Daryl Hall & John Oates returned to Northern California treating a sold out crowd at the historic Mountain Winery to their unique blend of Philly Rock and Soul. The Songwriter Hall of Fame inductees played a career defining set spanning the duos thirteen gold and platinum albums. Hall & Oates have sold more albums than any other duo in music history.
Opening the set with a prowling version of their massive hit “Maneater”, the crowd full of hipsters and lifelong fans were immediately taken back to a familiar sound from the 80s. Keeping true to the song’s roots, it was tweaked just enough that it translated remarkably well sounding as if it were released just yesterday.
Daryl Hall is regarded as one of the best blue eyed soul singers of his generation. Guitarist Robert Fripp, who collaborated with Hall in the late 1970s and early ’80s, has said, “Daryl’s pipes were a wonder. I have never worked with a more able singer.” That’s a huge statement coming from one of rock’s most respected musicians.
The setlist for the night featured all the hits you know and love: “Sarah Smile”, “Rich Girl”, “Out of Touch”, and an amazing extended jam of “I Can’t Go For That”. Returning to the stage twice in response to standing ovations, the band came out with the hits a’blazing finishing off with “You Make My Dreams Come True”, “Kiss is on My List”, and “Private Eyes”. Hall and Oates delivered a flawless performance and proved that they are truly a one of a kind timeless group.
Daryl has a brand new solo record coming out on September 27 called Laughing Down Crying. Since late 2000s he has hosted a monthly web television series, Live From Daryl’s House. Among his guests have been Smokey Robinson, Sharon Jones, Travis McCoy, members of the Doors, Fitz & the Tantrums and, of course, John Oates. In each episode, Hall reaches into his catalog to perform with the guest and then jams on the guest’s material.
What’s your favorite Hall & Oates song? Have you seen them live before? Please join the conversation in the comments section below.
