example of the “yacht rock” genre, a term that elicits both laughter and bemusement from the band’s guitarists.
“I’ve never even set foot on a yacht,” McFee remarks, while Johnston adds, “I’m not even sure what ‘yacht rock’ really means. It truly seems a bit ridiculous to me.”
Recent Projects and Collaborations
Despite the band’s ups and downs, including breakups and reunions, Johnston, Simmons, McFee, and McDonald have been performing together since 2019. They released a well-received studio album, Walk This Road, last year, and this summer, they will join guitar legend carlos Santana on his Oneness Tour.
“We’ve toured with Carlos before,” Johnston shares. “I’ve known him since the early 70s. We don’t see each other often, but he’s a fantastic person.Playing with him and his band is always a blast.”
Maintaining Harmony Amidst Differences
Any differences that led to the band’s previous hiatuses, the longest being from 1982 to 1987, appear to have been resolved. “We have our disagreements like any group,” Simmons admits. ”There are times when we get on each other’s nerves, especially at the end of a long tour. But we’ve been fortunate to maintain our relationships,and ultimately,it’s all about the music. We have amazing writers and musicians,and our fans appreciate what we create.”
The Doobie Brothers – Speed of Pain (Lyric Video) – YouTube
Watch On
Growth through Conflict: The Doobie Brothers’ Journey
“We experienced our share of conflicts in the Seventies,” Johnston reflects. “As time passes, you learn valuable lessons about what to embrace and what to avoid.You discover how to prioritize your well-being and avoid self-destructive behaviors. Now, we all get along well and are focused on progressing. I believe that as long as you keep moving forward,issues tend to resolve themselves.”
Curating the Setlist: Who Calls the Shots?
Tom Johnston: Pat and I handle most of the setlist decisions, and we often consult Mike as well. the choices are primarily influenced by who will be singing, but we also consider the audience’s preferences and the songs we feel comfortable performing.
Naturally, we aim to deliver the hits that fans expect. We’ve been featuring several tracks from our latest album in our performances, and when we open for Carlos, we’ll likely include one or two new songs alongside the classics everyone knows.
(Image credit: Clay Patrick McBride)
embracing Two Eras: The meaning of the New Album
The new album marks the first collaboration with Michael in four decades.Does this lineup reflect both eras of the band?
Johnston: It’s a fitting way to view it, as we’re showcasing all the different phases of our band, both in our recordings and live performances. Fans appreciate this representation of our history.
John McFee: The music beautifully integrates elements from various eras, and I truly enjoy that.
Patrick Simmons: It’s more than just two eras; we’ve always had a diverse range of writers and influences. The most meaningful influences are undoubtedly Tommy and Mike, both of whom are remarkable songwriters and vocalists. Their energy is palpable and shapes our sound significantly.
John Shanks produced this album and the previous one, Liberté. He’s also a talented guitarist.
Johnston: Absolutely, he’s an excellent guitarist.
The Doobie Brothers: 50th Anniversary at Radio city Music Hall on Wednesday,October 26,2022 – YouTube
Watch On
Collaborative writing: The process Behind the Music
Does he get really granular with suggestions for guitar tracks - to the point where it’s annoying?
Johnston: Not at all. He contributed significantly to the album, but everyone brought their usual input. John was heavily involved in the writing process, co-writing every track on the record.
Was the writing process smooth?
Johnston: It went well overall.The recording process can vary in smoothness,but I felt it was productive. The key difference with John is that the co-writer is typically the one present in the studio. The entire band rarely records together; we work on the songs to a certain point before bringing in others to sing and play their parts.
That’s not how you’ve always recorded.
Johnston: in the past, especially before this album and Liberté, we often had the whole band present during recording, notably for the foundational tracks. Ideas would emerge organically as we played together, with everyone contributing. This time, the approach was different.
Balancing Guitar Sounds: The Sonic Landscape
Let’s discuss the guitar frequency puzzle. John, I know you play a lot of other instruments, but at any given time, the three of you are playing guitar on stage. How do you divvy up the sonic real estate?
Johnston: We don’t really analyze it that way.If it sounds good and everyone has their own parts, it tends to work itself out naturally. John uses a digital rig, which differs from conventional amplifiers. Pat plays a Stratocaster through an amp, while I use a PRS guitar. This variety creates distinct sounds on stage.
McFee: the parts we play often depend on who originally played them on the records. As an example,Tom kicks off Long Train Runnin’ with his signature rhythmic hook. The other parts are allocated based on how the song was recorded. Many tracks feature more than two guitar parts, so we can cover those live without missing anything. It’s a case-by-case basis.
Simmons: We don’t overthink it. I just want everyone to enjoy themselves and feel good. If I start nitpicking – “There’s to much going on” - it can create tension. I’ll address somthing if it’s crucial, but I wouldn’t approach it with a mindset of finding faults.
(Image credit: Clayton Call/Redferns)
Recreating the Sound: Balancing Originality and Nostalgia
Do you feel obligated to try to recreate the sound of the records as much as possible?
Johnston: I think everyone tends to stick to what they’ve been doing for years. We’ve made some adjustments to song arrangements over time, but they generally maintain the essence of the original recordings.
Sometimes, we approach a song differently, like incorporating Marc [Russo] on saxophone, who plays several solos throughout our set. With Mike on keys, he adds his unique interpretation to the parts. My rhythm parts have remained consistent, though they occasionally expand.
John is a little more sophisticated in terms of his choice of notes and his ability to play a little more ‘outside.’ I won’t say it’s jazz, but it’s more complementary outside chords.
Patrick Simmons
John, you brought up Long Train Runnin’, which is a perfect example of Tom’s right-hand rhythm technique.
McFee: I had the hardest time teaching that to him, by the way. Just kidding![[[[Laughs]
johnston: I think they call it “chunka-chunka.”
Exactly. Tom,where did that come from? Who were you listening to?
Johnston: I think it originated from my songwriting and playing acoustic guitar a lot in the late Sixties. I frequently enough didn’t have a drummer or bass player around, so I had to create the rhythm I envisioned on the guitar. It’s like playing both drums and guitar simultaneously.
Not exactly, but the idea is to convey the rhythmic structure to someone if you plan to perform it in a band or record it. I naturally used that rhythm in several songs; it just evolved organically without much thought.
The Doobie Brothers – black Water (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Watch On
Harmony Through Challenges: The Doobie Brothers’ Evolution
“we faced our share of conflicts during the Seventies,” Johnston recalls. “As the years pass, you learn valuable lessons about how to handle situations and what to avoid.You discover the importance of self-care and constructive behavior. Nowadays, we all get along well and are focused on moving forward. I believe that as long as you keep progressing, issues tend to resolve themselves.”
Setlist Selection: Who Takes the Lead?
Tom Johnston: Pat and I primarily handle the setlist, and we often involve Mike in the process. The selections are largely influenced by who will be singing, but we also consider the audience’s preferences and the songs we feel comfortable performing.
Naturally, we aim to deliver the hits that fans expect. We’ve been featuring several tracks from our latest album in our performances, and when we open for Carlos, we’ll likely include one or two new songs alongside the classics everyone knows.
(Image credit: Clay Patrick McBride)
Capturing Two Eras: The Significance of the New Album
The new album marks the first collaboration with Michael in four decades. Does this lineup reflect both eras of the band?
Johnston: It’s a fitting way to view it, as we’re showcasing all the different phases of our band, both in our recordings and live performances. Fans appreciate this representation of our history.
John McFee: The music beautifully integrates elements from various eras, and I truly enjoy that.
Patrick Simmons: It’s more than just two eras; we’ve always had a diverse range of writers and influences. The most significant influences are undoubtedly Tommy and Mike, both of whom are exceptional songwriters and vocalists. Their energy is palpable and shapes our sound significantly.
John Shanks produced this album and the previous one, Liberté. He’s also a talented guitarist.
Johnston: Absolutely, he’s an excellent guitarist.
The Doobie brothers: 50th Anniversary at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – YouTube
Watch on
Recording the iconic Track: Insights on “Long Train Runnin’”
What do you remember about the recording process for Long Train Runnin’?
Johnston: That was a jam session.
Simmons: Tommy had that song ready when I joined the band. It was essentially a jam with the same riff repeated throughout. We played it that way and extended it significantly. He’d take a solo, then I’d take one – we’d really stretch it out. We had the “without love” section. Every night, he’d improvise some lyrics, and I’d think, ”Don’t you have a complete song for this?” He’d reply, “Not really.” Every night, he’d come up with new lyrics. I thought, “Well, it’s a good song, but whatever.”
Johnston: I even questioned Teddy – “Are you sure you want to record this?” as it didn’t even have lyrics at that point. He insisted, “Yes, we need to do this.” We had been playing it live for two or three years, and it was just a jam.It had various names but no words. I would just make them up each night. Eventually, we recorded the track, refined it, and I wrote lyrics to fit.
(Image credit: Getty images)
Simmons: After we recorded the track, ted suggested, “It works, but it needs some arrangement. Right now, it’s a Latin blues without structure.” He introduced the stops – that distinctive break at the end before it resumes.I thought that was brilliant, as it added so much more energy to the song.
People often ask me if I tire of playing the same songs, and my answer is always ‘no.’
Tom Johnston
Johnston: A similar situation occurred with China Grove.
Another track featuring a brilliant rhythm guitar riff.
Johnston: It’s a bit different because it has a more edgy rock and roll vibe. I wrote it on an acoustic guitar, just like the others, and developed the chord changes.Then I collaborated with [drummer] John Hartman and we started jamming. We came up with a concept for the song, and then I had to wriet the lyrics again.
When you composed these songs, did you think, “These are hits”?
Johnston: The only one I felt confident about was Listen to the Music.I called Teddy late one night to tell him that, which he wasn’t particularly thrilled about. The others, I didn’t push as singles at all.
Rockin’ Down the Highway (from Rockin’ Down The Highway: the Wildlife Concert) – YouTube
Watch On
“`html
Enduring Harmony: The Doobie Brothers’ Musical Journey
“We encountered our share of conflicts during the Seventies,” Johnston reminisces. “As time passes, you learn valuable lessons about how to handle situations and what to avoid. You discover the importance of self-care and constructive behavior. Nowadays, we all get along well and are focused on progressing. I believe that as long as you keep moving forward, issues tend to resolve themselves.”
Setlist Selection: Who Takes the Lead?
Tom Johnston: Pat and I primarily handle the setlist, and we often consult Mike in the process. The selections are largely influenced by who will be singing, but we also consider the audience’s preferences and the songs we feel comfortable performing.
Naturally, we aim to deliver the hits that fans expect. We’ve been featuring several tracks from our latest album in our performances, and when we open for Carlos, we’ll likely include one or two new songs alongside the classics everyone knows.
(Image credit: Clay Patrick McBride)
Embracing Two Eras: The Significance of the New Album
the new album marks the first collaboration with Michael in four decades. does this lineup reflect both eras of the band?
Johnston: It’s a fitting way to view it,as we’re showcasing all the different phases of our band,both in our recordings and live performances. fans appreciate this representation of our history.
John McFee: The music beautifully integrates elements from various eras, and I truly enjoy that.
Patrick Simmons: It’s more than just two eras; we’ve always had a diverse range of writers and influences. The most significant influences are undoubtedly Tommy and Mike,both of whom are exceptional songwriters and vocalists. Their energy is palpable and shapes our sound significantly.
John Shanks produced this album and the previous one, Liberté. He’s also a talented guitarist.
The Doobie Brothers: 50th Anniversary at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – YouTube
Watch On
Engaging with Classic Hits: The Joy of Performing
Live,you still perform tracks like Rockin’ Down the Highway and Jesus Is Just Alright. They must be enjoyable to play on guitar.
Johnston: It really depends on how long we’ve been on the road![[[[Laughs]Seriously, they remain fun to play. What truly makes them enjoyable is the audience. The crowd’s energy fuels your enthusiasm for a song, especially since we’ve been playing them for over 50 years. When the audience gets up, sings along, and dances, it makes everything worthwhile.
Is there ever a moment when you think, “Forget it, I’m going to play something completely different tonight”?
Johnston: Yes, but from my experience, that usually doesn’t end well.
McFee: We have a good amount of improvisation available to us during the show.
Johnston: People frequently enough ask if I get tired of playing the same songs, and my answer is always ‘no.’ They’re hits,and I never tire of them because every performance is unique. The challenge is to give my best every time we step on stage.
Jesus Is Just Alright with Me – The Doobie Brothers | the Midnight Special – YouTube
Watch On
Guitar Choices: From Gibsons to Custom Builds
Patrick, you also played Gibsons in the Seventies and Eighties, but you’re playing something different these days.
Simmons: I’ve transitioned to a variation of a Stratocaster. I fell in love with Jeff Baxter’s custom Strat, which I occasionally played in the studio. A friend of mine, who worked as our guitar tech, offered to build me a guitar. I told him, “Build me a Strat like Jeff’s,” and that’s exactly what he did.
We opted for a lighter wood for the body. Jeff’s guitar has a maple body, while mine is made of ash, which is lighter. Initially, I used Seymour Duncan pickups, but later switched to different ones[[[[Ed note: EMGs].
What amplifiers do you use with that guitar?
Simmons: I’ve been using Mesa Boogie Mark vs for about five years now. I have two amps - one for my clean to mid-range “Keith Richards sound,” and another for overdrive and leads, which I refer to as my “Carlos Santana sound.”
John, you primarily use a Line 6 Variax, right?
McFee: Absolutely, especially for live performances. I also use them in the studio. I started using them because I need to access different sounds, tunings, and even different instruments. For example, in Listen to the Music, there’s a banjo in the chorus, and my role in the band requires me to have those options available. Achieving that without something like the Variax would be quite challenging.
Did it take you a while to adjust to playing without a traditional amp?
McFee: Not at all. Many people struggle when transitioning to in-ear monitors, but I grew up doing session work in studios, where I was always on headphones. That’s how I learned to hear myself, rather than standing in front of a loud amplifier.
The Doobie Brothers: Tiny Desk Concert – youtube
Watch On
Musical Chemistry: The Joy of Collaboration
patrick, have you always found Tom’s rhythms easy to play along with?
Simmons: I think you can either complement what someone else is playing by mimicking their part, which I’ve done before, or you can create counter rhythms. I often choose the latter approach. I think Tommy prefers when I play arpeggiated parts, which I do frequently.
John does that as well.Tommy and John bring different styles to the table. John’s playing is a bit more intricate in terms of note selection and his ability to venture into more complex territories. I wouldn’t categorize it as jazz, but it certainly incorporates more complementary outside chords, which enhances our overall sound.
That rhythm guitar playing is a significant aspect of Listen to the Music.
Johnston: Absolutely. I was experimenting with an acoustic guitar, developing chord changes – the rhythm and those changes set the mood for what I envisioned.It felt utopian to me.I thought, ‘Could the world leaders just sit down, listen to the music, and stop their conflicts?’ This was during the Vietnam era.
Simmons: That track was amusing for me. We had performed it for a year and a half,two years,in clubs,and I always played a sort of arpeggiated,banjo-like part. When we recorded it in the studio, I played my part, but it didn’t resonate with me.
The other musicians sounded fantastic, but I was unsure of my contribution. I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll just focus on singing.’ Then I started listening to the Eagles and what Bernie Leadon played on Take It Easy. He incorporated the banjo. I mentioned this to producer Ted Templeman, and he suggested, “Let’s rent you a banjo and see what you can come up with.”
I didn’t have a clear idea at first,but I went into another room and worked out a banjo part. Ted said, “Let’s record it.” We laid it down, and he exclaimed, “That’s it! That’s the part – you nailed it.”
The Doobie Brothers – Long Train Runnin’ (1993 Remix) [Official Music Video] – YouTube
Watch On
Musical Chemistry: The Joy of Collaboration
Patrick, have you always found Tom’s rhythms easy to play along with?
Simmons: I think you can either complement what someone else is playing by mimicking their part, which I’ve done before, or you can create counter rhythms. I often choose the latter approach. I think Tommy prefers when I play arpeggiated parts, which I do frequently.
John does that as well.Tommy and John bring different styles to the table.John’s playing is a bit more intricate in terms of note selection and his ability to venture into more complex territories. I wouldn’t categorize it as jazz, but it certainly incorporates more complementary outside chords, which enhances our overall sound.
That rhythm guitar playing is a significant aspect of Listen to the Music.
Johnston: Absolutely. I was experimenting with an acoustic guitar, developing chord changes – the rhythm and those changes set the mood for what I envisioned. It felt utopian to me. I thought, ‘Could the world leaders just sit down, listen to the music, and stop their conflicts?’ this was during the Vietnam era.
Simmons: That track was amusing for me. We had performed it for a year and a half, two years, in clubs, and I always played a sort of arpeggiated, banjo-like part. When we recorded it in the studio,I played my part,but it didn’t resonate with me.
The other musicians sounded fantastic, but I was unsure of my contribution. I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll just focus on singing.’ Then I started listening to the Eagles and what Bernie Leadon played on Take It Easy. He incorporated the banjo. I mentioned this to producer Ted Templeman, and he suggested, “let’s rent you a banjo and see what you can come up with.”
I didn’t have a clear idea at first, but I went into another room and worked out a banjo part. Ted said, “Let’s record it.” We laid it down, and he exclaimed, “That’s it! That’s the part – you nailed it.”
The Doobie Brothers – Long Train runnin’ (1993 Remix) [Official Music Video] – YouTube
Watch On
Watch On
Obviously, you guys know your way around a guitar, but you’re also an impeccable vocal group.
Simmons: That was always crucial to us. When we got together, I think our template was Moby Grape; everybody in the band sang.We knew we wanted to rock,we wanted to play the blues,but we loved Moby Grape and their harmonies. And the Beatles!
all the bands we admired were harmony bands – Chicago; Crosby, Stills & Nash… We’ve always worked on our singing. During rehearsals, we spend hours figuring out parts. We’ll have things all worked out,and then somebody will say,“There’s one note here…”
We’ll put things under a microscope. It’s something we love. I love harmony, especially the kinds of things Mike brings to our singing – close harmonies. It’s nice having a guy who really hears that and can come up with cool parts.Our harmonies really opened up, and I think it’s true now more than ever. We’ve really stepped up our game.
Smooth Sailing with The doobie Brothers: The story Behind ‘Long Train Runnin” and the Yacht Rock Revolution!
Smooth Sailing with The Doobie brothers: The Story Behind ‘Long Train Runnin” and the Yacht Rock Revolution!
The Origins of ‘long Train Runnin’
‘Long Train Runnin” is one of The Doobie Brothers’ most beloved tracks, encapsulating the essence of the 1970s rock scene. Written by Tom Johnston, the song was released in 1973 as part of the album The Captain and Me. Its infectious rhythm and catchy melody quickly made it a staple on radio stations across the country.
Songwriting Process
The creation of ‘Long Train Runnin” was a collaborative effort that showcased the band’s unique blend of rock, country, and R&B influences. Johnston drew inspiration from his experiences and the musical landscape of the time, crafting a song that resonated with listeners.
Musical Influences: The Doobie Brothers were influenced by various genres, including rock, blues, and folk.
Collaborative Spirit: The band’s dynamic allowed for input from multiple members, enriching the songwriting process.
Live jamming: The song evolved through live performances, where the band would experiment with different arrangements.
The Yacht Rock connection
Yacht rock,a subgenre of soft rock that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s,is characterized by its smooth melodies and laid-back vibes. ‘Long Train Runnin” is often cited as a quintessential yacht rock track, blending catchy hooks with a relaxed groove.
defining Yacht Rock
Yacht rock is more than just a musical style; it’s a cultural phenomenon that evokes images of luxury, leisure, and coastal living. The genre features artists like:
Artist
Notable Songs
Michael McDonald
“What a Fool Believes”
Hall & Oates
“Rich Girl”
Steely Dan
“Reelin’ in the Years”
Christopher cross
“Sailing”
The Doobie Brothers’ impact on Yacht Rock
The Doobie Brothers played a meaningful role in shaping the yacht rock genre. Their ability to blend rock with smooth harmonies and intricate guitar work set them apart from their contemporaries. ’Long Train Runnin” exemplifies this fusion, making it a timeless classic.
Musical elements of ’Long Train Runnin’
The song features several key musical elements that contribute to its enduring appeal:
Rhythmic Groove: The driving beat and syncopated rhythms create an infectious energy.
Harmonies: The vocal harmonies, especially in the chorus, showcase the band’s tight-knit sound.
Instrumentation: The combination of electric guitars, bass, and percussion adds depth to the track.
Behind the Scenes: Recording ‘Long Train Runnin’
The recording of ‘Long Train Runnin” was a pivotal moment for The doobie Brothers. Producer Ted Templeman played a crucial role in shaping the sound of the track, encouraging the band to explore new arrangements and ideas.
Studio Experience
During the recording sessions, the band focused on capturing the energy of their live performances. This approach allowed them to maintain the spontaneity and excitement that characterized their shows.
Legacy and Influence
‘Long Train Runnin” has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing countless artists and genres. Its timeless appeal continues to resonate with fans, making it a staple in playlists and radio rotations.
Current Popularity
As of 2023,’Long Train Runnin” remains a popular choice for radio stations and streaming platforms,showcasing its lasting impact on music culture. The song’s themes of perseverance and hope resonate with listeners across generations.
Benefits of Embracing Yacht Rock
For fans of smooth melodies and laid-back vibes, yacht rock offers a unique listening experience. Here are some benefits of embracing this genre:
Relaxation: The soothing sounds of yacht rock can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Nostalgia: Many listeners find comfort in the familiar melodies and lyrics that evoke memories of simpler times.
Social Connection: Sharing yacht rock music can create bonds among friends and family, fostering a sense of community.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Yacht Rock
If you’re looking to dive into the world of yacht rock,here are some practical tips:
Create a Playlist: Compile your favourite yacht rock tracks for easy access.
Explore New Artists: Don’t hesitate to discover lesser-known yacht rock artists to expand your musical horizons.
attend Live Shows: Experience the magic of yacht rock live by attending concerts or festivals featuring your favorite artists.
Join the Beatbounty Community
For those passionate about music and looking to connect with like-minded individuals, consider creating an account on the Beatbounty platform. Share your experiences, submit ads, and engage with a vibrant community of music lovers.
embrace the smooth sounds of The doobie Brothers and the yacht rock revolution, and let the music take you on a journey of nostalgia and joy!