Watch Michael McDonald - Live on Soundstage

Michael McDonald - Live on Soundstage is a music documentary film highlighting the live performance of Grammy award-winning musician Michael McDonald at the WTTW soundstage in Chicago, Illinois. The concert film captures one of Michael's signature live performances, featuring vocals and instrumental versions of his popular hits and several tracks from his then latest album Wide Open. Released in 2018, the concert film runs for about an hour and forty minutes, giving fans more than enough time to enjoy Michael's music and soulful voice.

Filmed in front of a live audience, Michael McDonald - Live on Soundstage showcases the extraordinary talent and musicianship of Michael McDonald. The film opens with an upbeat instrumental overture as Michael makes his way to the stage, setting the tone for the rest of the performance. From the beginning, it's clear that the audience is in for a treat as Michael's soulful voice and jazz-influenced instrumentals captivate the audience.

Throughout the concert, Michael performs several of his hit songs, including "Sweet Freedom," "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)," and "What a Fool Believes." His classic hits seem to take the audience back to the golden age of music when the likes of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers ruled the airwaves. The concert is arranged to showcase Michael's versatility as both a singer and songwriter, with a setlist that includes original compositions, crowd favorites, and a few covers.

The performance is backed by a six-piece band and features some stellar musicians. The instrumental solos, particularly the saxophone and guitar solos, add depth and soul to the songs, making them even more enjoyable. The camera work is also exceptional, with close-ups of the musicians and sweeping shots of the audience, creating an immersive concert experience for viewers watching from the comfort of their homes.

One of the highlights of Michael McDonald - Live on Soundstage is his emotional rendition of "I Can Let Go Now." Unlike his other hits, this song showcases his vocal range and emotive delivery. He delivers an incredibly moving performance as he sings the poignant lyrics about letting go of a loved one after a hard-fought battle, leaving the audience spellbound.

The concert film also features some poignant moments when Michael introduces the songs and shares stories and insights about his music. Through his stories, the audience learns how some of the songs were written, and what inspired him to create them. Moreover, it gives viewers more insight into the man behind the music.

The concert comes to a close with a rousing rendition of "Takin' It To The Streets." The crowd is on its feet, clapping and singing along, clearly enjoying every minute of Michael's performance. The concert concludes with an encore featuring two songs, "On My Own" and "What a Fool Believes," which Michael performs with Lisa Fischer, another celebrated musician. The two deliver an outstanding performance of the latter, leaving the audience feeling satisfied and fulfilled.

In conclusion, Michael McDonald - Live on Soundstage is a must-see for any music lover. This beautifully shot concert film captures the energy and soul of Michael McDonald's music. His soulful voice and the musicianship of his band create an immersive concert experience that will leave audiences spellbound. The passionate performance of his classic hits and emotive renditions of his newer material makes for a concert experience that will leave viewers in awe. Notably, the added insights into Michael's creative process and the stories behind some of his hit songs give viewers a deeper appreciation of the man behind the music. With its excellent camera work and incredible sound, Michael McDonald - Live on Soundstage is a worth-watching, and a must-have for any music collection.