Expert: Geoff Wickens - 6/21/2005

Question
-------------------------Geoff: Sorry I'm vague about this. I'm thinking it may be Listen to
the Music if that is one of their song titles. Could you confirm that ? Thanks..... Glenn
Followup To
Question -
Hi Geoff: Hope you can help me with a Doobie Brothers song. It
has a catchy, driving rhythm, a solo and back up chorus.
Possibly bongos, definitely a prominent percussion. There is a
great harmonica riff in the middle and that guy knows how to
play it ! That's all I can tell you and I hope you can assist me. I
have a hearing problem. I love classic rock but rarely catch the
lyrics. Thanks.............. Glenn
Answer -
WOW - not much to go on.  Which era was this, when Micheal MacDonald was with them or after
he left in 82.  There are alot of their songs that having a driving beat and some great percussion
(they did use 2 drummers).

Micheal played a lot of harmonica during his tenure with them.

Lemme know if you can shed any more light onto this subject.

Thanks!  

Answer
"Listen To The Music" was released off their second album “Toulouse Street” in October 1972 and debuted at #21 on Billboards Top 200 Album charts.

This album introduces Mike Hossack on percussions and as a second drummer (so there is your good percussion sounds).  I have listened to most of my early Doobie Bros stuff (pre 1975 - when Micheal MacDonald joined as lead singer) and didn't hear a harmonica - mind you - they do use plenty of Rythm Guitar which could have misconstrued as a harmonica.

Hope this helps .....

Geoff