Date: Mon, February 08, 2010, 20:54:23 ET
Posted by: anonymous , everywhere

anyone else ever find themselves living the life of one of steely dan's characters? i had a "what a shame about me" moment today, only without the offer for a pity fuck.

Date: Mon, February 08, 2010, 15:11:35 ET
Posted by: JJ,

OK...Let me rephrase that. I first got my hands on DF's version of "I Idolize You" in 2006/2007

Date: Mon, February 08, 2010, 14:00:04 ET
Posted by: George, Paris

Many thanks to whoever posted the recommendation for Tal Wilkenfeld's Transformation album. I ordered it and it arrived today. Very nice, especially for those of us who came of age in the late 60's and early 70's (although Tal herself looks to be no older than 23).

Date: Mon, February 08, 2010, 11:55:36 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

I just heard "Cherry Hill Park" by Billy Joe Royal, circa 1060's - a blast from the past. Mary Hill down in Cherry Hill Park later changed her name to Josie and reincarnated herself in a Steely Dan song.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2010, 21:40:50 ET
Posted by: Bikemann17, NJ

Idolize was never released.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2010, 20:53:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

JJ wrote: Fagen released "I Idolize You" in 2006/2007

Really? On what release? A single?

Not saying it isn't true, but I can't seem to find any evidence of that release. Can you provide a link or something?

Thanks

Date: Sun, February 07, 2010, 19:47:10 ET
Posted by: JJ,

KD- Fagen released "I Idolize You" in 2006/2007

Date: Sun, February 07, 2010, 08:01:22 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Nice.

Here's a snippet of the original Ike & Tina version. Quite different.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/recsradio/radio/B0000008P4/ref=pd_krex_listen_dp_img?ie=UTF8&refTagSuffix=dp_img

Date: Sun, February 07, 2010, 05:00:30 ET
Posted by: KD, yah

"I Idolize You."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj8shns5bkY

When this pop up?

Date: Sat, February 06, 2010, 23:30:31 ET
Posted by: ygk, nyc

The Old Tower Records on 4th/B'way was converted into a mock record store back to its independent spirited heydey, fresh with vinyl bins, pop artwork and registers.

The Jon Herington Band sizzled through an hour and 15 minute set of crowd-friendly jams, featuring past and present Herington songs, dazzling all with his guitar wizardry. Dennis Espantman, bass and Frank Pagano, drums, rocked Jon's rhythmic rifts into the ceiling. A gracious and respectful crowd encouraged Jon to turn it up, and he obliged, to their howls of approval. Shouting out to Steely Dan fans, the band covered "Chain Lightening".

Steely-related folk in the house included Keith Carlock, Jim Beard and Roger Rosenberg.

Jon's band performed within the critically acclaimed art exhibit, "Never Can say Goodbye", produced by No Longer Empty (www.nolongerempty.org), a new non-profit, public arts organization that installs high caliber art in vacant NYC real estate.

Date: Sat, February 06, 2010, 19:42:30 ET
Posted by: Nwk, Eastern Sho'

Holy cow big fan. Yep, caught that Tal and Beck show. She's quite a sick creature, very beautiful, freaky, and talented. Noticed that David Bromberg is 'posed to be at Levon's Ramble tonight--hope they made it there. Can you imagine being snowed in with those superfreaks jammin? One last note--Right, re: Harrington with Govt. Mule and Donald's affinity toward the Appalachian diaspora (consider Costello, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, Steve Martin, Costner, and on)is where it's at too--these guys are genre jumpers--why not? Newark Gads the ice here!

Date: Sat, February 06, 2010, 17:32:48 ET
Posted by: ygk, nyc

Re: Rainey - I'm with Dean on this, and am 80% certain it's Chuck Rainey. If memory serves, I'm certain there was an interview with him speaking to the descendant line on Peg.

(If I've come into the conversation too late, then please accept my apologies...)

Off shortly to hear The Jon Herington Band down in the Village at the old Tower Records...

cheers, Bluebookers,

ygk

Date: Sat, February 06, 2010, 15:33:11 ET
Posted by: Ben, Indy

I love the Who, even if today's version is just 50% of it, but when will our guys rock the Supa Bowl? Just keep Timberlake away from our backing divas!

Happy 65th Birthday today to Bob Marley!
May his message live on...

ps What a day to crank Snowbound and make a tall one.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2010, 13:33:29 ET
Posted by: Dave, NJ

Big Fan,

Wayne Krantz also has a song called "Jeff Beck" on his latest CD.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2010, 12:39:22 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, Thanks Mr. President I'll be unemployed by summer

We recently got rid of Directv after over 10 years and went 100% to cable. We just can’t get the local channels or HD where we live off the satellites. While perusing the HD channels the other night we came upon a Jeff Beck concert on Palladia. He was playing with a young lady bass player we thought was his daughter, but some Googling revealed she is Aussie Tal Wilkenfeld. Got her album Transformation because Wayne Krantz plays guitar and Keith Carlock is on drums so there is a little bit of a Steely Dan connection. Wow she’s great!

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2010, 21:09:49 ET
Posted by: cold porter, midtown library

hey booksearch...thanks for the link

Googgle books rocks...

is there other JFK lyrics in the words of the 'Dan

"by bye Dallas...should have been at the palace...
Only a fool would say that....."raise up your glass to good king John

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2010, 13:53:07 ET
Posted by: book search, etc.

Maybe The Nightfly isn't Steely Dan, but this author felt that quoting it was the best way to start a chapter.

http://tinyurl.com/yh3eyx5

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2010, 10:12:11 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I'm thinking Chuck too, Dean. That figure at :59 and another at 1:15 sound like Rainey to me.

Some of the phrasing sounds like Becker's, but remember that he used to hum the lines to Rainey and Rainey would interpret them.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2010, 09:37:48 ET
Posted by: Last Lyric Post From Me, Last Mall

Yeah, it's subjective. But I believe that the argument is settled with a quick read of the lyrics for H Gang. Blather like that would never make it to a Steely Dan release.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2010, 09:05:31 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Making the Carlock instructional video.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8gbfK6Kg4U

And with the Krantz Trio......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiF9jl2QHQ8

Or a Steely shuffle......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Sk8itxAK8g

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2010, 08:29:31 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

I've listened to this AJA outtake now more times than is probably good for my general mental health which wasn't that solid to begin with. Man, the lines are deceptively simple, like Walter loves to play, remembering his proclivity for Grant Green's guitar style which is basically one note at a time, much like the great Carlos Santana, but when it comes to these bass tonics I hear that are inserted throughout in there, I'm left in a quandry. Chuck Rainey was very active at all times in a song, eschewing the staid and well-worn paths. Walter is basically simple and straight ahead. Not to say his chord voicings are simplistic when he plays guitar, I really think he admires Hugh McCracken so very much, a master of subtlety, but these tonics, they throw me into a mire of doubt.

So it's either Chuck on tranquilizers or Walt on stimulants. I don't know now anymore...

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2010, 03:35:01 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

I once asked a naive and useful question during an interview with broadway lyricst Richard Maltby Jr. I wanted to know how he could use his lyrics to describe something that everyone in the audience could 'get.' How could he make it general enough for all those people ?

The answer was not to make it general at all, but to make it specific. He knew people would get it in their own way.

I'm reminded of that when I think of the way WB writes.

'That the dopey Irish setter dog, Reagan's still his name.'

There's a lot in that one line. First of all the dog is dopey. Then there's the breed. Then the name, Reagan. And to top it...the idea that a dog's name might CHANGE.

I think WB is sharper than DF in the way that he is specific with these kinds of details. But it's an attitude, and pretty subjective.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 20:50:28 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

For what it is worth, I thought Rainey was playing the bass on the Aja outtake.

I still think that.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 20:17:29 ET
Posted by: J Pender, MD

Thanks Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen.

Do you think that's WB playing bass on that Aja outtake.

I am so impressed if it is him.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 20:05:43 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, Hell

J. Pender - As of 1997, WB could not sight read, so it's safe to say he wasn't reading from sheet music in 1976-77.

From a 1997 posting on steelydan.com by WB titled "Resolutions '97":

Start something new and stick with it. "1997 - the year I finally learned how to sight read!" - sounds nice, doesn't it?

http://www.steelydan.com/resolutions1.html

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 19:28:37 ET
Posted by: didn't, know

general skunk is still a musician?

http://www.loopinsight.com/2010/01/19/logic-pro-64-bit-the-talk-of-the-namm-music-show/

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 14:09:21 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Hank - Great music, but the lyrics are straight-ahead, not cryptic.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 12:55:51 ET
Posted by: Gotta, Say

Who, besides me, wants to send HOOPS an instant karma?

He's paying the freight here, right?

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 12:34:03 ET
Posted by: Hank, Western Maine

Nicholas Urfe- Have you ever heard the CD Morph The Cat?

Date: Wed, February 03, 2010, 11:41:24 ET
Posted by: J Pender, Baltimore, MD

Hello SD Fans -

Does anyone know for sure if WB can actually read written bass parts?
If that's WB playing on the Aja outtake, he's definitely reading a written part(because the notelines are the same for each chorus and verse.

Thanks!

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 23:30:35 ET
Posted by: Look what I found, NYC

NO LONGER EMPTY
presents

THE JON HERINGTON BAND
LIVE - ONE NIGHT ONLY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6th at 7:30 PM
@ former Tower Records store Broadway @ 4th St.

Jon Herington (guitarist, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs)
with Dennis Espantman on bass and Frank Pagano on drums
and special guest Rob Morsberger
will deliver one of the final live musical performances
within the iconic Tower Records store
on Saturday, February 6th @ 7:30 PM
as part of the critically acclaimed art exhibition
NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE
produced by No Longer Empty,
a new, non-profit public arts organization
that installs high caliber art in vacant NYC real estate.

Ticket price: $10.00 Limited Availability
For reservations email felfour@aol.com
and include name, #of tickets (max. 4) then pay at the door.
Tickets are also available for purchase at the exhibition
from Wed. - Sunday, noon to 7 PM,
or via paypal at: www.nolongerempty.org
Click on "Concerts" and scroll down

for more info, visit
http://www.nolongerempty.com/
http://jonherington.com/
=

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 23:25:19 ET
Posted by: Look what I found, NYC

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 22:04:43 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

And then there's than damned Cringemaker, the bitch. Funny song.

It's Walter's ability to weave a lyrical framework into which the listener can build his or her own storyline or set of relationships or mystery or whatever the mood calls for - and all this on varying levels depending on the listener's interest, knowledge, and familiarity with SD - that sets Walter apart. The closest Donald ever came to achieving that was The Goodbye Look.

No tour, no new releases - were left with all of this navel-gazing.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 14:30:25 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, snowbound, again

Donald will be a "special guest" with the Levon Helm Band at Harrah's in Atlantic City on Feb. 27.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 12:58:00 ET
Posted by: Chris , nh

Always felt this review was spot on for MTC:
http://www.avclub.com/articles/donald-fagen-morph-the-cat,9180/

"If anything, there's something weirdly compelling about hearing Fagen settle into this particular rut, especially on a set of songs about growing old in an age of terror."

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 11:46:40 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Well Hank, I know what you're getting at, yes, Little Kwai, probably the most romantic lyric ever, a lullaby from a father to a son, it still breaks me up, reduces me to tears, here it is, by Walter:

Here's a note from one Miss Turnbull
Certain homework was not done
Tiny holes in brand new windows
From an unknown BB gun
Cinder Annie and your Big Mommie
Say the facts all point to you

But they don't love you
Little Kawai
Not the way that I do
Not the way that I do

That new squirt gun
Eric got you
Don't you aim it over here
That's a mean song Eldon taught you
I no longer wish to hear
And where he says babies come from
This is not completely true

That's a tall one
Little Kawai
And those bad boys
They don't love you
Not the way that I do

In the morning in spite of everything
We'll go driving in our car
Straight to IHOP where it's well-known
The world's junkest pancakes are
Maple syrup on those french fries
They say it's no good for you

But you're still growing
Little Kawai
What do they know
Do they love you
Not the way that I do
Not the way that I do

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 11:24:35 ET
Posted by: Hank,, Western Maine

Suedave- I know a lot of people that think the Nightfly is as good or better than most SD records.

Rajah- Could you ever imagine a Steely Dan song like "Little Kawai? Ha, inconceivable!

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 10:45:31 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

True enough, my brother Dean, true enough. What I am trying to communicate is that Walter Becker adds the essential element. Like Curry powder or cumin in chilli.

Steely Dan? What the fuck is Steely Dan? It is, esentially, God I can't spell anymore in English, a friendship and a love and a conversation between two people. Exactly that, a conversation, the true root of all love. You meet a person, your love begins to grow together, if you are man and wife you make love, you grow a family together, buy a house, pay bills, you send your kids off to school, launch them into their lives, I guess metephorically this is true for gay couples as well, but, in the end, what are the two of you left with? Just that dialogue, quite simply, that conversation, sittong together in your living room, that's what love is. Just a talk that endures for a lifetime. If you're lucky.

I hope Don and Walty's conversation isn't over.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 08:17:03 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I have to say that I really don't understand this conversation about Don and Walt. They BOTH make Steely Dan what it is. Obviously, on their own neither is SD, as wonderful as they are individually.

Without question Walt adds a certain darkness, but that isn't, by itself, what makes Steely Dan, Steely Dan.

If you are looking to give Walt his due, and feel some/many overlook him as an integral part of the duo, then by all means do so. I have never met a "serious" Dan fan that doesn't understand that, though.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 02:52:48 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Donald is at heart a very romantic person, at least his music and especially his lyrics, reveals as much. Walter is a little different, he's darker, more of a fatalist. And I really believe his contributions have made Steely Dan who they are.

Could you ever imagine a Steely Dan song like Walk Between Raindrops? Ha, inconceivable.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 01:24:51 ET
Posted by: cold porter, Lower East Sky

Top hits from 35 years ago


Katy Lied to be relased in 2 months time....Steely Dan II was emerging

http://www.cashboxmagazine.com/archives/70s_files/19750201.html

Date: Tues, February 02, 2010, 00:55:30 ET
Posted by: suedave, "Walter Becker is the very soul of Steely Dan"

I totally agree with the Rajah. The Nightfly is most definitely an exceptional album. But it isn't Steely Dan. WB gives Steely Dan music a lift, an edge...twisted depth (in a good way!). An essential ingredient, without which it ain't Steely Dan.

Date: Mon, February 01, 2010, 23:14:39 ET
Posted by: Hank, Western Maine

Rajah..I just finished listening to the Nightfly and read this "Walter Becker is the very soul of Steely Dan"

I don't think so.

Date: Mon, February 01, 2010, 18:03:20 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

Rajah
Has either WB or DF refuted the idea of another SD album? I feel like anything they've said regarding the matter has just left it very ambiguous. Nothing outright saying "no more albums."

Date: Mon, February 01, 2010, 17:22:38 ET
Posted by: Hutch, Snowbound in RVA

I don't recall this review of Morph back in '06.

http://www.avrev.com/music-disc-reviews/dualdisc/donald-fagen-morph-the-cat.html

The writer obviously gets it. I like the idea of the Morph Mist causing us to be too complacent in our later years. Seems to make sense.

Date: Mon, February 01, 2010, 14:51:54 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Write this down now and, clap, remember it later: Walter Becker is the very soul of Steely Dan, that ascerbic(sp?) counterculture spirit that spikes each and every song. Donald is a musical genius but Walter, ah Walter, he is the straw that stirs the drink.

I wish he would agree to do one more Steely Dan album. He seems reticent...

Date: Mon, February 01, 2010, 00:25:34 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

Steely Dan's latest "pop killer" appeared some 18 months after The Royal Scam. Rumored, originally to be a double album in order to fulfill their contractual obligations to ABC, it was apparently remixed 13 times in five months. It came in a gatefold sleeve that included, for the first time, individual musician credits (almost 40 of 'em).

Source: http://www.granatino.com/sdresource/10royal.htm

All I could find

Date: Sun, January 31, 2010, 22:40:34 ET
Posted by: cold porter, upper east snide

raj- i agree with your Becker/bass playing comments...he is very under-rated...and he wasnt mixed well on the early stuff..but Chuck Rainey is sick...but very cool to see them talk about their collaboration in the Aja video on 'Peg'

re-Steely box -- I hate Citizen...and dont have a great Dan cd collection much to my distress...and who was the idiot who edited off the guitar solo on FM????jeezus what a joke...and why cant we get a cd version of 'Dallas/Sail the Waterway'both wonderful songs!


will try to dig up the article about Aja being a double album...but it was very close to being a reality as they had already signed to Warner and wanted to give ABC an expensive kiss offff

Date: Sun, January 31, 2010, 14:45:01 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

Dr Mu: Thanks for the heads up on that one, I'll look it up.

Date: Sun, January 31, 2010, 00:57:57 ET
Posted by: Kid Charlemagne, with the fez on

Currently having a severe bout of Danitis. Simply can't stop listening to this daned music.

Date: Sat, January 30, 2010, 06:14:11 ET
Posted by: To RB, here

Get the Gaucho SACD/CD instead. The DVD-A won't play in a CD player.

Date: Sat, January 30, 2010, 03:31:42 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

Being a broke college student, my sonic experience is limited to CDs and MP3s. Any chance whoever posted the Maxine notes from the DVD-A could post the notes for the rest of the songs?

I'm sucker for any and every piece of info on the Dan. I'm sure we all are...

Date: Sat, January 30, 2010, 02:24:02 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

AbbyNormal - Jeez remeber the great Marty Feldman? Craziest eyes ever on the screen, so funny...

When I first heard the AJA outtake, oh and I'm informed there are so many more, I was pretty sure it was Rainey. But the simplicty of the fingering now tends to infer that it's Walty. He's very underrated on bass. Very clean.

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 19:38:44 ET
Posted by: R.B.,

Can I play DVD-A Gaucho on my cd player?

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 17:57:34 ET
Posted by: Maxine, Liner Notes

From the Nightfly DVD-A.

"Maxine" was originally Francine, a more delicate name. But there was Franny Glass of fiction, and the heroine of the then-current Coppola flick, One From The Heart, also Franny. So Max it became. (Franny appeared 20 years later in a Steely Dan tune, "What A Shame About Me.")

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 17:12:32 ET
Posted by: Abby Normal,

Raj -

Who do you think is playing that fresh and vainglorious bass on the Aja outtake?

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 13:39:25 ET
Posted by: cutouts, 44

Check the Nightfly DVD-A liner notes for the Maxine/Francine/Franny from NYU connection.

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 13:33:28 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh,

Quick, head over to Slate to learn the likely inspiration for "Franny from NYU":

http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/browbeat/

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 13:24:03 ET
Posted by: Dave, NJ

I hated when MCA went to that budget packaging for their midline CDs around 1988. It included the whole Dan catalog up to and including Royal Scam. Luckily I had already procured all the CDs by then.

What was lame about the first set of SD CD's I bought in the 80s is that much of the album artwork was on that outer cardboard box in which the CDs were packaged. At least now it's all packed into the CD booklet.

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 13:12:07 ET
Posted by: Shouldn't it, Be

Na Na Naaaa Na, Na Na Naaaa Na, Hey Hey Hey...

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 11:20:27 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Citizen Steely Dan was, now in retrospect, a severe disapointment. It was badly configured, it leaves out tons of stuff and the sound leaves a lot to be desired. But at the time it was a great gift. I love all the DVD-A releases but for me, the Gaucho SACD still rules.

On another note, lots of us have a few embarassing pleasures from artists who were sub-standard. I like that, "Steal Away," single from Robbie somebody along with, "Baby, Now That I Found I Won't Let You Go," and "I LOve You More Today Than Yesterday." But these artists did not present, in the end, a catalogue anywhere near a behemoth like Steely Dan. Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey...

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 10:28:31 ET
Posted by: Disc, O'Graphy

Doc Mu - are the 1990 remasters the ones that coincided with the release of the Citizen Steely Dan box?

I believe I read quite a while back that the 1980 versions are the desirable "standard" SD CDs (i.e. those that are not DVD-A, SACD, etc.). The Gaucho I have from that era has the index number MCAD-37220 DIDX 56). The Katy Lied from that era is DIDX 373. The 1980 CDs, with original liner notes and art, sounded much better than the budget CDs (i.e. the ones with no liner notes).

Any info about the various SD CD releases and their sonics would be appreciated.

Date: Fri, January 29, 2010, 05:44:37 ET
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Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 23:51:09 ET
Posted by: Steve Jobs, cupertino, ca

Maybe they'll record the next one on an iPad. I'm buying.

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 23:39:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Napoleon: Get Gaucho on DVD-A. It's a religious experience. The Immortal oversaturated the re- re- re-master and compressed the 1999 CD, W&D have not allowed him near since.

TvN is the most processed album ever recorded,,,and ironically *this* close to oblivion, having been recorded and stored on a Mac Quadra, the biggest POS computer ever manufactured and thrust upon the masses...and I have a new 27 in LCD monitor iMac in my lab.

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 23:31:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, dinner from a paper sack

Donald Phelonius Fagen takes another trip out to Hackensack:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_2d22c87a-0c62-11df-93cc-001cc4c002e0.html

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 22:51:50 ET
Posted by: Greg Moonspank, White Plains, NY

What fill on Josie is Keltner not happy about? The one before the coda?

That's not a bad fill at all.

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 20:48:00 ET
Posted by: steely drummer,

Excellent interview with Jim Keltner in Drumhead magazine. Not a whole lot on Steely Dan, but a couple new bits of information, like Keltner tried takes of Peg and FM too. Some interesting talk about the recording process and lots on Jeff Porcaro, who was sort of mentored by Keltner as a teen.

The whole interview is great. Keltner seems like a fantastic guy. He almost never talks about Steely Dan in interviews unless asked (as in this case too), and doesn't normally list Steely Dan in his end of interview discography. He declines to comment on the Josie drum fill, but in past interviews he seemed displeased by it, claiming in was 100% Fagen and that he never would have played that fill if not directed to.

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 17:38:44 ET
Posted by: Holden Caulfield, Rye, NY

RIP JD

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 15:34:15 ET
Posted by: b,

maybe that was too cryptic

seriously- bill clinton?

was his cigar just a cigar???????????????????


heeee he.

fuck off!

that's all for me
b
out

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 15:12:21 ET
Posted by: bigs, aa

ha! while it's dripping with...

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 14:54:10 ET
Posted by: Bill Clinton, Washington DC

Bigsby -
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
William Jefferson Clinton

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 14:30:14 ET
Posted by: bigsby, same

PS, yes

josie is a garden variety nymphomaniac
low self esteem
craves recog from the cool
vicarious
with a price to exact
because she isn't otherwise worthy
she doens't actually dig {fill in the blank, Miles, Coltrane, Monk?}
but on a slow saturday she'll swear it, if he does

and she has misjudged the guys she's fucking in the first place
and is too stupid to get the other point
and realize they are idiots, too

in a world of the three blind men and the elephant

the singer [our travel guide] understands she's just holding it's dick but doesn't "see" the elephant, either

question: would you fuck the bimbo
or help her see the elephant
df might say, "a mitzvah!"

ha!

i submit the typical double entendre i've never heard anyone else identify [properly as far as my own is concerned]in the form of this question:

who is being acerbically ridiculed?

josie?
or the guy singing the song that fucks her, even though he gets that it's too easy and wrong...

it's his bad. isn't it? good times!

maybe he [the singer] is actually what the song is about?

Fagen snarls at both: the fucker and the fucked.
what would you do?


i'm from nyc. seriously.
i've been to babylon, Lawn Guy Land, and i've met her.
several of her.

i'm not telling.
neither is he.
now that's a song.

go away

Date: Thurs, January 28, 2010, 13:41:53 ET
Posted by: bigsbyvibe, ann arbor

dear napolean

it's okay to like other things. you are absolved, don't be afraid.
like whatever you like. and stand up for it.

john mayer is a product of his generation and time

he is a unique talent, regardless of how easy a target he constitutes
which might embarrass you...
the caricatures and parodies abound
so does the emulation [the sincerest form of flattery]

diagnosis: you're fine.

embrace your tastes and be fearless before the cowards that would tear you down [while they secretly listen to Heavier Things]

John is young and overwhelmed. and the women!
who doesn't love tits? i do.

and i listen to all of it.
some of it is groping
much of is brilliant and special

go ahead. make your own day.
damn the torpedoes

love
dj

the dan isn't the be all, end all
while i'm working [stained glass windows and stringed instrument- anyone want a custom guitar? you design it, i'll build it! do you want to build it? i'll teach you or send you to the place I learned: http://www.midwestguitar.com/
i listen to [in addition to the usual suspects, trust me]
The Odds
Warren Zevon
The Rembrandts
Matthew Sweet
The Tubes
Beachboys/BW and all the bootlegs of SMiLE which i liek better...
Warren Zevon
The Odds
Duncan Sheik
Mike Viola
Elliot Smith
Luce
Marjorie Fair
World Party
Jean Shepherd audios


am i fucked up?

think so? go back to usual suspects... and be brave.

to be hip is to not give a fuck
so don't

or fuck off.
fuck off all of you!
but, pardon me while i create.

when does your album come out????????????????????????????

mine's out.

Date: Wed, January 27, 2010, 20:59:49 ET
Posted by: Napoleon,

"when is yours coming out?"... probably the best response from Fagen to a nagging Steely Dan enthusiast about a new release.

I was looking for a heads up on Twitter but I could imagine Don thinking it sounds like an update for Wendel. Both artists have the skills to pay the big bills. Thats my only thought.

But I have been smoking waaaay too much Dan

Date: Wed, January 27, 2010, 11:10:12 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Sigmund Freud in Austria - One of my favorite quotes from the great Bard in King Lear, "Oh that way madness lies, let me shun that." John Mayer a nicotine patch for Steely Dan, Mr. Napoleon? "Heaven forfend." Othello.

Date: Wed, January 27, 2010, 09:47:51 ET
Posted by: ygk, nyc

Phoebe Snow is in Intensive Care - let's keep her in our prayers...

ygk

Date: Tues, January 26, 2010, 18:53:34 ET
Posted by: Fancy a concert ... online,, and for free!

See/hear John Beasley w/ Ian Martin, Oscar Seaton & Bob Sheppard live online Thursday. Info: http://www.networkconcerts.com/johnbeasley.asp

Date: Tues, January 26, 2010, 12:13:39 ET
Posted by: Ed Parks, N. Attleboro, MA

ANYONE -

IS THAT UNCLE WALTER PLAYING BASS ON THE AJA OUTTAKE????

Date: Tues, January 26, 2010, 03:55:07 ET
Posted by: double bill, ideas

anyone remember 1982???
Haircut 100...

http://www.haircutonehundred.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=61

Date: Tues, January 26, 2010, 00:32:17 ET
Posted by: cold porter, beyond the seawall

just a few thoughts on the outtakes etc

does anyone know when the newer version of the Gaucho outtakes first surfaced? and under what circumstances??
they are truly wonderful to listen to...

regarding Aja outakes- i think in fact several of the ones, including Kind Spirit may actually be from the Aja sessions...
but there should be quite a few more
in a 1977 interview with New Times Fagen indicated that the Ajia album was to contain some 18 tracks! At the time of the interview 5 were completely finished, including 'Were You Blind That Day'which he mentioned. Ajia was originally conceived as a double album, mainly to complete a contractual obligation- so we even though we love Aja, as it stands, we can only wonder what could have been

food for thought- in a radio interview circa 1980 Jeff Porcaro stated that he had played on 3 or 4 ALBUMs with Steely dan that had not been issued...so even if he exxagerated there still MUSt be a treasure trove of Steely songs to be had!
My guess is Nichols may have a lot of them...but who knows what assistant engineers may slipped away with during those wonderful days of polyster, Jimmy Carter...and thai stick...heheh

Date: Mon, January 25, 2010, 18:57:54 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, middle of the road

I'm just growing old

Date: Mon, January 25, 2010, 18:46:11 ET
Posted by: Sigmund Freud, Austria

Napoleon - Down that path lies madness.

Date: Mon, January 25, 2010, 17:13:44 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

I often think about Steely Dan tunes re-recorded with the modern Two Against Nature/Circus Money kinda sound engineering.

Of course, it's hyper-pathetic as the originals are just fine but I often wonder if a Hey Nineteen would sound less limp or just like Janie Runaway.

Perhaps I'm longing for more live releases to here the revamped stuff, maybe people don't cover Dan songs in "pop" fields.

Maybe John Mayer's music has become the nicotine patch to my dried up Dan habit...

Peace

Date: Mon, January 25, 2010, 11:05:49 ET
Posted by: JJ,

I've never liked the early demo stuff. It sounds to much like Jay & The Americans. Pretty weak. I would much rather hear outtakes from their mid-later 70's stuff. Much better.

Date: Mon, January 25, 2010, 09:44:58 ET
Posted by: Dave, NJ

Nick,

I much prefer the early demos to Can't Buy A Thrill. My theory is that they were careful not to get pegged as Dylan wannabees on their debut.

Date: Mon, January 25, 2010, 08:12:10 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

And, by the way, I've listened to the "early stuff" CD's that are out there - oh, how D+W loathe them - with Stone Piano, Yellow Peril, etc. I would like to hear stripped-down tracks of the actual releases.

(Still not sure why Yellow Peril didn't make the official release cut - it's a classic SD sound and a classic SD storyline.)

Date: Mon, January 25, 2010, 07:28:46 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

The Aja outtake is enchanting - what melody would they have laid on top of it, what kind of horn arrangements?

Which leads me to this question. Is there a readily-available source for stripped-down SD tracks, perhaps sans vocals, sans horns? Just to hear the raw beginnings from whence grew the masterpieces we love.

Outre Dan.

Date: Sun, January 24, 2010, 20:06:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The Aja outtake sounds as like Kind Spirit, 2nd Arrangement, Bear, and Kulee Baba in raw demo form...but the chord progressions and key are not the same as KS. Donald recorded demos in much the same fashion with an emphasis on rhythm and chord progression, so they naturally have a related sound. A lesson on how important the influence of the musicians on Aja were in shaping that major world.

Date: Sun, January 24, 2010, 16:13:21 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

It is absolutely akin to Kind Spirit, you all have nailed it.

Now Josey is definitely a professional woman, nod, nod, wink wink.  She prays like a Roman with her eyes on fire for goodnesake.  A raw flame, a live wire. Thank heavens she made it home.

Date: Sun, January 24, 2010, 13:02:39 ET
Posted by: KD, Ooh, la, Lafayette

I can't hear you through all that dork static, anons.

It does sound more like Kind Spirit than anything else, because that's what it became. So, yeah.

Did I say it was the same song, or that it was the genesis of CM, or that the foundations were the same? No, I said it sounded like CM. The verse reminds of the counter melody in the verse to CM.

Date: Sun, January 24, 2010, 12:58:14 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Aja outtake: Sounds more like "Kind Spirit" than anything else.

Date: Sun, January 24, 2010, 12:55:49 ET
Posted by: Bernie,

KD- Stick to writing about sports!

Date: Sun, January 24, 2010, 10:29:03 ET
Posted by: R. Pallini,

KD -

WTF - Circus Money similar to Circus $ title track? Aja outtake is a "straight" 4/4 Rock/Funk groove. Circus $ is a Reggae-ridden groove. Aja outtake has great chord changes and implied melodic construction. Circus $ is a vamp w/ interesting lyrics.

Date: Sun, January 24, 2010, 04:37:26 ET
Posted by: KD, Ooh, la, Lafayette

Has anyone noticed how much the Aja outtake at YouTube (which I love and can't stop listening to) sounds like the title track from "Circus Money?"

Date: Sat, January 23, 2010, 21:57:44 ET
Posted by: Dom Pallino,

Shark -

I'm not being sarcastic here, but man, if that's WB he sounds terrific! Great articulations and note choices! Outstanding!

Date: Sat, January 23, 2010, 21:17:54 ET
Posted by: shark,

i think it sounds like Walt on the Aja outtake as well...


and I see no reason to assume that Josie is a prostitute.
she just likes sex on the beach!

Date: Sat, January 23, 2010, 13:09:28 ET
Posted by: Dan Fan, -

Say prayers, send good vibes, think good thoughts for Phoebe Snow.

May Pang reports on her FaceBook page:

"I just found out this morning that my friend, singer Phoebe Snow, is 'holding strong and stable' from an emergency brain hemorrhage operation she suffered on Jan. 19th. Please say some prayers for a complete recovery."

It was just three years ago that we Danfans got to see her perform with Donald and Odebella (sp?) at Bearsville. Incredible performance!

Date: Sat, January 23, 2010, 08:10:35 ET
Posted by: In Zee Know,

BTW that's Paul Griffin's mumbles you're hearing on "Peg".

Date: Sat, January 23, 2010, 08:08:20 ET
Posted by: Pete Brindle,

Raj and Angel -

Chuck R. on bass on the Aja OUTTAKE?

The bass part definitely sounds written out. The lines are too exacting and "perfect".

The bass timbre is that of Walt's, but, do you think he had the "chops" to cut that?

Date: Sat, January 23, 2010, 08:03:52 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Maple85, Jesus, I've been rolling these lyrics through my old bald head for years. And here's my take: Peg is just a sweet girl who took her clothes off for like a calendar shoot, or a Playboy pictorial, she is not a slut or a cheap little piece. She's young, she's beautiful and what harm is there, really, in seeing a sweet thing naked? None. None in my mind. Absoutely none.

Now Josey, she's a professional. But she's got a lot of pride in her work and the men in town are sincerely glad to have her back. She probably got thrown in jail for hooking but make no mistake: she is respected, she's no common slut. She's a ritual sex object, yes, but she's no victim and she makes her men respect her, she provides a service and men admire her.

I love both those women. Beautifully drawn characters with bags of class and a ton, a ton of heart.

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 22:23:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

To be clear - Griffin's vocalizations are on Peg of course.

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 22:22:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, add

Listen to 0:26-0:30 for signature Gadd.

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 22:20:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Holy ****, that's great. An Aja outtake at last! A little bit of 2nd Arrangement like descending chord progression. That's certainly Rainey and Gadd it sounds like as the rhythm section.

That's Paul Griffin on those ad lib vocalizations...you can hear him around 3:00-3:08 as well

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 19:52:09 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Rajah, not like I know anything, but I agree with you. It sounds like Chuck Rainey to me, too.

Thanks, been having a nice afternoon with Steely Dan Outtakes, those I know and one I didn't. What fun that is. lol

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 18:53:34 ET
Posted by: Maple85, A small rock on the side of the river

Thank you so much for that. Now I can put my overly curious mind to rest...but is it really about a soft-core porn actress. I'm new to The Dan but it would just seem like something that would line up with them.

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 18:19:23 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Maple85 - Ok, I do hear a slight vocal addendum at 3.17 Of Peg, you are correct. But just what it is I still cannot decipher. Maybe just a burp from the Maestro Himself, maybe just a grunt from the bassist. They tend to augment things like that, those bass players. It's without doubt, Chuck Rainey. The fingering is unmistakable.

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 17:01:54 ET
Posted by: Maple85, A small rock on the side of the river.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEhRnBSGPjA <---This is the link to the video that I watched and heard the phantom voice on.

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 16:57:51 ET
Posted by: Maple85, A small rock on the river.

When I first heard it on some YouTube montage I didn't catch it either. But as I read through the comments on it someone mentioned that at 3:17 there is a little voice in the background. So I grabbed my earbuds and there it was, a very faint but whiny "I don't wanna do this". Now after that there is some unintelligible speaking going on and that's what has me pulling out my hair. I must ammend though that upon further listening the voice does sound like a throaty female or a mildly high-pitched male voice. It's just barely there and it's quick, so for investigation purposes I suggest serious ear phones and the maximum volume.

Thanks so much for participating in keeping me sane.

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 16:21:42 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

And so...the AJA outtakes are starting finally to rise to the surface. Thank you. Did not your Faithful Rajah tell you that they existed? The one I'm waiting for is an alternative up-tempo version of the title track which I have been informed is absolutely wonderful.

We await its arrival. I can be patient.

Maple85, describe what it is you hear at 3:17 of Peg? I don't hear a darn thing. What version are you listening to?

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 11:44:12 ET
Posted by: Lippy,

Does anyone know who played bass on the Aja outtake?

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 02:00:34 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

I always just assumed it was the drummer or someone ad-libbing til the fade out, but now I'm curious as well!

Date: Fri, January 22, 2010, 01:21:36 ET
Posted by: Maple85, A small rock on the side of the river

Someone please, please tell me what the words that begin at 3:17 of Peg are? The only thing I can make out is the first few which sound like "I don't wanna do this", but after that I got nothing. I have been trying to figure out the meaning of the song and I'm loving the porn theory. Someone brought up that "Peg" is a dudes penis and tried to say that the voice that starts at 3:17 is a dude and the "it will come back to you" is the "director's" way of encouraging him to get down to business. Please help, my brain is about to explode with curiosity.

Date: Thurs, January 21, 2010, 19:57:22 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I find WENDEL fascinating and Roger Nichols pretty brilliant. But then again I love sampling.

Date: Thurs, January 21, 2010, 12:16:36 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island

Ummistakably Gadd on that track! Love the tune.

Date: Thurs, January 21, 2010, 10:01:46 ET
Posted by: Shecky, "What's that down there?"

Unreleased tune from the AJA Outtakes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JWbB4Pdto

Date: Thurs, January 21, 2010, 01:20:17 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu , westworld

WENDEL and sampling destroyed music as we know it.

Potentiometers and tunable capacitors. Those were the days. lol @ defining a CPU

Date: Wed, January 20, 2010, 09:59:50 ET
Posted by: CRIMSON TIDE, HARRISBURG, PA

ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT KEITH CARLOCK IS THAT EVERY SHOW I HAVE BEEN
TO (FIVE) OR HAVE WATCHED ON DVD (SEVERAL) KEITHS OVATION IS SECOND
ONLY TO DONALDS DURING BAND INTOS THE GUYS GREAT AND I HOPE THEY
KEEP HIM FOR HOWEVER LONG THEY TOUR!!!!!!!!!

Date: Wed, January 20, 2010, 09:59:25 ET
Posted by: CRIMSON TIDE, HARRISBURG, PA

ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT KEITH CARLOCK IS THAT EVERY SHOW I HAVE BEEN
TO (FIVE) OR HAVE WATCHED ON DVD (SEVERAL) KEITHS OVATION IS SECOND
ONLY TO DONALDS DURING BAND INTOS THE GUYS GREAT AND I HOPE THEY
KEEP HIM FOR HOWEVER LONG THEY TOUR!!!!!!!!!

Date: Wed, January 20, 2010, 01:44:08 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

I've really been digging Sail the Waterway lately. IMO the song isn't half that bad...

Date: Tues, January 19, 2010, 17:49:24 ET
Posted by: shark,

that Charlie Freak cover is great... good choice for strings.

Skunk Baxter says the "string" parts (played on pedal steel) on Charlie are his proudest musical moment.

Date: Tues, January 19, 2010, 16:18:59 ET
Posted by: Sad, o

RIP Kate McGarrigle. Mother of Martha Wainwright and I believe a friend of Libby Titus.

Date: Tues, January 19, 2010, 15:43:01 ET
Posted by: angel, Soggy LA

I believe the Peeps and such had to do with our days on the Yellow, when someone would go Chirp. But I could be wrong. :-)

OK, I came here figuring I would read about conversation on the German String Orchestra's rendition of Charlie Freak. My big laugh of the morning, courtesy of Radio Dupree.

The post is here: http://radiodupree.blogspot.com/2010/01/charlie-freak-meets-german-string.html

Who would ever think that Charlie Freak would be covered? LOL

Date: Tues, January 19, 2010, 12:51:02 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Marian McPartland is a treasure and I doubt it not that she has long since ceased to copy anybody's key changes or tempos. That record with the Steely Dan boys is precious, they were so sweet to her, like a mom. And she can still play, at 92 or something, a lifetime of listening and of being flexible and complex as the critics often said about her. Star Eyes...yes, magical. That record might be the very best of Steely Dan.

Date: Tues, January 19, 2010, 11:00:09 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, @work

A guitarist friend of mine always spoke highly of Charlie Watts. Not very flashy but always on the beat, rock steady.

Personally, I've always been a fan of John Bonham. If ever there was a 'monster', it was him.

I saw Erskine with Diana Krall a few years ago and was very impressed. However, I've read that he can be difficult to work with, don't recall specifically where though.

KC

Date: Tues, January 19, 2010, 05:22:46 ET
Posted by: shark, question for the jazzbos

listening to "Star Eyes" from the Piano Jazz CD.

never heard another arrangement like this. there's key changes and passages that aren't in the standard rendition, and the slow tempo is also unusual. its the one track Marian McPartland plays solo and its become my favorite thing on the album.


Does anyone know if this is her own arrangement? Are there any other versions even remotely similar?

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 19:04:25 ET
Posted by: Paul,

Cynthia Calhoun continues to tour with Julian Marley. They will be performing Tuesday night at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach CA. After that, they're off to New Zealand and Australia to co-headline the Raggamuffin Festival.

For all the latest, go to www.cynthiacalhoun.com.

If you're in the area, show you're support for a SD alum.

Thanks...

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 14:56:12 ET
Posted by: Wendel Asks: Are you with me?,

Riffing on the Wendel article for a moment, it's just a reminder that once you start achieving "perfection" it's like a drug and the ego (pride)always "wins"(loses). After a while you ironically self-destruct no matter how fucking smart or clever you might be. Examples: DF in a small(inaffectual) way (a personal NBD) and Hitler/Mussolini/Napoleon, etal in a grand/horrific manner.

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 14:53:53 ET
Posted by: Dumb Dumb, Dum

"Always bouncing" you betcha, tiger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idxMbbKUdQU

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 11:04:26 ET
Posted by: A Dose, of Reality

LL,B - thank you for making my point! Who would want to listen to the same thing all the time...especially over a 10 year period.

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 10:07:54 ET
Posted by: web search, woops

http://tinyurl.com/yelj6rm

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 10:07:33 ET
Posted by: web search, ws

1984 Infoworld article on Wendel. It's pretty funny now reading about its limitations.

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 09:16:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Nicholas,

You hit the bird on the beak, IMO. There are any number of drummers available for Walt and Don to pick from, and year after year they choose Carlock. That says far more than the bitter postings of a ill-informed hater.

As Rajah noted ALL drummers have strengths and weaknesses. What might be the strengths Fagen and Becker find to their liking? 1.) First of all, he is a human metronome, few drummers keep better time than Keith. I think that may be the #1 criterion for Don. 2.) He is powerful and exciting without being too busy. (Several drummers I know think Carlock is too concentrated on the beat and doesn't fill enough/not flashy enough in his playing.) 3.) He plays all styles well. A Steely Dan drummer needs to be very adaptable. Some of the more well known drummers are masters at a certain style, or are identifiable no matter what they play. I don't think that's what Don and Walt look for in a band member. 4.) Now this one is a guess, but I'm guessing Carlock is a good guy and easy to travel with. Many drummers are head-cases...or so I've been told by countless musicians.

A discussion of what drummers you prefer, and why, seems appropriate. Simply bashing a high-quality musician seems fairly idiotic, IMO. Surely Carlock is an excellent drummer, and happens to play the skins for possibly the best-sounding band Steely Dan has ever put on the road. I can understand if someone prefers Erskine (for example). But if you can't find a way to say that without dumping on Carlock...well, that says more about you than it does about Keith.

Date: Mon, January 18, 2010, 06:38:06 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

If Carlock wasn't playing like D & W wanted him to, would they keep him on tour, on albums? Say what you will about Carlock, he seems to suit two people who are renowned for being extremely particular about the performances of those who play with them.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 23:25:26 ET
Posted by: LL, B

I hear they wanted Gadd, but he insisted on doing this every song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py0FdS-e960

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 23:19:12 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Keith is a showman. He gives that band its push. I love his left hand. A great soloist. No no, don't lets look at his imperfections, all players have them. He breathed new life into Steely Dan.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 21:45:53 ET
Posted by: A Dose, of Reality

Chris - I thought we were talking about Keith Carlock? The other guys haven't played with SD in over 10 years. I don't recall anyone saying Chambers or Lawson played any chart better than Keith. I wouldn't expect them to as they only played for one, maybe two tours. The subject was a healthy criticism of Keith who has played live (and studio work) with SD since 2000...which is a very long time.

Also, could you clarify what you mean by Keith's personality? Do you mean his style? Honestly, aside from that bell pattern he plays on the floor tom sometimes, I wouldn't be able to identify his style from any number of other capable drummers. Really.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 21:20:45 ET
Posted by: Curious, dandom

I wonder why Gadd hasen't toured with SD? Gadd, in recent years has toured with Paul Simon, James Taylor and is about to go out with Eric Clapton.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 20:40:50 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Funny, I like Carlock much better than Chambers and Lawson (I won't speak to Erskine as I've never seen them live with him/heard a full bootleg). Chambers has chops coming out of his ass, etc, but in my opinion has no pocket at all and really overplays. Lawson is a human drum machine, no small feat, but as a result his playing is utterly souless ... Carlock, for me, has that winning combination of the ability to groove, the ability to utilize characteristics of the best drummers they played with in the 70s, and the ability to do so without losing his own personality in the process. In recent years they're more apt to let him off the leash here and there and I don't mind that one bit; I find his choices very tasteful.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 19:36:02 ET
Posted by: Bernie,

Funny all this negative talk about Carlock's playing. I was at a West coast "Dan" show in '07 or '08 and was sitting next to a very famous bass player who had worked with Becker/Fagen in the past,(no, not Chuck Rainey) I'll keep his name anonymous. He wasn't a fan of Carlock's at all. I can't remember his exact criticism, but it was something about him "over playing". Anyway, I thought I would just jump on the "I think Keith Carlock is overrated" band wagon.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 16:17:44 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

A Dose -

I never knew about his son's death. The only extra-musical tidbit I knew was that he and Joni were dating for a while. They seemed like an excellent couple. I wonder if she got "cold feet" when/if he asked her for her hand in marriage like she did w/ Graham Nash.

She and her ex Larry Klein seem to get along fine as she also does w/ Graham whom seems her biggest fan.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 14:54:51 ET
Posted by: A Dose, of Reality

Brutus - absolute agreement...what a shame Johnny Guerin never tracked (at least anything that was released) or performed with SD. He was SO inventive and one must wonder if his son's tragic death led to his leaving town so quickly thereafter.

Bluesters, if you haven't checked out Guerin on "Dahomey Dance" from the S/T Tom Scott & the LA Express circa 1974, you owe yourself that treat. What a shame such little video footage exists of him from that era (there is one youtube of the Express and one of him with Joni but that's it, unfortunately).

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 11:38:10 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

Well said "A dose".

Speaking of Ed Soph - now there's a complete drummer!
Another under-rated and terrific complete drummer was the late/great John Guerin. There's a guy who had it all - intensity(when w/ Pat Williams or The LA Express), subtlety(when w/ Joni, Michael Franks, Peggy Lee).

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 11:24:43 ET
Posted by: A Dose, of Reality

It's always difficult to accept the truth.

There have been many posts from VERY well-informed/educated percussionists stating that Keith Carlock, although an above average drum set player, is nothing earth-shattering (earth-shattering are the likes of Erskine, Chambers, Coliutta...you know, well-traveled set players who have widened their chops to handle most all musical genres that can be played on drum set). Understand, Fremer is a "critic". I have heard precisely of what he speaks when listening to SD live.

Carlock lacks finesse outside of a backbeat, groove-type environment and Fremer smacked it on the nose by singling out "Haitian Divorce" as one of Carlock's more dreadful interpretations (his latin chops are also abyssmal). Please don't site 2vN as it would only show how little you know about latin rhythms. Me thinking is Keith needs to stay off the road for a while and take some lessons on these essential percussion skills (he must have been dosing when Soph was instructing him on the various grooves a gigging drummer needs when backing a venturesome ensemble and has done little in the almost 10 years with SD to improve his deficiencies). All one need do is listen to the dreadful music put forth by Rudder to see how little development there has been in his playing.

Also, the undeniable fact is that Walt is carried due to his song-writing and field-marshalling capabilities, not for his guitar-playing and vocals.

Last point, name the last straight-ahead jazz gig Carlock played (oops, there's another area of lesson concentration). Let us all just face facts and we'll all be the better off for it.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 06:48:58 ET
Posted by: shark,

Donald sings "All Your Love" w/ Levon & co:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2J2_6g54PM

a few more goodies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jqcEkR0rjE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thtwutvME6Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6aZGRVV5DE

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 05:57:16 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, Hell

Me - Agree with you about the Fremer review. I always get a laugh when critics with no musical knowledge incorporate musical terminology into their scribllings. One favorite was a review of an album full of angry and depressing songs: "The album, set in a minor key..."

The ilk of Fremer et. al. were beautifully portrayed in Milos Forman's Amadeus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCud8H7z7vU

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 03:03:21 ET
Posted by: Me , Here

Dear Michael Fremer,

You will never know what bullshit you talked in that review.

One of my favourite bits is “(Walter) was forced down a few octaves when he sang his one solo vocal turn”. Actually I’d love to hear that!

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, Michael…

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 01:46:25 ET
Posted by: Reality Bites, NYC

Keith Carlock’s Plodding, Overblown Drumming and a Sizzly SSSSSSibilant Sound Mix Sink Steely Dan Concert
Steely Dan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Fremer (Printer Friendly)
2007-07-01



Eager anticipation turned into bitter disappointment early as Steely Dan played its final Beacon Theater (NY) concert last night (June 13th 2007). Opening tunes can’t be counted upon for greatness, as the band warms up and the mixer dials in the sound, but unfortunately, last night’s thin, sizzly, musically disjointed opener set the stage for an evening of thudding, overblown drumming, and an excruciatingly thin, sizzly, sibilant vocal mix on Donald Fagen’s clearly fatigued voice.


Obviously, drummer Keith Carlock is a talented and energetic drummer, but his playing last night had very little to do with Steely Dan’s slinky, insinuating sound, and much more to do with a Heavy Metal concert.


The drummer slammed and banged every beat at full power, grossly overplaying his part and helping to turn the Dan’s normally sly soufflé into mechanical sludge. An overaggressive drum mix only added to the sabotage.


The thudding kick drum and exploding snare set a rigid rhythmic thrust that stymied the rest of the band from exploring the Dan’s more interesting rhythmic nooks and crannies.


The plodding rhythms prevented the excellent horn quartet (Jim Pugh, trombone, Michael Leonhart, trumpet, Roger Rosenberg, baritone sax, Wait Weiskopf, sax) from catching fire as a group and it inhibited their individual solo turns. Even the backup chicks, Cindy Mizelle and Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery seemed tamped down and unable to add their usual vivaciousness.


“Haitian Divorce,” for instance should have a tropical, reggae-like feel. It played out more like a Guns ‘n’ Roses track: thud, thud, thud and mud. Carlock has played with Steely Dan on tour for years. He’s played on their recent albums and on Fagen’s Morph The Cat yet listening last night, it sounded as if he hadn’t a clue as to what the band’s music was about. It’s easy to blame him but part of the blame must go to the duo of Becker/Fagen who allowed him to pound away, or who encouraged it fearing a more deft approach might bore the fans(????).


As the concert wore on (and it was wearing), it was obvious that the audience was not getting a rise. People sat on their hands. There was no head bobbing, body shaking or much of a reaction at all to the pile driver rhythms. The jazz was sucked dry from the room.


Fagen’s voice, obviously thin and fatigued from the long tour needed midband fill. Instead, the mixer actually thinned it out, adding long, jagged, electronically processed icicles to his sibilants that only served to emphasize the singer’s weakened state while giving the audience a dose of the same fatigue. It was painful and with each anticipated sibilant one had to stiffen up to take the punishment. Listening to Fagen was, in a word, excruciating. Yet he’s the guy we came to hear.


Walter Becker was in fine form on guitar but he’s basically lost his voice and was forced down a few octaves when he sang his one solo vocal turn. His intro rap to “Hey Nineteen” was hilarious.


The show’s highlight was a guest appearance by the great Phoebe Snow, who was in fine, full voice on “(I’m a Fool to do Your) Dirty Work” from the band’s first album, Can’t Buy a Thrill. That brought the band and Fagen up for a few minutes but it was soon back to the dismal plodding norm.


By the time all of the Ticketmaster fees were tacked on to the already high ticket price, we paid almost $400 for a concert that unfortunately did not buy us a single thrill.

Date: Sun, January 17, 2010, 01:44:47 ET
Posted by: Reality Bites, NYC

Keith Carlock’s Plodding, Overblown Drumming and a Sizzly SSSSSSibilant Sound Mix Sink Steely Dan Concert
Steely Dan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Fremer (Printer Friendly)
2007-07-01



Eager anticipation turned into bitter disappointment early as Steely Dan played its final Beacon Theater (NY) concert last night (June 13th 2007). Opening tunes can’t be counted upon for greatness, as the band warms up and the mixer dials in the sound, but unfortunately, last night’s thin, sizzly, musically disjointed opener set the stage for an evening of thudding, overblown drumming, and an excruciatingly thin, sizzly, sibilant vocal mix on Donald Fagen’s clearly fatigued voice.


Obviously, drummer Keith Carlock is a talented and energetic drummer, but his playing last night had very little to do with Steely Dan’s slinky, insinuating sound, and much more to do with a Heavy Metal concert.


The drummer slammed and banged every beat at full power, grossly overplaying his part and helping to turn the Dan’s normally sly soufflé into mechanical sludge. An overaggressive drum mix only added to the sabotage.


The thudding kick drum and exploding snare set a rigid rhythmic thrust that stymied the rest of the band from exploring the Dan’s more interesting rhythmic nooks and crannies.


The plodding rhythms prevented the excellent horn quartet (Jim Pugh, trombone, Michael Leonhart, trumpet, Roger Rosenberg, baritone sax, Wait Weiskopf, sax) from catching fire as a group and it inhibited their individual solo turns. Even the backup chicks, Cindy Mizelle and Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery seemed tamped down and unable to add their usual vivaciousness.


“Haitian Divorce,” for instance should have a tropical, reggae-like feel. It played out more like a Guns ‘n’ Roses track: thud, thud, thud and mud. Carlock has played with Steely Dan on tour for years. He’s played on their recent albums and on Fagen’s Morph The Cat yet listening last night, it sounded as if he hadn’t a clue as to what the band’s music was about. It’s easy to blame him but part of the blame must go to the duo of Becker/Fagen who allowed him to pound away, or who encouraged it fearing a more deft approach might bore the fans(????).


As the concert wore on (and it was wearing), it was obvious that the audience was not getting a rise. People sat on their hands. There was no head bobbing, body shaking or much of a reaction at all to the pile driver rhythms. The jazz was sucked dry from the room.


Fagen’s voice, obviously thin and fatigued from the long tour needed midband fill. Instead, the mixer actually thinned it out, adding long, jagged, electronically processed icicles to his sibilants that only served to emphasize the singer’s weakened state while giving the audience a dose of the same fatigue. It was painful and with each anticipated sibilant one had to stiffen up to take the punishment. Listening to Fagen was, in a word, excruciating. Yet he’s the guy we came to hear.


Walter Becker was in fine form on guitar but he’s basically lost his voice and was forced down a few octaves when he sang his one solo vocal turn. His intro rap to “Hey Nineteen” was hilarious.


The show’s highlight was a guest appearance by the great Phoebe Snow, who was in fine, full voice on “(I’m a Fool to do Your) Dirty Work” from the band’s first album, Can’t Buy a Thrill. That brought the band and Fagen up for a few minutes but it was soon back to the dismal plodding norm.


By the time all of the Ticketmaster fees were tacked on to the already high ticket price, we paid almost $400 for a concert that unfortunately did not buy us a single thrill.

Date: Sat, January 16, 2010, 14:53:02 ET
Posted by: JR,

Review: Jay Leonhart playing with son Michael

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/arts/music/15leonhart.html?scp=1&sq=jay%20leonhart&st=cse

Date: Fri, January 15, 2010, 17:59:04 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Don Patrol, thanks for the link. Hope you saw my post a while back, the day after the concert in fact. Again, nice meeting you there. A happy and healthy new year to you and yours as well, and to all those on the Blue.

PS to everyone:
'Haiti' To 90999. They need all the help they can get.

Date: Fri, January 15, 2010, 15:52:58 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, go Tribe !!

Regarding the idea of a "Back to the Old School tour 2010"...they would absolutely HAVE to book a show at William and Mary.....my beloved alma mater !!!!!

Date: Fri, January 15, 2010, 15:24:55 ET
Posted by: Ben, Indy

TGIF!

Tour concepts across the board are getting stale, so here's a thought for our favorite band...

Don and Walt like smaller venues, variety, and most importantly college ladies, so what about a "Back to the Old School Tour 2010?" Steely could hit the great college venues across the country. Sam could have a break, and each school's best jazz ensemble could be the opener.

My picks are:
Ball State University's (my old school) Emens Auditorium
Butler University's Clowes Hall
Indiana University's Auditorium

ps Remember Dr. King this weekend!

Date: Fri, January 15, 2010, 15:01:17 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

I called the Swedish Apple support center earlier today, and while waiting in line they played "The last mall".

My favorite company endorsing my favorite band.

Good times.

Date: Fri, January 15, 2010, 10:39:07 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in Pennsylvania

Finally made it to the Bitter End last night to see Vicky Cave and Jon Herrington. What a great show! One of my fav things about being a Steely Dan fan is all the great musicians I have been introduced to. Its a smooth. She did a great version of Misty Mountain Hop, a few other covers, and some super cool originals.

Date: Fri, January 15, 2010, 07:40:54 ET
Posted by: RIP, Babs and Clean Willy.....

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 21:26:53 ET
Posted by: D, H

new on DF's site:

Bogus
http://donaldfagen.com/feature_items.php?itemID=120


ED BEACH:1924 - 2010

http://donaldfagen.com/feature_items.php?itemID=119

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 20:42:58 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinkwhatever

Thanks for the link, Hutch, I enjoyed that. Hope to hear that live for myself someday. Interesting to hear the slightly different lyrics.

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 18:54:48 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

Hutch,

That's a great version. Always loved the original...and love the official release, as well.

This may be an even better vocal effort by Walter, though:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRSDLOFk5YE&feature=related

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 12:57:35 ET
Posted by: ATTENTION CANADA! Fagen on Bravo! tonight, 8.00 PM EST

About the Levon Helm espisode:
January 14 - Levon Helm Come celebrate Helm's "Midnight Ramble Sessions: 69th Birthday Edition" directly from his home in Woodstock, NY, with his all-star band including Donald Fagen and Larry Campbell.

On the series official homepage you can find the quote: Innovators takes viewers behind-the-scenes into Levon's kitchen where the musicians work on the music together before the show. (Look for half of Steely Dan on the recorder!)

http://www.innovatorsinmusic.com/

http://originalspintv.blogspot.com/search/label/Innovators%20in%20Music

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 11:57:10 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

RIP - Doubtful that it would have been Pendergrass, but you never know.

How about Elrod?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXsAaSIEWSE

One of Walter's best performances ever. Love that groove. Krantz is smokin'. Almost 14 years ago.

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 11:37:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, cat house blues

Can't write home about Dallas. I'd love to get my paws on the mythical Aja outtakes. I have a 4 letter word for the remainder out there. ****** Good.

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 08:27:14 ET
Posted by: RIP, Teddy Pendegrass

Was the first line of Jack of Speed a nod to him?

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 00:22:03 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Hey Young Wu, here's a link to a slide show of the Massey show.Possibly a shot of you and your buddies, from a distance mind you,maybe you can spot yourselves. Check around 2:55 into it.Best wishes for the New Year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYGL_S6RG20&feature=related

Date: Thurs, January 14, 2010, 00:13:24 ET
Posted by: shark, the palace

aww... "Dallas" isn't stinko
and it's their first single. that should be enough to merit box set inclusion.

i think it's a chunk of country-rock gold... with bongos.

Date: Wed, January 13, 2010, 21:38:25 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Ok... I have looked at it for over a year and I gotta ask... what the hell that main page picture on the bluebook? The peeps and marshmallows on a stick? I don't know if it's been asked before... but I gotta know what that thing is.

Date: Wed, January 13, 2010, 16:02:15 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Mailibu

Bye, Bye Dallas.

I always thought that
"Reindeer Sweater" would make
a good name for a way too hip
SD cover band.

Could someone PLEASE post that
MSG Special somewhere "Special"
for those who could not see it?

Date: Wed, January 13, 2010, 08:52:58 ET
Posted by: ws, kb

From the 1995 Compuserve chat

Steve asks: there is still about 4 songs that were not released on citzen steely dan why?

Moderator: what songs there Steve?

Steve: dallas , and i forgot the others but they were released on b sides

Steely Dan: WB - "Dallas" was left out because it is stinko.

Steely Dan: DF - Ditto for the others.

Date: Wed, January 13, 2010, 03:24:47 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

I have a Dallas/Sail the Waterway vinyl in 33 1/3 format. Doesn't say "promo" on it anywhere. I seem to recall reading that they were released as a single and then unceremoniously pulled by ABC after a very brief time.

Date: Tues, January 12, 2010, 19:55:25 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, nycnycnyc

NY'ers and anyone else with the MSG network. Just noticed SD "Rent Party" re-airs at 8pm. Yeah, I know that's like in 7 minutes. I told you, I just noticed it, Geez...It also airs at 2:30am.

Date: Tues, January 12, 2010, 16:06:28 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Hey, not only that, LisaG, I was in a lobby recently and the new cashier looked like Jill St. John!

Not releasing "Dallas" is inexcusable? From my vantage, I'm willing to excuse "Dallas," but please, no releases with it.

==

I have an ABC Records promo version of "Dallas" and "Sail The Waterway." That is the only legit U.S. release, right?

Date: Tues, January 12, 2010, 15:12:30 ET
Posted by: shark, snowbound

there is a wealth of unreleased stuff... the fact that "Dallas" and "Sail the Waterway" have been completely swept under the rug is inexcusable.

it would be great if all this stuff saw an official release, but it probably ain't gonna happen...

Date: Tues, January 12, 2010, 13:48:02 ET
Posted by: web search, ws

Story about James Diener, son of Steve Diener who wrote the liner notes for Aja, and his plan to save the music biz.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/11/news/companies/am_octone_music.fortune/

Date: Mon, January 11, 2010, 23:41:38 ET
Posted by: Answer,

Gaucho

Date: Mon, January 11, 2010, 20:15:30 ET
Posted by: LisaG, @ home on the couch...

Happy Belated, DF.

------
I think our heroes were ahead of their time with "Greenbook." Who else thought the porn industry would be the first to adopt 3D?

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/hometech/porn-studios-lead-the-stampede-into-3d-tv-20100111-m19e.html

Date: Mon, January 11, 2010, 18:54:43 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Try the Koln Concert recording from 1975.

Date: Mon, January 11, 2010, 15:26:59 ET
Posted by: Question,

Can someone recommend a Keith Jarrett CD as an introduction to his music?

Date: Mon, January 11, 2010, 12:29:49 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

[Regarding Running Child] it doesn't sound half-bad. Those first 5 seconds, the melody, make it sound super-duper 70s to me, not in a great way either.

The last ten seconds or so kind of sound like something that would be off of Pretzel Logic/Katy Lied. The sound of the piano and the drums.

Makes me wonder, as I seem to remember reading DF/WB saying that there wasn't much of anything "in the vault" to put on Citizen SD, sans the live Bodhisattva and Here At The Western World. How overly critical are they of their unreleased stuff?!?! I mean, Second Arrangement, Talkin About My Home, The Bear, This All Too Mobile Home, it's all GREAT stuff, in my opinion. Deserves a proper release...

Date: Mon, January 11, 2010, 08:13:45 ET
Posted by: Howard, in the snow

Just a follow-up on previous comments on Deacon Blues chords (Shark dv et al), for the section that comes half-way through the verse ("that's all in the past").

Shark - I think you're right to query what I've got in my transcription here. Apart from getting the basic tonality almost right (B E7 B E7) the details of what I've got don't sound great!

I think Bm11 E7 Bm7b5 E7#9 is much closer, though it could even be Bm7b5 both times (which I think is what you suggested). The horn lines on the verse 2 repeat of this chunk seem to fit better with the Bm11 version (top line: E D F G), but it's tough to be 100% sure on the first B chord...

I need to do a bit more listening, but will definitely need an update to my transcription - so thanks for flagging this.

Howard

Date: Mon, January 11, 2010, 03:02:32 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

What's the story behind the "Running Child" song?

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 22:56:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Looking forward to #4 Dr. Fagen. Many happy returns.


Ann in Brunei - this incendiary solo is for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9EV_e1PrcI&feature=related

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 21:10:40 ET
Posted by: Bobbo, staying home unless you tour...

Wow Mr. Donald,

Denver and Chumash seem like only a dream (plus cab fare) away...hope yours is a happy-happy, old boy. Hope you enjoy the fare--but PLEASE, send back the skewers! Donald, you're the man.



Okay,
Bobbo

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 20:52:47 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Happy birthday Mr. Fagen! Thanks for a wonderful tour this past year and here's hoping for great things in 2010.

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 14:42:40 ET
Posted by: Gina/Mizar6, Sun Mountain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5-8oirIOT0

yes, happy birthday to Donald Fagen ... may 2010 bring forth another solo album,

cheers,
g

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 11:22:02 ET
Posted by: Lonnie THE Kingpin, High over the Alps

Merry Birthday to that super fine raconteur, explorer, chef, stern critic of the contemporary scene -- Senor Donald Fagen!!! You are the man (the real "The Donald").

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 09:13:53 ET
Posted by: bikemann17, nj

Hello Steely Dan Folk, This past week I was in contact with a guy who has an outtake called running child. He has the good sense not to be selling it.h However, he will not share it unless I have something to trade. His reasons didnt make much sense to me and I told him so. Being a music sharer,he should let us fans hear it. I wont name him here. Thanks

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 07:57:55 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

What??? Another birthday? Damn, the years are piling up.

Happy Birthday, Maestro...

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010,  ET
Posted by: The Loyal Dandom, On All Continents

Happy Birthday, Donald Fagen!

******
|||||
*********
*~~~~~~~*
* *
*****************
* *
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
* *

*****************
-------------------------------

[ Cake courtesy of Boston Rag & hoops ]

Date: Sun, January 10, 2010, 00:17:28 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Just came over here to wish Donald Fagen a very Happy Birthday. :-)

Date: Sat, January 09, 2010, 21:05:30 ET
Posted by: Tried to, Warn ya

Breaking news. Don may be going back to Annandale.

Date: Sat, January 09, 2010, 12:57:19 ET
Posted by: Q, rjrjrj

What's the name of the song Donald sings there?

Date: Sat, January 09, 2010, 12:26:38 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Some very fine videos over on the Radio Dupree homepage from the thursday night show at Terminal 5.....Donald with Levon Helm and his band.....
Great music !!!!!.......and be sure to watch Levon doing some serious boogying on the second video :-)

Date: Sat, January 09, 2010, 12:21:16 ET
Posted by: Borat, Kazakstan

Donald - Sascha Baron Cohen Walter - Philip Seymour Hoffman

Date: Fri, January 08, 2010, 20:43:40 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

To whoever recommended Todd Rundgren in the latest newsletter:

T H A N K

Y O U ! ! !

I downloaded his greatest hits as well as his album "Liars" yesterday, and I just CAN NOT stop listening.

Mindblowingly amazing.

Again, thank you!

Date: Fri, January 08, 2010, 16:09:02 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown cubicle

Keith Carlock's Rudder is playing at the NYC Winter Jazzfest
The Bitter End, Saturday January 9th, 10:45p

http://www.winterjazzfest.com/2010nycwinterjazzfest.html

Date: Thurs, January 07, 2010, 18:20:59 ET
Posted by: Mike in NYC, NYC

General, No sweat, but thanks. I found a few clips on youtube to get a sense of the show, that'll do for now.

Date: Thurs, January 07, 2010, 18:19:12 ET
Posted by: Bikemann17, nj

Oooops Sorry for the mistake on the Levon Helm show location.Sure glad I did'nt go to Montclair!

Date: Thurs, January 07, 2010, 18:19:03 ET
Posted by: Bikemann17, nj

Oooops Sorry for the mistake on the Levon Helm show location.Sure glad I did'nt go to Montclair!

Date: Thurs, January 07, 2010, 14:08:17 ET
Posted by: General Bullmoose, RedFaceVille

Sorry about the $31 quip. I was being an ass.

Date: Thurs, January 07, 2010, 13:17:45 ET
Posted by: Mike in NYC, NYC

Re: Levon Helm show. Thanks for the info, The Dean and General Bullmoose. I know it's only $31.00 but I got laid off from my job a few months ago so every dollar counts.

Date: Thurs, January 07, 2010, 00:53:17 ET
Posted by: Attetion , All Shoppers

Levon Helm is at Terminal 5 on Thursday, not the Wellmont.

http://www.terminal5nyc.com/event/3798

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 23:25:07 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Mike,

If it's like past shows with Levon (which I suspect it is), Don will be a keyboard player in Levon's band. He may sing a song or two, too.

These are road versions of the Midnight Ramble. Details of the ramble are here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levon_Helm#The_Midnight_Ramble

http://www.levonhelm.com/midnight_ramble.htm

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 23:16:39 ET
Posted by: Bikemann17, nj

Levon Helme with Donald Fagen at the Wellmont in Montclair NJ Tomorrow night!

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 22:58:01 ET
Posted by: General Bullmoose, Good for the USA

It's a $31 ticket - just go.

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 22:08:24 ET
Posted by: Mike in NYC, NYC

Can anyone tell me how the show with Donald and Levon Helm will work? Will Donald do an actual set of his own? Thanks. I am trying to decide if I should go.

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 19:17:21 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba, Better yet...

Walter: Leonardo DiCaprio.

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 19:10:09 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba, Donald/Walter impersonators

Donald: Adam Goldberg (Dazed & Confused) or Ben Stiller (think Permanent Midnight).
Walter: Wow, that's hard. Matt Damon? Jack Black??

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 19:08:25 ET
Posted by: SF Dan Fan, lost in space

How about DF as Dracula and WB as his Renfield.

That would be my kind of movie!

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 19:07:48 ET
Posted by: SF Dan Fan, lost in space

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 15:14:36 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Fagen appearance with Levon Helm:

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2010/01/donald_fagen_le.html

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 15:00:14 ET
Posted by: Bobbo, grindin' through my day gig...

Well,

That's a conversation that has tied up many an otherwise good thread on the good old IMDB..."Which actor for this (or that) part of the suggested, upcoming project?!"

Goldblum doesn't bother me as much as I know he does a few of us out there...but wouldn't Pacino make an interesting Donald? Can you imagine Al portraying Donald's reaction to having 3/4 of "The Second Arrangement" erased acccidentally? Yeah baby...Pacino for Donald.

So, DeNiro for Walter, or Bill Murray? Either way, you've got solid gold at the box office, here.

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 13:29:43 ET
Posted by: Dave, NJ

I think someone mentioned Jeff Goldblum to play DF were there a Steely Dan movie. Here's a piece of movie trivia linking the two.

http://tinyurl.com/yc84u2y

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 12:57:40 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

Too bad about the streak coming to an end for Gregg and the ABB at the Beacon. But I'm sure they'll blow the roof off at the United Palace and everyone there will still witness a great show, whatever the venue.

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 11:03:18 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

No Steely Dan shows at the Beacon this year until the end of July or possibly even August. The Beacon is booked is booked for Cirque du Soleil's el lame-o "Banana Shpeel."

Does this mean a return visit to Roseland? Or simply that the Dan will move to another MSG-owned venue? Or...?

This is based on a story in today's NY Times about how the Allman brothers won't play the Beacon for their usual stand for the same reason. Instead they will be at another MSG-owned venue, the United Palace. According to the article, fans aren't crazy about its acoustics. Maybe the Dan will play Radio City, although Allman called it "Hannah Montana's Place". Still, "stompin' on the avenue by Radio City" could have a quaint vibe.

The Beacon, United Palace, Radio City and Chicago Theatres are all owned by the owners of Madison Square Garden, who also have a business relationship with SD manager Irving Azoff. Roseland is not, although that doesn't necessarily rule it out.

"Banana Shpeel" has been playing the Chicago Theatre to chilly reviews for the past couple of months, pushing a lot of the usual favorite shows elsewhere this year.

Here's the link to the Allman article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/arts/music/06allmans.html?hp

Check out the photo of Warren Haynes: doesn't he look like he could be Pete Fogel's brother?

Happy 2010 everyone.

Jim

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 06:20:39 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Well said, Howard has been our light for lo these many years but, like last night when I was with a group of Italians in my basement, musicians of course, who just about broke into fisticuffs over notational and nomenclature variances. It was a discussion about the great Maestro Leoncavalo and his great aria, Mattinata. Fortunately, we had enough Prosecco to quell the storm.

Viva Howard and viva this discussion which is what this board needs more of. I continue to learn a lot and I thank you.

Date: Wed, January 06, 2010, 04:41:06 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, Hell

Howard - re the Gsus2/B vs. Gadd2/B debate: I think we come from different "theoretical backgrounds" about chord names: I prefer add2 because it describes the chord's character and function--it's a major triad with an added second. Yes, the third has to be in the bass, and using a slash chord is imperfect (because the third could still be voiced in above the other notes in the chord), but this is one of the limitations of chord names. On the other hand, I don't like using sus2 because it doesn't accurately describe the chord: it's not a suspended second your ear hears. It's clearly a major sound. That's why I prefer add2: it accurately describes what the chord "is" (quotation marks courtesy of Bill Clinton).

But--I see where you're coming from. You want to give an accurate and easy-to-discern instruction on how to play the chord. And for that purpose, calling it a sus2 makes sense. That's just not my philosophy...

All of this said, there are far more important things than coming up with names for arcane chords--like having a good ear--and that you certainly have. I've been using your transcriptions for years (they even taught me a good deal about harmony when I was getting started with music as a teenager), so I owe you a debt of gratitude. Your transcriptions are a truly excellent tool, both for the SD fan and the musician. I hope to see some new ones soon--regardless of what you call the mu major chord!

Date: Tues, January 05, 2010, 23:06:55 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Cloud Nine w/ Baby Gsus

Nicholas: Sounds like the intro to the Katy Lied/SD songbook

How: Nicely delineated. Greenbook?

Date: Tues, January 05, 2010, 12:48:13 ET
Posted by: Like, Mic

Don't know about Aja/Gaucho, but the liner notes on Katy Lied say they used "some very expensive German microphones."

http://www.broberg.pp.se/sd_katy.htm

Date: Tues, January 05, 2010, 11:01:34 ET
Posted by: Beach Boy, UK

Brian Sweet, the author of "Steely Dan, Reelin' in the Years" the definitive biography of the band, will be appearing live on: http://www.10radio.org on Sunday 10th January 2010 from 2pm GMT, where you will also hear the very best in: World/Folk/Blues/Jazz/Soul/Funk/Hip-Hop/Disco/Latin/Soundtracks/Punk/Rock'n'Roll/Break Beats/Doo-Wop/Vintage Country/Reggae/Ska/Americana/Classic Hits! Email the show, ONLY on the day, if you have any Dan questions for Brian: studio@10radio.org

Steve Mr DJ Coram

Date: Tues, January 05, 2010, 08:32:52 ET
Posted by: Q in need of an A,

Would anyone know what kind(s) of mics Donald used in the studio during Aja/Gaucho, or perhaps MTC?

Date: Mon, January 04, 2010, 21:03:15 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Oops - Dias.

Date: Mon, January 04, 2010, 20:28:16 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

I seem to recall - although I just searched and couldn't find it - an interview with Denny Diaz where he discussed that D+W gave very specific instruction not only in which chord to play, but also in how to construct it so that, I suppose, certain notes fell in different octaves - and on different strings - than expected. This may be part of what has been being talked about in the quite interesting discussion (the kind of stuff that keeps us coming back to the Blue, despite the drivel that often appears - that maybe I even sometimes write) of chord structure, but I must admit that most of it as been over my head.

Date: Mon, January 04, 2010, 15:08:40 ET
Posted by: Howard, do-re-mu

Hi all... It's been a while since I visited, but the chord discussions caught my interest (thanks to Shark dv for the tip-off). Here's my take on some of the issues (your take may differ...).

First off, the mu-major chord can either be a standard add2 chord with the root note in the bass (e.g. Gadd2, low-to-high: G D A B), or the same chord in first inversion (3rd in the bass, and always the same voicing: B A D G). Steely Dan use plenty of both types, but it's the second type that has a special SD sound. The discussions here seem to be based around this second mu-major type.

So what name for the chord? As D Rumsfeld said, the name "mu major" definitely gives a clue! Having said that, it really depends on how you hear the chord functioning. To my ears, in almost every case where SD use the type 2 mu major (3rd in the bass), the chord functions as a major chord. So calling it Gsus2/B makes perfect sense to me, as it emphasises this inverted major chord function.

I was never keen on the alternative "Bm7#5" name - but if you really hear it as an altered m7 chord, then I guess that name would fit for you.

A nice way to test how you hear the chord is to change just one note to "simplify" the chord, and play the simplified chord in the same progression. E.g. in the intro to Deacon Blues you can "simplify" to the inverted major (Cmaj7 G/B Bbmaj7 F/A) or to the m7 (Cmaj7 Bm7 Bbmaj7 Am7). In each case only one note is changed in the mu chords. To me, the first one sounds right and the m7 version sounds a bit odd, hence the Gsus2/B name fits best - but it's subjective.

It's also clear from that DF quote that they see the chord as a substitute for an inverted major chord, so the G/B type name seems to match this.

What about Gsus2/B vs Gadd2/B? (as already asked). Since the 3rd of the chord is only found in the bass (confirmed by the SD quotes), I think Gsus2/B fits best. Gadd2/B implies that you might voice the chord with a 3rd in the top part of the chord, which isn't right. But hey, this is a subtle distinction - Gadd2/B still makes much more sense to me than Bm7#5.

As for the F13 question in the DB verse - I actually pondered over this quite a bit when I wrote the transcription. I think the acoustic guitar part on the track plays a simple G6 F6 sequence, but the overall sound seemed to suggest G13 F13 (i.e. there's a dominant 7th in there). But I remember listening a lot to try and figure what to settle on. I'm pretty sure the later F chord in the first line (on "man") is F13, but F6 for the first one sounds pretty good and may be a closer match to the original track (i.e. G13 F6 G/A F13) - I should listen again to the original...

Shark dv: I'll have to check your other chord suggestions for Deacon Blues. I've made a few tweaks over the years to chords here and there after receiving good suggestions/corrections, so it wouldn't be the first time. I'll let you know!

Howard

P.S when I said "in almost every case" above... I think there's literally one time that SD have used the type 2 mu-major as a m7 variant, rather than a major chord. It's a track on Everything Must Go, can't remember which one right now.

Date: Mon, January 04, 2010, 15:07:03 ET
Posted by: Howard, do-re-mu

Date: Mon, January 04, 2010, 12:12:30 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

I must take exception, not always. The voicing is everything.

Date: Mon, January 04, 2010, 07:47:14 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, Corrections & Amplifications

Clarification: The so-called mu major, AS USED BY STEELY DAN, always functions as a major chord.

Date: Mon, January 04, 2010, 07:35:48 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, "Chicago," "On location," "Ooo-La-La!", "How's my little girl?", etc.

Hey, Hey: You're right on all counts. I'd just add that the so-called mu major always functions as a major chord.

Date: Sun, January 03, 2010, 10:43:59 ET
Posted by: Woodman, Canada

Happy New Year Dandom - may 2010 bring you joy and happiness.

Date: Fri, January 01, 2010, 11:17:51 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England

To both the greater and lesser dandom, both near and far, a big, cuddly, ever so affectionate and naturally fully house trained 'Blwydyn Newydd Dda' to to all.

Date: Fri, January 01, 2010, 08:20:36 ET
Posted by: Hey,

Donald Rumsfield-Fagen, about the Dominant 13th: one thing you didn't mention was that in most cases where the 13th is present the 11th is omitted. With the min7#5, the #5 is usually just an intentional dissonance which usually resolves itself down to a 5th, even if the chord that follows isn't a minor chord.

The so-called "mu-Major" is typically used to replace or substitute for another chord. In Peg, for example, it is used as a substitution throughout the blues-structured verse. In fact, it isn't really a 'Steely Dan chord' -- they didn't invent it -- but rather distinct is how they utilize it throughout their music, but I digress.

I figured that Donald would be working on a new solo album sooner or later. Good news.

Date: Thurs, December 31, 2009, 19:12:09 ET
Posted by: shark, outside the stadium

first i've heard of Donald's new solo album. 2010 is lookin' good already!

Date: Thurs, December 31, 2009, 14:27:45 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest just went out in the past hour or so. It is dated December 16-31, 2009. The previous edition covered December 1-15.

You should have this Dandom Digest in the next 12 hours. As usual, if you don't, please email me. Some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc.

Topics in the December 16-31, 2009 edition of the Dandom Digest include:

• Lynne Timmes-Carlock at Bitter End, TONIGHT, New Year's Eve
• Michael Leonhart, et al at Joe's Pub, 1/9
• Victoria Cave, featuring Jon Herington at Bitter End, 1/14
• REDUX: Fagen to record new solo album in 2010
• Bromberger Photo Exhibit: "Can You See What I Hear?"
• ZEROES END: Your Top SD & Non-SD Album Pick & Runner up
• ZEROES END: My Top Non-SD album & Runner up
• ZEROES END: Neko Case
• The 00's: Joe Jackson's Rain
• AT ZEROS END: Fountains of Wayne's "Traffic & Weather"
• Non-zero pick: Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter—definitely not to be confused or affilliated with the glorious (and much more glamorous) Official steelydan.com, walterbecker.com and donaldfagen.com newsletters/mail lists—please email me or see http://dandom.com/dandomdigest

Thanks as always for your support, especially Mark, Bill and John, and of course, Pete & Shari.

Jim

Date: Wed, December 30, 2009, 16:40:21 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Fagen's flubs are forgivable. That cover, however, is not.

Date: Wed, December 30, 2009, 13:06:15 ET
Posted by: Stan,

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/2009-decade.html#/2007_2_30311

Walter Sear of Sear Sound.

The caption reads Sear has survived because "he has tons of vintage gear that computer software still cannot emulate."

Date: Tues, December 29, 2009, 22:40:31 ET
Posted by: Do it Again, Plays Kid Charlemagne

Fagen's lyrical flubs seem quite forgivable after watching this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vXZ4zMQosc&feature=channel

Date: Tues, December 29, 2009, 20:13:29 ET
Posted by: shark dv, not the rio grande

haha... i was wondering that myself.

while we're still on the subject of the Deacon Blues chart, and since i've actually had time to pick up a guitar... there's a couple other chords on Howard's chart that i play differently. not sure who's right.

in the verse, instead of B7#9 i play Bm7b5 or B half-diminished

on the last B7#9 in the solo, i play B7(#5)(b9)


that is all.

Date: Tues, December 29, 2009, 19:50:44 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Tangentially Dan-

How in the hell is same-sex marriage in Latin America "Tangentially Dan"? And please don't tell it's because of the album/song Gaucho!

Date: Tues, December 29, 2009, 09:53:26 ET
Posted by: Tangentially , Dan.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/12/28/argentina.gay.marriage/index.html

Date: Tues, December 29, 2009, 09:48:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I have nothing to add. But I do want to say I am LOVING this discussion.

Thanks, guys.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 22:58:32 ET
Posted by: Shark, found it

i think we're both right maaan.....

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Are You Smart Enough To Like It?
Steely Dan: named after a giant dildo, and still stimulating after a 20-year break

Euan Ferguson
© Guardian Newspapers Limited 2000
Sunday February 20, 2000

'I don't know if it's the greatest chord in the world,' drawls Donald Fagen, sprawled all lugubrious over a chi-chi sofa in a forgettable New York hotel, 'but it's not bad. It's a pretty good chord, a pretty neat chord.'

They've got the Steely Dan chord now. It's a chord, and a feel, which is so instantly recognisable by professional musicians that they now refer to it through this shorthand rather than sol-fa notation. It's a pretty neat thing to have, a chord named after you, so we talk about it for a bit, and Fagen and Walter Becker, his co-collaborator and intellectual sparring partner, the Engels to his Marx, perk up, despite the teacups and the valances.

'I guess it would be a minor seventh chord with a sharp five,' explains Fagen, shifting his long legs around and stretching to life. 'But it's a...'

'It's a tonic chord,' Becker jumps in, marginally the more eager-to-please. He looks at me, helpfully, smiling. 'It's a one-chord, think of the main one in "Peg"...' - but Fagen's jumped back in, keen and passionate, and the two are off again, flying, bouncing wordplay, ideas.

'In other words, the quality is of the kind that, well, although if written on a chart you'd say E minor seventh sharp fifth, what it really is is a C chord in first inversion with an E in the bass and including a second, a D...'

'But with no third above the E in the bass...'

'... it has the stability of a tonic chord, but the cool satisfying quality that a true minor seventh has, in the sense of being... Bartókian. Or Copelandian.'

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 22:08:29 ET
Posted by: Shark, bar 23

I'm just saying i don't hear a dominant 7 when it goes to F, so I'd call it F6 instead of F13.

this is all very interesting. I need to find that interview now.
and I agree about that mu major nickname thing.....

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 20:39:09 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, Hell

You do have the chromatic thing happening, which is why you use a slash chord: Gadd2/B. The /B shows the chromatic movement. No need to call the chord a Bm7#5 when the chord functions like a major chord. Listen to Donald describe the chord in his instructional video; he calls the chord what it is: a major triad with an added second. Remember the chord's (stupid) nickname: mu major. It's not a mu minor sharp 5.

The minor #5 chord is a strange chord that doesn't serve much of a harmonic purpose. One of the few times I would notate the chord as such is if the progression went something like Am7#5 Am7. Otherwise, the chord is probably functioning as a major chord, not a minor chord.

As for F13, that's the name of the chord. What else to call it? The 13 implies that it is the dominant 7th, 9th and 11th and 13th. If it's without the 9th, I suppose you would call it F6/7 or F7add13 or something like this, with the "add" meaning play only that note. My rule of thumb: When you're fully extending the chord--e.g., if you're playing F-A-C-Eb-G-D--notate it as a 13 chord. The 13 means play everything between F and D. If you're not playing the full extension--for example, F-A-C-Eb-D--call that D a 6 and not a 13. But this isn't theory so much as it is preference.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 18:17:36 ET
Posted by: Shark, blues beach

doc mu-
funny!

seems it always gets a little sticky when we talk about handling minors...
best leave it to Donald.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 18:15:11 ET
Posted by: Shark, blues beach

this is funny, because somewhere there's an interview where, I think Walter, talks specifically about the augmented minor 7th and Steely Dan's use of that chord.

also it seems to make more sense to call it Bm7+ considering the descending chromatic progression. just my opinion. I'm sure your knowledge of theory far surpasses mine!

what's your opinion on the F13 chord? yay or nay...

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 14:56:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Italian in their eyes

Shark: Did you feel like Gsus?

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 14:39:28 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, Hell

Shark - but Gsus2/B is the better name because it is really a major chord with an added second--not a minor chord. When naming a chord, you should describe its quality, not just what notes are in it.

That said, Gadd2/B is a better name--the second is an added second, not a suspended second; the third is still present in the bass.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 12:04:30 ET
Posted by: Shark, home at last

Gsus2/B is the same chord as Bm7(#5)... just a more confusing name for it.

and i don't hear the dominant 7 on those F chords.

Howard still da man.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 10:21:12 ET
Posted by: HH, Q

I read something once that D & W were taking questions at some kind of gathering, and a drummer gets up and starts asking them about time signatures, and Walter replied "That's nasty." I think it was on the official site but can't find it online anymore.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 08:51:54 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Bold move but yet, Hutch, you and I surely must admit and agree that music theory is a very subjective experience and can be approached from many different angles...angels? Anyway, in this case, as in most, I believe Howard is correct.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 07:42:52 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Shark - You're questioning Howard's chord names?

Very bold on your part.

Date: Mon, December 28, 2009, 00:18:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Raj: They are buried under 2 stories of concrete next to the Aja outtakes...let me know if you stumble on them!

Date: Sun, December 27, 2009, 22:39:49 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, near the dunes

Howard's charts are really good. There's only a couple chords I would change.

First, the sus2 chords
Gsus2/B is better described as Bm7#5 (or augmented min 7)
Fsus2/A = Am7(#5)
Asus2/C# = C#m7(#5)
etc.

the F13 in the verse is really a F6 (13 is a 6 chord with a dominant 7)

otherwise, it looks pretty good.
I never thought I'd have this song memorized on guitar... but it actually moves in a very logical, mostly descending, progression. i love that scene on the Making of Aja when they isolate the acoustic guitar. sounds great, but is completely lost in the mix i think.

Date: Sun, December 27, 2009, 15:23:03 ET
Posted by: Bobbo, appreciatively awed...

Wow,

Thanks, bro. 13ths and sus2s and #maj7ths, oh my...

Maybe by next Christmas? Ha!

Date: Sun, December 27, 2009, 04:58:13 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

Bobbo, I recommend checking out Howard Wright's transcription:
http://www.hakwright.co.uk/music/tab/deacon_blues.txt

I know the chords are pretty intense, but once you get used to it all, it sounds pretty decent on acoustic.

Hope this helps.

Date: Sun, December 27, 2009, 00:26:14 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Habana gari, all. So songs get stuck in a body's head sometimes to the detriment of all involved. But I mUst encourage all to (yes, even on this late December date) invite in the 'Straight No Chaser' version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Now back to my regularly scheduled rant.

Date: Sun, December 27, 2009, 00:26:01 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Habana gari, all. So songs get stuck in a body's head sometimes to the detriment of all involved. But I mUst encourage all to (yes, even on this late December date) invite in the 'Straight No Chaser' version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Now back to my regularly scheduled rant.

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 23:52:14 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 22:34:50 ET
Posted by: ForwardGirl, Later, skater

Actually, I think DF singing Carey would be a nice companion piece to Gaucho. Could be the same couple in happier times. They used to go to the Mermaid Cafe and laugh it up, and now there's this meddling bodacious cowboy. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 22:17:12 ET
Posted by: Bobbo, entertaining at the Dude Ranch

Hey All,

Is there a genius about? I'm trying to "strum-and-sing" a Dan song, and having a devil of a time. Does anybody know a fake-up for "Deacon Blues"? So far, I'm at:

Gmaj7/F/Bm/C, on the verse. Jeez, this is harder than I thought. Should've stuck to Henley/Frey compositions, no? I can play ALL of those; I'm not proud, OR tired.

Strange stuff to stagger the guests at hand, when you're snowed in, no? Help a brother out, if you're there. Hat2Flat could probably answer this one, but alas, I'm out of touch--anyone? Thanks in advance, and I'll be lookin' for ya.


Okay,
Bobbo

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 16:58:48 ET
Posted by: wazza, Los Angeles, CA

In addition to selling a huge collection of Steely Dan memoribilia, I have multipart Horn Charts for fifty of the most popular songs ever written by Walter and Donald.

These horn charts are organized in multiple binders by the song and successfully used by one of the best and longest-standing Steely Dan tribute bands in the world. Please contact vocalsfromhell@yahoo.com for photos and additional details.

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 11:13:54 ET
Posted by: Rajah, you must remember this

Phoebe, I've been searching for their cover of Carey for years...to no avail. The Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenent will be discovered first. And yes, I can hear Donald crooning those lyrics, a song is just a song, you step into its shoes and travel.

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 11:02:33 ET
Posted by: Woodman, Canada

Happy Boxing Day everyone.

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 09:46:41 ET
Posted by: Ssssh,

It's been quiet on steelydan.com ever since the tour ended. No changes to the main page, no news anywhere. It's quiet.

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 08:54:05 ET
Posted by: Phoebe Homophobe,

Is it me but, wouldn't it be a bit awkward if DF or WB sang these lyrics???:


The wind is in from Africa
Last night I couldn't sleep
Oh, you know it sure is hard to leave here Carey
But it's really not my home
My fingernails are filthy, I got beach tar on my feet
And I miss my clean white linen and my fancy French cologne

Oh Carey get out your cane
And I'll put on some silver
Oh you're a mean old Daddy
But I like you fine

Come on down to the Mermaid Café and I will
Buy you a bottle of wine
And we'll laugh and toast to nothing and smash our empty glasses down
Let's have a round for these freaks and these soldiers
A round for these friends of mine
Let's have another round for the bright red devil
Who keeps me in this tourist town

Come on Carey get out your cane
I'll put on some silver
Oh you're a mean old Daddy
But I like you

Maybe I'll go to Amsterdam
Maybe I'll go to Rome
And rent me a grand piano
And put some flowers 'round my room
But let's not talk about fare-thee-wells now
The night is a starry dome
And they're playin' that scratchy rock and roll
Beneath the Matala Moon

Come on Carey get out your cane
I'll put on some silver
We'll go to the Mermaid Café
Have fun tonight

The wind is in from Africa
Last night I couldn't sleep
Oh you know it sure is hard to leave here
But it's really not my home

Maybe it's been too long a time
Since I was scramblin' down in the street
Now they got me used to that clean white linen
And that fancy French cologne

Oh Carey get out your cane
I'll put on my finest silver
We'll go to the Mermaid Café
Have fun tonight
I said, Oh, you're a mean old Daddy but I like you
But you're out of sight


© 1970; Joni Mitchell

Date: Sat, December 26, 2009, 00:40:28 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, home at last

speaking of Joni Mitchell, has anyone heard Don & Walt's take on "Carey"??? I'd really like to get my hands on a copy of that.

Another top-notch poet and songwriter I've been delving deeply into lately is the late great Gene Clark. I wonder about the connections between Gene and the Dan... D&W have both stated they were Byrds fans, and Thomas Jefferson Kaye produced Gene's opus 'No Other' album just a year or so after recording the Becker/Fagen songs "Jones" and "American Lovers" with D&W.

Date: Fri, December 25, 2009, 23:07:05 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, @home

Merry Christmas or (insert the holiday you celebrate here) to all you Dan Fans. May everyone be happy and safe and enjoy the company of friends and family for they are the true gifts in our lives.

KC

Date: Fri, December 25, 2009, 14:33:34 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Merry Christmas to all. Just listening to my Holy Grail,Saratoga 93.
My first show, my daughter packaged it up for X-mas gift.Gonna wear this sucker out!!No matter what you celebrate,Don Patrol gonna tell you twice, Peace and Love to all.

Date: Fri, December 25, 2009, 11:46:41 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Santa's Village

Merry Christmas to you Hoops and all of Dandom! Have a great Holiday Season!

Here's hoping 2010 brings us some new Steely tunes!

Mark in the North Pole

Date: Thurs, December 24, 2009, 19:56:07 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

just in time for the holidays: a FREE holiday bonus track from Keith Carlock's band Rudder...it's a Rudderized version of an old holiday classic, perfect for listening to while you roast your chestnuts! just go to their website and sign up for their mailing list!

http://ruddermusic.com/

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to my Steely pals!

Date: Thurs, December 24, 2009, 18:45:32 ET
Posted by: Rajah, greeting cards have been sent

Peace to you Dandom.

Date: Thurs, December 24, 2009, 17:19:52 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, So this is Christmas?

Just wanted to wish everyone on the Bluebook a very Merry Christmas! Here's hoping for a new year filled with Fagen albums and Steely Dan shows.

Hope the next few days are filled with love, food, and family for all you fellow Dan lovers.

May visions of Black Cows dance in your heads.

Happy Holidays!

Young Wu

Date: Thurs, December 24, 2009, 12:48:48 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Thanks, Denise.

That Steely Dan also has balls.

Date: Thurs, December 24, 2009, 09:50:18 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the run, Merry Christmas!

Joni Mitchell, along side Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Van Morrison, are all great poets. Bonnie Raitt is not in that echelon.

I've seen Dylan and Van countless times; Leonard finally this year and Bonnie Raitt once about 15 years ago. Her show was OK, but I've been indifferent about seeing her again, even if she just came on to sing "Dirty Work" at a Steely Dan show as she did in the past few years. Maybe I would change my perception if I actually had heard her version of "Dirty Work".

Sadly, I've never been able to see Joni Mitchell, although I own pretty much everyone of her albums--I especially love "Shadows and Light" (pretty much featuring Pat Metheny's band with Michael Brecker). I think that live album is a great entry point for many Steely Dan fans who might not be as familiar with her or think of her as a granola lady from the late 60s. Her takes on "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and "The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines" on "Shadows and Light" are damn amazing as is much of the rest of the double album. The only thing on the album that I'm indifferent about is "Woodstock".

I really didn't appreciate Dylan fully until 1989's "Oh Mercy!" which Dylan has since said that he doesn't like Daniel Lanois' production work. But it's my favorite Dylan. He's had some of his finest albums in the past decade or so. His Christmas album is getting lousy reviews, but check out his "Must Be Santa" video on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plVjC15jhtw Be sure to stick around for about 1:50 in when it gets even funnier.

Joni Michell has said that she used to think Leonard Cohen was the great boudoir poet; now she just thinks Lenny is funny. I agree. Through the early 80s, he seemed so dark and seductive and oblique. Since then, he's really funny and better than ever. Of all of these, I think modern Leonard Cohen is the closest to our favorite duo: Like both DF and WB, LC doesn't have a conventionally gorgeous singing voice, but they are witty, understand Jazz and are very meticulous.

I better run...

Fly low and be cool,

Jim

Date: Wed, December 23, 2009, 23:30:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Chris,

Thanks for posting the link to your show with Jamal's Black Cow. While I'm not crazy about his version of the song, your play list is very nice.

Keep up the good work! I'll try to check out some more.

Happy Holidays!

Date: Wed, December 23, 2009, 15:35:27 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Oh my dear poster, how I echo your well wrought out sentiments, Bonnie and Joni had a ton of heart, something we need more of these days. True artists. Different, certainly, but similar in that respect. Great women, spaveltose, breathtaking performers.

Date: Wed, December 23, 2009, 15:06:04 ET
Posted by: Your Gold Keith, nyc

Greetings, one and all DanFans - it's been a while since I've written...Happy Whatevers to whatever applies to you and youses...

Dan Related Thing: Just found out that there is a film about William S. Burroughs which will will open the Slamdance Film Festival in 2010.

William S. Burroughs: A Man Within, will premier January 22nd.
On filmmaker, Yony Leyser:
Yony Leyser is a twenty-five-year-old filmmaker living in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He has directed several short films. William S. Burroughs: A Man Within, his first feature film. He also works as a curator, video artist and photographer, documenting people who are outside the mainstream of society.

This link is one for kickstarter, and is a site to assist in the films funding.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/williamburroughs/william-s-burroughs-a-man-within-0

However, there is an official film site as well...
http://www.burroughsthemovie.com/

enjoy!

ygk

Date: Wed, December 23, 2009, 12:54:21 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

I find the Joni/Bonnie comparison very interesting in that I have been a big fan of both over the years but never looked at them side-by-side before. Ever since "Blender Blues" I've thought of Bonnie as a quasi country/folky type singer with a great voice and distinct style. She can make you melt with her emotion and laugh with her humor, all at the same time.But I've held Joni at a higher level because of how she was always pushing the envelope, taking her music to new levels. She was the trailblazer for so many other musicians because she wasn't afraid to take chances. And she backed it up with her own personal perspective on life and love and the world with amazing lyrics and music from the best musicians she could find.IMO,they are true Americana music treasures who never got the credit they deserve because they stayed away from the mainstream, just like Don and Walt.

Date: Wed, December 23, 2009, 10:35:26 ET
Posted by: Donald Fagen on, Canadian televison in January!

Innovators In Music is "a new series of documentary profiles on six dynamic musicians from a variety of genres, backgrounds, and disciplines. The series premieres on Bravo! Canada on January 7, 2010 at 8:00PM EST with the Steve Earle episode. The rest of the programs include: Steve Earle, Levon Helm, Mickey Hart, Dave Stewart, Billy Bragg and Sonic Youth."

About the Levon Helm espisode:
January 14 - Levon Helm Come celebrate Helm's "Midnight Ramble Sessions: 69th Birthday Edition" directly from his home in Woodstock, NY, with his all-star band including Donald Fagen and Larry Campbell.

On the series official homepage you can find the quote: Innovators takes viewers behind-the-scenes into Levon's kitchen where the musicians work on te music together before the show. (Look for half of Steely Dan on the recorder!)

http://www.innovatorsinmusic.com/

http://originalspintv.blogspot.com/search/label/Innovators%20in%20Music

Happy Holidays and see you on the Steely Dan 2010 tour!

Date: Wed, December 23, 2009, 09:57:36 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

you guys ever hear Ahmad Jamal's cover of Black Cow? You can here

http://wunh.org/index.php?menutype=Schedule/Listen&page=listen.php&day=0¤thour=18&hours=2

about 45 minutes into the second feed (the one that reads "Radio Show from Mon 19")

shameless self promotion alert! this is part of my weekly show on the station, Monday Night Jazz. never mind my crappy transitions and talk backs -- it's a college radio station, whadayawant?

Date: Wed, December 23, 2009, 01:22:02 ET
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Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 23:34:13 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Dan, I agree. SD concerts are not nearly loud enough, in my experience. But, then again, I like my music LOUD (as long as it is clean).

Merry Christmas/Whatever everyone.

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 18:39:09 ET
Posted by: Dan Puglisi ,

"not as loud as their concerts but loud)"

You got to be f%&king kidding me!

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 13:55:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The key to Black Cow, and most of Fagen/Dan is to play it LOUD!! (not as loud as their concerts but loud), to hear the entire playing field.

Unless this albums are listened to on vinyl, they sound plastic and perverse...loud they become ORGANIC, and make even a Lawrence Welk drummer sound funky.

Important to remember that Donald as is often the case is doubling his voice - to do this - it's an old chorale singing trick: you emphasize the vowels and use little vibrato. The Beach Boys, doo wop, and barbershop music employ this to a T. Donald was using a little echo on Aja and particularly Gaucho, so this effect is magnified The voice becomes another instrument in the band, piquing the harmonies.


Speaking of doubling and harmonies, ya geezers need to take a listen to Liam Finn, son of Neil, mine MMT Beatles and add edge missing from his Dad's music in over a decade. I'll be Lightning is quite a creative find - Liam plays all the instruments.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0A8HygsWYg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSyr-jlXSjo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80gMk22D6bg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUafGn3vJ3U&feature=related

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 13:03:32 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

JD, Bonnie's very moving performance on I Can't Make You Love Me on record and also on that UTube clip which I just viewed was very clean, I don't particularly like vibrato and all those vocal pyrotechnics either unless executed with great control. I love supple and sustained open notes, like Donald on the very end of Black Cow. Bonnie who like DF almost quit the music business in the 80s, heck her performance on this song remains as moving as Patsy Cline's "Crazy." What I think I was getting at about Joni is that she was a great songwriter. But whether in possession of an astounding technique or just a simply clear, intoned voice, it's the honesty of the delivery, is it not, that counts the most. Singing is like acting and the very best do not feign or pretend as many people belive, they are being dead honest. They believe.

Pavarotti had that. In buckets.

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 12:14:26 ET
Posted by: bigsbyvibe, ann arbor

for similar sublimely subtle stylizations sung sans training
i recommend Carl Wilson
he didn't even need no stinking reverb

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 09:05:27 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK

Jaydee:

Spookily, when I read your last post concerning Bonnie (which I totally agree with, by the way), I was watching her "Road Tested" DVD and the track which was playing was "I Can't Make You Love Me"!! LOL

Serendipity eh?

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 09:01:37 ET
Posted by: book search, bs

New York Magazine column on Fagen at the time of the release of Kamakiriad.

http://tinyurl.com/ydqjwsj

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 04:25:34 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

Raj - the Joni thing - yes, I think you are right that, when it comes to vocals, I am mostly a 'blues' person, in that I am certainly not a fan of vocal 'technique'. With opera (a rare pleasure these days) I always enjoy the spectacle, but often hate the singing - all that vibrato, falsetto, coloratura nonsense. There's a youtube clip of Bonnie singing the sublime 'I Can't Make You Love Me', where she holds a long pure note with no vibrato at all - spine-tingling. Must be why I enjoy DF's vocals so much - I guess he must have had some vocal tuition at some point, but bel canto it ain't.

YGT 2 - I always interpreted it (on a vague level) as being about the protagonist's own children - those 'hostages to fortune' whose upbringing is both a gamble and an expense, but who can suddenly turn into strange alien beings, making life seem 'unreal'. The 'strangers' are the new friends they bring home, undermining the authority you thought you had established over your own kids. Just shows that SD lyrics are nothing if not multi-faceted, and open to diverse interpretation.

Incidently - while googling to find out whether 'cover your action' has any esoteric US meaning, first thing I found was an article written by a lawyer called Donald Becker ... spooky.

Will try to hear the Radio 4 prog tomorrow - will be interesting to hear Brian Sweet, and Hepworth is an always intelligent music journalist.

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 02:17:16 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Je te dis merci merci

San Nicole in Bari? I think we can forgive any oversights on that basis.

Love Apulia; Foggia, Lecce, Brindisi, Taranto. Best cuisine on the peninsula...fohgettaboutit.

Oh and how about those Italians' gift for the runaround?

Date: Tues, December 22, 2009, 01:35:14 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Oh, great. I get back from Bari and the Feast of St. Nicholas, and I got the news that not only is jumping off the HOLLYWOOD sign becoming a tradition, but I've gotten my "Your Gold Teeth"'s mixed up. All I can say is, "Oh my goodness. I must have sent the wrong negatives to the police! I mean..." Yeah, the story for YGT2 is mostly the same, but it's the self-doubting, spent, wrinkled queen version.
Talk about your maxima culpa. That's what a guy gets for coming here not so much for renewal but for solstice.
If you look up 'synergy' in your dictionary, seems like B&F's pictures should be there with the "see Steely Dan."

Date: Mon, December 21, 2009, 21:16:16 ET
Posted by: Bobbo, Deep into the Greenbook, West Texas...

Hey Y'all,

I wanted to wish all of the Danners a happy and wild Christmas, or whichever version of the solstice you call your own. I've missed you all this last time around, but Hell--you can't make 'em all, y'know. Suffice to say that I'm happy and making many nice performances still, and I think of you all quite often...

Don't know when we'll do it again, but I look forward to it, for sure. All Friendlies, please note: the new "permanent" email addy is stored here, on Hoops' nifty pager-board-thingy, so get in touch, if you please, and let's reconnect. Love and Peace to you all, and remember to let it swing! Selah.


Okay,
Bobbo

Date: Mon, December 21, 2009, 19:49:58 ET
Posted by: BBC Radio 4 repeat: December 23, Take Two: Walter Becker & Donald Fagen

23:30/11:30 p.m. local time.

"Richard Coles presents a discussion series looking at collaborations between two musicians.

Richard analyses the partnership between Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who formed the band Steely Dan in 1971. He is joined by author Brian Sweet and music journalist David Hepworth to analyse how the collaboration between Becker and Fagen developed and what effect it had on the popular music of the time. The programme also features extracts of some of the band's music and archives of interviews given by the band members over the years."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00h30yr

Date: Mon, December 21, 2009, 19:24:08 ET
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Date: Mon, December 21, 2009, 17:30:23 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in Pennsylvania

This is your Haitian Divorce

http://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/12/style/a-weekend-in-haiti-can-include-a-divorce.html

Date: Mon, December 21, 2009, 14:53:00 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Happy holidays and best wishes to all in the new year.
Thanks to the band & crew for another enjoyable year.
Best to you, Walaka.


http://mysite.verizon.net/vzewy83y/sdxmas2009/

Date: Sun, December 20, 2009, 23:40:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Very good discussion on News. Based on the original lyrics, the female in question is likely in the soft porn industry... along with Peg. Yes and it's about passing down oral traditions.

Date: Sun, December 20, 2009, 18:24:36 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba, the dirty south

Wild guess --

Awesome find. "Buzz" sounds like a really interesting guy, the type that our heroes would have gravitated to.

I also see that "Buzz", for 60 years, lived "up on the Hill".

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 11:56:49 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

OK, well, Gold Teeth II, it's about gambling on the ephemeral level, the first level, but it's more about the beings who speak with their wings and the way that they smile. I am always reminded of the Seraphic angels. You know there's two kind of angels in our Judeo-Christian tradition: the Cherubims who are depicetd as beautiful little infants riding on clouds, derivative quite obviously from Eros, Cupid as we call him now, a being who brings love and is gentle. But the Seraphims were angels of great power whom were sent with flaming swords to do things like set fire to Soddam and Gommorah. Michael and Gabriel. These are not guys you want to fuck with.

And YGT II is a cautionary tale of the dangers of excess.

Just my take folks.

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 10:15:59 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Pbvd's could be cleaned like your auto battery terminal clip-- just whip out your shiv and shave.
YGT2? Women and men are different. A woman always knows when she's going to get to have sex: whenever she says. Next plane, I'm going to be a good looking woman and smile whenever I need/want some/any thing.

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 08:39:30 ET
Posted by: ?,

Better yet, let's see a detailed explanation of Your Gold Teeth II, that is if anyone can figure out what the hell that's supposed to be about.

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 07:42:51 ET
Posted by: Redux,

That would be, "if," Donald only had this problem.

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 07:12:04 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

JD - I got it, you're a blues person. Bonnie is great, strong, but she's no Joni. Of course she knows she packs a superior vocal instrument and sometimes, it's true, technique gets in the way of the music. Donald only had this vocal problem.

Everyone should have a pair of lead lined skivvies, they come in handy for when you're getting attacked and also when you need to give yourself a good hit in the head. I wear them everyday. The dry cleaning bills, however, are prohibitive.

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 06:43:48 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

And Jaydee, I did so enjoy your iambs.

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 06:06:07 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Man, you guys: There I was all this time thinking about Patty Hearst waking up in Stockholm, when I could have been having a row as a wanker. I should hit myself in the head occasionally with Raj's lead underwear (Why do people have to be so mean?). For me it was all about "News." Don't forget those Lark cigarettes.
Joni. Way to use that Cheech and Chong.
So Beaubo gets me to thinking for a moon, or so. I have my accountant crunch some numbers. If 2,000 of us ponied up 3 bills each, maybe we could call the tunes. Frontline might have a venue they could suggest. I've spent more on less.
Happy days, y'all. And Peace Be the Journey.
Oh, yeah. I'll see if I can find (and dust off) my "Ma Belle Amie."

Date: Sat, December 19, 2009, 05:43:29 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

Actress/singer Juliette Lewis just now on BBC Radio 4's 'inheritance tracks' spot chose 'Peg' as the song she 'inherited' from her father, and had a stab at explaining its appeal, then chose 'Voodoo Chile' as the song she would pass on (that's it - you only get to choose two).

Raj - that Joni vid does of course show her doing what she does best (also tenuous Dan connection with Levon Helm on drums), and I just can't quite fathom why it leaves me a little cold. Maybe it's that she seems to slightly over-exploit her god-given vocal facility - dunno. I'll work on it - maybe try to compare her with Bonnie Raitt (who does do it for me) and see if that reveals anything.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 23:49:30 ET
Posted by: Gauchoamigo, North Hollywood

It is my interpertation that, "Slow down, I'll tell you when, I may never walk again." refers to anal sex. Gay guys would know this. If you go in too fast, it hurts too much. They need a moment to get used to it. The song could be about two guys, but probably not.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 23:05:39 ET
Posted by: not my , screamer

There you have it. It's about Feldman's piano, not the narrator's organ as others have suggested.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 21:57:23 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

JD - I'm shocked, OK, maybe Joni is a very American artist, perhaps there's a bit of a cultural gap here. But listen to this and tell me that it doesn't move you in any way:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSZcK48cTiU

I Got the News was all about Victor Feldman's piano. His son played it for me and SteeveDan one day. It is so dissonent and so perfect in its strangeness, convolted and weird. That is really the core of the song, not the sex stuff.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 21:43:33 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

Wow! I'm diggin' all the discussion! Not My Screamer, funny you bring that up, I'm watching the Aja Classic Albums right now on Veoh.

IIRC, I Got The News wasn't featured because they had lost/someone stole the masters to it. It's a shame!

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 21:21:38 ET
Posted by: not my, screamer

I Got the News is explicit yet curiously surreptitious in its vulgarity. Something Prince never quite figured out how to pull off.

It's also become one of my favorites to hear live. I like how Donald comes close to blowing his wad of syllables in each stanza too quickly but is able to stretch out the last one.

It was the only track not featured on Making of Aja DVD. Maybe outtakes will surface someday.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 20:51:57 ET
Posted by: Arnie Headd,

"Slow down I'll tell you when
I may never walk again."

The narrator wants the blow job to last... a good one makes you feel like you can't walk/stand... it bring you to yo' knees, boy!

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 16:59:43 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

Never did get Joni - don't know why, just find her voice a tad, well, annoying. Same with Ella. I'll try harder.

Cerpin Taxt - interesting analysis, but think you are trying to be too 'precise' - always seems to me that SD lyrics are deliberately blurry / impressionistic rather than precise. Though I seem to remember some idea (from somewhere) that 'the news' was some kind of STD.

Fascinating stuff in that Barrytown article - Buzz, Peg - just coincidence ?

Python's reference was to the Larch I think, not Lark.

Nice to see Pete Erskine endorsing my electro-kit of choice, the Roland V-drum set-up. Have dropped subtle hints about the Carlock DVD for Christmas, so fingers crossed !

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 14:39:42 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Cerpin Taxt - nicely done. The Lark was indeed a cheaply made car from the early 60s produced by a now defunct company called Studebaker. But like a lot of Steely Dan passages it has a double entendre encoded in there. Which you picked up on.

Sirens is also a reference to the song that the seductresses of the Mediterranean island Sirenum Scopoli who lured sailors to their death on their rocky shore. So Ulysses had his men fill their ears with wax so they couldn't hear their song whilst he had himself tied to the mast so he could hear but not do something stupid. Home at Last, of course.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 14:28:40 ET
Posted by: Alaudidae, Perching

The lark is a bird; approx. 75 species including the popular skylark; Buick named a car this, hence the previous posts ref. And yes, a very funny Monty Python sketch continually made ref to #whatever-"The Lark" being a tree.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 14:19:53 ET
Posted by: Eric Idle, Pythonland

How to identify trees: #6 - "The Lark"

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 12:58:21 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Wild Guess - that was genius.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 12:25:27 ET
Posted by: Wild, Guess

I think Broadway Duchess refers to "Peg" from "Barrytown" in "Dutchess" county whose husband "Buzz" was director of admissions at "Bard."

http://www.abouttown.us/dutchess/articles/fall07/buzz.shtml

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 10:11:11 ET
Posted by: An Old Friend, ...

Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" release in 2000 is incredible...It's a concept album that traces the progress of the modern relationship through orchestral renditions of classic jazz songs...Two of her own songs are also included, "A Case of You" (1971) and "Both Sides Now" (1969)...This version of "Both Sides Now" done 31 years after the original is quite stunning and a deeply reflective look back...

Oh...And a "Lark" is an automobile, yes?

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 08:37:14 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Feeling dumb...

CerpinTaxt, great interpretation. Makes (almost) perfect sense now. Thank you very much.

Date: Fri, December 18, 2009, 01:23:03 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt (21 Years Old, Semi-Young), Boston!

YoungWu,
I'll break it down the way I understand it, face value. Long interpretation short, I think either the narrator or the female in question is a virgin, and the other person is well-versed in the art of sex:

You
In your Lark
You're a mark
You're a screamer
You know
How to hustle

A lark is "a merry, carefree adventure; frolic; escapade." I take screamer to mean she is loud in the sack.

Daddy
Is a rare
Millionaire
I don't care
Yeah you
Got the muscle
I got the news

Her dad may be rich (is that too literal?), but our narrator doesn't care. She's got what he's looking for and it's between her legs. "The news," I deduced earlier, is likely his male member. Think of it in the context of delivering or giving 'the news' to someone, and the dirty way it could be perceived.

Yes dear
How did you know
Can't you see our love will grow

I could get some flack for this part. It's hard for me to figure out exactly how it fits in to the whole story, but I think "Yes dear" etc is the narrator positively commenting on the girl's prowess. A more proper way of saying "Holy fuck, don't stop, keep doing that, you are making (body part) so (adjective)."

Take it
In your hand
All the sirens
And the band
Get to bendin' my ear
How
Was I to know
About the warm
Soulful secret
You been keepin' for years
I got the news

The "it" in "take it" is the narrator's penis. There is music playing, the city noises outside the window, all of these external sounds and events are making the hook-up more and more exciting. He finds out one of two things. Either a) she is a virgin and the warm soulful secret is her vagina/virginity OR b) our narrator is a virgin and is feeling the pleasures of intercourse for the first time ever, the feeling that girls have been keeping from him for years, because he is a virgin, a loser. "The news," once again, is his penis.

Slow down I'll tell you when
I may never walk again

This could be either the guy or the girl talking. Maybe the girl is coaching him on how to "do it right" or vice versa. Maybe the guy is trying to make sure he doesn't "finish" prematurely.

Broadway Duchess
Darling if you only knew
Half as much as
Everybody thinks you do
What I hear
May be true
I would still be proud
To know you

Not really sure about this part.

Spanish kissin'
See it glisten
You came ragin'
Love rampagin'
I got the news

Another website translated this as cunnilingus. Makes sense. "See it glisten" and "Came raging," red flags.

Yes dear
How did you know
Can't you see our love will grow

This is a line from the original, Katy Lied outtake:

This thing that I found
It's got to explode
The time has come
I know I've got to unload

I think that one is pretty clear.

So that's it, in a nutshell. My first SD interpretation. I wish that Fever Dreams website was still up.

Apologies to anyone if my above interpretation was over the line in any way. I tried to be as graceful as possible explaining it.

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 20:45:51 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Too young? Too innocent?

Ok, I'm sorry... how the hell is I Got the News very dirty? I never understood that one, and I've heard it described like that dozens of times.

I hope I'm not sounding ignorant, but what is this song about that is so filthy?

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 18:18:06 ET
Posted by: Rajah, it's really love's illusions I recall

Noo-no, the best way, dear sir or madam, Joni is our Princess, our prize and our joy. Both Sides Now is a song that I will always and forever hold in my heart. Even a 7th grader could get it.

Here it is, with your kind indulgence:


Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere, i've looked at clouds that way.
But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone.
So many things i would have done but clouds got in my way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions i recall.
I really don't know clouds at all.

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real; i've looked at love that way.
But now it's just another show. you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.

I've looked at love from both sides now,
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions i recall.
I really don't know love at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud to say "i love you" right out loud,
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, i've looked at life that way.
But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say
I've changed.
Something's lost but something's gained in living every day.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions i recall.
I really don't know life at all.

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 18:17:01 ET
Posted by: Travelling Minstrel, The Southland

Concerning Joni---the mid 70's albums are in my view works of absolute genius, especially Hejira. The last two minutes or so of Paprika Plains (from Don Juan's Reckless Daughter)- with Jaco and Wayne Shorter is beyond brilliant.

I must admit however to losing interest in the 80's and have not heard much since. Am I missing something special with the albums after Wild Things Run Fast and Dog Eat Dog?

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 15:54:46 ET
Posted by: P.N., USA

I first learned of Joni Mitchell in 7th grade music class, when we would have to sing Both Sides Now. I (and the rest of the class) dismissed it as lightweight fluff. Was this the wrong way to be introduced?

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 15:51:57 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Oh, dirty, c'mon, as long as there is trust and care in love, nothing is dirty. It's all play, as long as there is profound respect. But yes, I Got the News is a bit naughty.

Joni, my goodness, what a majestic artist.

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 15:41:47 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

After going back and listening to the Katy Lied outtake of I Got The News on a whim, my brain got to working. I looked at the lyrics to the Aja version. Then I realized...

I Got The News is dirty. Very dirty.

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 13:53:31 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

Fellow Joni lovers:

Supposedly the Dan Duo recorded a cover of "Carey" for some Joni Mitchell tribute, but the song was never included in the final tracklist.

Is this song out there?

I would probably die if I heard it.

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 13:04:06 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

oops,typo. I meant "sentiments"

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 12:45:34 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

I echo the recent setiments about Joni. As I've posted here before, I think she is the most important female artist(singer,writer,performer and literal artist) in the past 50 years. And I know there are a few of us who share that belief today.Unfortunately, it may take her passing and years of time to go by before the rest of the world realizes it.

Date: Thurs, December 17, 2009, 01:01:02 ET
Posted by: Rajah, will you take me as I am

That clip of Joni was magic and echo most all of my sentiments.

Date: Wed, December 16, 2009, 12:46:09 ET
Posted by: Sparkle of your China, home

Fagenism-
IMO Joni is everything and the most important musician of all time.
I live and breath her artistry every day.

Here is a wonderful treasure trove for you.
http://www.youtube.com/user/henhenstoll

Date: Wed, December 16, 2009, 08:36:42 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown cubicle

Kalvin, Don Breithaupt's book "Steely Dan's Aja" is an interesting read.

Date: Wed, December 16, 2009, 00:55:49 ET
Posted by: wazza, Los Angeles, CA

Stephen Hurwitz! Tried to reply to your email. I cannot get past your Earthlink Spam Blocker. What can you do to help?

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 23:31:53 ET
Posted by: wazza, Los Angeles, CA

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention the SD T-Shirts and Baseball Caps.

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 23:24:31 ET
Posted by: wazza, Los Angeles, CA

I am selling a large amount of Steely Dan, Donald Fagen & Walter Becker collectable memorabilia for a friend. The collection includes autographed album covers, 45rpm Singles, posters, promotional items and media kits, photos, songbooks, sheet music, fridge magnets, magazines, Metal Leg Fanzines, and many other ultra-rare items I'm sure you would be interested in knowing about. Please contact me directly for a complete list of items that are available, before they hit either eBay or Craigslist. Email vocalsfromhell@yahoo.com
Thanks!

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 21:07:03 ET
Posted by: falalalala, Baltimore,eh

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091215/ap_en_ot/us_music_miles_davis

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 19:53:37 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Good to hear from you, Kalvin.

I would go for Donald Fagen's "Concepts For Jazz/Rock Piano DVD" and Keith Carlock also has a great new video out. I assume that you already have Walter's Circus Money...there's some items to get you started.

What do you think they will add that is new and different to the 2010 dates?

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 19:26:31 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England

Apologies if this is old hat or has already been done, but can any like minded souls (which in some dimension I assume we all are), recommend any golden nuggets/hidden gems that Santa might like to put in his sack and surprise me with on Christams Day...please. With 'probably' no tour or new output, I fear that horizons require repositioning! Thanx in advance to all for any/all suggestions.

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 14:36:48 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Well, ok, I've got it: Antonio Carlos Jobim, a master of melody.

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 12:19:40 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

Rajah:

Thank you for your reply. Joni's journey as a musician and composer is indeed mind-boggling.

I have flirted with some of Miles's music, but for some reason it is not interesting to my ear. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I thrive on structure and memorable melodies. Compared to The Duke, Miles seems way more out there in those respects.

I downloaded Dave Brubeck's "Time out" the other day, which sounds very promising. If you come to think of any other stuff - based on my rather vague preferences - feel free to reply again.

Date: Tues, December 15, 2009, 10:48:18 ET
Posted by: skokiebob, not workin'

Professor Erskine!

http://www.rolandus.com/community/insider/article.php?ArticleId=860&tab=artists

Date: Mon, December 14, 2009, 11:10:36 ET
Posted by: Book Search, bs

This book claims that Pearl of The Quarter was originally cut with Palmer on lead vocals for Can't Buy A Thrill.

http://tinyurl.com/ybnvxjt

Date: Mon, December 14, 2009, 00:45:03 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Ann: Thanks for sharing. Rohl is the leading Egyptologist in England. The original Mandalaband rocked...and really only replaced the lead singler and lost David Rohl morphing into Sad Cafe. The Manchester Band was sometimes considered a cousin to Steely Dan, particularly the albums Facades and the jazzier eponymous album produced by fellow Manchester-ite Eric Stewart (10cc)


Here's the late Paul Young with Sad Cafe on Fanx Ta Ra, one of the best tracks of their early stuff. Nice licks by Ashley Mulford:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P_QWBsvmYg&feature=related

Date: Sun, December 13, 2009, 11:50:11 ET
Posted by: Ann, Borneo

Been away from here too long............ hope all is well with Hoops, all on the Blue, and of course, our heroes.

Happy birthday Skunkster!! 61 and still going strong!

A nice link for Doc Mu here - you might like this one - the band that spawned Sad Cafe was Mandalaband - composer/keyboards/producer was Dave Rohl, who has just re-assembled Mandalaband, with some former members, most notably lead guitarist Ashley Mumford. Back then, Rohl was the Chief Engineer at Strawberry Studios in Stockport (Manchester, UK) and recorded 10cc (referred to earlier on the Blue). He later went back to university to become an archaeologist, making documentaries for Discovery. Anyway, he's popped up again with Mandalaband III "BC", a concept album chronicaling early history in the Middle East. Comments welcome (listen through headphones) - this one's "Eden":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQw8QJUXhSM
Band's website: http://mandalaband.co.uk/

Borneo is sizzling!

Peace to all,

Ann

Date: Sun, December 13, 2009, 10:43:13 ET
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Date: Sun, December 13, 2009, 03:48:18 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Joni along with Laura Nyro and Carol King were among our greatest female composers. I liked Leslie Gore, too, she was cute, the hair was a little scary, however. But consider for a moment that Joni as a player started out as a folk singer with a cheap guitar armed with a few chords and ended up playing with some of the greatest ever, Jaco and Mingus. Now that's an evolution devoutly to be wished.

Start with Miles Davis, you can always backtrack from there. Tune into to a good jazz radio station and off you'll go. I envy your journey.

Date: Sat, December 12, 2009, 19:49:20 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

1. I wrote a post about Joni Mitchell a while back. Having added a few more weeks of deep listening to my Mitchell account, I can now say with a bit more certainty that she is indeed otherworldly. Her voice, her sense of harmony, he compositions... Any Steely Dan fan should definitely give her a chance, especially the stuff she recorded with bass legend Jaco.

2. There has been some discussion about The Duke recently. I would like a recommendation on how to sail deeper into jazz land. Preferably something with structure and memorable melodies, not unlike The Duke himself. Vocals is a plus. Contemporary is also a plus.

Date: Fri, December 11, 2009, 19:07:19 ET
Posted by: Paul,

Babe Choir/Bare Midriff Section alum, Cynthia Calhoun, is still on the road with Julian Marley who was recently nominated for a Grammy in the category of best reggae album. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), every artist she has toured with has either been nominated or won the coveted prized; several (including Donald & Walter), while she was touring or recording with them.

Anyway...Cynthia is currently in Europe through Dec 23rd. After a short break, the tour will resume and conclude in Australia.

For more info, go to www.cynthiacalhoun.com.

Date: Fri, December 11, 2009, 17:39:01 ET
Posted by: Pooh, Corner

seal = Kenny "Top Gun" Loggins

Date: Fri, December 11, 2009, 17:36:52 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" Rest In Peace My Brother John

It has been 29 years now, you are always in my thoughts. "


Amen !!!!!


RIP John .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcdz1IRVoM


Joey

Date: Fri, December 11, 2009, 16:03:17 ET
Posted by: Trivia, Q

Which yacht rocker did Fagen reportedly once categorize as "a seal" because he clapped his hands non stop on stage?

Date: Fri, December 11, 2009, 02:49:52 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

"really enjoyed the Kanye West 'Kid C' sample thang that someone recently posted a link to !"

WHY?

Well yeah - good question as I don't usually go for that kind of thing. Maybe it was the way DF's repeated 'your eyes' became kinda mesmerising, or that the rap actually seemed to be more melodic and less aggressive than usual. Someone on youtube has put up a mix using more of the original Kid C, and one of the comments is "omg, who is that old guy? he has a great voice" - so it's at least spreading the word !

Date: Fri, December 11, 2009, 01:28:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Wow, the Rosie Vela songs don't suck at all. Interesting, winding melodies and Eye to Eye era musicianship.

Date: Fri, December 11, 2009, 01:20:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Raj, Dean: That sounds about right.

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 16:09:02 ET
Posted by: If you're, Interested

Krantz, Carlock, Lefebvre tonight at Sullivan Hall in NYC.

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 15:55:07 ET
Posted by: Do You, Google?

Nope. The Ambrosia singer is David Pack, and the "Undecided" singer is Keith Thomas.

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 15:46:21 ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt, Boston!

Just a quick question:

Currently listening to Ambrosia's "Biggest Part of Me," one of my new favorite jams thanks to Pandora.

I couldn't help but notice the vocalist sounds strikingly similar to the lead vocalist on the pre-SD track "Undecided."

Can anyone shed some light on this? Is it the same vocalist?

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 15:04:03 ET
Posted by: I think Dupree, needs a life

You call that "a clear sign"? I call that grabbing at straws.

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 15:02:45 ET
Posted by: I think Dupree,

You call that "a clear sign"? I call that grabbing at straws.

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 13:50:45 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, snowbound

"Secret Steely Dan message revealed ! ".....over on the Radio Dupree home page....

Very curious !!

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 08:47:59 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

I don't know much about Banacos except that he was a great teacher. Wayne Krantz, Mike Stern. For that alone, his memory should be regarded with respect.

Date: Thurs, December 10, 2009, 00:12:38 ET
Posted by: Dave from Acquisitions, Boston

I received the sad news that jazz pianist and educator Charlie Banacos has passed.

http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/showthread.php?p=497024

I know many Dan fans have a deep appreciation for Jazz and it's possible some of the readers on the Blue may have even studied with him.

Charlie Banacos RIP

Date: Wed, December 09, 2009, 17:50:04 ET
Posted by: ForwardGirl, passim

If anyone here is familiar with the engaging music/pop culture blog Popdose, you've probably seen Dave Steed's weekly article, Bottom Feeders: The Ass End of the 80's, by his description an alphabetical rundown of 'songs from the bottom three-fifths of the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the 1980s'.
Today's post ends with a short blurb on the band Sneaker, of whom I must confess I was unaware. Please don't revoke my Danfan credentials.

http://popdose.com/bottom-feeders-the-ass-end-of-the-80s-part-81/

Date: Wed, December 09, 2009, 16:24:09 ET
Posted by: Don Puglisi , Merrick, NY

I saw Rosie Vela's show at the Ritz in NYC in 1987 or maybe '88. She sounded good but her voice wasn't big enough to fill that big venue. I think Rick Derringer was playing guitar and I saw Gary Katz there.

Date: Wed, December 09, 2009, 16:20:53 ET
Posted by: luke,

"really enjoyed the Kanye West 'Kid C' sample thang that someone recently posted a link to !"


WHY?

Date: Wed, December 09, 2009, 14:19:39 ET
Posted by: t'girl, gtmla

Here's a link to Mel Torme's video singing Good Bye Look.This is gold.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NjwcsHbcDE&feature=related

Date: Wed, December 09, 2009, 14:16:47 ET
Posted by: t'girl, guatamala

Here's a link to Rosie Vela's Magic Smile. Amazing beautiful music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwaiZL51H6I&feature=related

Date: Wed, December 09, 2009, 03:11:45 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

Link worked for me. Never did get to hear Zazu so googled to find this youtube video of 'Interlude', which article says was the track that DF liked the most. Didn't knock me out on first listen, but hey. Clearly Jim Keltner on drums and bassist is Jimmy Haslip I think, rather than WB as one of the comments claims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du6RmQQCxQc

BTW - really enjoyed the Kanye West 'Kid C' sample thang that someone recently posted a link to !

Date: Tues, December 08, 2009, 21:37:21 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Book search- Thanks, but how about a link that works?

Date: Tues, December 08, 2009, 20:13:17 ET
Posted by: Book search, bs

Fairly detailed account of the Rosie Vela collaboration, and probably the source of the rumors at the time that a new SD album was in the works.

http://tinyurl.com/yeulym9

Date: Tues, December 08, 2009, 17:16:57 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated, In fact, I'm very simply demised. Or rather I'm caught up in the throes of my final finals week.

That said, I just wanted to stick my head and the door and point out that Dave Brubeck was among the recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors this past weekend. It's about time!

Gotta run...

"I hear you're mad about Brubeck…"

Jim

Date: Tues, December 08, 2009, 10:33:35 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

www.keithcarlock.com updated with a new look and a few performances listed...

Date: Tues, December 08, 2009, 09:35:32 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Raj,

According to that Ellington book, Roger (The Immortal) Nichols banged the gong at the end of the song.

T. Rex reference mostly unavoidable.

Date: Tues, December 08, 2009, 08:04:20 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Well, Toodle-ooh, I believe it was Jim Gordon on drums on that Ellington cover, Walter on bass, Skunk Baxter on guitar, I believe Dean Parks on the banjo, nice performance there. But it's Donald on acoustic piano and...wait for it... alto sax, yes. Maybe the sax is doubled, probably. Don't know who added the gong.

But that's also Walter on wah-wah guitar, early wah-wah pedal technology, no talk box.

Pretty good, huh?

Date: Tues, December 08, 2009, 00:01:59 ET
Posted by: Ringo, Strawberry Fields

Rest In Peace My Brother John

It has been 29 years now, you are always in my thoughts.

Date: Mon, December 07, 2009, 22:38:19 ET
Posted by: toodle-oooooh,

Is that a muted trumpet on E. St Louis Toodle-oo?
OR a sustained guitar "wah wah" pedal?
OR that "wah wah" hose in the mouth device that Frampton made famous?

Which session musician performed it in any case?

Date: Mon, December 07, 2009, 18:10:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Yes, the Ellington article was superbly written - thanks.



Here's New Frontier from the 2008 tour, from natch the Nightfly album

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pluLCgtj_6I

Date: Mon, December 07, 2009, 16:18:47 ET
Posted by: correction, r

That should read "To klaus:.

Date: Mon, December 07, 2009, 16:16:49 ET
Posted by: Klaus,, r

Young tours regularly with JB.

Date: Mon, December 07, 2009, 15:53:31 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Watched a rock and Roll compilation show from 03 over the weekend and I would swear that Herington and Young played running on empty w/ Jackson Browne. Was that the year the Dan was elected and Jackson borrowed a couple of crack players from the boys? Sorry I meant Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert.

Date: Mon, December 07, 2009, 12:16:13 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

The Ellington influence is huge and palpable in Steely Dan. Thank you for the article, I devoured it.

Even the really old Duke stuff from the 20s holds up, St. East Louis being notable for us, the recording is a little tinny, they've cleaned it up pretty well now though and I always thought of it as a sort of transitional kind of tune, I hear outgoing old ragtime vestiges and the oncoming new jazz era stuff.

Dangerous music, Mother, hold on to your knickers...

Date: Mon, December 07, 2009, 03:12:35 ET
Posted by: t girl, the wee hours

Thanks Book Search, For the sd/Ellington connection link.

Date: Sun, December 06, 2009, 20:05:28 ET
Posted by: hank, Holyoke, Ma

Dean: New Frontier was it as far as the solo songs played on the 2008 tour.

Date: Sun, December 06, 2009, 19:20:13 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

Book Search,

Thanks for the Ellington link. I'm always shocked when self-proclaimed Danfans don't get the Duke connection.

As for Fagen solo songs on Dan tours, SD played Fagen songs in 2008. New Frontier was played in Clearwater, and other venues as well:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080610100651AAd0Fcy

Date: Sun, December 06, 2009, 18:58:43 ET
Posted by: geo,

Dr. Mu- SD didn't play the Nightfly on the 2008 tour. Wrong again.

Date: Sun, December 06, 2009, 13:34:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

MKIA: Again, SD played The Nightfly on the road in 2008 violating your imaginary rule.


I'd love to see a Fagen solo tour in 2010 or 2011, but SD tours rake in more $$$, thus it's doubtful.

Date: Sat, December 05, 2009, 21:06:27 ET
Posted by: book search, us

A book on Duke Ellington. Below is a link to a section about his influence on Steely Dan.

http://tinyurl.com/ydnk35y

Date: Sat, December 05, 2009, 19:28:07 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Like most other intardnets trolls, Mr. Know-It-All isn't letting objective reality get in the way of his preposterous and flatly wrong "theory." Forget arguing with this guy Ray, it's like punching the tar baby. Luckily Walter and Donald are not exactly sitting around waiting for Mr. K-I-A to tell them how things are.

Date: Sat, December 05, 2009, 00:36:48 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

kzkzkz.
Thanks for the youtube link! My wife and I had a great Boogie Balcony time at that show.For me THE highlight song of the tour,"Daddy",Walt was killer on that tune!

Date: Sat, December 05, 2009, 00:14:21 ET
Posted by: Newerkes, omg, don't you want to know

Jaydee London: I was looking for inspiration until your post. Thx first to woodman et al on the recent DIGEST post to email. OMG, I was enthralled the contributions. Now, Jay--I must go back to my studies--Age of Johnson, reading "Taxation no Tyranny." thx for re-focusing me. It's easy to spot a troll. The same ole punctuation problems. Dittos on most everything in DIGEST. Yep, Waltaire, you need some strange. Yep, let 'er rip, ya'll. Kudos to the orchestra for mesmorizing the world once more. Do whatever you wish; we got yer' backs. nwk and tangle ridge date.

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 22:23:24 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in Pennsylvania

now that the tour is over it's nice to see bluebook has returned to a pissing contest...

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 18:48:40 ET
Posted by: Mr. Know-It-All, ny

Lurker Ray - We already went through the New Frontier thing below.

"Walter could care less if Don does a solo track"

How much do you want to f&^king bet on that one!!?

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 18:31:07 ET
Posted by: The Deal,

For 2008, Fagen said he would play a solo track and Becker could play one of his own solo tracks.

Becker decided to do Gaucho instead. He said concert goers only want to hear Steely Dan tracks.

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 18:16:58 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray , Malibu

"This rule (no solo stuff) was instituted after the 2006 tour."

Huh? You're obviously talking
out of your arse.

"New Frontier" was played
nightly in 2008. And it
was because Donald had new
product out.

Walter could care less if
Don does a solo track, especially
if he has new product out and there
isn't a solo show in the works to
support it.

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 17:57:24 ET
Posted by: Mr. Know-It-All, NYC

Lurker Ray- This rule (no solo stuff) was instituted after the 2006 tour. I saw more shows in 1993 alone, than you did for the past 15 years combined!

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 16:24:25 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Mr Know-It-All must not have
been to any Steely Dan shows
in the early 90's. Various
tracks from both of their
solo CD's were mixed in nightly.

The 93 Tour had at least two to
three Fagen solo cuts from Kama
every night and of course an
instrumental "True Companion"
to start the shows.

1995 Roseland - "On The Dunes"!
What a night.

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 15:23:55 ET
Posted by: Grim Reaper,

RIP, Eric Woolfson, of another band that only existed in the studio.

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 15:17:59 ET
Posted by: Mr. Know-It-All, ny

That was two Summers ago and it was one song out of three solo records. Nothing from Morph The Cat which cam out the year before. That the deal both of them have with each other. No solo cuts from either one of them at a SD show. Read it and weep!

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 12:55:28 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, needing a fix

Videos from final gig, eh.

www.youtubecom/watch?v=SeQGfB5PMus

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 12:42:42 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Hey, Mr. Know-it-All:

You'd be more believable re: Walter's hypothetical prohibition of Donald's solo work if the band hadn't performed "New Frontier" as a standard cut on...well, almost every one of last summer's dates.

Nice try at stirring the pot, tho.!

xo CJB

Date: Fri, December 04, 2009, 12:29:22 ET
Posted by: Mr. Know-It-All, NYC

Dr Mu - If you had paid attention over the last few years you would know that DF is prohibited(by WB) to preform his solo work at a SD concert. Oh and by the way .....Fagen LOVED his solo tour! Lexi didn't tell you that...but I will!

Date: Thurs, December 03, 2009, 22:50:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

"and" and Jr are correct. Chill bras.

Really it's the best of both worlds if Fagen releases and album and SD tours with new Fagen tunes and deep solo cuts...mixed with with the usual Peg, DTMA, etc.

What's not to like?

Date: Thurs, December 03, 2009, 19:12:44 ET
Posted by: Ben, Indy

As 2009 quickly winds down I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakah, Reflective Kwanzaa, Funky Festivus, and Big Ups to whatever else you and yours might be celebrating! A special greeting to the cool peeps at the shows in Clearwater, Orlando, Chicago (nite #4), and Merrillville. Thank you Hoops for your time, energy, and efforts. Thank you Rent Party ensemble for being the best band in the world. Finally, thank you Mr. Becker and Mr. Fagen. You gentlemen have no idea how much we appreciate the great times you have provided all these years.

Here's to a happy and healthy start to the exciting new decade!

Date: Thurs, December 03, 2009, 18:09:37 ET
Posted by: SF Dan Fan, San Francisco

Now that the tour is over, and barring a solo tour, all we have is the tribute bands.

I heard the Steely Damned is now defunct.

Can anyone corroborate this?

Date: Thurs, December 03, 2009, 14:29:30 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Dr Mu - Get a grip buddy!

Date: Thurs, December 03, 2009, 14:23:15 ET
Posted by: Mu Couldn't Be, More Wrong

Doc Mu - How can you say: "Fagen is on record stating he did not enjoy the solo tour. Houses were not quite full, and audiences often were sitting on their hands a bit".... and then use this source from "Lexi Says" to back up that claim?

"despite the apparent success of the March tour, the mostly sold-out houses, the screaming crowds, the fantastic performances of the musicians..."

Can you not tell that Lexi said exactly the OPPOSITE of what you claim?

You then write: "But SD on tour makes GOBS of $$"

While in the same post, Lexi goes on to say: "Small venues plus nine heavy cats on stage equals chump change for a bandleader these days"

So, if that's the case, what does it now mean when he is STILL playing these small venues, with now ELEVEN heavy cats on stage, and now he has to SPLIT the chump change with his partner (WB)???

Date: Thurs, December 03, 2009, 12:01:34 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

speaking of DF's 06 tour, there are some gems out there. Heard one yesterday for the first time -- Krantz just SMOKES on every tune. Carlock adds a layer of funk to the Kama tunes that really need it.

Date: Thurs, December 03, 2009, 00:44:42 ET
Posted by: and....,

nearly direct DF quote from somewhere during the 2006 Donald Fagen Band solo tour:

"I tried to do a show with deep cuts and new music, but the audience kept yelling out requests for wormy 1970's radio hits"

which most likely contributed toward the mostly Greatest Hits Steely Dan tour setlists that ensued for most of the last three years.

as they say, be careful what you ask for. you just might get it!

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 23:20:28 ET
Posted by: Mu Jr.,

The source is Lexi Says, No Business section, DF website....

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 21:57:59 ET
Posted by: Fife, Baltimore, eh

Brain Strainer I'm originally from the Ottawa Valley hood, eh.

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 18:57:12 ET
Posted by: Dave, NJ

The link to the 10cc video had me watching some others. In the Godley & Creme video Cry, two of the faces bare a strong resemblance to current members of SD's touring band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxtPRF6NG7I

Name them and the time in the video at which they appear.

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 12:42:13 ET
Posted by: To, JJ

http://www.donaldfagen.com/lexisays.php?pnum=9&tnum=55

Read the finaly entry on that page.

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 12:37:47 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Dr Mu - Please tell me where you read that Fagen didn't like his solo tour. Source please?

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 08:00:38 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Maestro Hutch, you know how I've come to admire your informed musical posts over the years. You must know my only real musical knowledge comes from a decade of singing in bands, a handful of drumming lessons and a course in Music Theory at UCLA. I grope my way through with lots of help from people like you.

Yesterday remains magical and its beauty for me is eternal. That majestic bridge of, "Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say," is arguebly the greatest musical quote in 20th Century pop. Still moving, still perfect.

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 07:46:21 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Raj - Yesterday is interesting also by the fact that it's in the key of F. On the Beatles Anthology cd you can hear Paul explaining the chord progression to George in the studio. Paul had tuned his guitar down a whole step so he could play it with open chords. So Paul played G, F#m, B, Em, C, D7, G, Em, A, C, G.

And George played F, Em, A, Dm, Bb, C, F, Dm, G, Bb, F.

But the coolest thing is that Em you hear on the bridge. It's so ingenious... you just start the bridge on the second chord of the verse and follow that progression on through until it resolves back to the F major.

Simple and beautiful.

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 07:01:30 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

The latest Strainer was:

"When Kanye’s “Champion” came into Dandom’s consciousness about a year or two ago it was so shocking for many that the a line had been crossed, a barrier broken and that this was the first time that a Dan tune was sampled for use in a Hip-Hop R&B piece. Well, I will have you know it was certainly not the first time that a Dan tune or portion thereof had been “sampled” for such a purpose. Though it may not have been the first such Steely sampling, a 1992 hip-hop smash hit by a group known as Joe Public did in fact sample a popular Dan riff.

Name the Joe Public tune and the Dan tune from which the sample was taken. One point will be given for each correct response, even in the event it is not the same individual.

Difficulty level is prolly about a “7”, depending if you iz a rarefied jazzbo or a “4” if you iz from da’ hood……"

THE late 1980’s ushered in what was known as the “new jack swing” subgenre of Hip Hop R&B. Its Golden Age lasted from about 1985 to 1995 when it was fairly mainstream, and influenced a major motion picture New Jack City in 1991. Some of the new jack pioneers of that era were Bobby Brown, Bell Biv Devoe, Keith Sweat, Tony! Toni! Tone'!, and yes, EVEN Paula Abdul. The band Joe Public also was right in there in 1992 with “Live N’ Learn” which did sample the repeating, catchy, alto sax hook that appends each line of the verse of Steely Dan’s “Peg”. Don Fagen’s “Brite Nitegown” is an fairly close example of the New Jack style,. If you are into that, you might want to “delve back” and get into some “new jack”.

It was pointed out that De La Soul and quite a few other groups had done previous samplings of Dan material, but key to this Strainer was that Kanye West was NOT the first, which many Danfans might have previously thought.

First with the correct answers, and the first correct ever for TWO points to get on the board, (inside of 25 minutes!) was Charm City’s Fife. With that kind of speed and hip hop knowledge Fife jus gots to be from North Ave, Greenmount Ave, or somewhere from da' hood……eh????

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 06:54:48 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Indeed, Old Friend, Paul's, "Yesterday," remains one of the most fascinating tunes. That snippet was quite engaging, thanks. The melody for Yesterday, as Paul has told us, came to him in his sleep. The thing starts out in some E Minor thing, then progresses through a few Majors I think, then with some B Flat quote that stopped you dead, was it the, "why," on, "why did she have to go..." maybe? It always reminded my Dad of church music, especially the old, "Oremus," which, if you're an old Catholic, you will remember as the opening of the Offertory in our old Latin mass which I frankly miss very much. Yes, E Minor as I hear it now in my memory.

The lyric is preternaturally simple and piercing and haunting, so strange coming from a young man of only 23 years. I suppose this remains his masterpiece, I've lost count of how many artists have covered it. It must be in the thousands by now.

Played on an early Epiphone guitar as I recall, still great.

Date: Wed, December 02, 2009, 01:16:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Don't: You misunderstand. Fagen is on record stating he did not enjoy the Solo Tour. Houses were not quite full, and audiences often were sitting on their hands a bit. I think it was spectacular. But SD on tour makes GOBS of $$, and that's where it will stay.

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 18:59:29 ET
Posted by: An Old Friend, ...

Engrossed in a book titled "This Is Your Brain On Music" by Daniel J. Levitin and just read this passage (bear with me--there's a payoff at the end):

"The principle schemas (general notions) we develop as listeners include a vocabulary of genres and styles, as well as of eras, rhythms, chord progressions, phrase structure, how long a song is and what notes typically follow what. When I said earlier that the standard popular song has phrases that are four or eight measures long, this is a part of the schema we have developed for late twentieth-century popular songs. We've heard thousands of songs, thousands of times and even without being able to explicitly describe it, we have incorporated this phrase tendency as a "rule" about music we know. When the Beatles' "Yesterday" plays with it's seven-measure phrase, it is a surprise. Even though we've heard "Yesterday" a thousand or even ten thousand times, it still interests us because it violates schematic expectations that are even more firmly entrenched than our memory for this particular song. Songs that we keep coming back to for years play around with expectations just enough that they are always at least a little bit surprising. Steely Dan, the Beatles, Rachmaninoff and Miles Davis are just a few of the artists that some people say they never tire of and this is a big part of the reason."

Very interesting...

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 15:11:51 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

No, Mr. Me, it wasn't Jaydee's video that made my day, it was his sonnet. A small poem of 14 lines, ten iambic pentameters for each line, an unemphasized (sp?) syllable followed by five emphasized syllables. At least that's how I remember its structure. And JD executed it beautifully. Bravo, Jaydee. Here's my favorite, maybe some of you might recall it as well, penned by our greatest hand:

When my love swears that she is made of truth
I do believe her though I know she lies,
That she might think me some untutored youth
Unlearned in the world's false subtleties.
Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young,
Although she knows my days are past the best,
Simply I credit her false-speaking tongue;
On both sides thus is simple truth suppressed.
But wherefore says she not she is unjust,
And wherefore say not I that I am old?
O, love's best habit is in seeming trust,
And age in love loves not to have years told.
Therefore I lie with her, and she with me,
And in our faults by lies we flattered be.

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 10:31:42 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Found this list of Steely Dan samples sometime last year

http://www.xampled.com/xampled/2004/08/xampled-steely-dan.html

Most of these I haven't heard, but in general I dig hearing their sound in a different context. The Kanye sample wasn't really all that creative, but MF Doom's Gas Drawlz takes Black Cow and makes it really sinister (plus, he doesn't go the obvious/overused route of sampling the intro -- instead, he goes with a part of the rhodes solo).

BTW, for anyone who cried "blasphemy" over the Kanye thing, I've got news for you: Not only did Steely Dan approve the use of Kid C, but they made a boatload from it. I doubt they appreciate hip hop -- they've made statements that indicate that they don't -- but they certainly see the earning potential.

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 09:38:47 ET
Posted by: Very Very, Quiet

Jump in the Caddie
Watch hydrants in sight
Flee quickly Big Tiger
In the middle of the night
'Cause there's no escape
From the Swede of Anglo race
You better run run run
Golf whacker's on the case

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 09:33:07 ET
Posted by: Me,

Boy Raj- It doesn't take a lot to "make your day". I thought that vid was pretty stupid.

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 09:07:46 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Brilliant, Jaydee. Thank goodness there still exists someone who can recall and can fashion this stuff. The 14 line little song, He wrote maybe a couple hundred of them, only a few have come down to us. Peppered with some of my favorite nuggets from the Immortal One. Oh I especially liked, "yclept," I didn't think anyone could reach back to that construction. Although I do seem to remember Hamlet saying something like, "they [c]epe us drunkards and with swinish phrase soil our addition."

Anyway, you made my day, lad. Cheers and good on ya.

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 01:03:13 ET
Posted by: Don't Like, Jamaica

Mu,

It's one thing to speculate that Don & Walt may never write together again. But to suggest that they lost so much money on tour that Fagen's moving into a studio apartment...

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 00:26:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dr. Fagen will be back in the studio after the tour.

Walter continues his holiday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5j47--4HYk

Date: Tues, December 01, 2009, 00:21:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

BS: Live n Learn sampling Peg.

The mighty De La Soul deconstructed Peg a couple of years earlier and better on Eye Know from 3 Feet & Rising:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1CaN4thI5w

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 22:45:06 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Jaydee,

Thanks for posting that Beatles mockumentary. Very funny.

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 21:49:04 ET
Posted by: Fife, Baltimore, eh

Live and Learn....Peg

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 21:26:50 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer, da' hood

Tonight’s Strainer is an “audio” Strainer and ventures outside of the realm of the Dan, and involves what is known in the genre of Hip-Hop R&B as “sampling”. AND, unlike most Strainers or Hemorrhagers this one you can Google.

Sampling can range from a snippet or catchy hook or an outright rip for which the original music is sung or rapped over with the sampler’s own poetry or gibberish. This is a controversial practice which can range from exploitation and/or desecration of the original to a well- done interpretation of the original backing track, depending on your perspective. The more time that has elapsed between the original and the sampler’s interpretation the more they can get away with it. I am constantly able to amaze the adolescents who are dumbfounded when they ask me “how do YOU possibly know this song?”. Well, I tell them, that was Rick James’ “Superfreak” from 30 years ago, or whatever. A recent example that will hit home for Dandom was the use of sampling of Kid C. by Kanye West for his rendition of “Champion”. Many Danfans howled with disdain at how Kanye could have defiled such a beloved, or perhaps one of the best Steely joints ever put out. To your average teen or young Kanye fan, it was just another masterpiece of HIS own creation.
When Kanye’s “Champion” came into Dandom’s consciousness about a year or two ago it was so shocking for many that the a line had been crossed, a barrier broken and that this was the first time that a Dan tune was sampled for use in a Hip-Hop R&B piece. Well, I will have you know it was certainly not the first time that a Dan tune or portion thereof had been “sampled” for such a purpose. Though it may not have been the first such Steely sampling, a 1992 hip-hop smash hit by a group known as Joe Public did in fact sample a popular Dan riff.

Name the Joe Public tune and the Dan tune from which the sample was taken. One point will be given for each correct response, even in the event it is not the same individual.

Difficulty level is prolly about a “7”, depending if you is a rarefied jazzbo or a “4” if you is from da’ hood……

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 17:09:49 ET
Posted by: Travelling Minstrel , The Southland

Jaydee!Your sonnet is Brilliant! Thanks- made my morning.

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 13:40:45 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

Passing reference to Aja (at about 2.05) in this amusing piss-take of History Channel style documentaries :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z2vU8M6CYI

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 12:23:48 ET
Posted by: Chip, Cuyahoga Falls

Yes I can relate somewhat. Now that the tour is over I'm feeling a little down. I was able to catch 3 shows this tour, twice in Akron!
I would follow the tour through the website and after a tour stop the first thing I would do in the morning I would check out the blue book to see the setlists and the comments from the fandom. Now its over . I often find myself checking out youtube for live performances. I wonder if the boys will be back next year. I have been fortunate enough to catch at least one show per year since the came back touring in '93. Anyway it was a great year from the best musicians in the world.

Chip

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 11:31:21 ET
Posted by: Woodman, Canada

Does anyone else suffer from what I call the "Dan hangover"? This phenom usually occurs about a day or two after a show and could last for a couple of weeks. I subject myself to listening to all SD/DF/WB related music for weeks leading up to the show. Similar to listening to X-mas music leading up to the Big Day. Gets my engine revving, and assists in building the anticipation of "the experience". Then after their shows, the desire to listen to their music subsides for awhile. Typically a couple fo weeks. Anyone else experience this?

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 10:39:38 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

'Twas ever thus, frequenters of the Blue - these recent groanings and complaints not rare,
At over noisy disrespectful fools, carousing loud where'ere our Dan appears,
Transport me back unto a previous life, when witless wights of not dis-similar bent
Did mar the noble words and lofty thought, our peerless English bard did bring to life,
At London's wooden O, yclept the Globe. Such maxims that still echo in our ears
As 'milk of human kindness' and indeed, 'this royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle'.
Which like our duo's burnished turns of phrase, and solos of such lusty polished gold
As minstrels of past age could ne'er outdo, deserve much more than loutish wittering,
And oafish shouts for Freebird, by my troth . Such sadly oft-encountered rude excess
Must curb itself and limitations fix, to sporting contests where such shouts are apt,
And music-making of the baser kind, purveyed by brazen-chested gods of rock,
As AC/DC, Anthrax and that ilk. Else, dare I pose to peaceful Dan-fans all,
Our choicest course of action for the nonce, is to take arms against such wanton ways,
And by opposing end such insolence.

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 09:01:37 ET
Posted by: H,

There are a lot of people who are not veterans of any Steely Dan concerts.

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 08:59:57 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Anybody catch Matt Taibbi (Rolling Stone) on the Imus show this morning? They were playing his 5 favorite songs....one of which is, My Old School !! No surprise that Taibbi went to Bard College.....

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 08:55:58 ET
Posted by: Mr. Ess Dee, U.S

I thought Alive in America was great because I didn't get a chance to see them in '03 or '04. Now, as a veteran of more than 20 concerts, I have little use for it. Ditto for any potential live DVD.

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 08:48:15 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

I agree.

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 08:13:49 ET
Posted by: Kate,

Mixer - Read it, or put it anyway you want. It's BS!

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 07:17:28 ET
Posted by: mixer, foh

I think what Walter has said about the lack of appeal of live DVDs is not that they diminish the experience of the live audience or its 'memories', but that it takes one thing and tries to make it into another. Live performance is a real-time 'in the moment' expression: it is done, and then gone, evaporating into the air -- and this among other things is what makes live playing so satisfying and special. Immediate musical experience (hearing AND playing) vs musical product. That's how I read it anyway - I will try to find the quote

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 00:22:49 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Fife - Walter's quote on why no DVD will be recorded "it diminishes the "Live" experience for concert goers"

This is something WB would say when he's trying to avoid the question. I like to call it "Steely Dan double talk"

Date: Mon, November 30, 2009, 00:21:51 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Back in Toronto

Only slightly late, here are a handful of personal observations from Toronto II and the tour's wind-up in Montreal............

Thursday's Massey Hall performance of The Royal Scam et al was once again well worth the effort it took to be there, as far as concerns the stuff emanating from the stage. This ensemble is a wonder to behold. And once again the audience around me (fifth row balcony, right of center) found it necessary to spend the majority of the evening discussing work-related matters, favourite movies, the terrible traffic they encountered on the drive to the show, and "Hahaha, ya know what Mike's like, bro!". Just my luck to end up behind another group of dullards who feel it's appropriate to use a once-in-a-lifetime live performance as a backdrop for their low-grade socializing. I found myself thinking that it would have been great if Miles Davis had been sitting with me.......he would have straightened them out, I suspect. He wasn't with me, though. Too bad.

Fast-forward to Saturday night in Montreal. The "Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier" is another great room, and as such it is normally reserved for high-calibre performances only.........the symphony, the opera, a few jazz acts.......and now our pals Steely Dan. There were no musical surprises (and none were expected, really) but I was fortunate enough to be seated in the fourth row on the floor, about forty feet or so from the great Jon Herrington. The impact of the music from this band at this proximity is incomparable to any other live act I can think of. So powerful was the intensity of the music in my section, that folks in at least the first five or ten rows were simply unable to fully concentrate on their mobile phones, excruciatingly banal conversations, and non-stop bladder-voiding, and as such were forced to actually pay attention to the matter at hand...........the music. Even more gratifying for me personally was the presence beside me of a young early twenty-something couple who literally hung on every note of every song played. They mouthed lyrics, cheered, and generally spent the evening grinning from ear to ear. After enduring some of the rude, selfish conduct at so many recent shows, I was heartened to see some real fans, and very young ones at that, caught up in the event itself. Great stuff. There were even a few laughs to be had as DF engaged in a stunning display of bilingualism when he introduced WB as "Mister Wal-taire Beck-aire!" to the mainly French-speaking crowd, and as WB oversaw the presentation of three "stuffed toy" gifts to the ladies of The Choir. The cuddly plush toys were, in his words, "not unlike a stuffed lion once owned by the famous American comedian Soupy Sales". Go figure.

All in all it was another memorable tour. Once we all realize that we're (sadly) not going to get the entire EMG or 2VN albums performed along with some solo tracks and just a few radio favourites, I think we should be grateful that we're still getting this consistently-excellent calibre of live show from our favourite band. Every time you see them could be your last, folks. I try to remember that fact if I'm ever tempted to complain that I just saw them play "Don't Take Me Alive" or "My Old School" yet again............

Regards,
M/O/D/P

ps - As an aside to my earlier comments here regarding the first Toronto show............far from being an attempt at "sacrilige" or any other willful abusing of anyone's firmly-and-deeply-held concert-hall-beliefs, my favourable comparison of Toronto's Massey Hall to the newly-restored Beacon Theater was merely a general observation on venue styles. As opposed to some of the SD "casino" shows I attended in '07 and '08 ("Niagara Falls NY" and "Casino Rama", for example) with their poor accoustics and even poorer seating arrangements, Massey Hall and the Beacon are both actual "concert halls" where the primary purpose of the room is to present live music........not merely to goad the terminally gullible into haemorrhaging hard-earned cash on idiotic games of chance, nor to crassly hard-sell overpriced generic alcoholic beverages in an oversized high-school gymnasium. It was just an opinion from a fan who's spent quality time in all of the venues mentioned, we understand. Gee, I'm glad I cleared that up.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 22:10:05 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

..or likely not sell very well and possibly diminish ticket sales for another tour that is a much more lucrative opportunity overall.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 20:03:58 ET
Posted by: Fife, Baltimore, eh

I do believe Walter addressed the whole Live DVD concept saying that it wouldn't happen because it diminishes the "Live" experience for concert goers....

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 19:55:58 ET
Posted by: Bill Catsangolo,

Where does it say that there won't be anymore SD recordings?

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 19:48:25 ET
Posted by: tomorrows girl, lss

I'd be satisfied with a new Fagan cd or a tour cd or dvd.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 18:56:17 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

How about a nice DVD set from the last tour? Or any tour.

Wonder if we'll ever see it happen?

The logic behind NOT doing that is beyond my comprehension.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 17:05:52 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

No Mu, don't say that, these Two are One. Always will be.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 16:55:13 ET
Posted by: That's sad,

It would've been real nice to have another SD album. But if it's true that Don and Walt will likely never write together again, then at least I'd hope that Donald's work ethic wouldn't permit him to sit around for the rest of his life doing nothing much worthwhile. I have to believe that he'll put something together. He's just too creative.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 16:11:05 ET
Posted by: Sixteen, Or More

It's no substitute for another CD, but I'll take a new SD song on a movie soundtrack over nothing.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 15:45:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, @ the Western World

TG: Not likely going to happen. Looking forward to a new Fagen album in late 2010 or early 2011...and hopefully, a SD tour with new Fagen songs to support it. I don't think DF will try a solo tour again based on his post-mortem comments, although there's good evidence to suggest that this tour was one of their best, if not the best.

It's highly doubtful that Walter and Donald will write together again.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 15:23:07 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Chris, the only worse thing will be when we don't see that anymore.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 15:18:39 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

One nice thing about the tour ending is the fact that we'll stop seeing reviews titled STEELY DAN STILL REELIN IN THE YEARS for at least a few months.

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 11:58:00 ET
Posted by: Pete Keener,

... "they got to a point where they could no longer hide behind their lyrics. They could no longer superciliously pretend that they were simply observers, note-takers, clever critics and witty word-smiths unaffected by life's common conundrums. Being brazenly brilliant and worldly wise they were always ironically one step from total disaster themselves."

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 09:22:24 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Happy Birthday to Pete Fogel and Keith Carlock!!!!

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 08:08:11 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Back at work and barely conscious

saturday night's show was a double edged sword for me. Great show,Low ticket sales.Probably means I,ll be on the road for future Dan shows. But thats OK.Because after this three show mini tour for my wife and I,(t.o. mtl)we'll take walter up on his offer to come on down to NYC and catch some shows there.Back at work now after 2 hrs sleep.the home 'puter lost the web connection,so it may be awhile 'til I post.But as others have said here on the Blue,a great 2009 and let's look forward to 2010.Whatever it brings.To any and all persons I met at shows,it was great to meet you!Peace!

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 08:08:00 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Back at work and barely conscious

saturday night's show was a double edged sword for me. Great show,Low ticket sales.Probably means I,ll be on the road for future Dan shows. But thats OK.Because after this three show mini tour for my wife and I,(t.o. mtl)we'll take walter up on his offer to come on down to NYC and catch some shows there.Back at work now after 2 hrs sleep.the home 'puter lost the web connection,so it may be awhile 'til I post.But as others have said here on the Blue,a great 2009 and let's look forward to 2010.Whatever it brings.To any and all persons I met at shows,it was great to meet you!Peace!

Date: Sun, November 29, 2009, 07:34:17 ET
Posted by: Montreal, Review

http://www.canada.com/entertainment/Steely+still+reelin+years/2281643/story.html

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 23:03:51 ET
Posted by: tomorrows girl, lone star state

I'm ready for a new SD album. It's overdue.

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 22:28:12 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Right/ Sad day when a God Bless registers as [brown nosing]. God Bless you never is intended to harm or hurt/ merely a way to confirm our humanity and show I am no better than youor you me or Raj. Once again God bless all on the blue/ even you Mr Right.

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 20:32:16 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Oh Canada -

"I am driving to Montreal from Ottawa on Saturday and back on Sunday. I could be convinced to share my car with, oh I don't know, one or two persons who meet some minimum level of personal hygeine, preferably female, and hopefully willing to try new things. I'm not saying you'll get to spend your birthday in Spain, but I'm not saying you won't either. It would also be useful if the word "creepy" is not part of your vocabularly."

- Mr. Garland "Creepy”? You make the call.

One of my favorite posts from
the tour - "vocabularly"! Have
a great last show! Hopefully
they will "Play Two" just like
they did to kick-off this whole
great ride in Boston earlier this
summer.

35 degrees at show time tonight, but
Denver still holds the record for
the "coldest" post 1974 Steely Dan
show - 9 degrees and it was only
Oct 29th.

Any truth to the rumor that they
are now playing a private birthday
party in Canada tomorrow night?

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 19:36:57 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

What's next? - Recording is what I hope will be next. New material. Something to REALLY get excited about.
If they go out and tour next year what could they possibly do that would be different or new? They're NOT going to play a lot of deep cuts. We already know that.

There may be another DF solo tour.
There will never be a WB solo tour.
Even if they put out another SD album and toured after it's released would they play any damn songs off the new album? If we're lucky maybe one. Maybe two. That's kind of sad isn't it?

I know I sound like the Supreme Buzz Killer but I don't mean to sound unappreciative. I just want to see these two genius songwriters continue to move forward.

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 16:27:11 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

You have no idea what was done to me. No, I'm not a nice guy but I'm a good guy. And if I ever meet up with you, you will stroke my hand and kiss me sweetly on the cheek, I'm that kind of guy.

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 16:06:39 ET
Posted by: John Walsh, AMW

Rajah - I know a lot more than you think. Please don't play the innocent "oh why me" card. Yes, you're basically an nice guy, that has done a lot of bad things.

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 15:10:54 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

What a great summer and fall it has been with all the fantastic shows by the boys and girls, and, all the reviews, comments and tweets here on The Blue !! Will surely miss all the excitement of the last several months......but am already setting aside mucho piasters for next summer's / fall's tour dates. Please continue all the good times, Donald and Walter !!! We can't wait for the next tour to start......

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 14:24:12 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

The tour ends tonight. Let's hear some strong love from you. The best is yet to be. Onward, Steely Dan...

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 12:17:43 ET
Posted by: F them rajah, so cal

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 10:41:41 ET
Posted by: The end?,

Today brings the 2009 tour to an end.

What's next for the boys?

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 10:19:58 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

I have been your faithful observer for lo... these many years. And I am truly and sincerely humbled by your attention and your general regard. All of you. Also, of course, I am abundantly armed against the slings and arrows hurled against me. But they hurt just the same. Especially when they come from an anonymous and cowardly source. Shame on you dear sir or madam, shame. Shame on you. You don't know me, you have no idea of what I have lived through or what I carry in my heart. I would like nothing more than to splay out a test of expletives right now against this hurtful person but I respect you all too much to do that.

So I won't.

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 09:13:31 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

I think the last two concerts I've seen (Phoenix 2009 and Albuquerque 2008) were on par musically to the shows of 2000. 2003 was good but there seemed to be something missing up until the last two years. Not as crisp. Maybe its the current line up I dont know. Also, Don's voice has been as good as ever and he really seems to be more into the performance. In Phoenix he was as animated as I've ever seen, even more so than the rest of the band. I hope 2010 brings more of the same.

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 07:07:30 ET
Posted by: right, right

dont brown nose klaus raj can take care of himself

Date: Sat, November 28, 2009, 06:32:56 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Lighten up Danfans/will ya? 2009 was a great year for Don and Walt and us!! These attacks on Raj and others have no place amongst friends'Ones biz is ones own. All the serious Steely fans I know and grew up with are pretty smart and decent folks/ stop the backbiting and remember why were here. Steely Dan gives us enjoyment the same as Bach or Picasso gives others. Raise your glass to another great year where we got to see the best band in our lifetime flaunt their talent. God bless Don and Walt and Raj and heres hoping 2010 brings them out again so we can spend our money and time on something we all love THE MUSIC. Perhaps the [boys] actually enjoy and need us/ha ha. Give em hell tonight Canada/ let them know we need them around for years to come.

Date: Fri, November 27, 2009, 21:03:55 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

A very sad fellow, are you not? Seek help.

Date: Fri, November 27, 2009, 19:34:25 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Edit #1

Forgot the friggen link...

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/11/black-friday-walmart-in-upland-temporarily-closes-after-fighting-inside.html

Date: Fri, November 27, 2009, 19:31:40 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, When Black Friday Comes!

"I'll stand down by the door."

Essential music for today. Espeically for watching all the white trash rush into Walmart to save 10 bucks on a Wii came.

Date: Fri, November 27, 2009, 16:55:54 ET
Posted by: John Walsh, AMW

Yes...come back to a piu presto because Rajah isn't allowed back in the USA!

Date: Fri, November 27, 2009, 14:26:36 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Thank you Steely Dan for the summer and autumn tour. We will not soon forget. Come back to us a piu presto. As soon as you can.

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 21:33:03 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

From the Toronto Sun Review:

"...one women who danced backwards up the aisle..."

Maybe she was a Captain Beyond fan.



Love the new Blue. Never thought I'd say that about a gated community.

Happy Thanksgiving, Danfans.

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 18:22:12 ET
Posted by: Illegal Fun, Under the sundown

Looking at the picture in the link below that shows Gordon Lightfoot (who is a full decade Fagen's senior) along with Steely Dan on the marquee makes me hope there will be gas in the car for some time to come.

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 17:50:46 ET
Posted by: More Canadian, Stuff

Review:

http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/entertainment/music/article/64369--steely-dan-still-worth-the-money

Interview:

http://www.hour.ca/music/music.aspx?iIDArticle=18772

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 15:56:52 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for all of the great
Toronto reports. Sorry to
hear about all of the "chatter".
I hadthe same situation at IR
Night in Chicago. Worse I have
ever witnessed. Why even go to
the show? What a waste of major
money.

BTW - To make similarities
between the historic Massey Hall
and the Beacon Theatre is
sacrilege!

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 15:10:56 ET
Posted by: Woodman, worse case Ontario

Happy Bird Day Cousins,

Location. Location. Location.
Often used statement. Often abused statement. Yet used in a proper context, like the scene of Steely Dan's concert last night, it can only be summed up in the aforementioned three word. Massey Hall has clearly established itself as a world-class concert hall, containing all of the charms one would expect from a Hall over 100 years old. from the Sonics to the ambience this has to be the Dan's favourite place to play in Canada. And it showed. Google Massey Hall and view the pics of the pplace. Truly remarkable.
I have accepted the fact that at the end of this decade, the decade of the "Touring Dan" my chances of fulfilling a dream and seeing Mr. Carlton play with the band have evaporated. Outdated passport. Being the "northern cousin" gets you some perks, crossing the border after 9/11 without a passport isn't one of them. Thanks a lot Bin Laden! Last night made up for this disappointment.
No need to breakdown the setlist, there were no surprises there. Aja, their uber gift to the music world was performed with the perfection demanded by it's creators. It was a personal thrill to hear Cow and Deacon live again. Donald's piano intro, then the funky backbeat of Home was definitely an achievement worthy of any and all accolades. This 40 something bladder of mine decided that during Josie, it was now - not later - just now. As a result I heard most of the song in the echo chambers of the Men's Room, while my body said thanks. Keith was Keith, I can find no other words to describe his playing. When watching other bands play live, all drummers are compared to Keith. A more effective compliment is harder to articulate.
By the time Bodhistava started to crank up the energy level, it was quite apparent that Donald was having a very good time. He was the most gregarious I have seen him. Laughing or smiling throughout, he laid claim to "playing some of the songs we have made over the last 50 years or so". Often he did the "Richard Nixon" salute to the crowd, standing center stage, while facing Keith (Donald's hands up in the air, giving the peace sign). His work on Godwhackers was hilarious, as he attempted to match note-for-note with the horn section, while choreographing some "Fagen Shuffle" in front of them. Walter was subdued, and while watching him play (I recently took up guitar lessons - "Happy Birthday" has never been so tortured) I often wondered whether he was playing at all. His fingers danced across the frets, in no certain pattern, even though he was not soloing. It made me wonder whether his guitar was turned down for a reason. On a number of occasions, Walter's paying did not go in the correct timing, often strumming even when there was no need to strum. Because I couldn't hear what he was playing, this led me to believe his volume was mixed way down. And sadly the Becker schtick was taken from us on 19. Walter sang Daddy, and then introduced the band (called the ladies the "Angels of the band"), saving his humour for Donald's intro. He called Donald a Renaissance Man amongst other things as a world-class writer, songwriter extraordinaire etc - or just short of calling him Da Vinci. Jon did most of the guitar work throughout the night. Although I have documented my adoring love of this man's playing, I have to admit that there were times when Jon's work slightly missed the mark. And even though this may sound contrary, I did get the distinct impression that Jon was adding his own spin on things. Deviating only slightly from the original recordings, yet to this ear, a discernable difference interfering with expectations. He did not disappoint and has obvious gained something from playing with Larry. Forgive the brashness but - the ladies nailed the Dirty Work. Their rendition last night was the best I have heard. And Donald even acknowledged Mr. Palmer! Kid C. grooved almost into a jam. Itchy had the place upon their feet clapping along and has deservedly earned it's spot on the list of all-time favourite Dan tunes played live (yes, the irony is not lost, it is a tune the band didn't write, never recorded, and Donald has never sung it yet I look forward to Steely Dan performing it now going on close to three years).

Twenty years ago, attending a concert was something extremely different then the experience today. And I will focus only on the experience from the seats, NOT from the stage. "Back in the day" once the show started, the only social interaction would involve passing your favourite herb down the aisle, or passiing the wineskin around. Nowadays the behaviour of the audience has replaced that social activity with behaving like they are in their own living room. It is not only distracting, but it is impeding on the enjoyment value for those around "the scrum". Last night was no different.The lads behind me were compelled to talk about everything else rather then concentrate on the show. I also witnessed one person answering their cell phone and attempt a conversation during the show. And there was lad who texted throughout. I understand it is not the "World according to the Woodman", and I hate preaching, but am I the only one who is annoyed with this? The 40 something bladder is bad enough. Can I not just watch and listen to the show?

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 13:42:39 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

BTW: Thanks for sending the article links. I like the ones where Donald, Walter and their associated are interviewed or at least quoted; I really think outright reviewsin the media are obsolete. I know in Chicago we have two supposedly national caliber rock critics with their own public radio show and writhings in Rolling Stone, etc, but when it comes to reviewing Steely Dan, more often than not, they make fools of themselves. Thanks to the Danizens who email or post their own reviews. They are so much more worthwhile.

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 13:38:50 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Happy U.S. Thanksgiving, everyone.

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 10:10:58 ET
Posted by: Toronto Sun, Review

http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/columnists/jane_stevenson/2009/11/26/11929376-sun.html

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 08:55:47 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Still reelin'

Wow... awesome show last night by the boys. Two hours of perfection.
While I'm a lightweight on the Blue, seeing them only 4 times in the last 4 years, I thought Donald Fagen was the best I've ever seen. Loose with a big smile on his face the whole time. But the whole band was perfect.

Aja straight through live was very cool. Deacon Blues (never seen it live before) and Home at Last were definitly the highlights from that set for me.

First time at Massey Hall for me. Great venue, perfect for a Dan show. Also my first time in Toronto in a few years. Love that city, wish I had gotten there earlier to spend more time there.

While the first report of the show said the crowd around him kinda sucked, I thought the audience was without a doubt the best I'd ever seen at a Dan concert. Very loud and appreciative, even during Deep Blue Trio. Speaking of which... can you get more jazzy than three black guys from Chicago?

I had convinced the other 2 people in my group that My Rival was the one encore, both of whom really wanted to see Reein'. So it was pretty funny seeing them freak out when that guitat started.

One final note: Finally met me a bluebook poster... Don Patrol, which was really awesome. By the way Don, sorry it took me a couple of seconds to register what was going on. Wasn't expecting anyone to address me as Young Wu in real life. (Also, loved the Aja shirt!) Too bad there wasn't any meet-up planned before the show, at least to my knowledge.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the American posters... and have a good time tonight Don Patrol and others who will be rocking out to the Scam while the rest of us in the States fall asleep from turkey overload.

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 04:25:32 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Dear Poster, you have a great command of the English, you must post more often. Please, ti prego.

Date: Thurs, November 26, 2009, 02:30:40 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto

Toronto part one: Another jaw-dropping show. The band was in fine form......everyone on stage seemed to be really connected to the performance, and the resulting spectacle was as good as any live musical act I've seen in a long time. DF in particular appeared to be enjoying himself, and he was more animated and enthusiastic than when I saw the band at a shabby "casino" auditorium north of Toronto in '08. Tonight's venue, Massey Hall, is rather similar to NYC's Beacon Theater, and as such is also a great place to see and hear live music. "Godwhacker" was a standout ("again") for me, anyways.

The set list was the same as posted here for the DC "Aja" show, except that "Show Biz Kids" was replaced by "Green Earrings" tonight. WB didn't do his usual spoken bit during "Hey Nineteen".

I wish I could say something nice about the audience.....the people around me, anyways. The "Classic Rock" lunkheads behind us talked loudly and incessantly about their lives/jobs/bodily functions ad nauseum throughout the 30-minute set by The Deep Blue Organ Trio and well into "Aja" until they were asked by yours truly to show some respect for the musicians on the stage. The folks in front of us spent most of the night chatting loudly, checking their phones, and getting up to use the facilities. I hope it was just my section (seventh row balcony, right of center), but too many around me appeared unable to tell the difference bewteen "going to a bar" and "attending a live musical event".

I'm going to Thursday's "Royal Scam" show and then it's on to Montreal for the still-as-yet-uncancelled Saturday performance. I know the band will deliver. I just hope the audiences don't soil the proceedings.......again.........

Date: Wed, November 25, 2009, 11:46:37 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, 8 hours till Toronto!

Anyone know if there is an opening band for the Toronto show tonight? And if there is, any guess as to when the Dan goes on stage? Same as the states... around 9 or so?

Date: Wed, November 25, 2009, 10:06:27 ET
Posted by: WuDuF, smooovland

Nice post and review, Jive Miguel.
You said "Herrington was razor sharp, as expected, and played off the other instruments intuitively. Very satisfying. He never disappoints, ever."
I could not agree more or have said it better.

Date: Wed, November 25, 2009, 09:06:45 ET
Posted by: Cleveland, Rocks

No newspaper reviews for either Philly or DC. Yet a Cleveland reporter trekked on down to Akron and gave a review covering both nights there. Go Browns.

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 22:54:24 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, DC

Some observations on the 11/22 Sunday Aja + show in DC:

First of all, the band is absolutely at the top of their game. They were firing on all cylinders, very tight, and the lighting choreography was sensational.

The horn solos were exceptionally tasteful and well-honed after months on the road.

Don was full of energetic animation and obviously having a good time. Don's fragile pipes were strong, relaxed and flexible. You could feel his confidence, as he eased into high notes and phrases that I've heard him back off from in some past performances.

Herington was razor sharp, as expected, and played off the other instruments intuitively. Very satisfying. He never disappoints, ever.

Walter was smooth and melodious in his Grant Green sort of way, although his Hey 19 story was rambling and pointless, something about searching for the Cuervo aboard the SD barge, which floats from show to show. I much prefer his great "boy seduces girl" stories.

Carlock is the spine of Steely Dan, propulsive when necessary, subtle when called for. He's simply a monster.

Beard is terrific on the keys, and was given plenty of spotlight to demonstrate his chops, particularly with a superb intro to Babylon.

The acoustics were somewhere between "good" and "very good" from our vantage point, and as talented as Freddie is, the bass was a tad muddy and loud in the mix.

Finally, the "choir" as Don called them. Truly the best "teamwork" I've heard, and they had plenty of space to air it out, between Dirty Work, Itchin', and their soulful fills and harmonies all night. All of them are great, and Russell has the "purest" voice among the 3.

For some reason, Show Biz, which was ironically my least favorite SD tune over the years, now stands out as the quintessential SD concert tune.

I've lived in DC for 7 years, and honestly, I don't find DC to be a passionate music lover's town. Politics, law, type-A white collar professionals, and no true jazz station in town. In fact, the FM radio stations are mediocre at best. The couple in back of us were yammering through the Deep Blue Organ Trio pre-show. I asked them in the intermission if they'd seen Steely Dan before, and the guy said "Yeah, I saw him in 2003". They started yammering again during Black Cow, this time louder so they could hear each other above the music, and I turned around and politely asked them to stop, which they politely did. By 10:15 they were gone, probably having to get up for an early deposition. So the crowd was enthusiastic and highly appreciativtreasure.e, but not raucus like the Beacon, or even the Borgata in August. And, not nearly as many hot babes.

What an amazing band, truly a national treasure.

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 21:40:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

booksearch: This is much closer to the truth and dark sarcasm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOrLP-TBXgI&feature=related

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 21:13:18 ET
Posted by: Random, everywhere

Walter's girlfriend died of an overdose. Story goes Walter and she were partying at his place and in the morning he woke up and found her dead.

Re empty seats: 2 for 1 deals and slashed prices in tne Northeast? Um what venues are you talking about? I saw 3 shows in the northeast (Boston, Foxwoods MGM and Philly). All were sold out or nearly so with no deals.

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 19:21:02 ET
Posted by: W. Tonia,

Book Search -

I wonder if WB's girlfriend was Karen Stanley at that time?

If so, how did she die?

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 19:13:14 ET
Posted by: book search, bs

Glenn Frey's account of the genesis for the "Turn up the Eagles" lyric. I never heard this before.

http://tinyurl.com/yeqthkh

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 19:07:42 ET
Posted by: Too Many Empty Seats,

Just viewed the photo of the D.C. show. Wow. I also read where they drew less than 1200 for the Internet Request Night in Frisco. Considering the fact that the Fagen/Becker duo have an apparent low opinion of "red states", I find it ironic that their best attendances and crowd responses on the Rent Party Tour tour were south of the Mason/Dixon line. And they didn't have to slash ticket prices and offer two for one deals like they did in the big cities in the Northeast. Go figure.

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 15:25:04 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, MCO

Best SD show I saw down her in FLA was two years ago at Clearwater, and that was on a Monday night.

Having said that, I agree with everyone that shows Sun-Wed are very tough for any sort of travel because of work and other demands. In fact, this year, I had a shot at a double dose of the Dan but turned down a Tuesday night show because it meant driving 2 hours in rush hour traffic to go to the show and then getting home well past midnight. Does not work on a schhol night.

Let the Lady Gaga crowd have their shows on Monday and Tuesday nights and clear the venue for us old folks on the weekends. They don't work, anyway.

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 14:55:29 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

looks to me like the Twitter pic was taken during the opening act, or during the set change...the house lights would not be on during the SD show...

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 14:05:55 ET
Posted by: KelleyO, Washington

Tour Plotter: How about leaving Sundays and Mondays off the sched completely. I think that contributed to the problem in DC. I can't vouch for the Sunday performance(though the Twitter Pic posted earlier kind of makes the point) but Monday night's show, which I did attend, was very lamentable in terms of the number of empty seats at the back. No one wants to see that.

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 11:20:13 ET
Posted by: tour plotter, east

To maximize attendance, maybe they should plan the tours so that Fridays and Saturdays are never off days. Friday was a sellout. Saturday was wasted.

Date: Tues, November 24, 2009, 10:08:56 ET
Posted by: KelleyO, Washington

No, those empty seats in DC persisted as such throughout the night. In my opinion they should have played the Warner Theater - they would have filled it two nights, and the acoustics would have been great -- for all ticket holders. I was in "the nosebleeds" -- great view but the reverb was awful. And it sounded like I had the Charge of Light Brigade thundering up my back all night. Donald could have been singing the Man of La Mancha most of the time for all I knew!

Date: Mon, November 23, 2009, 10:48:13 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, wondering

Sure hope that the twit.pic from DC was way before SD came on the stage. Looks like a lot of empty seats........

Date: Mon, November 23, 2009, 10:47:15 ET
Posted by: ws, kb

A plea to stop performing albums live, along with a defacing of the cover of Aja.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/12/AR2009111211648.html

Date: Mon, November 23, 2009, 08:32:05 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, DC

Ooooops, Babylon after Godwhacker, before Black Friday

Date: Mon, November 23, 2009, 00:31:20 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, DC

WOW! Tonight was my 8th SD show (+ Fagen '06), and if it is possible, this band is getting better, and better, and better. Don was absolutely on top of his game tonight.

Teenies

Aja album

Bodhi
19
Godwhacker
Babylon
Black Friday
Daddy (Walter vocals)
Show Biz
Dirty Work
Itchin' with intros
Don't Take Me Alive
My Old School
Kid C
Reelin' (encore)

Last Tango

Date: Sun, November 22, 2009, 21:32:25 ET
Posted by: web search, home

Twit pic from DC

http://twitpic.com/qknql

Date: Sun, November 22, 2009, 09:29:21 ET
Posted by: Zim, finally got some sleep in CT

A couple of other comments on Friday's show: How did I foget to mention "Sign In Stranger"-amazing!

And I do agree with WuDuF. I've been listening to Jon H's "Like So' alot this summer, and his voice would be great on a few SD songs. They should let the musical director sing! Nex tour maybe.

Date: Sun, November 22, 2009, 00:30:46 ET
Posted by: Zim, home from Philly

The band come to play Friday night, and man did they PLAY! There were so on. Jon H was just amazing. He did not take it easy all night. They opened with Kid C, played hard and never stopped. Jon and Walt traded solos during H Divorce-so enjoyable! Jim Beard and Patterson both were so impressive-well, the whole group was. And then Royal Scam-it took on a life of it's own and seemed to breathe.

The crowd was great. Not sure about previous poster but we had alot of people in our area standing up and having fun. And when I looked over the crowd, I could seem the entire side across from us standing.

The red and purple balloons being bounced around during MOS were fun! Not sure why some of the people in the crowd were afraid to join in. Just HIT THE BALLOON! Some ended up on stage and looked very festive. I mean really, what'e more festive at a party (the "mo rent party" as Donald said) than balloons!? Security around us was loose.

There are so many things that go into making it a good night: the sound, the crowd, the players, security, etc etc. Well, last night was one of those rare nights where it all came together and made it a damn great show.

The Road Trip is now over.

Date: Sat, November 21, 2009, 23:50:05 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick; chicago but wishing I could have been at Philly

Mick Seven wrote:

"Sorry I couldn't make it to the Waterford but a friend was treated badly there so I can not go back in principle."

So on that principle you stood up Doc B, Fiona and a bunch of other nice Danfriends at the Waterford? How lame and insulting. Sounds to me like you did everyone else a favor by not showing up. You had every opportunity to participate in the Phila. Dandom list if you didn't like the venue and yet you did not say a word except to try to rain on the fun at the last minute.

Besides passing on the future Philly Danfests at the Waterford and elsewhere again, please pass up any other Danfests in Chicago. Heck, pass all the Danfests up--Danfans don't need "friends" with your kind of "principles".

To all others at Philly, please accept my apologies, especually Doc B and Fiona who hosted the fine Danfest / Fan meet up in Philly. I have been partially pre-ioccupied and missed the inappropriate posts by Mick Seven. Way out of line and "Doc B", Fiona, et al you will be rewarded. I don't get to read the Blue every day or every post so please email me if you ever see anything fishy like Mick Seven. I'd bet this guy is probably making up that anybody attended "a wing ding" from our group--he sounds like he has a sack of bile and sour grapes.

Thanks to Doc B and everyone else. "Close my eyes and I you'll be there" rings true to me thanks to your accounts and conveyance of good cheer.

Date: Sat, November 21, 2009, 19:37:59 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

Couple quick things from Friday nights show. It was the first time I have seen the band indoors.I thought the crowd was too laid back, very few up and into the music until the end.Outside crowds are more rowdy. The sound downstairs was decent, but much better in the balcony. The setlist after RS was ok but could have been longer, would have liked a couple more songs. But overall, a good show and Walt and Don look like they have this touring thing down after all these years. Keep reelin'!

Date: Sat, November 21, 2009, 09:52:36 ET
Posted by: Raven, Ho chi min trail

hi to Maryann, Kris, Fausto, GG, Pam, Newerkes, Jim, etal at Waterford. What a blast! Enjoyed the $4 VO rocks cocktail and smoking still ok in PA huh? and decent grub, good table, good company, ugh, sold out show, high anticipation on the sidewalk, limos with drunk-as-hell fked-up folks stumblin out, what a trip! All before Fri. nite show. Let's see, time is short gotta work. Yep, SD is demonstratively beautiful. Can't say, but could it be that the Don is coming out of his shell and the charming Prince Walter is going into one, to then flash on and off. What phenomenal performances by each and every individual! Yes, parliment adjourned after a rather a healthy gambol--the citizens were bushed--for lack of a better word. More later. Godwhacker raged. Gotta fly, Ravin'

Date: Sat, November 21, 2009, 08:00:59 ET
Posted by: Philly Notes, home

Walter introduced Beard as Jim "Pugh". Mark Patterson was on trombone, not Jim Pugh. Then prior to introducing Donald, he said "since he's a Philadelphia native, I'd like to once again introduce Jim Beard." Beard responded with a sarcastically show-offy solo until Walter said "Ok, that's enough."

Better rendition of Dirty Work than on previous tours. The girls didn't sound so much like American Idol contestants with their delivery. Carolyn looked flagrantly sexy.

Gripe about the the venue. To the sides of the balcony are a number of doors clearly marked EXIT. Try using them and you'll have the staff swarming all over you. Nothing indicates that they are only for emergency use.

Date: Sat, November 21, 2009, 01:04:30 ET
Posted by: WuDuF, hotel lobby

Royal Scam night setlist. The band (and the crowd) was on fire tonight!

Teenie's
ROYAL SCAM (you know the songs!)
Hey 19
Dirty Work
Black Friday
Aja
Godwhacker
Daddy Don't Live in NYC (and YES, Walter sang the shit out of it)
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin In the Years
Last Tango in Paris

I had SOOOO much fun at tonight's show.
People seemed to enjoy the balloons--those who weren't afraid of them.
Listened to Jon H.'s album "Like So" during the day, and it seemed that his voice, and the subject matter he often chooses to sing about would be a good match for "Haitian Divorce" and/or "Everything You Did." Just my humble opinion. (Zim's also).

Date: Fri, November 20, 2009, 11:59:31 ET
Posted by: Jayme, Philly

Looking like I have an extra ticket, ya'll, due to sick date.  Around 11th row center left in orchestra--very choice. 
[ Phone numbers removed after the show to protect privacy. ]
 

Date: Fri, November 20, 2009, 11:42:05 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the tower

Tower show was great, same setlist as the Akron Aja show the other nite...sorry for the delay,I didn't write setlist down, and thought that it was being twitted by someone

Date: Fri, November 20, 2009, 10:50:27 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Zito - The Regal and Magnificient Rajah, Light of the East, Son of Isis, Beloved of Ashanti, Potent and Efficient Lover of all the Muses and Myrmidons, Star of Daibu and former doorman of the Cleveland Statler-Hilton Hotel, currently inhabits a Medieval citadel of the Apennine Mountains of Abruzzo in la bella Italia, a full 6 to 9 hours ahead of USA time. Therefore, His Magnificence arises early from his bower. With a hard-on. Unfortunately, it lasts 15 minutes...

Date: Fri, November 20, 2009, 10:08:44 ET
Posted by: Philly Bound, NJ

Damn, it was all the buzz when Larry Carlton guested this summer. Nobody said a peep about David Palmer joining them this week.

http://www.buchtelite.com/media/storage/paper1203/news/2009/11/19/ArtsLife/aja-Transforms.E.j-3836150.shtml


No setlist from Philly? You guys dropped the ball like it was a Derek Jeter bunt.

Date: Fri, November 20, 2009, 07:45:17 ET
Posted by: Zitomeyers Pharmacy,

Philly show cancelled last night?
What are you doing up so early Turban?

Date: Fri, November 20, 2009, 05:03:43 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

This is what I've put up with for years...

Somebody really loves me.

Date: Fri, November 20, 2009, 01:44:10 ET
Posted by: Yellow Post-it, On your desk Idaho

Raj darling there seem to be a fairly large chasm between your turban of tightly wound tp and what is left of your shit for brains. Try not to drag that thing through the cat little box before wiping your ass with it.

Big smooch!

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 20:08:17 ET
Posted by: Chan, Boston

Well said anymanleft.

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 18:37:09 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

My mistake - no Jim Pugh in '96, so the only two alums still in the line-up are the Leonhart siblings.

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 18:18:22 ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

"Your heros are sexiest bastards" - is the meal reviewer back with us ?

Just revisted the superb Gorge '96 recording, which seriously questions whether current line up is the 'box deluxe' of SD incarnations. Only remaining players are Michael Leonhart and Jim Pugh - on their first outings I think - yet this is a stellar show (last night of the tour), with Wayne Krantz on fire, constantly demonstrating how adventurous SD guitar solos can be, and a fine 'Monkish' piano solo from John Beasley on a rare 'East St Louis Toodle-oo'.

Also a great proto-'Jack of Speed' with WB on vocals, and 'bogus haircut' instead of 'right-wing hooey'. Nice that WB brings all the crew onstage before the encores, and even gives a shout out to Hoops and St Al. Cover shows DF and WB handprints from some boulevard or other - any idea where this is ?

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 14:27:38 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Anymanleft, yes there seems to be a chasm between the jazz purists and Steely Dan. Don't know why, other than just plain old snobishness. Even at Victor Feldman's tribute at Local 47 years ago, the man hosting mentioned that VF played on every Steely Dan record and for that he got a groan from the audii, all LA jazz pro players of the era. He did give it back to them in the teeth however by saying, "oh, don't kid me, we all have some Steely Dan records somewhere in the back of the closet."

Well, let's make sure those records make it back out of the closet and onto turntables where they surely belong.

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 13:18:28 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Album sides Wednesday and what turns up on my 10 minute commute home?

Can't Buy A Thrill side one.

Do it Again
Dirty Work
Kings
Midnight Cruiser
Only a Fool Would Say That

Dee Jay says at the end...I LOVE THIS ALBUM!

Made my day.

By the way, for those who live in LA or want something a bit different, via the Internet...The Sound LA dot Com airs album sides sometimes on a Wednesday, Definitely one at 8PM at night and Triple play Thursdays. It's nice to get stuff that is NOT the hit. As a matter of fact, for their commercial about the fact that sometimes the best song is the one buried within the album...what do they play in the background? Home At Last!

Give them a listen sometime.

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 13:02:59 ET
Posted by: Craig B.,

Sorry Doc I can't make it ...somebody stole my license plates
Have a great show

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 12:59:27 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

I echo your setiments,Rajah.I harken back to my senior year of high school in '73 with the first hearing of Reelin' and Do It Again when I became a Danfan.I was already listening to jazz, but because of SD I became a bigger jazz fan.And although over the years I have had friends who are true straight-ahead jazz fans and don't get the SD buzz, I feel they have been an intregal piece to the jazz landscape for the past 35+ years-- as much as a Pat Metheny or Chick Corea or Wayne Shorter. They bridged the pop/rock/jazz genres more than anyone and have etched their mark in time. I can almost place Fagen/Becker at the same level of greatness as Lennon/McCartney, and no one else is even close.We old(er) Danfans have to keep the flame alive and continue supporting their music and it's place in the world of real Americana music, jazz and the blues.I turned my kids on to SD when they were younger and now my son,21, and daughter,15, both have it in their Ipods and genuinely like it as much as the more contemporary music.My hope is that they,in turn, will turn their friends on to it and someday their own kids. May their legend never die!

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 10:12:00 ET
Posted by: Glory Steinum, Around

Your heros are sexiest bastards.

During the band introductions they never give the women 8 bars to do a little individual scattin/singing but all the boys get to blow.

I say boycott the tour.

Barb

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 07:24:03 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Hoopsie, it does indeed fall to us to keep Steely Dan's great body of work fresh and present in the minds of anyone who cares for well-crafted music, especially in the great American jazz tradition, one of our greatest contributions to world culture which unfortunately is almost more appreciated here in Europe than in the States.

I never met a Steely Dan fan who doesn't go out of their way to make another Steely Dan fan feel welcome, except maybe here on the Blue which I agree is a bit daunting for some people, break out my lead-lined skivvies and witness the flak they've taken on over the years.

The songs are holding up brilliantly after almost 40 years. Just like Duke, just like Miles, so many others. Thank goodness KJAZ in LA streams live on the net, if you don't already tune in, try it sometime at http://www.jazzandblues.org/programming/listen/ and open yourself up to the greats. They await you.

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 06:48:39 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

I'll be the big guy holding about 8-10 license plates in my hands...should be easy to spot...I'll get there about 630P...yeah, the Waterford is not the fanciest of places, but I certainly made some great friends there at the 2007 Danfest.

Date: Thurs, November 19, 2009, 00:13:48 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

One thing to keep in mind about the Danfan meetups is that we also have a mission to recruit new fans and spread the word, you know?

For example, for tomorrow night in Philly, there are maybe 6-8 people from the greater Philly area who read the Bluebook; there are about 60 people from other places like the Dandom Digest, Yahoo, etc (and not part of the BlueBook scene) who are potentially also interested in connecting ( I'm sure there will be a lot less). A lot of people don't feel comfortable here in this context but they do in others...I'm sure you will make them feel welcome at a meet-up

If you are having a Fan meetup, have sign or fold an 8.5" X 11" sheet with the word "Danfans" on it so newcomers can figure out who the old timers are.

The meetups are about meeting up with old friends, and also about attracting new fans to our community here or anywhere that's Dan related.

Thanks!

Jim

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 23:00:56 ET
Posted by: Just so there's no confusion,

Sign up for the email list the Philly Fans at http://www.dandom.com/danfests/#philly

11/19 & 20




PHILADELPHIA
Last Update: 11.12.09
Fans Registered: 64
PHILA@DANDOM EMAIL LIST
• SUBSCRIBE at http://www.dandom.com/danfests/#philly to stay in touch & get the lastest news, before & after the show & beyond.
also check the archives at the above link

THE WHERE TO GO/THE WHAT TO DO
• Host: Doc B (of sundry Steely Dan License Plate Fame)
6:00 pm to Show Time, Waterford Inn,
across the street from The Tower

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 21:27:40 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

So you agree they probably
would do "Countdown".
Glad you are finally seeing
the light. Cuz I never
suggested they would do
Pretzel Logic in it's entirety.

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 20:23:39 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Lurker Ray - You said:
"BTW "Through With Buzz" is on "Pretzel Logic"

Really? I guess you missed my point. No way they're playing the albums Pretzel Logic and Katy Lied. That's what I was getting at.


And BTW...Aja is on Aja. Bet on it!

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 18:14:41 ET
Posted by: steely dan fan #1, chicago

If Don and Walt and the crew can't get butts in the seats in Canada come back to Chicago Theater for a run! We miss you guys!

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 18:03:10 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

JJ-
So the "Internet Request" nights this
summer were "scams" according to you.
I'm not going to argue that point.
But you truly don't get it and are
in fact "delusional" if you think
D&W don't care about the financial
"bottom line". They HATE it if butts
are not in the seats. Don't you
remember Fagen complaining about
low ticket sales on his solo tour?
These guys just are not going to
do Full album shows around records
that contain songs that 90% of these
now-a-days "hyper-fickle" fans don't
even know. Chief Bean counter Azoff
is never going to let that happen. Yes
D&W have devil-may-care personas,
but to think that they are "to cool" to
care about money is just plain ludicrous.
Especially in 2009/2010.

BTW "Through With Buzz" is on "Pretzel
Logic". Bet on it.

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 17:58:32 ET
Posted by: Kkkkkzzzzzkkkkzzzzkkkkzzzz, Going 100mph on the LIRR

Re: Don Patrol The second I heard the Montreal gig was canned I thought "double-header". Maybe for good measure they'll bang out some Wu 4 U 2. Whatever, should be a great finish to the 2nd leg (of the 2nd leg). My vote is in for the biggest & best leg of all-the always pleasing 3rd Leg!!

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 12:20:00 ET
Posted by: TRL, Northeast Ohio

Review from Cleveland Plain Dealer:

http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2009/11/steely_dan_gives_aja_and_the_r.html

Date: Wed, November 18, 2009, 00:02:23 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, @home

I got a Security Jones....

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 23:04:49 ET
Posted by: El Supremo, Fire escape

A beautful and high energy show in Akron tonight. First side of TRS marred by the venue's obnoxious fire alarm going off! (any info on cause?). Third World Man a treat!
setlist:
The Royal Scam (complete)
Hey 19
Dirty Work
Black Fri
Aja
Daddy Don't Live in NYC
Third World Man
Showbiz Kids
band intros
Josie
Peg
My Old School

Encore: Reelin'

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 22:33:36 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Lurker Ray - You obliviously don't know these guys to well. This isn't the first time (in Canada)that they had to cancel a show because of poor tickets sales. And nothing changed as far as the set list the following year. Like I said, they don't care. And speaking of delusional,"Through With "Buzz & Gold Teeth 2? Ain't going to happen.

Can you say Gaslighting Abbey & Security Jones? Bet on it!

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 21:32:24 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Remember a couple of years ago when DF showed up on a little film Mike Leonhart put together for Electro-Harmonix effects pedals? It's worth another look. Pretty funny.

"Hand me my sacred trumpet"!

http://www.ehx.com/blog/stereo-memory-man-with-hazarai-film-by-michael-leonhart

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 21:23:20 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Hey JJ,
Did you se what happened in Montreal?
Yeah, D&W are going to be trucking out
TVN & EMG. Never going to happen dude.
Bet on it.

A delusional lair in Waco? Not surprising.
Thank goodness for Austin.

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 20:56:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, CV FAIL

Interestingly, the Waco paper has not posted my reply on their website regarding their fraud perpetrated by the VP of Research:


"The link with Steely Dan and Aja is ABSOLUTELY FALSE.

Indeed, the man who played on Aja and Royal Scam is indeed Richard or Dick "Slyde" Hyde. He is the legendary studio and jazz musician, compatriot of sax player Pete Christieb. Slyde Hyde played *trombone* on tracks including the Caves of Altamira, Sign in Stranger, The Fez, and Royal Scam from the Royal Scam album.

On Aja the Brass section was comprised of Chuck Findlay, Lou McCreary, and Dick "Slyde" Hyde. Saxes & flutes include Jim Horn, Bill Perkins, Wayne Shorter, Plas Johnson, Tom Scott and Jackie Kelso.

Dick "Slyde" Hyde again played Black Cow, Deacon Blues, Home at Last, I Got the News, and Josie.


There is no French horn nor a Truell W. Hyde (who would have been 21) credited on the album Aja.


In contrast, Dick "Slyde" Hyde was a seasoned veteran who had laid down tracks with The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond, Madonna, Prince, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, The Beach Boys, Chicago, Herbie Hancock, Count Basie, Freddie Hubbard, Al Jarreau, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Liza Minnelli, David Lee Roth, George Harrison, Quincy Jones, Tom Jones, The Carpenters, Nelson Riddle, Rickie Lee Jones, Bee Gees, Toto, Carole King, The Jacksons, The Temptations, Commodores, Four Tops, Lee Ritenour, Danny Elfman, John Williams, Ringo Starr, The Doobie Brothers, The Pointer Sisters, Dionne Warwick, Christopher Cross, Tom Scott, Michael McDonald, Captain and Tennille, Boz Scaggs, Supertramp, The Doors, Sam and Dave, The Drifters, and The Coasters.


Here is the REAL Mr. Hyde's myspace page, where you can check out some stellar jazz:

http://www.myspace.com/slydehyde

"

Unbelievable. What possess men to do such? Gov. Bill Richardson claimed for 30 years he was drafted by MLB when ne never was.

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 18:31:00 ET
Posted by: Akron Beacon Journal , Review (Aja)

http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/soundcheck/2009/11/17/steely-dan-plays-aja-at-uof-as-e-j-thomashall/comment-page-1/#comment-1097

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 14:36:49 ET
Posted by: Crusty Punk,

Thanks for the tip Doc. It will make a nice gift for the Turban

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 14:26:44 ET
Posted by: JJ,

duncan - Thanks for wasting two minutes of my life.

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 14:26:24 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

geo

it was a signed copy of Can't Buy a Thrill....it took a long time to scroll through that catalog, otherwise I would tell you the exact page....don't know if it was my computer or the way the catalog was set up, but it took forever...they estimate it will sell for $100-200.

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 14:09:48 ET
Posted by: geo, Flushing, New York

Doc- Can't find the SD item. Would you mind pointing it out? Who knows, maybe I'll bid!

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 13:26:32 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

big rock-n-roll memorabilia auction this weekend in NYC...you can view the catalog online...I only saw on SD item in there....

http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2009/music-icons/index.html

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 13:23:15 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Could the unforeseen circumstances be weak ticket sales for the Royal Scam? Unfortunately for me, that was 4th row center,gone.
Depressed for awhile, but still got T.O.nights and Aja at home.
Can't really be too upset. Also, maybe we'll get a Lets Play Both
bonus as a makeup for this Mtl hardcore fan.Any thoughts on this?

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009, 12:36:04 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Below is the most recent Twitter entries from last weekend's Milwaukee shows. I'm turning off the real time Twitter updates for now since it make the BlueBook load more slowly. If you wish to possibly tweet the set list from a show in real time to the Blue, email me off the board. Thanks.

Setlists, Ticket Alerts, more...

Tonight, from shores of Lake Michigan,
from the town that gave us the beer that made Milwaukee famous,
"It's the scandalous Royal Scam in its entirety along with select favorites."

• http://yfrog.com/58x8aj 2 days ago
• Last tango. 11:04 pm 2 days ago
• Encore: reelin. ("original") 2 days ago
• Cindy Mizelle guests on My Old School 2 days ago
• Peg 2 days ago
• Coltrane Ross (will explain tomorrow) JB piano intro into Josie 2 days ago
• Daddy Dont Live in NYC.... Itchin in my heart w/band intros 2 days ago
• Godwhacker w/ lead guitr by WB 2 days ago
• Aja I've never seen so many people get up and go for beer runs during the whole show. 2 days ago
• Dirty Work Black Friday 2 days ago
• Standing O. H19 2 days ago
• Eveything U Did. Royal Scam. 2 days ago
• Hatian Div. Great solos, esp WB 2 days ago
• Jon &. Walter too 2 days ago
• Green Earrings. Great solo ESP Jim Beard on Hammond. Rosenberg too. 2 days ago
• Df& wb leave the stage. The Fez. 2 days ago
• DTMA. SIS. 2 days ago
• Kid C w great solo by Jon. Caves. 2 days ago
• Band takes the stage. Teenie's Blues. 2 days ago
• 8:59 pm 2 days ago
• Sam Yahel Trio is done and waiting for our favorite band to take the stage. 2 days ago
==== End Friday Show / Begin Saturday Night Show ==== 2 days ago
• Decade: Milwaukee Danfest hosts 10 years laterr. http://yfrog.com/71ad6hj 3 days ago
• Outro: last tango. 11:13 pm 3 days ago
• Encore: reelin". Intro'd by DF as "the original" 3 days ago
• Jon smokin' 3 days ago
• Kid C. Whole crowd on it's feet dancing. 3 days ago
• Lots of dancing but security is putting the kabosh on it. 3 days ago
• DF. "Yeah baby!" My Old School 3 days ago
• Don't Take Me Alive 3 days ago
• Dirty Work. Itchin in my heart Inc band intros. 3 days ago
• DF"it's just about funkin time". Sho biz kidz 3 days ago
• Hey 19--superb but no WB rant. Godwhacker-->. Thx to a blue post from 2003 I think of Cindoleeza Rice whenever I hear Godwhackr. 3 days ago
• Gr8 toom solo by wb. Blk Fri. Jon solo. Daddy Dont live in that NYC. Jim beard boogie woodie piano. WB solo. Jim Beard solo into Bab Sistrs 3 days ago
• Time out of Mind. DF: "if u find a patch to dance it's ok with us. I don't know about security." 3 days ago
• Incredible solo by WB on Josie. Perhaps the best Aja album performance yet for me. • Standing O!!!!!!!!! 3 days ago
• Jon smokes On Peg solo. 3 days ago
• Jim Pugh is back. Ladies in leather. WB great guitr solo on Aja. Great crowd but not as drunk as Indiana. 3 days ago
• Teenie's Blues into Aja album w/ Blk Cow/Aja/dconBluz/peg/home@last/I got the news/josie standing. O. 3 days ago
• Sam Yahel Trio currently on. 3 days ago
• http://yfrog.com/emiizj 3 days ago
• http://yfrog.com/0xll7j 3 days ago
• http://yfrog.com/0432oj 3 days ago
• http://yfrog.com/12aqruj 3 days ago
• Decade Milwaukee Danfest hosts ten years later. 3 days ago
^^^^ Above will be tonight's Friday @ Milwaukee set list, assuming I can get a signal in the venue. ^^^^ 3 days ago
vvvvv Below is the set list & comments from last week's Merrillville show vvvvv 3 days ago
• 11:00 pm on the dot. 9 days ago
• Kid C. Band leaves stage. Back for encore. Reelin 72. Last tango. The End. 9 days ago
• Here I am: http://bit.ly/3BbZEo 9 days ago

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009,  12:02 pm ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Dave -

Great pic. I would be a great part of a cover for a live album entitled "High in the Custerdome - Live" or "Live in the Custerdome." But, really, the best thing is that we all have some image of "high in the Custerdome" that we've developed over the years - and we wouldn't have had that fun if not for Messrs. Becker and Fagen.

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009,  5:46 am ET
Posted by: Just Wondering, Parts Unknown

Any explination yet for this tweet from the Milwaukee concert?

"Coltrane Ross (will explain tomorrow) JB piano intro into Josie 2 days ago"

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009,  10:47 am ET
Posted by: Akron (Aja), Review

http://www.clevescene.com/c-notes/archives/2009/11/17/concert-review-steely-dan-at-ej-thomas-hall-1116

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009,  5:46 am ET
Posted by: duncan, UK

Don 0:33 & Walt 0:45

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGvQAJG2DJA&feature=player_embedded

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009,  8:09 am ET
Posted by: Rajah,

With a Gun is on Pretzel Logic? Hunh. It's all starting to run together I'm afeared...

Beaubo, you raise a salient point. Steely Dan have never been showmen in the old sense of the word. They miss many opportunities to whip a crowd up to fever pitch. In fact, the case could very well be made that they are conscious anti-showmen. In the best tradition of Bertolt Brecht. The verfremdung effect. It's their stock-in-trade.

Or as Ethel Merman said to her daughter in Gypsy, "make them scream for it...then...don't give it to them."

Date: Tues, November 17, 2009,  4:24 am ET
Posted by: Dave, NJ

I grew up in Akron and always envisioned the Custerdome being the Akron Airdock.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63215679@N00/3143421659

Any chance of using tonight's show for a live CD to be called 11-17-09? I was at the Montclair show last 11-17 and no such luck.

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  11:59 pm ET
Posted by: -,

Forgive my picky-ness, byt what is the correct set list? Thank you in advance.

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  11:50 pm ET
Posted by: Chip, Akron

What a great show from Akron tonight.Full house at EJ Thomas Hall,2,955 very fired up and appreciative.Local Organ Trio opened up at 7:30.The guys and gals came out at approx. 8:30 and went right into AJA. The girls looked great, Taiwatha and Catherine dressed in short red dresses and Carolyn in black. Their voices are supurb.

After AJA, long standing O

Bodissahva

Hey 19
NY City-Walter
God Whacker
Bablyon Sisters nice intro by Jim Beard
Black Friday
Show Biz kids-funked up version
Dirty Work-Girls
Itchin in my heart-band intros-Walter
Dont Take me Alive
My Old School
Kid C

encore-Reelin in the years original

The crowd didnt want to leave and the band loved it. Going back tomorrow nite!

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  11:48 pm ET
Posted by: beaubo, Cleveland

`AKRON setlist (not necessarily in order!)

Aja album
Bodhisattva
Godwhacker
Hey 19 (no Becker rap)
Black Friday
Daddy Don't Live
Dirty Work
Show Biz Kids
Babylon Sisters
Love Itchin
Don't Take Me Alive
My Old SChool
Kid C
Reeling (original)

EJ Thomas is easily the most acoustically perfect venue SD played on this tour...which meant that when DF's voice cracked, it was easy to spot! Nonetheless, what he lacked in power, he made up for in enthusiasm.

Prolonged standing ovation after Aja completed.

Herrington seemed much more aloof this go-round, waaaay off to the left of the stage. I know he is normally positioned there, but it felt like he was in his own world. Suffice to say, great licks.

A quibble, but worth the mention. The crowd got energized and everyone was on their feet when DF was introduced during Itching and stayed up until the end of the song. IF the band would have launched IMMEDIATELY into Don'T Take Me Alive, the crowd would have stayed up and transcended to another level. But, the 30 second break between songs killed that momentum. Another opportunity was at end of Don't take Me Alive fans backi on their feet, but band ratcheted down agin before launching into My Old School, again missed opportunity to keep crowd momentum. And same problem after My Old School leading into Kid C, too long a break. This crowd WANTED to stand at the end, but they were waiting for critical mass of others standing and the accompanying energy...and the band frankly dropped the ball. Those last 4 songs should be played and paced like a MEDLEY, so it sweeps the crowd up.

Rant over!!!!!

Otherwise, a dynamite show and looking forward to Round 2 tomorrow!

Thanks to my cuz for setting me up with 7th row dead center!!

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  10:42 pm ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Montreal Nov 29 Cancelled!!!

Montreal Nov 29 Cancelled

Due to unforseen circumstances, the Sunday November 29th show at MontrealC-s Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier has been cancelled. Ticket holders for the cancelled performance may exchange their tickets for seats at the November 28th show. Exchanges must be made through the Place Des Arts Box Office at (514) 842-2112 or (866) 842-2112. Alternatively, refunds will be issued through the tickets' original point of purchase. For more info please contact the Place Des Arts Box Office at (514) 842-2112 or (866) 842-2112.

Now, Nov 28 at Montreal QC is the tour closing night.

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  10:02 pm ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, not Baylor

Slyde Hyde's first name is Richard, goes by Dick or Slyde, and he plays the trombone on Aja & Scam. Buddy of Pete Christlieb for many years

myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/slydehyde

There is no French horn nor accordion on Aja.




Date: Sun, November 15, 2009, 2:40 pm ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

can anyone provide any insight into this article? This guy is not "Slyde" Hyde, and it sounds like he might not be telling the truth...

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/content/news/stories/2009/11/15/11152009wactruellhyde.html

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  8:48 pm ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

the last Montreal show has been cancelled, info at steelydan.com

Nov 29 - Montreal QC - Salle Wilfred-Pelletier | cancelled
Due to unforseen circumstances, the Sunday November 29th show at MontrealC-s Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier has been cancelled. Ticket holders for the cancelled performance may exchange their tickets for seats at the November 28th show. Exchanges must be made through the Place Des Arts Box Office at (514) 842-2112 or (866) 842-2112. Alternatively, refunds will be issued through the tickets' original point of purchase. For more info please contact the Place Des Arts Box Office at (514) 842-2112 or (866) 842-2112.

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  5:48 pm ET
Posted by: beaubo, Cleveland

In this brave new world of concert promotion companies being consolidated into a couple of big blocs, B & F (or ANY band for that matter) are not their own bosses anymore when it comes to touring.

Promoters are demanding a saleable product to go along with the brandname of the band- hence the phenomenon of playing full length classic albums.

If anyone wants to hear a chock full of SD and DF deep cuts, I encourage you tp contact their management where they will happily play a private gig with your own 'customized' set list. Expect a price tag north of $450K, so hopefully you have a lot of likeminded friends...or the need for a whopping tax deduction.


Off to neighboring metropolis Akron for a twofer!!! My wife who is a reasonably adept SD fan, could not be happier about the Aja showcase. I think she is the archtypical SD fan....so as far as the band's set list are concerned for everyone here---- deal with it!!!!!!

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  4:03 pm ET
Posted by: JJ,

Bookkeeper's, Nightmare - You mean like the con job they did with the request nights? Get people to vote online and buy tickets, and then play the same songs over and over again. Do you really think that they ever even looked at what the fans voted on? They don't give a shit. How many times do they have to prove it to you/us?

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  3:13 pm ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in Pennsylvania

Live Nation just released several seats right down front (face value of course) for the Thursday and Friday night shows at The Tower in Philly.

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  1:39 pm ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's, Nightmare

B & F are cognizant of the need to keep the tour solvent. You can't say they don't give a shit in that respect.

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  1:32 pm ET
Posted by: CerpinTaxt,

Hey to break it to you Rajah but With a Gun is on Pretzel Logic. Either way, I'd take Countdown OR Pretzel live any day!

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  11:26 am ET
Posted by: JJ,

Lurker Ray - I agree with you 100%. But B&F don't give a shit and will always do the unexpected. Bet on it!

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  4:17 am ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Nope, no barrel rolls in the bi-plane, even I'm not that crazy.

Everthing Must Go...yeah, that's a possibility, it's relatively brief and light, Greenbook and Pixeleen being the more difficult challenges. Walt W owns the title track. But few are familiar with it, generally speakin'.

TvN? More problematic with Almost Gothic and Negative Girl. Even Janie, Abbie and What a Shame are tricky. A sound man's nightmare I would think.

Can't Buy a Thrill would be a huge hit with the regular fan. I'd love to hear what Walter and Jon might do with Kings.

Katy Lied is when this band really opened up and changed, morphed, if you will, into something completely different. They've gotten over the Dr. Wu hump, so, maybe yes, this is a strange record. Very tentative, it's quite a transition they were making here. Unfinished? Yeah, somewhat but some brilliant moments.

The great overlooked Steely Dan album? Countdown. With a Gun is one of the tightest little bluegrass gems of the early 70s. Might need Skunk back for that one. Hey, stranger things have happened...

Date: Mon, November 16, 2009,  12:46 am ET
Posted by: Lurker & Ray, Malibu & Sunshine

J&J -

"Mom & Pop" & "Joe & Sixpack"
will never sit through "TVN"
or "EMG". Especially in this
economic climate. Bet on it.

Date: Sun, November 15, 2009,  9:58 pm ET
Posted by: SETH2112, CLEVELAND VIA TAMPA AND NYC

ANYONE HAVE ONE EXTRA FOR TOMORROW, MONDAY NIGHTS HOW IN AKRON?

Date: Sun, November 15, 2009,  9:31 pm ET
Posted by: JJ,

DDeaconBlues16/Lurker Ray - Don't waste your time trying to analyze the next two albums they're going to play live, because this, to me, is a no-brainer:

1- Two Against Nature
2- Everything Must Go


Bet on it!

Date: Sun, November 15, 2009,  2:40 pm ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

can anyone provide any insight into this article? This guy is not "Slyde" Hyde, and it sounds like he might not be telling the truth...

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/content/news/stories/2009/11/15/11152009wactruellhyde.html

---

Date: Sun, November 15, 2009,  1:16 pm ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel,

Cool, an Elvis Costello "Show Biz" tribute to SD:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHJnnE3HqCg

I have to say, the re-engineered touring version of Show Biz Kids is one of their best adaptations ever, and a huge crowd pleaser. The genius is in creating a new tune while remaining reverent to the Ecstasy original.

Here's a far too short snippet, just posted on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxwrJxCPMF0

---

Date: Sun, November 15, 2009,  9:35 am ET
Posted by: To Dean from Montplier,

Dean...thanks for your well intentions and concern. It's simply a private matter. Email hoops privately for further explanation of the situation.

---

Date: Sun, November 15, 2009,  8:53 am ET
Posted by: Milwaukee (Aja), Review

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/70087342.html

---

Date: Sun, November 15, 2009,  6:01 am ET
Posted by: Jaydee, London

Jive Miguel - excellent YouTube link, thanks.

Someone recently mentioned DF's jacket - just found nice clear pic of logo on Flickr (looks like a St Bernard to me):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/snowbunting/3669812894/sizes/l/in/set-72157622529142715/

SD tribute bands also mentioned a while back - UK's best (of those I've seen) are 'Nearly Dan' from somewhere oop north, but occasionally gig at London's prestigious Jazz Cafe, and 'Stealing Dan and Don', who I first saw as a duo years ago, but now regularly appear as full band at noted west London jazz venue the Bull's Head. Both worth catching.

We won't ever hear 'Second Arrangement' played live, of course (though I think YouTube has a nice clip of a US tribute band version), but I've never really got what the fuss is all about anyway. Outtakes have always sounded pretty run-of-the-mill to me, but maybe I'm missing something.

Perfect pitch ? Great for caulking clinker-built ships.

---

Date: Sat, November 14, 2009,  5:11 pm ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, DC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMUCqEbUPfs

Sharp quality audio and video. Very nice.

Herington, stoic and professorial, is laser-like.

Don's pipes seems to be holding up beautifully.

Looking forward to Aja + at DAR Constitution Hall on 11/22.

---

Date: Sat, November 14, 2009,  9:05 am ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

All right Lurker Ray, I'll break it down.

Besides Aja, The Royal Scam, and Gaucho, the albums where Steely Dan has come closest to playing all of their songs are Two Against Nature (never played Negative Girl as far as I know) and Everything Must Go (never played Green Book as far as I know). In interviews this summer, Fagen has said something to the effect that he thinks these are great albums with no "clunkers," but they couldn't play them live because "no one would show up." So, unless they can some how make it so a large portion of the fanbase is somehow willing to see a show with those albums, it is unlikely to occur.

That brings us to their first four albums. Since 1993, they have played 4/10 songs from Can't Buy a Thrill. While this is probably one of their highest selling albums and is loved by many fans who appreciate their early sound, I can't imagine the duo playing songs like Change of the Guard and Turn that Heartbeat Over Again based on some comments I've read on their apparent attitude toward that particular album.

As we all know, Countdown to Ecstasy was not initially a commercial success, but it was critically. It has aged well, and they already feature songs like Bodhisattva, My Old School, and Show Biz Kids on a fairly regular basis. The only other song they've played from that album since 1993 is The Boston Rag. In the 70s, King of the World was part of the setlist, and if it means anything, Your Gold Teeth made the msg.com Internet Request Night voting list. It seems like this should be a viable option for the next album.

Perhaps surprisingly, however, they have played 7/11 songs from Pretzel Logic since reconvening in 1993. Rikki Don't Lose that Number is obviously one of their biggest hits, and they are at least willing to play it even if they don't really want to. Any Major Dude and the title track have been part of setlists this year. They've played Monkey in Your Soul, but would Fagen feel comfortable "reclaiming the vocal" like he did for Haitian Divorce and Gaucho? Of the four songs they haven't played, they played Barrytown in the 70s. Here's where it gets tricky though. Would they ever play songs like Through with Buzz, Charlie Freak, and With A Gun? Keep in mind that this is also one of their most popular albums to the masses. If they can figure out a way to reinvent those songs, then this is a possibility.

That brings us to Katy Lied. There are only 3 songs on Katy Lied they haven't played now: Your Gold Teeth II, Throw Back the Little Ones, and Rose Darling. To me, they might be at least more likely to play those then some of the stuff on Pretzel Logic and Can't Buy a Thrill. They've been opening shows with Black Friday a lot recently as well, so this would work with that. On the down side, however, I still think they want to avoid Dr. Wu, and this presents the same problem that Monkey in Your Soul did for Pretzel Logic with Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More. Additionally, is this a popular enough album to perform live? I'm not sure.

I have one final possibility that I think is a longshot: The Nightfly. They've already played IGY, Ruby Baby, Green Flower Street, and New Frontier. Fagen has played the title track, Maxine, and The Goodbye Look on his 2006 tour. I believe the only song from this album never played live in any context is Walk Between the Raindrops, and I could be wrong about that. The questions are: a). Would enough people come to see a Fagen solo album? b). Would Fagen be comfortable enough to do this? c). Would Becker be willing to do this? It definitely would be interesting.

---

Date: Sat, November 14, 2009,  9:01 am ET
Posted by: hoops,

Thanks for the kind and supportive comments regarding the Dandom ticket scholarships....I'm just a "Show Biz Kid" in all that--really it's the generous and anonymous Danfans who want to do a a turn for the good without anyone knowing it who are The Best.

Speaking of The Best, thanks to Chris, Tony, Dale, Steve and so many other Danfans who we met up with last night before and after the show. They made it all possible.

---

Date: Sat, November 14, 2009,  2:57 am ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, Here at the Midwestern World

Yeah Baby!!!!

Another hot show. Sound was very, very good but not excellent, EXCEPT for the fact that Walter was way up in the mix, very easy to hear his playing throughout and he was smoking on the solos, Aja, Home at Last, Josie, Black Friday, Godwhacker!!!, Show Biz. He was very prominent all night long. No story during Hey 19, he sauntered up to the mike and busted out "skate a little lower now" and "sure looks good". Saw Jon & Jim Beard at John Hawks Pub after the show.

More after the Scam tomorrow night!

KC

---

Date: Sat, November 14, 2009,  12:06 am ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Bravo molto, Rajah. Having been the beneficiary of the "Gary 'the Wolf' Johnson/TIS Scholarship Program" more than once, I thought it might be good to volunteer to help defray any administrative costs associated with the Hoops gig, but I'd better just send a check.

And speaking of Czechs, did your pilot friend ever put you in charge and roll out of the plane tightly clutching a large gymbag full of dirty laundry and loosely holding a mimi-10?
And didn't you find solace and strength in the old pilot's saw that anybody can fly a plane (even at a mere 500 feet) knowing that your buddy would have his old fashioneds made and be back at work before you were required to be the only one body in about a hundred thousand that could LAND the crate?

Anyway, your Danormous Steelossomoness makes for (for me, anyway) just the sort of excess I moderate as I wallow in it. Thank you (and Hoops, of course) for your Beckerrific Fagenspirations.

More to the point: As I reread those six-day-old tweets about being "...at the Steely Dan Show...," it occurred to me that that one chorister in the middle sort of defines the term, "standing O."

---

Date: Fri, November 13, 2009,  8:03 pm ET
Posted by: Young Wu, In awe of Dan Fans once again...

"Dandom.com Scholarship program"??

That is an amazing idea. You rock, Hoops. So does everyone who contributes to it.

---

Date: Fri, November 13, 2009,  7:25 pm ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

"Obama Does Aja"

- Headline heard on KCRW this afternoon.

Enjoy the shows Beertown!
Looking forward to the ticker tape.

So they are thinking of perhaps
doing some more "Album Nights"!!!
What do you think? It's gotta
be "Countdown" and/or "Katy".
They already play/played many
of the tracks from either or.
I'm sure DB!6 can break it down
for us :O)

But oh to hear "King of The World"
and "Pearl of the Quarter".

Dear Santa......

---

Date: Fri, November 13, 2009,  6:15 pm ET
Posted by: hoops, on my way out the door to Milwaukee

The Deep Blue Organ Trio opened for Steely Dan last year at the Chicago Theatre.

---

Date: Fri, November 13, 2009,  4:56 pm ET
Posted by: zootnewton, NYC

I concur with my Arthurian constituent - We NEED a live recording/DVD (preferably HD) of this album night lineup! How can we make this happen? I also especially need a recording of this new (and IMHO improved) version of Showbiz Kids.

Sir Neavey, I have heard an above average audience recording of one of the summer Boston shows at The Wang Theater.

---

Date: Fri, November 13, 2009,  3:49 pm ET
Posted by: vudutu, Cincinnasti

WOW, night two was amazing, I had to go down and thank the sound guy, best sound I have ever heard at the Taft, I was front and center balcony, (thanks to tommytomato who I hooked up with through hoops to find my tix. i walked to every corner and sound was near perfect. Night two was even better than the first. If anyone is questioning the tix cost believe me it is worth it. Second on all of ScottyA comments except I did not find the crowd to be any more obnoxious than any other concert, all my seat neighbors were great. If I had any crits at all It would be the band was almost too perfect and true to the originals, would have liked to have seen them step out a little more, I would love to see the Dan do more a jazz album. Scotty A, can't help wonder if you know who our local guitar wiz Scotty Anderson is, I am pretty sure based on your comments it's not you, never seen Scotty drink Newcastle! Here is a clip, love to see him hook with the Dan on a jazz album. Chet Adkins one said of Scotty "Scotty plays Chet better than Chet". Enjoy his speedy chops.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Dxb8YnGTs

---

Date: Fri, November 13, 2009,  3:37 pm ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Hoopsie, you have a heart as big as the great outdoors with this Scholarship Program. Words fail. Where do I send my Krugerands?

But one note to you, dear old friend, when you admonish us to, "fly low," this is actually a very dangerous thing. I have a great engineer friend in LA who used to take me up in his bi-plane, 1929 technology you understand, stick command and all, open cockpit, double seat belts so you won't fall out. To fly low, my dear Host, is to do the most dangerous of manuevers. We used to fly along the coast of Orange County and he'd all of a sudden say, "take the controls, beeeatch," and I'd just freeze, so scary. But fun. This was after I'd finished paying off my daughter's college fees so I figured, fuck it, if I go down so be it.

Anyway, flying low is very dangerous at 500 feet.

So, maybe, fly high and soar but do no harm, Dandom

Ezra was a good guy, he siphoned off many a Steely Dan treasure to us over the years. I grieve. Too young, too young..

---

Date: Friday, November 13, 2009,  1:30 pm ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

Thanks Pop Warner for the bio on TDBOT, sounds like a good warm up for the show. Have they played with SD before? Or is this a Philly exclusive? T minus 7 days and counting....

---

Date: Friday, November 13, 2009,  11:53 am ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago, getting reading for Milwaukee, Sizzling like an isotope

Just a reminder of our Dandom.com Scholarship program.

Here's how it works:

If you are unemployed or in an otherwise situation of true financial hardship and want to go to a show, quietly contact me and I will put you on a private and discreet list. Some questions may be asked sometimes just to verify that the situation is for real.

If, on the other hand, you have a ticket you are willing to part with and donate it to someone who fits the description above, let me know. I will pair your ticket with them.

We do ask that if you get such a ticket, that you submit a set list and brief review of the show to the Dandom Digest the day after the show--but no need to reveal that you were a scholarship recipient.

We tried this in 1996 and 2000 and it was a success; it's also worked for some during the recent West Coast shows. Some Danfans were made very happy. It's the Danfan equivalent of the "miracle" thing I used to see at Grateful Dead shows, but you don't have to stand on the side of the road near the venue with your index finger pointing up.

Thanks for your consideration and generosity.

Jim

---

Date: Friday, November 13, 2009,  11:34 am ET
Posted by: PopWarner, QUOTE

The Deep Blue Organ Trio is a Chicago based jazz organ trio made up of jazz guitarist Bobby Broom, Hammond B3 organist Chris Foreman and drummer Greg Rockingham. In their individual careers they have performed and recorded with many prominent musicians in the field of jazz and blues.

Although they have been playing together since 1992, they officially formed this co-led group in 2000 and have recorded three albums, two for Delmark Records in 2004 and 2006 and one in 2007 for Origin Records. While the trio displays elements of the soul jazz and hard bop styles of jazz, they have also been known to utilize rock music as well as the rhythm & blues medium in their music.

---

Date: Friday, November 13, 2009,  11:26 am ET
Posted by: Sir Neavey, Dixie, USA

DONALD AND WALTER: RECORD THESE SHOWS!!!!!!!

PLEASE. PRETTY PLEASE. DOUBLE EXTRA PRETTY PLEASE!!!!

I have had the good fortune to see shows in Chicago and Cinci. The band is simply on FIRE!!! The sound is UBER PHAT. Like an 800 lb burrito. Like a 2 handed tootsie roll. Silly good. Charlie Martinez running FOH works more majic than Merlin. The sound quality, imaging, tonal balance, definition.......all absolutely world class.

..and the band is simply dialed in. Every member doing a fabulous job every night. I feel this is a really special period in history. Each player is hall of fame quality. The vibe is GREAT.

We MUST get Donald and Walter to record these shows. It sets up perfectly for a multi disk set. Each album re-released live, with a bonus disk or two of extra material. It would be AWESOME!!!!

PLEASE RECORD THE SHOWS!!

---

Date: Friday, November 13, 2009,  8:34 am ET
Posted by: Bob's yer Uncle, Minneapolis

"Is there any reason Donald and Walter won't play 2nd Arrangement after all these years? A lot of people want to hear it"

I've heard this a lot on this forum and I don't get it. Yes, "we" want to hear obscure tunes from our favorite artists, but do you hear other groups playing songs that they never put on any album. They had a reason they didn't use it on any album.

It would be a major bathroom break concert song since about .005 percent of the crowd would understand what they were hearing.

But I agree I would love to hear it...it just will never happen.

---

Date: Friday, November 13, 2009,  12:28 am ET
Posted by: Why No, 2a

Benne,

The dog ate the sheet music.

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  11:06 pm ET
Posted by: hoops, In Chicago, but headed to Milwaukee this weekend

Danfan Meetups are firmed up and happenin' for the next four sets of shows--Milwaukee, Akron, Philly and Washington, D.C.

Check out www.dandom.com/danfests for the latest on the "Where-To-Go" and the "What-to-Do".

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  8:09 pm ET
Posted by: Benne,

Is there any reason Donald and Walter won't play 2nd Arrangement after all these years? A lot of people want to hear it.

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  7:08 pm ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

opening for Steely Dan at the Tower next week:

http://deepblueorgantrio.com

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  2:56 pm ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Ezra passsed away in late July and, while we didn't understand it at the time, it was likely why DF dedicated "Third World Man" at the July 31 Beacon show to Ezra.

This has been noted before but it is warmly repeated for well-wishing Danfans. Although a non-SD-related site or two had mention of it, a few of the best kind of Danfans posted their condolences here in early August; but they were withdrawn from this site. The same fans kindly understood that if Donald and Steely Dan were not mentioning the tragedy, then we should give Donald and his family some space on this. Several weeks ago, it seemed that enough time had passed so there have been some low-key tributes and expressions of sympathy. However, it seems that Donald prefers privacy rather than a lot of attention which could get sensationalized in the media. Hence why there's little if any discussion here.

Best wishes and many thanks,

Jim

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  2:39 pm ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

It was not until today that I learnt that Ezra Titus passed away earlier this year. Such horribly sad news. I had the great pleasure of having some quite thorough email correspondence with him back in 2006, and he struck me as a very funny and intelligent guy.

Obviously we touched upon The Dan a few times. I feel quite confident he would have liked me to share his observations of The Duo with fellow Dan fans, so I posted some of them below.

RIP Ezra.

* * *

I just drove from Florida to New York to come and visit my mom and Donald. I actually asked him if there is a specific methodology to his songwriting and his answer was anti-climactic and, to me, somewhat predictable. There is no formula. It's just what one comes up with at a given time, and is of course informed by one's life experiences up until that date. The unique quality of Steely Dan is really just a lucky accident created by the chemistry that comes into play when Donald and Walter work together.

Sorry, that's the best I could do. I wish I could tell you it's a diminished G minor seventh sus 29 chord involving 34 notes that took them 19 years to create and is the basis for every riff in the key of "S". But honestly, it's just what they know, what sounds good to them, what their influences are, and their getapho-like insistence on perfection. It's like the story of a person's life put on paper. No two will ever be the same.

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  12:11 pm ET
Posted by: Yak, Yak, Yak,

At almost EVERY concert I go to, I have to politely ask people around me to stop talking -- concert-goers at every show, of all ages, just never stop yakking and it really makes me NOT want to go to shows anymore. When a friend of mine (not so politely) told a group of girls to shut up, one of them responded with: "But I'm at a concert". People are not at all about the music these days; it's all about the social aspect of it. It's really very unfortunate for those of us who are there to hear the music, especially when we're paying SO much for tickets. You would think ticket prices would keep these idiots away but that doesn't seem to be the case.

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  8:19 am ET
Posted by: Young Wu, "Old Wu"! Haha... what fun!

"I really hope that they take Don't Take Me Alive and My Old School off fthe set list. I've seen them over 50 times and I'm tired of those songs."

Well, since you've been lucky enough to see them more than 50 times, why don't you not fucking complain?

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  6:51 am ET
Posted by: Philly, Interview

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20091112_Cold__Aloof__No__not_this_Steely_Dan.html

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  1:37 am ET
Posted by: The Great Zo, Wilmington, Ohio

Here is the correct, full setlist for the 11/11/2009 show in Cincinnati.

1-9) The Royal Scam (full album)
10) Hey Nineteen
11) Dirty Work
12) Black Friday
13) Aja
14) Daddy...
15) Itchin' (band intros)
16) Snow Biz Kids
17) Josie
18) Peg
19) My Old School
---
enc 20) Reelin' In The Years (original)

Whoever said it was an obnoxious crowd was correct. I was sandwiched between a middle-aged country-club zombie and a pack of frat boys -- all plastered before Sam Yahel had Yahel'd his way off the stage.

---

Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  12:36 am ET
Posted by: ScottyA, Cincy

More thoughts from the Taft..
Don's vocals were more out front tonight.
Herrington was on fire and traded licks with Walt several times. (Big Smiles all around)
I think the Fez loses something without Don and Walt.
Walts rap in Hey 19 was very comical. Got a nice laugh from the crowd with the "These tix aren't cheap line..)
Beautiful theater.. Was very surprised they let us take glass bottles of cold Newcastle to our seats.
Don reminds me of Lawrence Welk with his stage movements and directing.

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Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  12:22 am ET
Posted by: suedave, HFS

From that Akron interview (thanks for posting)...

"...After the Rent Party '09 Tour, both men will take some time to do solo recordings, and Fagen said they are considering breaking out one or two more old albums to play in their entirety and that there will be a new Steely Dan album ''eventually.''

Holy F*ck! Is this for real?

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Date: Thurs, November 12, 2009,  12:08 am ET
Posted by: ScottyA, Cincy

Taft Theater Cincy 11-11-09

The band was HOT SO!

Royal Scam Album

Hey 19 (Don Rap)
Dirty Work (Girls)
Aja (Kinda bouncy, goes on for a while)
Daddy Don't Live in NYC
Itchin in my heart Intros
Show Biz Kids
Peg
My Old School

E - Reelin in the Years

The band had more bounce in the step tonight.. Great energy!! More crowd participation with standing and dancing.. ... I stand by my most obnoxious crowd of the tour comment from last night. Tonight was the first time I've seen someone be removed from a Steely Dan show by security. 2nd song of the night.. What an IDIOT! Also tons of chatter blah blah blah.. If your not there to see the band, Stay Home!!