In Concert 91 A Night of Musical Respect and Reinvention in New York City
On March second nineteen ninety one, Donald Fagen appeared in New York City for a special concert event that brought together an exceptional lineup of musicians, including Michael McDonald, Phoebe Snow, and Boz Scaggs. The performance, later associated with the In Concert 91 broadcast, offered audiences a rare opportunity to witness established artists paying tribute to the music that shaped their careers while filtering it through their own distinct styles.
In an interview surrounding the event, Fagen articulated the central challenge of the evening. He explained that the goal was not strict authenticity, but rather to respect the spirit of the original material. That balance between reinterpretation and fidelity defined the tone of the show. Fagen emphasized that while arrangements might differ in detail, there was a responsibility not to betray the essence of the songs.
For Michael McDonald, sharing the stage with Fagen carried personal meaning. He described the experience as special not only because of Fagen’s involvement but also because of the caliber of musicians assembled in New York for the concert. McDonald reflected on how the music performed that night represented the soundtrack of their formative years, shaping both their artistic paths and personal lives. Looking across the stage at Fagen, he noted the singer’s relaxed yet distinctive stage presence, describing him as one of the most unique performers he had encountered.
Phoebe Snow and Boz Scaggs added further depth to the program. The collaboration extended beyond simple guest appearances. It created moments of genuine musical exchange. Scaggs spoke openly about having dreamed for years of singing alongside McDonald, recalling how he once imagined contributing harmonies to Doobie Brothers songs. That long held aspiration found realization on this stage.
The repertoire drew from soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, and classic rock influences. Observers could hear the lineage in the performances, from bebop phrasing to straight ahead rock and roll structures. Fagen himself acknowledged the difficulty of tackling certain soul material, even humorously expressing self doubt about measuring up to the genre’s iconic voices. Yet he also affirmed the joy of giving his best effort in front of an audience.
Ultimately, the overriding impression of the evening was collaboration. Fagen described the true thrill as working with accomplished musicians in a shared context, presenting beloved material before a live audience. In Concert 91 captured more than a series of performances. It documented a gathering of artists reflecting on their influences while demonstrating how those influences continued to evolve in their hands.