Doobie Brothers Stampede CD

With a former Steely Dan guitar wiz now a full time member of the band, the Doobie Brothers decided to branch out from their trademark West Coast pop/rock. This is a far more ambitious album than its predecessors. The album's centerpiece (and at over six minutes, the longest track) is "I Cheat the Hangman," which begins as a folkish harmony piece a la David Crosby's "Guinevere," and then goes off on an extended instrumental break. Other high points include a satisfying cover of Kim Weston's Motown classic "Take Me in Your Arms," the bluesy country of "Texas Lullabye," and "Star Key Sequel Rag," a lovely acoustic guitar instrumental with something of a Renaissance feel.

Recorded at Warner Bros. Recording Studios, North Hollywood, California.

Doobie Brothers: Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston (vocals, guitar); Tiran Porter (vocals, bass); Keith Knudsen (vocals, drums); Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (guitar); John Hartman (drums).

Additional personnel: Maria Muldaur (vocals); Ry Cooder (guitar); Conte Condoli, Pete Condoli (trumpet); Billy Payne (keyboards); Victor Feldman (marimba, percussion); Carl Himmle (drums, percussion); Bobbye Hall Porter (congas); Shirlie Matthews, Venetta Fields, Jessica Smith (background vocals).