Don’t get The Dukes of September confused with The Dukes of Stratosphear.
The Dukes of Stratosphear wrote and recorded psychedelic music in a tribute to The Beatles, The Byrds, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, and other bands from the 1960′s.
The Dukes of September play jazz-rock and blue-eyed soul while covering artists like Little Anthony, David Ruffin and Curtis Mayfield.
The Dukes of Stratosphear were the alter egos of the British rock band XTC.
The Dukes of September are led by rock legends Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen, and Boz Scaggs.
Apart from seven people (and one of them is me), no one has ever heard of The Dukes of Stratosphear or their music.
Everyone knows the members of The Dukes of September and their music. The trio features a member of Steely Dan (Fagen), a member of both the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan (McDonald), and the singer of the greatest song to come from the 1970′s, “Lido Shuffle” (Scaggs).
The Dukes of Stratosphear flourished in 1980′s.
The Dukes of September are flourishing right now.
McDonald, Fagen, and Scaggs, as The Dukes of September, launch a 22-stop, six-week tour beginning Aug. 19 at the Charles Ives Center in Danbury, Connecticut. Their road trip ends Oct. 2 at the Joint in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Some of the highlights from their upcoming itinerary include an Aug. 26 show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Atlanta, Georgia; an Aug. 31 concert at the Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts; and a Sept. 27 show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.
These three icons have teamed before. Back in 1992, they joined forces for “The New York Rock and Soul Revue.” That show, produced by Fagen’s wife Libby Titus, toured nationally for two years and produced one album, Live at the Beacon Theater.
The trio will be backed by a band of world class musicians: Jon Herington on guitar; Freddie Washington on bass; Michael White on drums; Jim Beard on keyboards; back-up singers Carolyn Escoffery and Catherine Russell; and horn players Michael Leonhart, Walt Weiskopf, and Jay Collins.
The official name of the tour is “The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue.” Their set list will feature songs from each artist’s huge catalog of music (including stuff from Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers) as well as R&B, soul, and blues standards.
Fans may also hear some Grateful Dead, Chuck Berry, and Beach Boys covers. And chances are real good that McDonald will be belt out a few Motown classics.
“We’ll be playing the kind of R&B tunes that made us want to be musicians way back when, as well as select numbers from our personal repertoires,” said Fagen via a statement. “We’ve enlisted a swell group of players and singers — in fact, I’m so excited that I just can’t hide it. Be there or be square, chillin’.”
I know what you’re thinking, but Fagen did say those exact words. That quote is not from some dubious blog or a shady foreign news service (nor did I make it up). The citation is pulled directly from the band’s official press release.
So the guy who co-wrote “Black Friday” and “Deacon Blues” actually used the word “chillin’ and quoted the Pointer Sisters. The Dukes of Stratosphear never did that.
…
Ryan Hogan is a contributing writer for http://www.ClickitTicket.com/ where you can purchase Fagen, McDonald, Scaggs tickets and Steely Dan tickets. Check out the ClickitTicket blog, where you can get all kinds of unique artist and music info and concert news.
Read more articles written by Ryan Hogan
Related posts:
- Lady Gaga and Kanye West To Tour
There are two things wrong with a tour featuring Lady Gaga and Kanye West. To start, let me just say that I think both people are two of the most talented voices in music today. They are both innovative and daring with their music. They are both trendsetting fashion gurus... - Welcome to Sugarland – Sugarland’s ‘Incredible Machine Tour’
“Sugarland” is perhaps the most utilitarian band name of all-time. It’s such a non-descriptive appellation that it gives no hint to the band’s musical genre. Most band names at least point to some general type of music. For example, when you hear a name like “Metallica” you immediately know it’s... - Jimmy Buffett and His ‘Under the Big Top’ Tour
Jimmy Buffett’s Under The Big Top Tour begins Feb. 20 in Jacksonville, Florida and is scheduled to end Sept. 4 in Bristow Virgina. This is Buffett’s umpteenth tour of North America and it’s supporting his latest release, “Buffet Hotel.” That’s not a misspelling. “Buffet Hotel” is the name of a... - 5 Reasons Why Las Vegas Visitors Should Take a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Looking for something adventurous to do while in Las Vegas? Go to the Grand Canyon. Tempting as it is, skip riding the bus – it takes too long and requires a full day. Instead, book a helicopter tour. Here are five good reasons why: #1. Helicopters Are Fast! The helicopter... - South Rim or West Rim? How to Pick a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
You’ve made the decision to book a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon. Excellent choice. Flying the Canyon is an experience you will never forget. The next step is picking which Rim to visit. You can do this by understanding your budget, time constraints, and tour needs. More than a... - Sea World Orlando Florida – A Tour Of The Attraction
Sea World Orlando Water Park is central Florida’s premier marine life park, accepting visitors year around and presenting its guests with an sea wildlife experience that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Theatrical Performances Shamu, the killer whale, performs in the Shamu Stadium in Sea World’s signature performance... - Roger Daltrey, Who Are You?
Roger Daltrey has been inappropriately maligned throughout his career. He’s the front man for one of the greatest rock bands of all-time, The Who. Yet when names are tossed around as to who is the greatest lead-singer in rock and roll history his name never seems to come up. Why... - Must-See 2010 Summer Music Festivals
One of the best things about summer, at least for music fans, is the plethora of music festivals held all across the country and all though out the season. These festivals bring together dozens of great bands usually for more than one day and usually on more than one stage.... - Rob Thomas, His Wife, and Her Diamonds
Rob Thomas’ latest album, Cradlesong, deals with dark issues and adult themes but none is more serious than the illness inflicting his wife Marisol (Maldonado) Thomas. Marisol suffers from a rare autoimmune disorder and her plight was Thomas’ muse for Cradlesong’s first single, “Her Diamonds.” During a recent appearance on... - Weezy is America’s Most Wanted
I can remember when I first heard Lil Wayne spit. He was still with Cash Money then and he was rapping on a song with Juvenile and B.G. I remember thinking at the time that his voice was so unique and his flow so different that he was probably going... - Pearl Jam Sells Out
When fans, especially those of the casual variety, think of Pearl Jam they generally conjure up an image of a “fight the power” type of band who’s politically active and bent on not succumbing to the “Man” running the music industry. That’s pretty much the band’s reputation, just ask anyone... - Music and Humor
Music and humor can intersect in one of three ways. The first way is when serious artists get clever. This would be The Who’s “Squeeze Box,” The Ramones “I Want to be Sedated,” or Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady.” Basically, a band or artist takes a break from singing... - Wedding Reception Music On A Budget
A wedding reception is a party to celebrate the union of two special people. Most celebrations include music to express the joy everyone is feeling. What are your options when you’re on a budget? Varied! Most people like to have a disc jockey at their reception – if only because... - Visit the Historic Rock of Cashel in Ireland
Your whole family will enjoy a trip to the historic Rock of Cashel in Ireland. It is located above the town of Cashel in County Tipperary. It is one of the most historic and spectacular heritage sites in Ireland. Cashel is one hour by car from Waterford, Kilkenny, Limerick and... - Six Broadway Shows You Must See
Even those living in a cave know that Wicked, The Lion King and Chicago are Broadway’s hottest tickets. But they’re not the only entertainment on the Great White Way. Below, BSTLV looks at eight other Broadway shows you should definitely check out. These eight productions range from timeless revivals to...