Michael McDonald - A Gathering of Friends

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Michael McDonald's career was littered with late-'70s and early-'80s hit singles, many of which are heard in this 2000 tribute show. Hosted by actor Jeff Bridges (who also, believe it or not, sings a duet with McDonald, "She Lay Her Whip Down"), the concert features singers whose biggest chart moments were courtesy of McDonald's melodic composing style or distinctively raspy backing vocals, including Christopher Cross ("Ride Like the Wind"), Patti LaBelle ("On My Own"), Kenny Loggins ("This Is It"), and James Ingram ("Yah Mo B There"). And as a capper, the finale reunites McDonald with his Doobie Brothers cohorts, whose biggest popularity coincided with McDonald's taking the lead-vocal chores. Two of those smashes, "Minute by Minute" and "Takin' It to the Streets," end the show on a high note. The concert's relative brevity (70 minutes) makes one think some songs ended up on the cutting room floor. --Kevin Filipski

Description

Filmed at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, friends and admirers of Michael McDonald came together to pay homage to the man and his music. No stranger to recognition, the five-time Grammy Award winner's particular brand of "blue-eyed soul" produced a series of chart-topping hits. As a member of the Doobie Brothers and a successful solo artist, Michael McDonald's distinctive baritone vocals are instantly recognizable to fans worldwide.

Songs:
On My Own (with Patti LaBelle), No Love to Be Found (with Wendy Moten), Holy City (with Edwin McCain), All I Need (with Tommy Sims), Ride Like the Wind (with Christopher Cross), She Lay Her Whip Down (with Jeff Bridges), Ya Mo Be There (with James Ingram), Maria (with James Ingram & David Pack), You Belong to Me (with Patti Austin), Heart to Heart (with Kenny Loggins), This Is It (with Kenny Loggins), Minute By Minute (with The Doobie Brothers), Takin' It to the Streets (with The Doobie Brothers).

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2007-02-18

Are you a Michael fan? This is one you will watch again and again. Patti and Christopher add a special touch. And last but not least...Takin' It To The Street...

Michael McDonald.......2007-01-10

I love Michael McDonald and this is a good one. Way to go!

The soulful blue-eyed wonder!.......2007-01-10

I originally borrowed this tape from my local library...just for something to do. I was so enchanted that the tape was late getting back to the library-I kept watching it over and over again. I just couldn't get enough of it...so I bought it. I have a home theatre system and now whenever I want to sit in on the concert I fill the whole house with it. It was really great revisiting with Micheal and that creamy baritone voice of his, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins and James Ingram (whom by the way was looking gooood-got a new look!) and lest we forget-The Dooby Brothers. They all bought back good good memories. I wish that Micheal and the Doobies would do a concert together-for old times sake. I could go on and on. You won't be disappointed.

Could Have Been Better.......2006-08-15

I enjoyed several of the performances on this DVD as well as the interaction between M. McDonald and his friends. The elegant P. Labelle's voice is fine form here and the guest of honor seems to appreciate her energy. T. Sims' and M. McDonald's collaboration is one of the more soulful moments of the evening; The melody and harmonies of "All I Need," evoke the feel of many r & b songs from the 1970s. There was noticeable warmth between M. McDonald and C. Cross, who sings well and plays a nice guitar solo on "Ride Like the Wind." Kenny Loggins was a welcome presence, although I would have liked to have heard more of his singing on "Heart to Heart," and "This is It." Low points include J. Bridge's "She Lay Her Whip Down," E. McCain's "Holy City," and an a cappella rendition of L. Bernstein's "Maria." How devastating to learn that Steely Dan, Ray Charles and Toto performed and do not appear on this DVD. Its a shame that mic and editing problems plagued a concert of this caliber.

Its Mike's Show - Step off!!.......2006-03-04

Good mature concert - but some limelight stealing by Jeff Bridges (whom, because included, gives little respect to greats like Loggins and the Doobies) - did Bridges pay to get on (or maybe he financed) this concert? At least he shd have opted out of the DVD - or the makers shd have edited him out. i mean, jeff is brilliant actor, but his singing is another thing altogether!

Another regular limelight stealer has got to be Patti Labelle, especially in the finale of MICHAEL's concert. Heck, anyone who saw LIVE AID will remember how she ruined the US finale when she practically tried to out-volume everyone - shamelessly - especially when she wasnt even a lead artist on the original We Are the World song!

Have to say that instead of paying bridges and Patti Austin, they she have flown Carly Simon in. David Pack could have figured more in this concert.

One last thing - wish Mike didnt use reading glasses - he reminded EVERYONE in the audience and ALL OF US watching the DVD of how OLD we are!

Anywayz, thanks mike for your brilliant voice and sounds.

Sharkman

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