New Vintage
Brand new classic rock? Yes, and here’s the story…
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Doobies guitarist John McFee and long time Doobies drummer, the late, great Keith Knudsen formed a band with Creedence Clearwater Revival bassist and fellow Southern Pacific bandmate Stu Cook. Diehard fans have been aware for years that a post-Southern Pacific project existed, although the songs they wrote and recorded have never been released – until now!
Sonic Past Music (the same label that recently released some of John’s work with his pre-Doobies band Clover) is proud to announce the October 21 release of Jackdawg.
This is earthy, creative, truly innovative rock at its finest – the music itself was the only goal here, which is perhaps why it has taken so long for these recordings to become available to the listening public. You can hear the fun in the music, and almost all the material was written by the three members together. The only “outside” songs are Jackdawg’s swampy rendition of Roky Erickson’s haunting Cold Night For Alligators and Van Morrison’s classic Wild Night. Even these two songs are close to home for the lads, as Stu produced Roky’s original version of Alligators and John played on Van’s original hit version of Wild Night. Check it out – the songs and the playing epitomize what a contrast a REAL band, who actually write, play, and sing on their own recordings makes to so much of the plastic, pre-fab offerings of today.
Relevant Trivia
- Jackdawg was a project that naturally evolved out of the dissolution of country rock band Southern Pacific, whose core lineup included John, Keith, and Stu plus keyboardist Kurt Howell (who went on launch a career as a successful solo artist, producer, and songwriter.)
- Jackdawg features John McFee on lead vocals, in addition to guitar.
- John and Keith were both long time touring and recording members of legendary Japanese artist Eikichi Yazawa‘s band during the years of the Jackdawg sessions.
- Van Morrison’s version of Wild Night was Doobie Brothers producer (also Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, and more) Ted Templeman’s first hit record as a producer – and John McFee played on the record.
- This release was remixed, restored and remastered by John McFee from the original source tracks.
Listen to clips of all the songs and purchase the album for immediate download now at SonicPastMusic.com!
Alternatively, if you would like this album on an actual, physical CD, go to CDBaby!
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Comments
Comment from Andrew
Time: October 22, 2008, 1:52 pm
Great to hear i look forward to purchasing the new disc and hearing both John and keith’s work.
Andrew
Comment from Jana
Time: October 25, 2008, 4:25 pm
Hi John,
I am not one to write comments to artists on website pages, but total admiration has moved me to make an exception in your case. I think you need to know how your talents have inspired me to drop you this note. I also want to wish you the best of luck with your new cd – Jackdawg.
I saw the Doobie Bros. for the first time at Jones Beach NY in June. I am a long-time Chicago fan and go every year to see them. It is always a bonus to see their co-bands in action as well. This year, again, I came to see Chicago not knowing much about the Doobies other than the Michael McDonald stuff. Sorry to say that but it is part of the reason for this note. I have never been impacted by talented musicians as I was by the Doobie Bros. Every member in your group is extremely talented to the max and (to quote that Jerry McGuire movie) “You had me at the first chord!” If I left that night without seeing my beloved Chicago I would have been fine and even enriched from enjoying your music. You guys just totally rock it! Dangerous – when you had those guitars on stands displayed, I have never experienced anything like that. I love to listen to all kinds of music, so the Doobie stuff and all that cool guitar work is a great awakening for me. I now can add Neal’s Fandango, Without You, Spirit,
Steamer Lane, Slat Key Soquel Rag (beautiful!), to name a few, to my IPod and favorites list.
However, since June, I have had this strong feeling to tell you what you hear from everyone, I’m sure, a million times, so why not once more You are so full of talent that I could not believe it, or have ever seen anything like it. The smooth way you move from instrument to instrument, and the way you handle each instrument is really quite amazing. You actually make your strings sing the words to the songs. I do not believe I have ever seen that before. As an audience member, you come across as an artist who is truly enjoying sharing some awesome gifts you were given in life. I was very touched by 5 corners (a beautiful relaxing piece that I now play for my clients in my waiting room.) When you play 5 Corners, everyone should be closer to the stage so they can see those fingers in action! Actually, the song 5 Corners lead me to the Sibling Rivalry cd. I enjoyed all the creativity on that cd, but the song “Angels of Madness” was a stand out song. What a beautifully performed song. What a talented voice too! Great to hear you sing as well as play. So now you Doobies have a new fan exploring all your many different recordings, including your Jackdawg music. I will be looking forward to seeing you guys again next summer at the beach! Wishing you all the success your ambitions have earned you and you truly deserve!
Jana K.
Comment from Jimbo
Time: October 27, 2008, 8:58 pm
I loved Southern Pacific back in the day. Any Way the Wind Blows is a beautiful song, and I loved their a capella version of I Go to Pieces. I will get this CD hoping for the same kind of instrumental and vocal performances. And I hope that when the Doobies release a new CD, John gets to sing a few songs.
Comment from Dubmaster
Time: November 10, 2008, 1:54 pm
this comment isn’t related to the Jackdawg release but since i couldn’t find a contact button on the website i figured i’d put this in the most recent newsboard posting….the Doobies’ 1983 release, “Farewell Tour” has finally been issued on cd, on the Rhino Encore label and is available via their website.
Comment from admin
Time: November 11, 2008, 4:02 am
Thanks for the news about the “Farewell Tour” re-release. I’ve added a link to the CD from its discography entry. Glad this one is back in print after all these years!
-Doobies Webmaster
Comment from Marianne Dittrich
Time: November 14, 2008, 8:16 am
Well Hello !! Mike, Pat, John, Tom, Marc and Skylark! I am so much looking forward to seeing you all again at the “Rib Fest” Saturday. It’s been a few years and I am actually no longer ” Mrs. John Dittrich” However, I still can’t wait to see you all perform! If I never said it, I want you all to know that I was so very thankful to have met you during my honeymoon, and there then after. I may not have a backstage pass this time, but know this!!!! I WILL be in the crowd dancing and singing ! Have a safe trip and have fun in the Florida sun while your here!
Marianne
Comment from Keith
Time: November 14, 2008, 9:25 am
John McFee is one of the most talented musicians in the business, that flies under the radar of mainstream music biz. He can do it all… Thanks John
Comment from Scott
Time: December 5, 2008, 1:30 pm
What a night the 14th of November in Melbourne. We all stood outside the King Center with the band to watch the space shuttle launch and then piled into the building for the show which was vintage DB’s. Have seen the band more in the last 4 years then I did in the 70′s. Twice in Iowa, The BR Cohn event and now in Florida. The music is timeless and the guys are as good a they have always been
Comment from Bill C. in NJ
Time: December 8, 2008, 8:42 pm
JackDawg is great !! As with a lot of artists not in the “mainstream” this album was overlooked.
One of the best rocking discs of the last 20 years!!
Buy it, download, whatever. You MUST have it!!
Hope to see John and the rest of the Doobies in NJ in 2009.
Comment from Nancy
Time: December 16, 2008, 12:03 am
Thank you Patrick Simmons for my 2 most favorite songs of all…South City Midnight Lady & Echoes of Love. I have loved those songs since the 70′s and have the best memories from your music. Thank you too for being such a romantic. 
Comment from ultimate fan
Time: December 26, 2008, 3:47 pm
The Doobs are the headliners for the Orange Bowl on 1/1/09. Hopefully you will update the website to acknowledge their appearance. Should be exciting. Looking forward to the show.
Comment from Rod Wenzel
Time: January 15, 2009, 12:46 pm
Question for John McFee: Bayou Rebel, the first track on the JackDawg CD, opens with lyrics about “up around Bay Minette,” and “down around Spanish Fort.” What is yours or Stu Cook’s Alabama connection to bring those two small towns in south Alabama into these lyrics written years and years ago?
I am a long-time Doobie Brothers fan, but am also a native of Baldwin County in Alabama where Bay Minette and Spanish Fort are located. Also, those lyrics sound a bit like the opening of “China Grove.”
In general, fans of the Doobies, Southern Pacific, CCR or Steely Dan should appreciate the JackDawg CD enough to make it well worth the cost of purchase.
Comment from Joe Crisa
Time: June 11, 2009, 1:14 pm
I couldn’t have been more then 7 years old early 70′s. I grow up in “New Almaden” in Ca/ I don’t know who of the band would play on porch near some of my parents friends house. on the way out right before the bridge the was the DR. house.
Comment from DoobieHolly
Time: October 22, 2008, 10:51 am
Awesome hearing John doing lead vocals and I just love the trio…SP was always a favorite of mine.
Peace, Holly