Doobie Brother Pat Simmons has recently produced some songs on the new album Simple Truth by Maui singer-songwriter Gail Swanson. The album has just been released, and other familiar names of those participating in the project include: John McFee, Michael McDonald, James “Hutch” Hutchinson (bass player for Bonnie Raitt), Hawaii’s amazing John Cruz, and music icon Willie Nelson.

Says Pat, “Gail is one of my closest friends here in Maui. She opened the Doobies’ first concert at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center 15 years ago. Since then we have played together many times, shared a lot of musical ideas, and enjoyed the opportunity to explore writing and recording together. It’s been so much fun, and I’m real proud of her and the CD.”

Pat’s wife, Cris collaborated with Gail to write the song “The One That Got Away.” When they played the first mixes for Willie Nelson, he liked the song so much, that he asked to sing and play on the track. After he was finished, he was so happy with the result, that he decided to include the song on his album of duets, tentatively titled, “Willie And The Girls”.

Michael McDonald makes his debut on the ukulele, playing and singing with Gail on the beautiful song, “End Of The World.” John McFee’s incredible dobro playing can be heard on “Matter To You”, along with Hutch, Mike, and Pat, joining in on various instruments and background vocals.

Gail’s amazing cover of the John Cruz tune, “Missing You” (with the writer singing backgrounds and playing guitar) is inspiring, and is definitely one of the high points of the the album. We could go on and on here, but you should check this wonderful ten song album out for yourself. Click here to go to Gail’s website where you can listen to clips and purchase the CD, or purchase the CD at Amazon.

Many of the artists on the album will be performing with Gail at her CD release party, on Feb. 5th, at Mulligan’s On The Green, in Maui, recreating many of the songs from the CD live for the first time ever. It should be an exciting and fun event. If you’re visiting in Maui at that time be sure to stop in and join the party. This is going to be a unique, and one of a kind experience.

UPDATED STORY 11/16/2009 – A second date has been added, due to popular demand!

Oakland, CA – Musicians and friends are coming together for two nights on Friday, January 22nd and Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at The Fox Theater in Oakland to honor and celebrate the life of Norton Buffalo.

Norton Buffalo appeared on more than 180 albums performing with numerous artists over the course of his storied career and spent 33 years as a member of the Steve Miller Band. Join us on January 23rd at the Fox for a benefit concert with many of Norton Buffalo’s friends, including The Steve Miller Band, The Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, George Thorogood, Elvin Bishop, Roy Rogers, Charlie Musselwhite and The Knockouts.

100% of net proceeds from this concert benefit the Buffalo family. Tickets are a non-deductible contribution.

Click here for tickets and information.

It is with great sadness, and heavy hearts that we write this. Our dear friend Norton Buffalo passed away yesterday, October 30th. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer not long ago, and though he fought hard to regain his health, the cancer was just too far advanced. He is beloved by his friends and family, and will be missed by us all. He has been our friend and musical collaborator for many years, appearing on several albums by the Doobie Brothers, and various band members throughout the years. Always an amazing player, and innovative talent, he brought so much energy, and unique creativity to any performance.

As a friend he was always loyal and true, and we are proud to be able to call him our brother. We send our sincere condolences and love to his wonderful wife Lisa, and all his family. Among countless other credits, Norton was an important member of the Steve Miller Band, and toured and recorded for over 30 years with Steve. Our condolences to Steve and the band as well. There will be a concert in the San Francisco Bay Area to honor Norton’s memory, and to raise much needed funds to help cover medical expenses, etc. Steve Miller, The Doobie Bros., Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Roy Rogers, and possibly others, will be performing. The tentative date for this is Jan. 23rd., with possibly another night added. Check our website for any updates and details in the coming weeks.

Thanks, Norton for all the great music, and memories. We’ll never forget you.

- The Doobie Brothers

Produced by Bruce R. Cohn, proprietor of B.R. Cohn Winery and long time manager of The Doobie Brothers, this special wine collection commemorates almost four decades of music from these legendary rock ‘n’ rollers.

The Doobie Red 15 bottle collector series spans five vintages (2002-2006), featuring three bottles of each. The wine bottles are uniquely labeled, each with one of the 15 Doobie Brothers’ album covers. This elegant red wine is produced from a special blend of premium Bordeaux varietals with exceptional rich flavors of black cherry and plum. Aging with premium French Oak adds to a smooth long finish. Fifteen 750ml bottles. Priced at $480.

Available for purchase now – click here to order

Limited Release! Only 384 collector cases have been produced. Each are individually numbered.

Doobie Red was produced in memory of Keith Knudsen, long time drummer for The Doobie Brothers from 1974-2005.

Thank you for your support. A portion of the proceeds from this wine are donated to Veteran and other Charitable Organizations, and we are unable to offer any discounts. Your purchase will count as fifteen bottles toward a case discount but this will not be reflected in your online cart. We will make the adjustment when we process your order.

Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons, his wife Cristine Sommer-Simmons, and Doobie Brothers manager Bruce Cohn recently appeared on ABC7 television in San Francisco. Among other topics, they discussed the upcoming Fall Charity Event at the BR Cohn Winery (featuring The Doobie Brothers and Journey), and well as Cristine’s new book, The American Motorcycle Girls.

Check out the video interview (click here.)

UPDATE: In related news, Cristine Sommer-Simmons will be doing a book signing on the October 3 day of the Fall Charity Event at the BR Cohn Winery.

The 23d annual Fall Music Festival 2009 at the BR Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, CA featuring a star-studded lineup including The Doobie Brothers and Journey has been announced.

See the BR Cohn website for full details and tickets.

October 3 Lineup

• The Doobie Brothers
• Pablo Cruise
• Little Feat
• Jackie Greene
• Pat Simmons Jr.
• Eyewitness Blues Band

October 4 Lineup

• Journey
• Taj Mahal
• Pablo Cruise
• Taj Mahal
• Lara Johnston
• Whiskey Thieves

July 2 – In Hopewell, NY, at the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, The Doobie Brothers performed with Bad Company as part of a series of co-headlining dates.

MPNnow.com writes:

The Doobies, as they’re known to fans, brought the crowd to its feet with such classics as “Jesus is Just Alright,” “Takin’ it to the Streets” and “Black Water.”

Check out the full review and photos of the show.

Doobie Brother Pat Simmons’ wife, Cristine Sommer-Simmons, has authored a large format hardcover book documenting the history of women motorcyclists. Fully entitled The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900 to 1950 – A Photographic History of Early Women Motorcyclists, the book will be released on June 10th, and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

Cris Sommer Simmons, something of an American motorcycle pioneer herself, has been collecting photographs of women motorcyclists for nearly thirty years. A long time rider, often on a Harley-Davidson, she has scoured photo collections across the country and spent hundreds of hours researching the contents of the photographs. This book is the best of her veritable treasure trove. ‘Charming’ is the best word to describe each and every shot. Equally, one might say ‘informative’ or even ‘evocative’ but in truth this is a hugely significant work that seeks to charm and inject the reader with nostalgia for a surely bygone era.

• Download the official press release here (PDF), for a small preview of the book.
• Pre-Order it on Amazon.com now!

In addition to producing award winning wines at B.R. Cohn, Bruce Cohn has managed The Doobie Brothers for over 39 years. The Collectors Series began with the 2002 vintage and will continue through the 2006 vintage.

The 2006 Collector Series is the fifth and last limited production set and is produced from a special blend of premium Bordeaux varietals with exceptional rich flavors of black cherry and plum. Aging with premium French oak adds to a smooth, long finish.

The 2006 Doobie Red Series contains:

• “Cycles”
• “Brotherhood”
• “Sibling Rivalry”

This wine was produced in memory of Keith Knudsen, long time drummer for The Doobie Brothers since 1974.

A portion of the proceeds for this wine are donated to various Veteran Organization

• Order now at BRCohn.com

The Doobie Brothers and their fans are now celebrating the triumphant return of drummer Michael Hossack, who was sidelined by an injury in a taxi cab accident in the summer of 2008, forcing him to sit out for half a year worth of shows.

In between tour dates, the band is currently in the studio working on their upcoming full-length album, which marks the return of the longtime Doobie Brothers producer Ted Templeman. 15 songs have been written for this release.

We’ll keep you posted with updates regarding the album and tour as information becomes available!