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Words by Ginelle Cloar :: Images by: Pat Johnson
Doobie Brothers, Taj Mahal, Little Feat Lisa Loeb :: 09.01 & 09.02 :: B.R. Cohn Winery :: Sonoma, CA
Leave it to a bunch of Doobie Brothers fans to cause a winery to run out of wine! Well not really; however, the winery did have to dive into a special back-up cellar to provide all the parched fans with more black water that is commonly referred to as red wine.
Doobie Brothers :: B.R. Cohn Winery |
Bruce Richard Cohn is the owner of the winery, longtime manager of the Doobie Brothers, and my new-found employer. The B.R. Cohn Winery recently had their 19th annual music concert charity event. Every year, the winery provides entertainment for music and wine lovers alike, while also helping those in need. All proceeds from these generous shows are donated to the National Veterans Foundation and various local children's charities. This year, the winery decided to add an extra day of music to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The very least I could do was donate my time and a day of wages to deliver this message to you.
This non-profit concert takes place on 90 acres of pure bliss. The winery has a natural amphitheatre that provides an extraordinary panoramic view of the monstrous Sonoma Mountains and rolling hills filled with plump cabernet vines. A terraced grass hill seats about 3,000 attendees and is surrounded with eight acres of 140 year-old Picholine olive trees. This ambient piece of property is no less than heavenly.
DAY 1
Lisa Loeb :: B.R. Cohn Winery |
Lisa Loeb was the first one to take the stage with her wholesome voice and guitar in hand. During "I Do," she warmed up the crowd by cracking jokes with social commentary. Without a doubt, Lisa created a peaceful yet fun tone for this Valley of the Moon weekend.
The Turtles, who took the stage after Loeb, were one of the first pop rock bands starting out in 1967. Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan (AKA Flo & Eddie) have worked in the music biz for over 40 years. They've done everything from working with Frank Zappa to composing music for The Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake. "Surf Rider" into "Wipe Out" was a clever blend.
The highest moment of the day was the traditional reggae anthem "Get Up, Stand Up" by Little Feat, but it was the "Dixie Chicken" that had Kenny Gradney (Little Feat's bassist) splattering the crowd with unruly finger-popping base thumps. In the middle of one of the most complex jams that I've heard Little Feat create, I heard notes of "Scarlet Begonias" just before a classically smooth "Skin It Back."
Kenny Gradney :: B.R. Cohn |
My co-workers took the stage next and auctioned off signed guitars and artwork and announced the winners of various raffle drawings. I believe the item receiving the highest bid was the guitar signed by Tom Petty, which went for around $6,000.
As the Doobie Brothers began their set "Taking It to the Streets" had Pat Simmons doing Michael McDonald's vocals, and Skylar (bassist) was sitting down on an amp but holding his guitar as if he was jamming out on an upright bass. When I ran into Skylar later, I mentioned how I thought that was a rare pose, and he replied, "Yeah, I call that my easy upright." Aromas of an earthy green variety filled the crisp and dry air - the Doobies were in session. "Rockin' Down the Highway" and "Jesus is Just Alright" had fans dancing so hard, they were spilling their drinks and knocking into other people. Like a fine wine, the Doobies have only gotten better with age.
DAY 2
The second day the lineup was much like the first, except for a few additions like Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina, Joe Satriani, and the legend himself - Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal :: B.R. Cohn Winery |
Back for more, Lisa Loeb's "Do You Sleep?" won her the biggest applause and whistles of the morning, while "Whole Lotta Love" and "We Are Family" slowly led The Turtles into their classic "Happy Together." Mark Volman's hair alone is so golden, they should have received at least one Grammy. It was "So What" with Fred Tackett on trumpet that had Little Feat in and out of an extremely long and jammy "Dixie Chicken" - the best version I've heard live. The breeze scattered autumn leaves over the crowd as Loggins and Messina went into an appropriate tune "Same Old Wine."
I had no idea Taj Mahal was such a big man in person. As he takes his giant steps out on stage, his presence sparkles like his voice. His first notes echoed out across the valley, and before we knew it, we were all dancing. "Fishing Blues" is a Taj staple and a great sing-along.
Months before the concert, I was reading a book at the winery titled A Table for Two by Sharon O'Conner. It was then that I stumbled upon a transcription of a story told by Taj to a friend. Its title read "Taj Mahal's recipe for Deep Frying a Turkey for Horace Silver," and I was floored. So, when I was chatting with Taj backstage, I mentioned this book and his recipe. He responded with, "Oh yeah. It's the only way to cook a Turkey." I agreed.
Doobie Brothers :: B.R. Cohn Winery |
The Doobies were exceptionally tight the second day. I guess that stems from playing music together for 35 years. Honestly, I was a little bitter because they played the exact same setlist in the same order, but hey, the fans liked it all the same. "Black Water" had a particularly long finish. Laura Johnston, the teenager daughter of Tom Johnston, belted out a few deep verses for the finale on "Listen to the Music." The whole crowd was on its feet clapping and singing along. This was a time of unity and co-existence among family, friends, and fans; and it was all for a good cause. With every musician from the weekend on stage, this was the highlight of the weekend. Without love for the Doobies, where would we be right now?
The B.R. Cohn Winery more than doubled the proceeds from last year on the first day alone, and the second day's proceeds have not yet been revealed. After two days of hard work by everyone involved, this benefit production was a success. A good time was had by all, and we raised money to help those in need. I wish everyone in America would donate just one day of their wages to help the Gulf Coast. These are not just musicians - they are philanthropists. They know the importance of planting a seed and taking political action through music. It's inspiring to see people coming together, believing in the greater good, and standing up with wholehearted patriotism. This is rock history.
Late that night, I was still working when I saw Taj walking toward his limo. I called out his name and asked him to please wait one minute. He stopped and considered. It was really dark outside, and I'm sure he was ready to get going. But I had to ask "Please... I was wondering if you would sign the book I was telling you about? And look... I have a head lamp so you can read it and a pen all ready to go." So there I was, with Taj Mahal, holding this book open for him to read his story. As my head lamp beamed down on us and on this one very special recipe, I realized how lucky I was. As he read, he made some agreeable nods, and then, with his raspy voice and smile, he said, "How do I spell Ginelle?"
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