The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue comes a month early and plays the Borgata on Aug. 20. And just who are they? This collaborative effort features Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald. Along with a foray into Motown and lots of choice rock and soul, the show promises a most enjoyable set list of music that opens up the trio’s individual songbooks.
They’ve done this sort of thing before, going back to the New York Rock and Soul Revue that Fagen’s wife, Libby Titus, put together in 1992. But they’ve expanded their musical scope this time, working in not only faves from their own careers but also some of their faves from the ’50s and ’60s. Don’t be surprised to hear a medley of songs from The Dead’s Shakedown Street, The Band, and even a set of Beach Boys music. (Gossip tidbit: Titus used to be romantically involved with The Band’s Levon Helm, and Fagen often plays with Helm.)
The Borgata show is No. 2 on this tour, so they’ll still be settling in and feeling kind of frisky with song selection—they certainly have a wealth to choose from! The two-hour show offers a well-filled stage, and these three guys stay put the entire time with their eight-piece band, which includes an accompanying horn section.
And just where does the new name come from? McDonald, with a little laugh, told me during my interview with the group that it refers to their current stage in life. Let’s hope they make it to December!
SHOW INFO
Where: The Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City, N.J.
When: Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $65-$85. Visit theborgata.com.
