By Tam Music 
About the song
The Dukes of September – “Them Changes (Live)”: When Funk Meets Wisdom
When The Dukes of September perform “Them Changes” live, the stage instantly comes alive with rhythm, soul, and unstoppable energy. Featuring legendary musicians Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, and Boz Scaggs, this supergroup doesn’t just play music — they celebrate decades of groove, experience, and musical brotherhood.
Originally written by Buddy Miles in 1970, “Them Changes” is a raw, funky anthem about heartbreak, survival, and emotional resilience. But when The Dukes of September take it on, the song transforms into something deeper — a powerful reflection of life, change, and hard-earned wisdom.
From the opening drum beat, the groove hits with authority. The rhythm section is tight, heavy, and infectious. The bass locks in with the drums, creating a thick funk foundation that makes it impossible to stay still. The horns blast in with sharp, soulful lines, instantly lifting the energy of the room.
The crowd feels it right away.
Michael McDonald steps forward with his unmistakable voice — gritty, soulful, and full of emotional weight. His delivery doesn’t rush. Every lyric feels lived-in, as if he’s not just singing about change, but remembering it. When he sings about love slipping away and life turning upside down, the words feel honest and real.
Donald Fagen’s keyboards add a smooth, jazzy layer to the performance. Known for his sophisticated Steely Dan sound, Fagen brings elegance to the raw funk groove. His playing doesn’t overpower the song — it deepens it, adding color and texture to every section.
Boz Scaggs completes the trio with his laid-back confidence and silky tone. When he joins in, the vocals blend effortlessly, creating rich harmonies that feel warm and familiar. There is no competition on stage — only connection.
What makes this live performance so special is the experience behind the music. These are artists who have spent decades touring, recording, and living through the ups and downs of life. When they sing about “changes,” it doesn’t sound theoretical. It sounds personal.
The song’s message hits harder with age.
Life changes.
Love changes.
People change.
And The Dukes of September understand that better than anyone.
The band behind them delivers a flawless performance. The drummer drives the groove with power and precision. The bass stays deep and steady. The horn section adds bold, punchy accents that push the energy higher and higher. Every musician on stage knows their role — and plays it with confidence.
The audience responds with movement and emotion. Some fans dance. Others nod their heads in quiet appreciation. Many simply smile, soaking in the joy of watching legends perform with such passion.
There’s something special about seeing artists who no longer need to prove anything. They don’t chase trends. They don’t chase charts. They play for the love of music.
“Them Changes” becomes more than a song. It becomes a celebration of survival, growth, and resilience.
In the hands of younger musicians, the song might feel like a story of heartbreak. But in the hands of The Dukes of September, it becomes a story of endurance. It reminds us that change is not the end — it’s part of the journey.
The groove stays strong. The horns shine. The vocals feel relaxed yet powerful. Nothing is forced. Everything flows.
This performance also highlights the beauty of live music. You can hear the breath between lines, the slight grit in McDonald’s voice, the subtle keyboard flourishes from Fagen, and the smooth phrasing from Scaggs. These human details make the performance feel real and alive.
The Dukes of September weren’t formed to build a brand. They were formed to enjoy the stage together. Their chemistry feels natural — like old friends sharing a favorite song.
As the final notes fade, the crowd erupts in applause. Not just for the music, but for the moment. For the memories. For the reminder that great music never fades — it evolves.
“Them Changes (Live)” proves that funk doesn’t age. Soul doesn’t fade. And passion doesn’t disappear.
It simply grows stronger with time.
In a world that constantly moves forward, The Dukes of September show us the value of looking back — not with regret, but with gratitude.
Gratitude for the music.
Gratitude for the journey.
Gratitude for the changes.
And when they play “Them Changes,” they don’t just perform a song — they tell a story.
A story of life, love, and the rhythm that keeps us moving forward.