The Doobie Brothers - Black Water (video) | (REACTION)

[@steven67-YLT]

Dudes, you need to do the studio version. Great production and a different vibe. That's the one that'll stick in your head.

[@keelsmac01]

I agree! There are a couple songs I feel that that way about. This and hallowed be thy name.

[@Jude_196]

Yes - agreed - this version is ok for live - but, nothing like the smoothness of the studio version....and, no improv interludes, as there are here...and, the mix is SO GOOD on the studio version! :) ❤❤❤❤❤

[@richardsteiner8992]

I never understand when reactors choose a live version of a song unless explicitly asked to do so. Many bands are different live, and it isn't the live version that people heard back in the day. There was no video streaming, only the radio.

[@melk.6024]

Totally agree!

[@rogerdaly6326]

💯 % agree , studio version is much better.

[@marksimpson1991]

This blew everyone away when it first came on the radio. Nothing sounded like that. An incredible band at their peak. Definitely do the studio version. The production values are phenomenal.

[@Dragonsinger71]

I heartily agree. I find the studio version superior to this particular performance. For me it is at least in part that the song pre-dates Michael McDonald, who is on keys in this live version. He took the Doobies into a pop direction that I didn't really care for, and his voice, though very good, is obviously smooth and lends itself to pop. Those first few albums from the band were clearly rock. I had a copy of "Toulouse Street" on cassette while serving in Thailand in 1973.

[@marksimpson1991]

@@Dragonsinger71 A truly great band that evolved and changed, yet has somehow maintained it's core. Unlike Yes and Styx and countless others that succumbed to animosity and bitterness. I wasn't a big fan of their Steely Dan Lite phase either, but cannot deny the quality of the music.

[@brendawoodson3230]

Love my Doobbies

[@jgefroh6692]

Nice to see it live, but the studio version is so much better

[@2869may]

The studio version is an absolute Iconic Masterpiece....!

[@nebbindog6126]

After you've heard the studio version a gazillion times, the live one messes with your head! Great song to sing along to.

[@pommie5093]

LOL, I know-I was like, wait-I was all ready to start singing my part!

[@kathybwell]

Actually, they're from Loma Prieta- close to San Jose, but in the Santa Cruz Mountains, above Los Gatos, if you know where that is. But yeah, the Doobies always sound amazing with that slightly southern-sounding rock.

[@DarkStars445]

Rerun had the tape recorder under his trenchcoat - classic

[@EC-dz3fb]

Is that right?! Did he get caught, or something?

[@louremington6975]

Wow! Never saw this version. Michael McDonald on keyboard and vocals. Too cool.

[@thomast596]

The Doobie Brothers were high level musicians on the level of Steely Dan.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

The Sanford-Townsend Band "Smoke From A Distant Fire"...Nuff Said.

[@tommathews3964]

What a great band they were!

[@darkstardan3309]

The studio version of this is excellent.

[@williamisenberger1073]

This was from an old PBS series called Soundstage from the late 70s. From the same performance is an incredible version of Takin it to the Streets which showcases Michael Mc Donalds keyboard chops

[@SD-it9ne]

Yes!! I just asked them to react to it & sent the link. McDonald shredded those keys at the end.

[@olly8]

Love this version ❤ Thanks😁 Very stripped down to its most simple sounds.

[@SouthTexasRocker1]

This was my favorite song in 3rd grade. During lunch period, I'd run across the street to a little diner and put a dime in the jukebox so I could hear this tune while I ate my slice of pizza. 🍕🎶 I finally got to see them perform this song forty years later!

[@itchyandred4131]

Just amazed at the huge diversity in the room, Old, young,& in between.......... awesome ✌️

[@jennhurl]

Damn that's fire 🔥 no one ever does the live version of this so WELL DONE, LON & CHI! I truly miss this level of talent. Only the Doobie Brothers can sing about catfish jumping & make it sound so good. 🤣

[@dannymoore6886]

This is The Doobie Brothers I knew and loved.

[@bradsense7431]

I think this was from a taping of Soundstage which was a PBS WTTW production done in Chicago. Soundstage program had many good performances during its run.

[@trishriley9681]

❤❤❤

[@petermerin]

I love that episode of what’s Happening. They also played, Taking it to the streets and are Run tried to make a bootleg of the performance.

[@kdm71291]

Note to all KZbin music reactors: Always check out the studio version first unless otherwise suggested by at least 10 commenters!

[@badsherrey]

I'm sure you get a ton of requests..but if you want to hear a total jam, it may even end up being one of the best songs you've heard so far..listen to REO Speedwagon, GOLDEN COUNTRY. And it has, by far, the best guitar solo in it too. Please consider, you won't be sorry, trust me...

[@MicheleJane]

The studio version of this though is very good. Yeah it was such a cool song hearing on the radio back then

[@annbeguity5932]

Great eg of “musical quotation” here: obviously venue was Chicago: Skunk Baxter’s (previously of SD) first pedal steel section was quoting from the old song “Chicago” (“that toddlin’ town”), and later full-band interlude played similar chi-town segment. Touring bands sneak in quotations all the time, although you’d need a decent historical ear to catch them all

[@kevinsievert4531]

Even when Michael McDonalds voice has a small role, it still has a big role!

[@jenniferfoster1692]

I love, love, love this song!! It was huge, on the radio all the time. We could all sing along with it!

[@cherylwoodward]

Yes! That was Michael McDonald on keys and backing vocals during this performance! He was not with the band when they initially composed this song.

[@billadkins5150]

Jeff Skunk Baxter from Steely Dan on pedal steel guitar.

[@timgrady4630]

Undeniable vibe .

[@cherrypickerguitars]

This is the song and the album that made me a life long Doobies fan - the original band - sorry Skunk and Mike McDonald, your both greats, but you’re not the Doobie Brothers to me! Peace

[@EC-dz3fb]

I've NEVER clicked on anything FASTER. ♡

[@Catdogfrog5555]

Glad u guys did this one…. Thx

[@johnmccarthy-behindtheveil]

I remember when all these 70's classics were actually new and fresh. I am so privileged to live through it.

[@renemokum]

Great performance (as usual), but the sound quality needs remastering. The studio version is perfect and will blow your head off.

[@chopperdeath]

Good God that was a transition.

[@Ninang363]

The What's Happening episode was great. I did see them on The Midnight Special and Don Kirschner's Rock Concert though

[@kathrinepearson7528]

Studio version is just so much more!

[@coopm3087]

This is awesome If you can ever catch the studio version it sounds awesome as well

[@Angelslvhf]

This is Pat's love letter to their time in New Orleans.

[@randytaylor1406]

I love the bluesy vibes of this song, and who doesn't like a song that has a few "mama" in it.

[@robertfuller5665]

Decent live performance but you should listen to the studio version to really hear the song.

[@frankingenito]

Don't know if I suggested this already, but I highly recommend you check out Australian country singer Kasey Chambers doing her cover of Lose yourself by Eminem. One the most original and best covers I have ever seen.

[@KWP1111]

Maybe you should do studio version. I think you will see

[@christopherhuot2826]

Yeah I remember that " what's happening " episode .One of the cast said which doobie you be 😅😊

[@clifton8929]

This unlikely hit for the Doobie Brothers has that Louisiana swamp rock feel of lost summers rafting/tubing down the Mississippi River; just losing yourself of stress and worry. Just forget all the crazy bullsh*t and enjoy life, some funky Dixieland music, and live life.

[@mojorider8455]

I'm with you----all these years later, I'm still digging that happy go lucky vibe of this song...!

[@mojorider8455]

loved this song when it came out. Still love it, the happy go lucky vibe---"if it rains, I don't care, don't make no difference to me..." Wanna get down to New Orleans and hear some funky dixieland band now 🙂

[@gailjohnson5950]

Did you notice a very young Michael McDonald at the piano?!

[@melvinwomack3717]

I think the Doobie brothers done it keeps you running on what's happening as well

[@markharbin9945]

Great to see this live version not so great audio 😮

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Cool different key

[@armenflintstone]

The complete soundtrack of everyone who came of age in the 70s. Blues, Country, R&B, Hard Rock, Pop ...all in one band

[@willblood7082]

Great reaction, but as many of the comments say, do yourself a favor and listen to the studio version as well.

[@paulprendergast3184]

Love the live arrangement, harmonies and improv. Pity about sound quality

[@workingman6681]

Loved that show, Whats Happening! Roger, Dwayne and Rerun👍👍

[@fredblauvelt3445]

I didn't know that Jeff skunk Baxter played the slide guitar. But he is a master on a guitar.

[@Cpayne30]

His first appearances with the Doobies were on pedal steel.

[@bobschenkel7921]

What up Raj? What's happening Rerun? "What's Happening " was a great show. Guess this show was in Chicago, based on the little ad lib on the lyrics. And Jeff "Skunk" Baxter on the Peddle Steel.

[@bradsense7431]

I believe it was from the PBS WTTW program Soundstage which was a series taped in Chicago. That program had many good performances.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Thanks Brad. Good to know.@@bradsense7431

[@ML-un1oi]

Bluesy, funky with some country mixed in. Again I tip my hat and bow accordingly. Thanks fellas 👌. Appreciate you 🙏 ❤

[@rbking9296]

And to think this song was the B side to their single Another Park Another Sunday

[@tcanfield]

I’d forgotten about that. I once read that the radio stations were hesitant of playing APAS because of the line “the radio just seems to bring me down”.

[@kbrewski1]

Our good buddy Micheal McDonald in the full beard on keyboards on the left. And Skunk Baxter in there somewhere too (bongos?). So 1/3 of the band are Steely Dan alums. You're right, you'd think McDs vocals would be more prominent. That might be right after he joined the Doobie Brothers circa 1975. I've never seen this live version before, it was different. This was a HUGE hit in 1974. In fact, it was their first #1 hit, which is surprising given they had Listen to the Music, China Grove, and Long Train Runnin before Black Water. This always takes me back to my freshman year of football fall 1974, we played an away game pretty far away, we won, and for some reason on the long bus ride back some of the cheerleaders rode back with the players (no complaints from us) and I distinctly remember the whole bus singing Black Water over and over on the ride back. One of those memories that always pops up when I hear this tune.

[@kenbelke8549]

the great Skunk Baxter of STeely Dan fame on pedal steel and Mike McDonalds voice!

[@saxworthmusic]

This song was everywhere when it came out. You should check out the live version of Takin it To The Streets with Michael playing piano and singing the lead. It’s at an outdoor concert in Santa Barbara , early’80’s , on KZbin

[@emilymartinez6961]

This one takes me back to the summer of 74', l had a friend who was in a band that played a lot of Doobie Brothers🥰🤘

[@kathybwell]

Very cool! You must have grown up in the Bay area too.

[@mrysedeers]

skunk Baxter on steel guitar...just sayin':)

[@clasmaster1471]

Bro I remember seeing the what’s happening episode with them also!

[@Gunhed187]

This was a B-side of a single of a Another Park Another Sunday. It was played on the radio by accident and became a hit. It was never meant to be played on the radio.

[@donnazasgoat2274]

I mean, come on. Who doesn't love this song?

[@jgsrhythm100]

Love the Doobies but we need some early Funk in the Airplay. Curtis Mayfield- Superfly ( 73) I know you covered Curtis but did not touch his funkiest & best tracks

[@AirplayBeats]

We love superfly. We will get to more Curtis

[@jgsrhythm100]

@@AirplayBeats Check this track. Funkiest Sly Stone track. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoXHapmtl8yeqZo

[@888jimm]

Fred is Dead😂

[@stephenwenners4289]

Do the studio version please!

[@metaphoria3]

He’s playing that so clean while singin

[@harish71]

Rerun was bootlegging the concert then the radio fell out of his coat ha

[@neilmartin99]

Here's a hundred dollars worth of free advice....always do studio versions first.

[@AirplayBeats]

Thought it was the original version at first but it wasn’t. So we just kept on going. We will do the studio one as well.

[@olly8]

​@@AirplayBeatsI enjoyed hearing this stripped down version👍🏼 Nice to switch it up.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

AWWW shoulda done the studio version

[@AirplayBeats]

We will do it. We just wanted to see them this time around.

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

At least these guys still sound good live. So many suggested live reactions are...for long-time fans.

[@melk.6024]

Studio version way better...they actually sound alot better live in present day than they did back then...still waiting for you gentlemen to get to Call Me The Breeze by Lynyrd Skynyrd ❤❤

[@deaniegarcia5694]

Song with a great vibe..the audience just eats it up…and the audience is so diverse..old, young, long & short hairs…the Bros are so damned good! The reactors are too!

[@Boatzilla2]

Did they just go in to "Oh, When The Saints Come Marching In" at one point? That was wild. Thanks for sharing.

[@jskit92380]

No, I think it was and old Dixieland jazz tune they inserted into the song. 🎶☮🖤🤘

[@jossoaktree]

Cheers, friends ! Thank you for shouting out that "What's Happening" episode - that's a fun memory from when I was a kid. ✌️

[@ploppill34]

Rerun tried to bootleg them with a tape deck🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kevincaulder20]

In 1975, my best friend and I drove all over Bedford, Massachusetts, singing this song with the windows down. And then the Doobie Brothers released a song called TAKE ME IN YOUR ARMS. Turn up the radio and rock at the top of your lungs. And you just can't get in the way of TAKIN 'IT TO THE STREETS. Enjoy

[@donaldjackson1490]

On pedal steel guitar is Skunk Baxter, original member of Steely Dan and on Piano is Michael Mc Donald the backup vocals for many Steely Dan Songs

[@TheDivayenta]

I went to high school with singer Pat Simmons. He wrote this back then! ❤❤❤we all listened to all genres of music back then. Great influences. Mike was sitting right there on the piano!

[@jimmoore8951]

Pat seems pretty cool. Loved seeing his solo projects when they would play the local Santa Cruz dives

[@TheDivayenta]

@@jimmoore8951 did you live in Santa Cruz, Jim?

[@jimmoore8951]

@@TheDivayenta looooong time ago… Tahoe now. Went to high school with current Doobies sax man

[@TheDivayenta]

@@jimmoore8951 Santa Cruz high? When?

[@caseyporter1235]

For continuity, that's Jeff "Skunk" Baxter from early Steely Dan playing the slide Steel Guitar......Talent everywhere.....

[@itzel1735]

One of my faves. Even the version they did during Covid still sounded great.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

JESUS IS JUST ALRIGHT (live MIDNIGHT SPECIAL!!) before McDonald ruined it haha..

[@TexasMagnolia]

Just so damn Good! Love Patrick Simmons. Jesus Just Alright.

[@reedwilson64GTO]

The weirdest version of this song they ever made. Try: REVEREND HORTON HEAT "Wiggle Stick" & "Love Whip "

[@louremington6975]

Skunk, Jeff Baxter, playing slide guitar. He now does missile guidance systems for the military.

[@kevincaulder20]

Another song that carries on the harmony at the red of the song is by Little Big Town. The tune is BOONDOCKS. Enjoy

[@benjaminbrowardONEOG]

Tubing the Guadalupe River in San Marcos. Beer in one hand and Doobie in my ears (hand) just floating.

[@Gashouse69]

You referenced the What's Happening episode! Rog to Simmons " Which Doobie you be! "🤣

[@steverakes6182]

Studio version only! If you guys want to hear the music we grew up with, don't use crappy sounding live versions, they mostly suck.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Oh -- a live version with the McDonald-Baxter version of the band, on a song from the Tom Johnston band!! Good version! Live, too, not a lip-synch.

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

Missing Tom Johnston badly here...Pat sang this one, but Tom was knee deep in it as well....

[@cindipossidento5688]

Hey guys do u see who is sitting there singing …. Michael McDonald !!! Young man there. He has dark hair, not white !!! 😘. He is playing piano !!

[@SteveMavronis]

I was in 10th grade in high school when this came out. It was such a big radio hit. They played it all the time!

[@Mulavi]

Yes, studio version. Keep Tom Johnston Doobie Brothers music separate from Michael McDonald's time with the band. Johnston provided backing vocals on original, but he's not with the band during this time. This performance would have been better if McDonald wouldn't have sung. It's like if Tom Johnston had sung on a performance of Steely Dan's Peg after only knowing the original with McDonald.

[@timgentry1]

Rerun was getting into the Doobie Brother's concert, jumping about, and a tape recorder fell from under his overcoat. Busted. That's what's happening.

[@johntarnowski9086]

Here it is The Doobie brothers on Whats Happening kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoqWZJKsdqmBZs0

[@johnwilkinson4683]

I'm guessing they were in Chicago hence all the liberties with the tune... entertaining still... huh. :)

[@darkstardan3309]

Saw this live on the "Minute By Minute" tour, Cape Cod 1979, It was as good as you think it would be. My first real rock concert (unless you include Donny & Marie or Beatlemania) :P

[@smack7244]

You guys do great reaction/reviews. You know music, make smart commentary and you don't interrupt the music too often. And you react to acts like the Doobie Brothers. But today I want to talk about Robbie Robertson who died last week. Robertson was guitarist and songwriter for "The Band", awesome Americana band from the late 60s and 70s. Boatloads of reactions on youtube for their tune "the Weight" with the Staples from "The Last Waltz" film. But I'd like to suggest "King Harvest has Surely Come" as it doesn't get enough attention. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6GqqpmFo7KBfc0 Thanks for the great music you share here..