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FORT WORTH — The hits were great, but a lesser-known tune told the real story.
The Doobie Brothers, the smooth hit-makers from the 1970s, played Bass Hall on Monday night and delivered most of the favorites that the sold-out crowd of better than 2,000 expected — along with a level of quality that few could have anticipated from a band that has seen so many summers. That was especially apparent on one of the few offerings that strayed from the predictable, Don’t Start Me Talking, by blues great Sonny Boy Williamson. The song was extended to showcase stunning solos from most of the players, revealing that beneath the glossy California sheen, the Doobies have always been a delightfully dirty blues band. The guitarists — original members Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston, and longtime member John McFee — were astonishing throughout the performance, but never more so than on this rootsy number. An equally pleasant surprise was a new tune, Back to the Chateau. Introducing unheard material in a live setting can derail an established band’s set. But the instantly appealing, driving rocker meshed seamlessly with the classics played before and after. Also unexpected was the extent to which saxophonist Marc Russo could influence the octet’s sound. His sharply punctuated sax work was almost magical in how it could alter a song’s texture. As a soloist, he had the impact of a full brass section. His ability to extend the notes from the blazing guitar heroes onstage was a triumph of musical perception and execution. The sound was generally good. The two drummers were unnecessary but never overwhelming. And when the members harmonized — as they did most impressively on Jesus Is Just Alright — it came through beautifully. But the lead vocals (and especially those by Simmons) were frequently buried too deep in the sound mix. This is often done to protect the overworked vocal cords of a dinosaur band, but it was not needed Monday night. On the whole, it was a short (90 minutes) but relentlessly energetic and highly satisfying evening of vintage rock.
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