The Dukes of September Bring Soul, Precision, and Legacy to “Them Changes” at Lincoln Center
When The Dukes of September took the stage at Lincoln Center in November 2012, the moment carried far more weight than a typical live performance. Captured for PBS’ respected Great Performances series, this rendition of “Them Changes” stands as a powerful meeting point of American pop, rock, and R&B history, delivered by three artists whose careers helped define those genres.
The Dukes of September are not a band formed for novelty or nostalgia. They are a genuine supergroup, anchored by Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, and Boz Scaggs, each bringing decades of musical authority to the stage. Together, they approach the Buddy Miles classic “Them Changes” with deep respect for its soul roots while reshaping it through refined arrangements and seasoned performance instincts.
From the opening notes, the performance feels controlled yet deeply expressive. Michael McDonald’s unmistakable voice provides the emotional center, carrying the song’s themes of transition and restlessness with gravity earned through experience. Fagen’s contribution lies in the precision of the groove and harmonic structure, ensuring that every note serves the song rather than overpowering it. Scaggs adds warmth and blues-informed phrasing, rounding out the vocal blend with elegance rather than excess.
What makes this performance particularly compelling is its setting. Lincoln Center, often associated with classical and jazz traditions, becomes a fitting home for this interpretation. The venue underscores the seriousness of the musicianship while allowing the rhythm section and backing band to shine with clarity and restraint. The result is a performance that feels elevated without losing its raw emotional core.
“Them Changes” has always been a song about uncertainty and movement, and in the hands of The Dukes of September, it becomes something more reflective. These are artists who have lived through multiple musical eras, industry shifts, and personal reinventions. That lived experience seeps into every phrase, giving the song a sense of wisdom rather than urgency.
This Live at Lincoln Center performance is not about reliving the past. It is about honoring it, refining it, and presenting it with confidence and soul. For viewers and listeners, it offers a rare reminder that true musical chemistry does not fade with time. It matures, deepens, and resonates even more strongly when shared by masters of the craft.