By Ryan Reed

 

Michael McDonald will release Wide Open, his first studio album in over nine years, on September 15th via BMG. The LP will feature collaborations with guitarist-singer Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule), guitarist Robben Ford, bassist Marcus Miller and saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

 

Wide Open – which follows a trio R&B/soul cover LPs for Motown, the most recent being 2008's Soul Speak – marks the singer-songwriter's first set of original material in 17 years. McDonald wrote Wide Open over several years and recorded the tracks at his Nashville studio with drummer Shannon Forrest (Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Toto) and a crew of the city's session players.

 

McDonald will promote the album with a massive U.S. tour launching June 10th in Lincoln, California. The trek's first leg stretches throughout the summer and concludes August 20th; following a September 15th slot at the Kaaboo Festival, the trek will resume October 13th and conclude November 17th in Los Angeles.

 

The former Doobie Brothers frontman and Steely Dan collaborator – known for his distinctive, ultra-smooth vocal style, which famously enraged Paul Rudd's character in 2005's The 40-Year-Old Virgin – will celebrate the LP with a performance on PBS' Soundstage, scheduled for this fall.

 

A younger generation of artists have embraced McDonald's music in recent years, leading a groundswell of unexpected collaborations. Virtuoso bassist Thundercat recruited the singer (and Kenny Loggins) to co-write "Show You the Way," a track on his 2017 LP, Drunk, which they performed together at last month's Coachella Festival. They also performed the 1978 Doobie Brothers hit "What a Fool Believes" last year at the Hollywood Bowl.

 

"[McDonald's] singing is so specific, and it has so much depth," Thundercat recently told the The L.A. Times. "Michael is such a stark example of staying honest and open in your music."

He and Judy perform the song "Miracle River", which was written by Amy Holland McDonald along with Bernie Chiaravalle and John Goodwin.

 

Check it out now Amazon.com or iTunes.

Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) presents Michael McDonald with a special Gold & Platinum Award celebrating more than 26 million RIAA album and song certifications during his illustrious career as a highly acclaimed solo artist and for his works with The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.

Michael and The Doobie Brothers were awarded the Voice of Music Award this past weekend at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards. They also reunited on stage at the ceremony to perform “Black Water” and “Takin It to the Streets” -

Read Billboard’s coverage of the evening here.

More than 900 graduates from 58 countries—the largest graduating class to date—received degrees today at Berklee's 2011 commencement, held at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. Berklee president Roger H. Brown presented honorary doctor of music degrees to soul and gospel singer Mavis Staples; rock, pop, and r&b vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Michael McDonald; renowned Cuban musicians Chucho Valdés and his father, Bebo Valdés; and jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Kenny Garrett. Garrett delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an estimated crowd of more than 4,000 guests. (PHOTO BY PHIL FARNSWORTH)

 

After accepting his honorary doctorate, McDonald said, "To be among this graduating class, to see these kids, and to perform last night with such brilliant young musicians who have such finesse beyond their years is one of the most inspirational moments of my entire career. I want to thank Berklee for inspiring me in a way that I think will last me the rest of my life."

I don't often refer, or promote musical, cinematic or literary projects...(other than my own... Lol) to my friends who log on at this website. However when I'm really and truly moved by something I will use our humble platform to do just that.

 

In this case, a new musical project by a group called "The Avians" featuring leadsinger and chief composer Dylan McDonald.

 

Inspite of a long history not appreciating his father's musical advice very much, (those conversations almost never end well), Dylan and his band mates along with producer Richard Downs have made a formidable rock record.

 

Well all I can say is that the music is quite impressive in my opinion. The bands performances of the songs, the compositions most written by Dylan McDonald, except for a very cool ballad written by Daniel Demonico, are all worth a listen. The album is presently available on Itunes, Rhapsody and Napster. Soon to be available on Amazon .com

 

Also being somewhat privy to the as yet unreleased material I can truly say that there's a lot more where that came from. In fact watching the evolution of this group of young musicians as I have, from the sidelines for a few years now, I think I can say the best may be yet to come

 

Sincerely

Mike McD

 

Click here to purchase Dylan McDonald and the Avians on iTunes.

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