Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Recording with The Doobie Brothers and on his own was enough to yield a sizeable discography for Michael McDonald, but add in several holiday recordings, and it snowballs into a blizzard of material. In fact, he’s recorded so many sounds to accompany the most wonderful time of the year that it’s warranted the album “Season Of Peace: The Christmas Collection,” which was the subject of his packed performance at the immaculately restored Genesee Theatre.

If the front portion was characterized by Yuletide tunes, the back half read like a rhythm and soul revue, from Michael McDonald’s “Ya Mo Be There,” “Sweet Freedom,” “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” and the newer “Just Strong Enough” through The Doobies’ milestones “Minute By Minute,” “What A Fool Believes” and “Takin’ It To The Streets.”

With a near mint voice, McDonald started the near two-hour set in the stripped down format, forgoing his usual place behind the piano for an acoustic guitar during “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” He traded that six-string for an accordion come “Christmas On The Bayou,” which simmered with spicy Cajun flavors, accompanied by a six-member supporting cast of total pros.

He finally took a seat behind the keys come “White Christmas” and kept the seasonal spirit bursting on electric guitar with “Born In Bethlehem” (marking the first of several selections to feature the local vocal group The Set List). Though not as closely tied to the theme, The Doobie Brothers’ “Here To Love You” back behind the bench was filled with gospel flavors and lyrical hopefulness that continued throughout the quieter solo original “Peace.”

If the front portion was characterized by Yuletide tunes, the back half read like a rhythm and soul revue, from McDonald’s “Ya Mo Be There,” “Sweet Freedom,” “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” and the newer “Just Strong Enough” through The Doobies’ milestones “Minute By Minute,” “What A Fool Believes” and “Takin’ It To The Streets.” The frequent Motown interpreter also pleaded for unity prior to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and offered Burt Bacharach’s immortal “What The World Needs Now Is Love” as an overarching solution to a multitude of societal crises in desperate need of at least a little Christmas.

Click here for more photos of Michael McDonald at the Genesee Theatre.

For additional information on Michael McDonald, visit MichaelMcDonald.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Billy Gardell (Jan. 12); Tex-Mex Comedy Tour (Jan. 18); Jackie Evancho (Jan. 25); “Purple Reign”: The Prince Tribute Show (Jan. 26); American English and ABBAMania (Feb. 1); Styx (Feb. 9); Conversation with John Cusack and “High Fidelity” screening (Feb. 10); Eaglemania (Feb. 14); Dennis Miller (Feb. 15); Everclear with Fastball (Feb. 16); Air Supply (Mar. 3); Disney Jr. Dance Party! On Tour (Mar. 9); Jim Breuer (Mar. 15); Brit Floyd (Apr. 18); Penn & Teller (May 10) and UB40 (Sept. 20). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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