Beloved R&B/soul singer and songwriter Michael McDonald puts his unique stamp on the holidays with "On This Night," an exclusive, one-night only engagement in Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center on Tuesday, December 11 at 8 p.m.
Featuring material from his two successful holiday albums, In the Spirit (2001) and Through the Many Winters (2005), McDonald will perform soulful renditions of holiday classics as well as his own compositions inspired by the season. McDonald will be joined on stage by his six-member touring band.
McDonald is probably best-known for his starring role with classic rock greats Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers in the 1970s and 1980s, where he lent his vocal, writing and keyboard talents to both bands on tour and in the studio. Independently, McDonald has earned his stripes as a solo singer-songwriter, with multiple Grammy Awards and nominations to his credit. Influenced by the R&B and soul traditions, McDonald's distinctive vocals coupled with his complex song-writing have made him a staple in the Adult Contemporary genre.
Hit singles, including the theme from the film Running Scared, "Sweet Freedom;" "On My Own," a collaboration with Patti LaBelle; and the 1984 Grammy Award-winning single "Yah Mo B There" with James Ingram further cemented his popularity, so much so that Warner Brothers released Michael McDonald: The Ultimate Collection in 2005 to celebrate his 25 years in the music business.
A highlight of this holiday tour at The Max will be hits off McDonald popular Christmas CD's, which showcase his distinctive, husky baritone and idiosyncratic rhythmic sense. For his first seasonal album, In the Spirit, McDonald penned all but three of the songs. Many touch on his personal issues such as overcoming obstacles, living in the moment, and the necessity of having deep convictions.
In addition, when McDonald does cover a traditional carol such as "Angel's We Have Heard on High" and "White Christmas/Winter Wonderland," he jazzes them up and bends them into a new form. Through the Many Winters starts off slowly and quietly with "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night," both sparse, acoustic guitar arrangements.
These tranquil selections are followed by a soul-stirring delivery of a Caribbean-styled medley, "Come, O Come Emanuel/What Month Was Jesus Born," followed by a boogie-driven workout of "Deck the Halls/Jingle Bells." A lovely folkish duet with his wife Amy on the "Wexford Carol" and his own bluesy and wistful title track, plus a seductive, slow burin' version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and his triumphant Cajun romp on "Christmas on the Bayou," make this the McDonald tour a de force. -- www.detroitsymphony.com
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