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JANUARY - JULY 2007 BlueBook Entries
All Times are Eastern (New York City) Time Zone.
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| | While there is no set topic, discussion should be vaguely Steely Dan tangential. |
Date: Tues, July 31, 2007, 21:35:25 ET
Posted by: your best buddy, not jersey
geez lisa ggeezz
you could clue us in on where to get a sweet deal on a Edirol MIDI/USB PC-50!
i wouldn't mind getting getting one too. mine would have to work with a g4 mac running 9.5. does that work?
also, i'd love to get vintage analogue synth software to work with that system and digi001.
¿any recommendations?
wd
Date: Tues, July 31, 2007, 21:18:13 ET
Posted by: Dugan, This Dirty City
Any Zappa fans out there? I have one Zappa Plays Zappa ticket for sale for this Sunday's show at the Count Basie in Red Bank NJ. 7th row center, $95. Damn good show, and, hey, for the 95 bucks, I'll buy you a pizza (FZ in-joke). Thanks!
Date: Tues, July 31, 2007, 15:23:57 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Hey Doc Mu, thanks for putting up the rest of those Jeff clips. Watching him break down his grooves like that and then put it all together is simply mesmorizing. Hell I haven't been moved like that since I last heard Aja live!
I've seen that Boz clip before, I watch it all the time, it gives me chills to see Jeff - how old is he there?!?! 20? - play that song so perfectly live. I still get a rush when the curtain rises behind him and there's that full orchestra!
Date: Tues, July 31, 2007, 06:43:07 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
After that very exciting weekend in Lucca, the idea to return to Toscane in July next years is now a real alternative. Just because you can have it all there in July: very good weather, nice people, good food, tasty wine , a rich ancient history and very good music festivals where you can mix jazz, rock and Opera.
Every day during July & august you can enjoy Giacomo Puccini’s music in one of the lovely churches or cathedrals of Lucca. That’s what I did last Sunday. It was my first live opera experience and I was surely not disappointed. Local Italian musicians were performing Puccini’s “Turandot”. So I made my own interpretation of the idea “Steely Dan meets Puccini”.
But let’s talk a little bit about the “Lucca Summer festival” that always find place during the whole month of July. This summer fest had been organised for the first time in 1998. The concept was very clear: mixing rock, pop, jazz, soul and R&B putting it all in a summer outfit. This first edition was a very small one, with only three days in July. On the program: Bob Dylan, George Benson, Joe Cocker and Steve Winwood . From 1999 till today there always were minimum 10 days programmed during July with a lot of diversity in their musical choice.
Why am I telling this? Because I think the “Lucca Summer festival” organisation deserves a lot of respect and consideration for what they are doing every year. That’s my way to thank them for their inversion in good and acceptable music, their impeccable organisation and mostly their eyes for the most miniscule details. Artists that were be able to bring a very special atmosphere and warmth over the Piazza Napoleone over the passing years, are always asked to come back and receives a very specific and warm place somewhere in the corner of the heart of the LSF organisation. That’s why I’m thinking our boys will come back to Lucca and sooner then we can expect. And between you and I, something’s telling me that it could possibly be …. The Donald Fagen Band!! Wishful thinking or reality? The future will tell it.
As so far only two artists had the honour to come back 3 times: George Benson and Elton John.
Eight other artists are be able to say there were there during two editions.
I made my little homework specially for the fanatics between us who loves statistics.
THREE TIMES PRESENT IN LUCCA
George Benson 98 - - 01 - - - 05 - -
Elton John - 99 - - - 03 - - - 07
TWO TIMES
Joe Cocker 98 - 00 - - - - - - -
Lauren Hill - - - - - - - 05 - 07
Jamiroquai - - - - 02 - - 05 - -
Pat Metheny - 99 00 - - - - - - -
Alanis Morissette - - 00 - - 03 - - - -
Youssou N’Dour - - 00 - - - - 05 - -
Simply Red - - - - - 03 - - 06 -
James Taylor - 99 - - - - 04 - - -
ONLY ONE TIME but who knows next time…
Bob Dylan 98 - - - - - - - - -
Steve Winwood 98 - - - - - - - - -
Back Street Boys - 99 - - - - - - - -
Herbie Hancock - 99 - - - - - - - -
Al Jarreau - 99 - - - - - - - -
Branford Marsalis - 99 - - - - - - - -
David Sanborn - 99 - - - - - - - -
Bill Wyman - 99 - - - - - - - -
Joan Baez - - 00 - - - - - - -
Michael Brecker - - 00 - - - - - - -
Buena Vista Social Club - - 00 - - - - - - -
Ray Charles - - 00 - - - - - - -
Nathalie Cole - - 00 - - - - - - -
The Cranberries - - 00 - - - - - - -
Oscar De Leon - - 00 - - - - - - -
Lionel Richie - - 00 - - - - - - -
David Crosby - - - 01 - - - - - -
Eagles - - - 01 - - - - - -
Mark Knopfler - - - 01 - - - - - -
Los Van Van - - - 01 - - - - - -
Marcus Miller - - - 01 - - - - - -
Neil Young - - - 01 - - - - - -
David Bowie - - - - 02 - - - - -
Craig David - - - - 02 - - - - -
Jarret-Peacock-Dejohnet - - - - 02 - - - - -
Oasis - - - - 02 - - - - -
Paul Simon - - - - 02 - - - -
Rod Stewart - - - - 02 - - - - -
Toto - - - - 02 - - - - -
Zucchero - - - - 02 - - - - -
Wynton Marsalis - - - - - 03 - - - -
Diana Krall - - - - - 03 - - - -
Burt Bacharach - - - - - - 04 - - -
Peter Gabriel - - - - - - 04 - - -
Macey Gray - - - - - - 04 - - -
Alicia Keys - - - - - - 04 - - -
Patti Labelle - - - - - - 04 - - -
Pink - - - - - - 04 - - -
Bonnie Rait - - - - - - 04 - - -
Eros Ramazzoti - - - - - - 04 - - -
Terence Blanchard - - - - - - - 05 - -
James Brown - - - - - - - 05 - -
Crosby, Stills & Nash - - - - - - - 05 - -
Van Morrison - - - - - - - 05 - -
Tracey Chapmann - - - - - - - - 06 -
Eric Clapton - - - - - - - - 06 -
Santana - - - - - - - - 06 -
Roger Waters - - - - - - - - 06 -
Norah Jones - - - - - - - - - 07
John Legend - - - - - - - - - 07
Ricky Martin - - - - - - - - - 07
George Michael - - - - - - - - - 07
Steely Dan - - - - - - - - - 07
Joss Stone - - - - - - - - - 07
Dionne Warwick - - - - - - - - - 07
Date: Tues, July 31, 2007, 01:42:35 ET
Posted by: Due with Buzz, Sunset Boulevard
how about a Double Dan Entendre, kind of:
JOHN BEASLEY
AUGUST CONCERT CALENDAR
August
9 Bob Sheppard Quartet
Featuring: John Beasley (p), Jeff D'Angelo (b), Matt Gordy (d)
Spazio ˆ Jazz Spot
14755 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 728-8400
No Cover Charge
Music: 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
http://www.spazio.la/cgi-bin/calendar/calendar.cgi <http://www.spazio.la/cgi-bin/calendar/calendar.cgi>
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 22:52:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Girl Margaret...it's a cryin' shame that Jeff's voice is no longer with it. He was simply the best at combining groove, shuffle, shuffle groove, and fill...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPK54oubn3Y&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_k8QkBfyS0&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uyhi0o3ICc&mode=related&search=
Live version of one of the greatest groove Jeff ever laid down...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afBdFyE7PeE&mode=related&search=
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 22:23:59 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
and again, Copeland definitely has a voice. BUT he also definitely limited compared to Vinnie. both things can exist at the same time. take Ringo as another example- he's surely got a voice (and in terms of net chops/styles/ideas Ringo is limited compared to Copeland).
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 22:21:18 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
oy vey. i dont recall myself using the word "limited", either at all or in the context you are using it. please re-read my posts, and pay attention to the solo sections. there's also various videos of the live Aja solo section on youtube- you'll notice KC plays the same kind of things everytime.
look- face it. Vinnie and many other guys do IN FACT possess a much larger chop/lick/stylistic vocabulary and are IN FACT much mroe technically proficient. THAT IS ALL WE ARE SAYING (we aren't talking about groove, touch, taste, musicality, etc.). that isn't subjective. just listen (carefully if you aren't a drummer).
Keith Carlock, however, surely does have a VERY UNIQUE voice. And he plays VERY WELL with Steely Dan. He plays appropriately and gets the job done like no other SD drummer has done. Can Vinnie do what KC does? Maybe not and of course certainly not quite like him. He probably wouldn't be that great of a fit for SD either (although I would SURE AS HELL like to see it for kicks :P).
I guess if you aren't a drummer it's hard to recognize. And as Steely Dan fanatic, it is hard to except criticism. But once again, it's not really criticism. The groove, touch, and musicality are what is important with SD.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 21:53:17 ET
Posted by: limited drummers?,
Keith Carlock limited? I guess in the same way Stewart Copeland is limited, or Michael Brecker was limited or Donald's voice is limited.
In other words, Carlock (Brecker, Copeland, Fagen, etc...) has such a distinct musical personality that you can recognize his playing immediately. I would call that having a "voice", not being limited when compared to Vinnie or other extra-human players. He's also a young kid who has made quite a splash in a short time.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 17:52:02 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
When Carlock's instructional DVD comes out next year you can hear all about his licks from him:
http://www.keithcarlock.com/news.htm
But for now you can listen to Jeff Porcaro talk about his shuffle here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsDY5YRO5pQ&mode=related&search=
I could melt just watching that.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 15:49:32 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
DEACONBLUE, no I don't quite understand your choice to withhold information :P. Please please please please tell!!!
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 15:28:44 ET
Posted by: Karsten, omenhouse'n (most of the year)
BTW, DEACONBLUE, were you one of those two guys with the Donald-Fagen-Tour t-shirt on? We saw two guys with such a shirt walk by when we were eating in the restaurant "rousseau le dogana" (or something similar) and I was saying to Bert, who was with me in the US for the 2003 summer tour and who wore a shirt of that tour (the greek coffee cup) on Saturday, that you both definitely beat him in this discipline.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 15:27:31 ET
Posted by: Alkali, Captain's Neck Ln. Sth. Hampton, NY
[“bonjourno!
bravo de steely dan liazzo
italiano audiente' supremo
artiste' inspiro un grando
arrevideci”]
What is that, Pig-Latin?
“La lingua Italiana non si parla con la bocca, ma con il cuore”
Speaking of swine in Latium, I would have loved to be at the Lucca show, not necessarily for the music, lord knows the S.O.S. set list is a dead horse, but for the pure joy of being in Tuscany!
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 13:51:52 ET
Posted by: Karsten, Omenhouse'n (most of the year)
After a 9 hours drive (breaks included) we just returned from Lucca. It was a damn good trip and Lucca is the perfect town for such an event. Blue sky, good food, the moon and the weather ... even, well, not cheap, but not that expensive very good chilled beer at the Gelateria. We had a very nice stay there and saw a really great SD show. I would have liked to do some "inside SD talk" with some of the musicians too and was standing at the fence after the soundcheck with some guys calling "1-2-3: Donald, Donald, ..." but without much luck (though KC was coming out and talked to some fans). Berlin was my "second to Lucca", the Zitadel is a nice location too - the Stuttgart show (very close to my hometown, so going there was a must) was not that good IMHO - this may has been caused by the fact, that the sound was bad in the first rows (no PA, only the stage sound) and the entire band seemed a bit "tired" to me. Maybe because they had 3 days off in Paris before? Anyway - another SD-July with 3 shows has come to an end. I hope there'll be another one - European showdown in Lucca welcome.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 12:41:46 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, LUCCA , i miss you yet
Sabato 28 luglio 2007 Piazza Napoleone ore 21.30
This date is going to stay forever in my mind. I saw the Dan and Mr Fagen 7 times before Lucca.I cannot say they disepointed me one time, not at all. As so far, the Temecula experience last year during Donalds solotour was one not to forget. But what happens in Lucca was really amazing, really fenomenal. You had to be there to understand what i really means.
I knew before the concert that Lucca not only was the perfect place to make an end to the European tour. It's just that there is no better place to go and see Steely Dan.
It began in the late afternoon around 5 o clock when the musicians arrived at the Piazza Napoleone where there was a reception in the local Carabinierri casern where they could enjoy Italian food and beverages. After a while Mr Roger Rosenberg took a walk at the Piazza just like he was walking in his garden.
I stood there with a couple of Steely Danfans that i just met. Thierry from France and RJ from Ireland.And just like me they came specially over from their countries to see their heroes.
Aperntly, Mr Rosenberg saw us, with that weird Steely Dan t shirts,in the corner of his eyes. He came himself to say hello and immediately there was a spontanic conversation between 4 simple guys who loves music and most of all who loves jazz.
We talk about 45 minutes, so long that the other musicians were worried because they had lost Roger Rosenberg. It was finally Walt Weiskopf that walked down the stage" to go and get our dear Roger.
We took some pictures of both musicians before they get back on stage to begin the soundcheck.
Well it was absolutely a nice talk with a lot of conversationtheme's. Yes even about a Irish boxer.I can say we all learned lot about all the Steely Dan members and yes also about Donald and Walter. I respect and admire the simplicity and openmind mentality of Roger. So from that point of view i prefere not to tell details about that conversation with Roger Rosenberg. It's a question of respect. I hope you will understand this.
So right before they started the soundcheck, securitymembers cleaned up the whole piazza asking all the present fans to leave the piazza and to go take place at one of the four streetcorners near the concertarea. We could not see the Donald and Walter very well from there but we could here of course very well the music.
Soundcheck was very short.They played Dirty Work, Haitian Divorce and GreenEarrings. The crowd was very exited and almost insane. There were about a hundred fans what gave the impression the concert started at 5.30 in the afternoon. It's very difficult to express the atmosphere of that very special moment.
From the beginning till the end the concert was just amazing good. excuse it was more than good. Every present person knows what i'm talking about. Just like Roberto (where the hell were you my friend) said earlier, there was an electric atmosphere in the air. The crowd was really exceptional ans so were Donald and Walter and the Steely Dan Orchestra. You could feel that there was a sincere and emotional comunication between our two heroes and the audience.
The sound was really perfect. You could hear every detail of the voices and instruments.Steely Dans performance was extraordinarily good. Maybe it's got to do with the beauty of Lucca, just like Donald told it very emotianaly to the crowd or maybe because they got the Roman Gods on their side.
Lucca was anounced as the place to be with Steely Dan and so it was. Those ones who were there, knows thet they were witnesses of something really exceptional, something historical!!
Thanks Donald and Walter and all the other musicians for the happiness you brought that saturdaynight at the Piazza.
So to end my story i'll give you the setlist of Lucca
Intro
Time out of mind
Godwhacker
Bad Sneakers
Two against nature
Hey nineteen
Peg
Haitian Divorce
Green Earrings
Dirty Work
Josie
Chain Lightning
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
ENCORE
Pretzel Logic
My old school
Outro
And till next time. Only the Roman Gods knows when.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 12:34:05 ET
Posted by: Long Time Gone, Portland
Happy belated birthday to a certain missing person.......another year older sure looks good on you.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 11:08:21 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Chris:
http://keithcarlock.com/board.htm
it's not that "damning"- if you had never heard keith you could probably take it any way you want. but im glad you understand my post, and we'll leave it at that.
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 06:44:11 ET
Posted by: italiano appreciate', new world
bonjourno!
bravo de steely dan liazzo
italiano audiente' supremo
artiste' inspiro un grando
arrevideci
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 02:49:38 ET
Posted by: é l'era del terzo mondo, Italia
I was at the Lucca gig and I can only say that they were just absolutely amazing. The setting was awesome. A warm summer evening in a piazza in a picturesque tuscan town. The acoustics were absolutely spot on.
I went with three other companions who were not knowledgeable about Steely Dan and their greatness. They were blown away by the gig (as I was).
We even managed to catch the sound check in the late afternoon and i think I got a a feeling right then and there that it was going to sound good.
The atmosphere in the Piazza that night was electric and I think we italians gave the guys a warm welcome and everybody was really responding to every song.
it's pointless going into detail as to what or who was doing what for each song etc.., because I can't pick fault with anything they did and my mind is just a blur of excitment and jaw dropping awe at how good they sounded and played. This was a helluva gig.
The set list, from memory, was the usual sequence played throughout the tour and posted here a few times. For encores they did Pretzel Logic (thanks Don and Walt) and My Old School.
This was so much much more a better gig than the one I saw in Birmingham a few weeks back. I'm not saying they were bad there but this was just the best live performance of anything I have ever seen.
I think Don especially was very appreciative of the feedback he was getting from the crowd.
I do think though that they could be a little tired from the tour so far but that is just my personal thought and in no way did it reflect on their performnce in Lucca. I think they need the two week break.
The sound was just so much bettet than Birmingham. I could hear every nuance from the guitars, the bass, the drumming, the keyboards, the vocals and the brass section and it just made me appreciate so much more how great these guys really are.
A word also for the quality of the video on the big screens at the side of the stage. They were top quality. showing some great angles, (the Carlock drum cam especially) and the view was of you actaully being on stage with them. I had a good seat, right up front, but I must say I found myself many a time watching the screens as the cameras panned in tight on the frets of some guitar solo or when they showed KC doing his bit from just over his left shoulder or some nifty keyboard play from Jeff Young (who was in fine voice for Pretzel Logic)
A great night, I am still buzzing, two days later..maybe when I get off this big fluffy Dan cloud I'll write more impressions of the gig.
Roberto
Date: Mon, July 30, 2007, 01:49:48 ET
Posted by: chris, nh
Warrenk - nope, I'm a piano player. and also especially critical of pianists (don't get me started on Fagen's melodica solos) ... so I see where you're coming from, and your post made a lot of sense. One thing, though - you wouldn't happen to have a link to the post where Carlock talks about his weakness, would you? I'm interested to see the context. While I don't doubt the content of your post (it was actually quite informative), that bit of supposed damning evidence is suspect to me.
Lisa- Ha, nope, I don't post here anonymously ... hiding behind my username is anonymous enough.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 22:33:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu , left of the Rio Grande
KC is masterful live. His take on Aja is jaw dropping. Time Out of Mind also stuck out in my mind and Cubana Chant. He seems more comfortable doing the groove + fill thing on stage. He can integrate jazz and rock influences particularly well
I can hear the argument that on the album the comfort level is not quite there on the Last Mall or Things I Miss the Most...and he's a little weaker using the R&B card on EMG...but Godwhacker, Gina, EMG title track are outstanding to revelational. KC is absolutely rock solid throughout the very overlooked Morph. His work on Funn and Security Joan are particularly tasty. KC's channeling Al Green producer Willie Mitchell and the legendary Al Jackson on What I Do.
There will never be another Jeff Porcaro, but KC got the muscle, even if he has a little less R&B in the shuffle.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 21:37:24 ET
Posted by: LisaG, KC for President
"The thing that always bothers me about the KC insults is that one poster in particular whose name I don't remember always mentions how he only has two signature licks, and that he admitted to it on his forum. "
Hahaha!! Is it me or does this sound similar to something another "Carlock fan" once said about "the same chick...blah, blah, blah." But it couldn't be the same person because this dude actually used his name. Funny, we never heard a rebuttal from that person. Hmmm...at least Chris, nh isn't chick-bashing and assuming that people are insulting Carlock when they aren't. :-P Rock on, Chris. Rock on.
By the by, keyboard people, has anyone used any of the Edirol MIDI/USB controllers? I just picked me up the basic PC-50 for a sweet deal--no store is advertising it for this. I can't wait to get that thing cranked up, but I have to find a workspace first. I wasn't going to spend a fortune for something since it would be my first fray into sequencing software, and I already have a nice board for gigs. I've read everything I can find about the unit online. Any personal reviews from the Greater Dandom would be appreciated, and thanks in advance. :-D
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 21:04:56 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island
warrenk - put me in the list of drummers who hear exactly what it is you're talking about! Any drummer would be able to hear it. Carlock's great!! No argument there. But his bag-o-tricks ain't exactly deep by anyone's definition. Vinnie, on the other hand, or Steve Smith, Dennis, Weckl, countless others, could play for God knows how long without repeating the same lick. Just my worthless opinion.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 20:17:33 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Just to let you know, Chris and others who get angry from KC insults, I am a drummer. But I am not insulting KC, and I surely cannot play like him. And while I take back the phrase "it's pretty much a fact" because that's just silly to say, I used that phrase because among drummers with developed ears KC is one of the more repetitive soloists. BUT THAT'S FINE- he still kicks ass.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 20:13:50 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
And if it makes you feel any better, Steve Gadd's lick vocabularly isn't enormous, either. He has his signature licks (albeit surely REVOLUTIONARY)- the stuff you hear in AJA sums up a lot of the licks he pulls out in other stuff he does. But what's so special about him is his groove, musicality, and taste. That's why he is one of the most recorded drummers everywhere.
If you want to talk LICK?/CHOPS vocabulary, guys like Keith Carlock and Steve Gadd you can put on one level, and guys like Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith etc. in another. To many listeners, that means jack, as well as to musicians of all styles of music who hire (Vinnie Colauita is the biggest exception- and that is why he is my God).
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 19:58:36 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Chris, are you a drummer?
I don't know why it really bothers you. If you like his playing, you like it. I like it too. And other than Erskine, I haven't heard a live drummer play for SD as well as KC does. But it's pretty much a fact- and KC HAS said it. To explain in perhaps a bit more depth, his solos are musically based around the groove, and he uses permutations of funk beats and 2nd line New Orleans type stuff to create this sound. He usually starts with that, builds up the solo; then when it's starting to get hot, he'll pull out his doubles between hands and feet. He'll do it in rock, he'll do it in jazz. Examples for you:
CUBANO CHANT: http://youtube.com/watch?v=MtBFYUXqVS8
This is an example in the jazz idiom. Cubano Chant was SD's opening tune for their 2003 shows. KC is the last solo in the solo section.
JOSIE: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_63R8EAu6WI
A longer solo in the rock idiom.
You'll see both solos start out with grooves, and you'll see the doubles (the faster stuff) come in later. Since the first solo is short, his solo structure is simply GROOVE then DOUBLES. In Josie, it's more of GROOVE throughout the whole thing, with the DOUBLES interspered throughout the later part of the solo.
I'm not saying other drummers don't repeat themselves in their solos. They do. But usually they repeat many more different types of ideas/licks. That being said, KC is one of the more musically minded/non-drummer friendly drum soloists I've heard- and that's why D&W love him so much.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 19:44:01 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
The thing that always bothers me about the KC insults is that one poster in particular whose name I don't remember always mentions how he only has two signature licks, and that he admitted to it on his forum. The thing is, most players have a few signature licks, drummers especially, and Carlock was probably just being modest. But hey, I thought Lawson was pretty great too - machine like, sure, but there's something to be said for that much precision. And you know, not that I advocate blind faith or anything, but I really do think that there's something to be said for the fact that he's the first full time Steely Dan drummer ever.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 18:54:24 ET
Posted by: me again, BBC
This is a short one...
"I think there should be a law against people standing in swamps."
::looks down::
"Oh."
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 18:53:06 ET
Posted by: LG, maybe he's a fairy
Ahhh, Mr. Gumby. Your kerchief serves you well.
In the first set, apparenly, Jim Pugh didn't get the dress code memo. Is that Donald Fagen's chest?!?!?!
The second link truly is a beautiful pic of our girl, Carolyn. It appears as if they made the band members wear wrist-bands. Interesting.
Hope those in the NE are safe from flooding. Nasty storms in the last day.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 18:46:15 ET
Posted by: My brain hurts too!,
Glasses
Moustache
Handkerchief
I'M GOING TO OPERATE!!!!!!!!
One of my fav skits.
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 18:31:20 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Caves Of Alta Vista
Hi folks.
For those who can recieve Norwegian TV-channels, there will be served a little snack next week. The National Broadcasting Company (NRK1)will send a program called "Festivalsommer" on Thursday, August 2nd at 8:25pm local time (GMT+1, summertime) which, amongst other will contain a clip from the Molde gig. Some programs from this TV station can even be streamed at their website after having been broadcasted regulary. I have no idea if this will be the case for this particular program, but you bet I'll keep you updated on this. Adress for this net-TV service is:
http://www1.nrk.no/nett-tv/forside
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 16:58:21 ET
Posted by: Mr Gumby, "My brain hurts!"
Found >>>
Pics that could very well be from Lucca. At least the photographer is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65723722@N00/tags/steely/
And here's a not that unfamiliar face caught in a great photo from the North Sea Jazz gig:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/88339129@N00/871038872/
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 13:39:21 ET
Posted by: Mario, Washington, D.C.
Rajah...where are you? Waiting for your review of the Lucca show...
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 13:30:06 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower
...Lonnie...where are you? Waiting for your review of the Lucca show...
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 07:07:45 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, from LUCCA
Like i said a few days ago. Lucca was supposed to be my highlight this summer. And believe me so it was.
Lucca is a very beautiful, peacefull, nice and pitoresque little city with his numerous little streets, a lot of antique churches and other constructions behind his hystorical Roman wall. it's is more than i could imagine myself. The most ideal place to end the European tour.
So for now i've not a lot of time because i still have lot to see here in Toscane and tommorow afternoon i leave this little paradise to go back to reality.
All i have to say that Lucca was my best Steely Dan concert i've ever been. It was just great. Everyone was in a great form and what a incredible sound.only a 15 song setlist but it was his money worth.
I've met a lot of nice people, die hard fans since years but never been on the Bluebook. So nice to have meet you Kenny from Ireland, Thierry from France , Salvatore and Andreas from Italy and Mr Roger Rosenberg from Ney York city. I had the honor to conversate with Roger about 45 minutes. What a great person and what a humanity.
I have to go now so more info tomorrow;
Date: Sun, July 29, 2007, 05:26:37 ET
Posted by: Hans, Netherlands
Oops, don't get me wrong. The photo's are not taken by me, I only found them on the web and shared the link!
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 21:38:47 ET
Posted by: Fife, Florida,eh
Great photos Hans. Thank you.
Anyone up for chat? It's been kind of lonely in there lately.
Fife
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 19:29:21 ET
Posted by: LisaG, I like your pinshot
Ditto to Hans. GREAT SHOTS!! How did you get such awesome close-ups? Eh, what do I know from photography. The girls looked downright exhausted. Touring is a bitch to your body. Hope the band gets some rest before the last leg.
P.S. Hans, were they giving the beer away or was that a requirement to be in the audience? Oh except for that one dark haired young dude (I've seen him before) and someone drinking that which looked green. Hmmm. Anyway, nice fan shots. Nice band shots. Terrific work. Thanks so much for sharing them.
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 19:03:23 ET
Posted by: Newark, MD
TJ: Thx for some diversion on a warm weekend eve. :-)
Hans Jonkhof, Netherlands: Great post and amazing photos. The fan shots are all so very cool. Thx, dude Great to see more pics of the band . Geez nwk
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 18:57:32 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
TJ - you do not mess up the Blue, amico mio, you gave me a brilliant memoryof West of Hollywood from Universal in June of 2000. I loved Chris Potter on that soaring solo out but even more, Cornelius, our dear departed Cornelius and nothing against Roger Rosenberg, a great player but Corni had the touch, the soul, the nuance and I just hate to think of him dying like that on a plane to Kansas City...nothing against Kansas City you understand. But at least he was with his dear wife and well, if you have to go, who better to go with than in your arms of your sweet loved one? OK, RIP, ma Brotha.
And listen, Keith Carlock has taken a lot of hits heron lately, some of them even leveled by me, the Ever-Judicious and Benevolent Rajah. But let's just admit that whatever we might think of his style, he has always brought great energy and exuberance and youth and drive to his playing. He's a mench, he's a young bull and he's a great goddam player.
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 16:39:39 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Home on a saturday night I might as well mess up the blue...
Goddies from YouTube:
West of Hollywood live from 2000. Only sound but why the H... aren't they playing this one live. It's terrific!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jRxXDiqNuXI
Interview with Herington and M. Leonhart from 2007 about the show in Paris and the two's latest album:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5he-MR3XL9E&mode=related&search=
Credit to Carlock for beeing so hypnotizing at this distance:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fOwfmlp0Hvg
I would have traveled to London if I knew they played Home At Last. So beautiful!!!:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QgYBOyEaoi4
Why the heck didn't I get to play Time Out of Mind in 7. grade? These guys even borrowed Wendel II. Good fun! Wonder if their teacher knows what the lyrics are about.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3glhsp7vUzA
Even better this one. What a great piano song:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0mv7CuczmJ8
The oldies just work perfect live. Never knew they played Parkes Band. Guess it makes sense as Carlock is playing for two. Great horns, great sound. Great girls in the bridge!!! Watch this!!:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y06qLqxvVvA
Things I miss The Most from same concert. Gvæjt sound. Great song.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=J2InodJ6-tQ&
That's all for tonight..
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 15:53:35 ET
Posted by: Hans Jonkhof, Netherlands
I saw SD live for a third time, in Bonn this time. I was very happy to be in the front row. It was nice to be able to see the crew communicating with each other and the fun they have playing together. And especially seeing Donald perform just a few meters away was great. He is one piece of musical energy exploding behind the keyboard.
Someone wrote the Brussels concert was better but I disagree! The sound in Bonn was better (I also was at the Brussels concert). But most pleasant was the Bonn concert was open air and without seats. And I don’t like tight placed theater seats as they are preventing you to move your body and dance!
Chain lightning and dirty work where most exciting to me. Chain lightning as it was in a new, somewhat strange, but nice new arrangement. In the beginning it was confusing but later on it excited me. Dirty work as it gave space to Cindy and Carolyn to show their very good skills.
I am still very curious what little joke was going on around Cindy and Carolyn. Just before the gig started one of the roadies taped a message on the floor at, I believe it was, Carolyn’s microphone stand. The whole crew was very amused, as Cindy and Carolyn when noticing the message. But I am afraid I’ll never know what happened… Speaking about the ladies. Cindy stole the heart of my eleven year old son, who joined me at the concert. She several times flirted with him and wove him a kiss when leaving the podium after the final song.
I really hope there ever will be a live cd covering D&W touring with this band. As it is the best band they ever had!
For nice pics made at the Bonn concert see: http://www.general-anzeiger-bonn.de/index.php?k=frei&itemid=10222&bilderKatid=2135
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 15:39:21 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Our boys are all about the girls
http://flickr.com/photos/danagraves/402152559/
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 14:59:53 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
Just wanted to pass along a recommendation to Dan fans looking for new music - his name is Travis Morrison, and he used to front the only band that I listen to as much as I listen to Steely Dan, the Dismemberment Plan. Now he's out on his own and he's putting out his second solo album called All Y'all. Terrible title but the tunes are great, you can listen to them on travismorrison.com. So far I'm really digging "I'm Not Supposed To Like You (But I Do)."
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 11:22:47 ET
Posted by: LisaG, ?
What the hell was that last post?
It was like reading a computer translation of something.
(Well, I'm thinking now..."duh, it absolutely is...")
Anyway, I had no idea that Tom Barney once served as music director. I reallly enjoyed his playing, but it's interesting to note that he had other roles as well.
Steve Rodby is a producer for PMG--another quiet genius who multi-tasks. Who woulda thunk?
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 09:50:17 ET
Posted by: Ark, really submarine, Ringo
"It gives served draws itself nothing new in the pop music" the unmistakable Sound of Steely out of through timeless pop melody with jazzigen arrangements, unusual harmonies, surprising speed change. Now the legend comes into Switzerland. Donald swept and are served Walter Becker Steely. The two Americans count as one of the Most innovative song clerk teams of all times, in the baggage Evergreens as well as "Do it again", "Rikki, served' t loose that number" and "Reeling in the years". A conversation with Donald swept: Singer, Keyboarder and honor doctor of the Berklee College of Music.
With Steely have served you in the 70ern and 80ern only rarely live played. This tour is however your previously largest. From where the late desire on live-shows? Donald swept: The conditions were earlier worse for us: We had to appear before Heavy-Metal-volume and had to sleep in bad hotel. Today is to the good fortune of all differently. Walter and I assembled a couple of musician magnificent around us. That is fun correctly.
The last year's tour was dedicated Steelyard "Sugertooth" McDan, to an inventor of the blues. This year reads the motto of "Heavy scooter". Do you give this time above all well known material to the best? Originally we had also new things in the program. That changed in the course of the tour so that we play in the mean time many titles of the old albums, that especially like the fans. We permit ourselves, who to itemize songs in newly arranged versions. The focal point lies at the same time however not unconditionally on the largest hit.
They are with a zehnköpfigen mini-orchestra underway. Do you feel more of the classical period accompanying than the pop music? We are a jazz-Tentett that plays also Rhythm & blues. Entirely in the sense of Charles Mingus.
Jazz an important influence was served always for Steely. Why did you become actually no jazz musicians? In young years, Walter were and I large jazz fans. It gave end of the 60er-Jahre moreover some very interesting blues and Country-blues-scene, especially in Memphis and Chicago. We loved Muddy Waters and B. B. King. But we heard also Soul. Steely served was the idea to combine jazz harmonies with the Big Beat of the Rhythm & blues.
What remained of the free and experimental spirit of the 60er remaining? At that time it went above all therefore to bring together things out of different areas. One named that then postmodernly. Steely served belong actually no longer to the Sechzigern, we began 1972. Before That we went on the College and heard disks of Albert Ayler, Sonny Rollins, limped Mobley and John Coltrane. We are rather conservative jazz fans.
They said once, had given it in the last three decades no new music. Do you believe that really? Since 1970 I heard nothing substantial new within the pop music more. With exception of the Reggae, that I found very interesting. The last album that really cwas down me comes quaked of Marley & The Wailers. Otherwise are played for 40 years the same rhythms and harmonies. Nevertheless it gives also today good singers and per form. Sometimes you let sing also other people your songs. How is that in the new tour? One sings Walter, another our Backgroundsängerinnen. Titles are that of our first album, that were not sung in the original by me, but rather by Dave Palmer. We were last year with our old friend Michael McDonald underway. It belonged served earlier to the firm occupation of Steely, went later it to the Doobie Brother
In September your three solo albums in a special CD-box appear. One can load himself all songs as a ringtone on the mobile phone. Do you become another commercial artist on your old days? One said to me that one wants to offer these ringtones. I cannot imagine however in the best will why people should make that. That is me anyway equal. The actually interesting at this box is the bonus material: Videos, live-pieces, demoes out of the 80ern and 90ern and Filmmusiken, that never appeared on disk. Moreover the new tie-in appears briefly: "The best of Steely served: The millennium Collection". Unfortunately without Extras. Walter and I everything deleted always, what did not please us. We are hold perfectionists.
And when does it give served a correct new Steely--album? We already spoke about that. I work at my next solo disk. The collaboration with Walter is very special. We put together ourselves and tell ourselves jokes. Sometime a song develops from that.
Walter Becker and you developed in the course of the years a collective personality, from whose viewpoint the Steely-served told become-songs. So it is. The Steely-served is-character a complicated personality: It is a man who has no woman at its side. Therefore it can express things, that one would not say in present of a woman. It expresses sometimes incredible things, that take place otherwise only in the subconscious. IINTERVIEW OLAF new man Steely served at the Blueballs festival
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 08:54:19 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, wearing a certain band t-shirt, that in the end will have to go - like everything else, I'm afraid
TJ and Wise:
Yes, and like Larry Carlton before that. As explained in the "Making of Aja" documentary. Dan on!
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 07:18:40 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
And may I also add that DF means Donald Fagen...
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 07:17:39 ET
Posted by: I'll beg , if you want.
Message for Donald: If you really are working on a new album, please, please, please try going back to your “lets use lots of different crack musos until we get it just right” technique. Particularly guitarists and drummers...Please!
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 06:58:45 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Thanks Dirk. And may I add, that it's Donald saying he's working on his next soloalbum.
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 05:52:15 ET
Posted by: Dirk, Duesseldorf / Germany
Excerpts from an interview with DF in Swiss newspaper
"Thurgauer Zeitung"
"The last album that really knocked my off my feet was
a Bob Marley & the Wailers album."
"When will there be a new SD album ?"
"We've already talked about that. I'm working on a new
solo album"
http://www.thurgauerzeitung.ch/default2.cfm?vDest=vtArtikel&id=340559&b1=steely&o1=&b2=&o2=&b3=&re=&ra=AM&da=&startrow=1
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 05:45:23 ET
Posted by: Flake, FlakeFlakeFlake
Hey Gretch.Flake! Flake! ........ 2 days out in California you hit the 10 East for home.
They don't do no good
They never be workin'
When they oughta should
They waste your time
They're wastin' mine
California's got the most of them
Boy, they got a host of them
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
They got the Flakes
Flakes! Flakes!
They can't fix yer brakes
You ask 'em, "Where's my motor?"
"Well it was eaten by snakes . . ."
You can stab 'n' shoot 'n' spit
But they won't be fixin' it
They're lyin' an' lazy
They can be drivin' you crazy
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
[Take it away, Bob. . .]
I asked as nice as I could
If my job would
Somehow be finished by Friday
Well, the whole damn weekend
Came 'n' went, Frankie
[Wanna buy some mandies, Bob?]
'N'they didn't do nothin'
But they charged me double for Sunday
You know, no matter what you do
They gonna cheat 'n' rob you
Then they'll send you a bill
That'll get your senses reelin'
And if you do not pay
They got computer collectors
That'll get you so crazy
Til your head'll go through th' ceilin'
Yes it will!
I'm a moron 'n' this is my wife
She's frosting a cake
With a paper knife
All what we got here's
American made
It's a little bit cheesey,
But it's nicely displayed
Well we don't get excited when it
Crumbles 'n' breaks
We just get on the phone
And call up some Flakes
They rush on over
'N' wreck it some more
'N' we are so dumb
They're linin' up at our door
Well, the toilet went crazy
Yesterday afternoon
The plumber he says
"Never flush a lampoon!"
This great information
Cost me half a week's pay
And the toilet blew up
Later on the next day ay-eee-ay
Blew up the next day WOO-OOO
We are millions 'n' millions
We're coming to get you
We're protected by unions
So don't let it upset you
Can't escape the conclusion
It's probably God's Will
That civilization
Will grind to a standstill
And we are the people
Who will make it all happen
While yer children is sleepin',
Yer puppy is crappin'
You might call us Flakes
Or something else you might coin us
But we know you're so greedy
That you'll probably join us
We're comin' to get you, we're comin' to get you
It's all so f'n true!!
Smoke on the Water.....a guilty pleasure of mind, a definitive song for the 70's, I like the live version best.
G
Date: Sat, July 28, 2007, 02:51:08 ET
Posted by: Wise, ass
TJ - Yes, and what Drew Zingg, Tom Barney and John Beasley use to do as well.
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 17:54:17 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Wise, yep thats waht he said. Guess it means Herington's been responsible for rehearsing and making copies of arrangements etc. - like Warren Bernhardt use to do.
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 17:23:09 ET
Posted by: Are you with me Dr. Wu, In Front of Your Tongue, Boarsass Wash.
(07-27) 08:07 PDT Olympia, Wash. (AP) --
An oral surgeon who temporarily implanted fake boar tusks in his assistant's mouth as a practical joke and got sued for it has gotten the state's high court to back up his gag.
Dr. Robert Woo of Auburn had put in the phony tusks while the woman was under anesthesia for a different procedure. He took them out before she awoke, but he first shot photos that eventually made it around the office.
The employee, Tina Alberts, felt so humiliated when she saw the pictures that she quit and sued her boss.
Woo's insurance company, Fireman's Fund, refused to cover the claim, saying the practical joke was intentional and not a normal business activity his insurance policy covered, so Woo settled out of court. He agreed to pay Alberts $250,000, then he sued his insurers.
A King County Superior Court jury sided with Woo, ordering Fireman's Fund to pay him $750,000, plus the out-of-court settlement. The insurance company won the next round, with the state Court of Appeals saying the prank had nothing to do with Woo's practice of dentistry. On Thursday, the state Supreme Court restored Woo's award.
In a sprightly 5-4 decision, Supreme Court Justice Mary Fairhurst wrote that Woo's practical joke was an integral, if odd, part of the assistant's dental surgery and "conceivably" should trigger the professional liability coverage of his policy.
Dissenting Justice James Johnson said the prank wasn't a dental procedure at all and only "rewards Dr. Woo's obnoxious behavior and allows him to profit handsomely."
The back story, the court wrote, is that Alberts' family raises potbellied pigs and that she frequently talked about them at the office where she worked for five years.
Woo said his jests about the pigs were part of "a friendly working environment" that he tried to foster.
The oral surgery on Alberts was intended to replace two of her teeth with implants, which Woo did. First, though, he installed temporary bridges that he had shaped to look like boar tusks, and while Alberts was still under anesthesia, he took photos, some with her eyes propped open. Before she woke up, he removed the "tusks" and put in the proper replacement teeth.
Woo says he didn't personally show her the pictures but staffers gave her copies at a birthday party.
Woo's lawyer, Richard Kilpatrick, described the surgeon as a kindhearted, fun-loving man who was chagrined that an office prank turned out so badly. He was delighted with the high court's decision, Kilpatrick said.
Attorneys for the insurance company did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 17:19:49 ET
Posted by: Wise, ass
TJ - It might have been at one of the shows when Walter was introducing the band and said:
"and please welcome from NYC our musical director: Mr. Jon Herington"
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 14:50:28 ET
Posted by: pagoda of funn, the netherlands
I have just returned from the Bonn concert and although the musicians played very good, this show was not as good as the shows in Brussel and Berlin. Donald's voice was a little hoarse (will he be able to do the shows in the far east and down under?) and Walter didn't make any specific comments (in Brussel he was talking about the Belgian Bier, and in Berlin he quoted in a funny way JFK 'ich bin ein jellybean' (or something like that) and talked about the Deutsch mark etc. And what happened with Walter's singing? No Haitian Divorce! My personal favorite. Do they do to many dates?
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 14:41:17 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Hey, did you know that Jon Herington is musical director at the tour this year?
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 11:15:54 ET
Posted by: Time Zone Temptress,
Happy Birthday, bebe, wherevah you are.
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 10:42:11 ET
Posted by: hoops to Steve DeRose, chicagoan to chicagoan
[ Sorry folks, hate to post this stuff but I can't communicate to Steve in any other way it seems. Folks: Keep the following example in mind in the future if you don't hear from someone.]
Steve aka "Pudgy":
I *have* been attempting to contact you but your mail filters are apparently set too stringently--see below [ I replaced "@" with "at", etc. in the following message. ] See what you can do or email me privately your phone number. I CAN receive email from you bujt you can't get mine right now.
----sample headers snip----Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:01:08 -0400----end sample headers snip----
X-Sieve: CMU Sieve 2.3
From: Mail Sieve Subsystem <postmaste AT messagingengineDOTcom>
To: <hoops AT dandom DOT com>
Subject: Automatically rejected mail
Auto-Submitted: auto-replied (rejected)
Your message was automatically rejected by Sieve, a mail
filtering language.
The following reason was given:
Message bounced by server content filter
Reporting-UA: store15m.internal; Cyrus v2.3.8-fmsvn12377/CMU Sieve 2.3
Original-Recipient: rfc822; pudgym29 AT fastmail DOT fm
Final-Recipient: rfc822; s5nBaHAsQ/d9hp89enSrdNAbObQfPE2jaZb2cgJAlvqK 1185516068
Original-Message-ID: <p06210200c2cf39b8db6eAT [ hoops' usual IP number ]
Disposition: automatic-action/MDN-sent-automatically; deleted
Jim
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 10:38:12 ET
Posted by: E' lera del terzo mondo, Italia , Lucca Bound
Due to unforseen last minute circumstances, two of my friends are unable to travel to Lucca for the gig.
Therefore I have two spare tickets.
If anybody is interested , please get in touch.
Roberto
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 09:56:43 ET
Posted by: jazzassin, At the Grotto, in the greasy chair. With lotion, kinky hair 'n everything...
ReiS:
You told us about your lucky flight from Stockholm to Molde with the band. Two things seems utmost unfair to me. First: I was not at that plain. That's unfair, indeed. Second, it's these low standards that have come to terms with through your post. I mean, you tell us that while the band flew an ordinary McDonnell-Douglas machine or similar - which are perfectly good aircrafts, Don and Walt were using a private jet for transportation. A private jet?? What IS THIS CRAP?? Not that the band don't deserve a private jet as well, but more important, Don and Walt should have spacecrafts! No less!! What the f***k happened to civilization? Private jet, tsk, tsk. It's a shame. Any world that I'm welcome to and so on...
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 08:24:57 ET
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Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 04:40:27 ET
Posted by: E' lera del terzo mondo, Italia
Deacon and Lonnie and all other Lucca bound Danites,,
mail me if you would like to contact meet up in Lucca..
Roberto
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 02:10:09 ET
Posted by: Pudgy M, Chicago, IL. [U.S.A.]
Hello, everybody. No, it is not all about me. I am having some sort of snag with sending and receiving the Dandom Digest. I've been on it for a long, long time. But I haven't received any digests since April. My direct E-Mails to "Hoops" have gone unanswered. My true E-Mail address is a particular one {The one listed above will forward a specified number of E-Mails to me, greatly limiting its use for spammers.}, so I wonder if Hoops managed to put my domain name on the _wrong_ filter list.
The reason why this is important is that I want to inquire if anybody _else_ here is going to Japan, and specifically Tokyo, for the Dan's shows on 18 - 24 August? I found an airfare of $650 (+ $271 taxes) from several cities in the midwest U.S.A. to Tokyo Narita [ORD-NRT] if you depart on a Monday-Thursday, and stay at least four days. But I or you have to book by 30 July. I have been to Tokyo twice. I have a good map which indicates where in Roppongi is the venue, and I know a little about the neighborhood. So if somebody wanted to have a DanFest there, I have suggestions.
This would be very good to circulate on a E-Mail list, but I can't get a message through. This would be o.k. to disseminate in a chatroom, but nobody seems to go there. So I'm down to the third option: This guestbook.
Here is the URL with the airfare deal: h**p://www.jtbusa.com/enhome/sdetail.asp
If somebody really wants to send me an unfiltered E-Mail, it is actually pudgym29 at fastmail.fm (Yes; that's "FM".).
And as far as that spammer goes, I have *better* (and _free_) links to porn and smut at h**p://snipurl.com/sdr003
Steve "PudgyM" De Rose
Date: Fri, July 27, 2007, 00:16:49 ET
Posted by: Walt's Doppelgänger , moon
ok. zappa was a god. some times you had to wade through some crap but. . . . .
can't believe steely fans don't know his work - what a wierd bunch.
how about when sd opened for frank in KC in 72 and they did all those unreleased tunes megashine city etc . .
go checkout "best band you never heard of in your life." and bee cool.
and you'll say, frank "now that i found you" i'll dig ya forever!
off topic. get last of the independants by the pretenders too.
yours,
papplbon
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 23:50:28 ET
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[ This spam left intentionally by hoops in reference to Steve's post above.]
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 18:08:32 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, still in Brussels
Finally we're so far.
The ultimate preparations are done. I'm finishing my cup of Verdichio wine and going to sleep. Tomorrow i'll catch my plane to Pisa where i will arrive aproximatively at noon and from there i'm going to Lucca.That will be the last point of the European leg of the Steely Dan tour. I'm considering Lucca as the summerhighlight this year. Maybe a improvised Danfest should be possible?
Lonnie, Roberto and all the other Danners, here i'm coming!!
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 17:05:28 ET
Posted by: Mike F., NYC
Mr. A. Jemima, I couldn't agree more about Almost Gothic. My favorite track these days.
Unless I'm totally wrong.
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 14:52:10 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh,
No, Scott Mervis, who covers the rock/pop beat. Tony Norman has been a political/social issues columnist for the P-G for some years after a stint as music reviewer, and yes, he loves Steely Dan. I've known them both for many years. Good guys.
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 12:49:44 ET
Posted by: Steve, Tampa , FL
Bill - By any chance is the name of that features editor Tony Norman?
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 10:34:07 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh,
Headline today in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette of an article about a gathering of Harry Potter fanatics awaiting the release of the last book: "Countdown to Ecstasy". The piece was written by a teenage HP enthusiast.
I know the features editor and he is a fan of SD, so I suspect this headline was his doing.
As us old Deadheads say, "in the strangest of places..."
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 07:47:04 ET
Posted by: bobbo, under the Zappa gun....
Y'know,
I still bear a grudge against Zappa for that "Bobby Brown" song...and my parents, who were too countrified to know that you NEVER name a boychild Bobby Brown, even if he DID come out of the womb singing...selah.
Okay,
Bobbo
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 07:37:10 ET
Posted by: West of Philly ,
DK:
For Jazz Ensemble Zappa, I particularly liked Grand Wazoo and Waka/Jawaka.
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 06:06:49 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Mmmm.... thanks all of you.
Guess a more specifik question would be, did Zappa releas any albums similar til the Dan?
Why aren't we all listening to Zappa. What's the difference between the two?
I'm considering buying Hot Rats which is described as a jazz-rock classic..
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 02:40:47 ET
Posted by: last night,
show was red hot, band was supertight. D&W tired? What are you talking about, there were highly motivated and amazed by the response and applause.
even the girls were really flattered. sound was good as well.
Becker does solo more now + it.s fine with me.
Herrington plays a lot more chords and less scales as well.
Date: Thurs, July 26, 2007, 02:33:49 ET
Posted by: Celluloid Biker, Herenthout ,Belgium
Museumplatz Bonn, 25 07 07
(Semi) Open air show
Setlist
Jeri (band)
Time Out Of Mind
Godwhacker (wow!)
Bad Sneakers
2 Against Nature
Hey Nineteen
Peg
Green Earrings
Dirty Work
Josie
Chain Lightning
I Got The News
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Encore
Bodhisattva
My Old School
Caroline (band)
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 22:58:57 ET
Posted by: Hutch,
This is hilarious. Scroll about a third of the way down and read the "Steely Danned" review!
http://davehilljournal.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 22:05:38 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Inside mein Kopf, aber outside mein Schwanz
Gretchen und Rajah:
I agree to SpotOn's advice that you should keep at it, except I rarely blush. However, I suspect there's an underlying reason for you to share your very sweet and charming conversation with us all. It takes no Einstein to see the connection here. Your mentioning of visiting Iceland and Norway for a birthday trip (and for god's sake NOT in February, you flagellants) is of course a poorly hidden hint - no, more than that, its a shameless demand for a local voluntary to connect with for guidance, supplies, emergency therapy or whatever. If Oslo should eventually make it to the final touring list, I will be pleased to assist in making your stay a memorable success! So let me know if theres anything... Und Kopf im Schwanz man kann auch im Norwegen schticken, du weisst ja?
TJ:
I must advice you NOT to take one step closer to Zappaland, as it is a huge world that wery well could be impossible to ever find your way out of. A lifetime study, and very addictive - there are tons of documented cases. If you, despite this warning, choose to move on, I agree to Santa's point. You could start anywhere. If I may come up with a personal favorite though, it must be Roxy & Elsewhere. Double live album from -74, which i find very representative for the best ingredients in Zappas music from that period. One of my absolute favorite records whatsoever. Have fun!
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 21:34:17 ET
Posted by: Billy Reuben, Son of "Rube E. Baby" !
According to my close friend "Reuben Cornfield" this is actually NOT a picture of Donald Fagen at all!
http://lauralevine.com/photography/gallery/fagen.php
It's actually a picture of RC's long lost stepbrother "REUBEN HEDGEROW". Mr. Hedgerow hasn't spoken a word since he was injured in a ruby mine accident back in 1976. Every morning since then, the entire CORNFIELD family has placed him on his favorite bench facing the sun and fed him yogurt hoping that his brain would grow back. So far the results have been... uh... pending. If anyone would like to donate to Mr. REUBEN HEDGEROW's upkeep they may do so by forwarding all correspondence to;
Reuben Cornfield
666 Madison Avenue
Ellie Mae, Illinois 60609
Thank You, and please keep him in your prayers...
Billy Reuben
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 20:41:04 ET
Posted by: D, Lee Stan, Chicago time
I'm such a drag having missed the last two Steely shows.
I'm not sure why,...mostly it's bad timing, or like a shortage of cash and bubble gum. Tears in my pillow.
I thought it was time to post this (even though it's already too late), when I saw our impeccable host on the 5 o'clock news kicking Macy's when they're down. If you're not going to kick your opponent when he's down, when ARE you going to kick him?? Good luck JMK.
I think Macy's should be run out on a rail too, based on their short track record, though I loved Macy's in Time Squares NY.
Fans, please give these loops a spin
They're rather low fi so play 'em loud
and figure they were composed asking WWSDD?
Example Composite Blue is primitive, but was
going for that kind of Glamour Profession dankness. Questions. Comments? Interested Producers named Don or Walt?
http://www.myspace.com/mikestefani3
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 20:11:22 ET
Posted by: LisaG, oh my
Heads up asses? Please don't send pics.
P.S. I want to go to Iceland, too. :-P
Dirk, glad to hear they played Chain. Awesome. But sorry to hear of the possible fatigue. All that traveling and performing HAS to catch up with people at some point. Speaking of...I need a vacation.
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 19:48:38 ET
Posted by: Rajah, unscooping head from anus
Kerploop!
OK, Iceland in February?
Maybe we need to re-evaluate whose head is up whose anus...
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 19:43:29 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, I give up
Of course no Iceland in August. That would defeat the whole purpose. My birthday is in February, I want the full Icelandic experience. Brrrrrr......Get your head out of your a**!
G
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 19:39:55 ET
Posted by: Dirk, Duesseldorf
Funny little analysis of "Reelin in the years" for those of you who speak German :
http://www.radioeins.de/_/beitrag_jsp/key=beitrag_198725.html
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 19:14:35 ET
Posted by: Dirk, Duesseldorf
No Haitian Divorce in Bonn, but they played a nice swinging arrangement of Chain Lightning. Sound was poor. Donald and Walter seemed a little bit tired, Donalds voice was not the strongest.
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 18:42:23 ET
Posted by: Carl Jung, oh mien Gott
Lizen you two, life she isht unt terrible bitch. Many many questions, very few answers. Train wreck love affairs, the bescht koupole I've ever treated were dead old hulkes. Keep at it, try to be kind unt underschant each others foibles and weaknesses. People are not perfkect, lovers even more so.
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 18:27:55 ET
Posted by: Ziggy,
Blushin my azzen, it's killink me!!!!!!
Calling Dr. Jung...
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 18:15:29 ET
Posted by: Spot On, in the UK
Spot on with Randy Newman.
One blushes a bit with the goings on between Gretchen and Rajah. Keep at it.
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 18:03:01 ET
Posted by: Emmanuel Kant, in your mind
Okay, it's not comic rock and roll, but it's comic, and worthy: Randy Newman.
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 18:01:10 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Yah, I mean, yeah, excuzin but I've heard that Kom-on before. Vhat kind of chump do you take me for? I meant what. No...no, don't anzwer dat, I mean, that. Reykjavik in August? Vell, no, well, I suppose all the ice sculptures are melted by then...
Then again, vhat, I mean what, kind of perzon in their right mind would prefer Reykjavik in August to Pescara and the isle of Tremiti?
Helga is paging me...
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 17:44:47 ET
Posted by: Gretchen,
OK, my skittish one, since you like Scandinavia so much, you'll indulge with me in a trip to Iceland and Norway for my birthday. It's a major one, you know. No holds barred.
G
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 17:32:14 ET
Posted by: Sigmund Freud, I make it 3 to 1 chance
Yah, Herr Rajah, normalzy...let me tink vhat isht dat? Kan't really remember, it must be zomewhere here in my notes. Anyway goot luck, don't exscpetcht derr miralcles. Juscht try to hold on dear boy.
Next patient, Helga!
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 17:18:46 ET
Posted by: Rajah, here's my story
Jazzassin - I've met very few sane Scandanavians, they've all been fun, especially Helga back in 72.
So you like your Zappa, my insane DAR Lithuanian beauty? Remember this one?
Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-yah!
Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-yah!
Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-yah!
Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-yah!
Primer mi carucha (Chevy '39)
Going to El Monte Legion Stadium
Pick up on my Weesa (she is so divine)
Helps me stealing hub caps
Wasted all the time
Fuzzy Dice
(Fuzzy Dice . . . )
Bongos in the back
My ship of love
(My ship of love . . . )
Is ready to attack
Gretchen darling, look, we really have to make an effort to be normal. Frankly, I don't like our chances but we have to give it the old college try for the folks and the children.
Paging Dr. Freud...
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 16:56:45 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, lost my mind.....
I love any excuse to bring up Zappa. This is one of my favorites:
Flakes! Flakes!
They don't do no good
They never be workin'
When they oughta should
They waste your time
They're wastin' mine
California's got the most of them
Boy, they got a host of them
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
They got the Flakes
Flakes! Flakes!
They can't fix yer brakes
You ask 'em, "Where's my motor?"
"Well it was eaten by snakes . . ."
You can stab 'n' shoot 'n' spit
But they won't be fixin' it
They're lyin' an' lazy
They can be drivin' you crazy
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
Swear t'God they got the most
At every business on the coast
[Take it away, Bob. . .]
I asked as nice as I could
If my job would
Somehow be finished by Friday
Well, the whole damn weekend
Came 'n' went, Frankie
[Wanna buy some mandies, Bob?]
'N'they didn't do nothin'
But they charged me double for Sunday
You know, no matter what you do
They gonna cheat 'n' rob you
Then they'll send you a bill
That'll get your senses reelin'
And if you do not pay
They got computer collectors
That'll get you so crazy
Til your head'll go through th' ceilin'
Yes it will!
I'm a moron 'n' this is my wife
She's frosting a cake
With a paper knife
All what we got here's
American made
It's a little bit cheesey,
But it's nicely displayed
Well we don't get excited when it
Crumbles 'n' breaks
We just get on the phone
And call up some Flakes
They rush on over
'N' wreck it some more
'N' we are so dumb
They're linin' up at our door
Well, the toilet went crazy
Yesterday afternoon
The plumber he says
"Never flush a lampoon!"
This great information
Cost me half a week's pay
And the toilet blew up
Later on the next day ay-eee-ay
Blew up the next day WOO-OOO
We are millions 'n' millions
We're coming to get you
We're protected by unions
So don't let it upset you
Can't escape the conclusion
It's probably God's Will
That civilization
Will grind to a standstill
And we are the people
Who will make it all happen
While yer children is sleepin',
Yer puppy is crappin'
You might call us Flakes
Or something else you might coin us
But we know you're so greedy
That you'll probably join us
We're comin' to get you, we're comin' to get you
It's all so f'n true!!
Smoke on the Water.....a guilty pleasure of mind, a definitive song for the 70's, I like the live version best.
G
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 15:36:30 ET
Posted by: ps, ...
----
<<What else besides science fiction?>>
When Walter and I met, we had a constellation of enthusiasms, really—science fiction, jazz, black humor, novels by Thomas Berger, Terry Southern, Philip Roth, Vladimir Nabokov, Kurt Vonnegut especially. That certainly influenced the lyric writing. We also liked comic songwriting, like Tom Lehrer. He was a piano player and songwriter who wrote these grim, funny songs. And then we were both fans of Frank Zappa and the Fugs.
<<You once said Zappa was the only model for the comedy of Steely Dan.>>
The only comic rock and roll I remember was Frank Zappa, really. The Fugs were comic also, but their music was so primitive. I remember the Fugs used to play free in Tompkins Square Park in the sixties, and at one point they were really the kings of the Lower East Side.
-----
click
http://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/profiles/16453/
for full article/Donal Fagen
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 15:33:14 ET
Posted by: Santa's lil helper, here
http://radiodupree.blogspot.com/
TJ< you don't have to stray far from home, happens so there's this cute radiostation in Umea Sweden and they know all about the Frank Zappa/Steely Dan connection. Tune in to their shows and take it from there. No rule in how what which when it comes to starting up with FZ. You just dive in and see where it takes ya...
Know the Smoke on the Water song by Deep Purple? It's about DP going to see FZ. But then...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MSyFA84u48
We all came out to Montreux
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
To make records with a mobile
We didnt have much time
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Were at the best place around
But some stupid with a flare gun
Burned the place to the ground
Smoke on the water, fire in the sky
They burned down the gambling house
It died with an awful sound
Funky Claude was running in and out
Pulling kids out the ground
When it all was over
We had to find another place
But Swiss time was running out
It seemed that we would lose the race
Smoke on the water, fire in the sky
We ended up at the grand hotel
It was empty cold and bare
But with the Rolling truck Stones thing just outside
Making our music there
With a few red lights and a few old beds
We make a place to sweat
No matter what we get out of this
I know well never forget
Smoke on the water, fire in the sky
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 15:06:14 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
I played some Steely Dan for one of my co-workers today who immediately responded: Don't you listen to Frank Zappa if you like this?
I don't! Infact I don't know a single song by Zappa. So the questions arise:
Does he have a point. Is there a resemblance?
And if the answers is no, is Frank Zappa any good and where do one start then?
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 14:22:21 ET
Posted by: Raven, laptop treetop
Thx, Reis for your good post.
Thx for update, Lars: Did the crowd dig Two Against Nature? Wish we could have made the trek. Maybe later. Ravin'
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 10:28:12 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, HIGH IN THE C(L)USTERDOME
Rajah:
Marvelously insane, yes indeed. But it's not fair to put all Scan-Dan-Avian eggheads in one basket. That I'm a lost case doesn't mean all the others are. I'm pretty damn sure I met a fan once, that was reasonably well adapted, just can't remember where. Probably in Scandinavia somewhere, at least I'm sure it was not in the US. Apart from that, it's nice to have my state confirmed by an expert. Thanks, man! Oh, and btw I will undoubtly come up with some additional symptoms of my diagnosis in the future, as I find this writing group therapy at the BlueClinic to be the best pain relief. At least amongst the free alternatives, as I belong to those who have other priorities than to spend it all on the real thing. Thanks again.
Damn, these straps are tight!
PS! Now I remember. It was in Sweden. But the guy was utterly boring, and his wheelchair didn't do more than 3 1/2 mph.
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 04:57:27 ET
Posted by: E' lera del terzo mondo, Italia
Lonnie,
here's a link to an aerial photograph of Lucca an Piazza Napoleone where the Band will playing...
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=43.840014~10.498971&style=a&lvl=17&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=10612117&sp=Point.r96tyqhw6ws7_Rest%20in%20Lucca%2C%20B%26B___~Point.r9643hhw7nh6_Piazza%20Napoleone%2C%2055100%20Lucca%20LU%2C%20Italia___~Point.r95n59hw7ytn_Stazione%20Lucca___&encType=1
Hope you have a good time there..I'll be in row 7, seats anywhere between 1 and 4..
enjoy the show
Roberto
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 04:44:32 ET
Posted by: ReiS, Vadsoe, Norway
I did get some pictures, but to my horror most of them turned out to be very dark! You can hardly see anything. Bloody Mobilephone!!
The Band told me that they had enjoyed the tour in Europe very much so far, they had met nice people all the way. As for the music they said that it was a good mix of tunes and that they didn't change the set list very much. I told them that even though I like the "old" tunes I had expected a bit more from the two last albums and some of them agreed that they maybe should play more of the new stuff, but as ML said most of the people that come to see us are born and raised with the "old" stuff and thats really what they want to hear.
Two quotes from WB when introdusing the band and CLE an CM, in Stockholm: Taking two beautiful girls to Stockholm is like bringing your wife to the Phillipines!!! and in Molde: Taking two beautiful girls to Scandinavia is like taking coal to Newcastle!!
Has he said different things all over Europe?? I think he has.
And for you who has not seen this setup of Steely Dan yet, it's a thight group and a joy to watch, just wait until you experience Keith Carlock!!!
Date: Wed, July 25, 2007, 04:01:18 ET
Posted by: Ezra Hound, Cafe Malebolgia
Babylon Schwesters is phunn for about the first minute. Then it starts to sound a bit like Herb Alpert on some way cut-down coke. Come to think of it, so does 90% of SD's product (well, when the boyz paid off Tom Scott, it was almost a big band). PLay like "Schwingin' at the Savoy" already hepsters, if ya can , that izz
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 22:44:54 ET
Posted by: shark deville, fl room
ReiS-
that's is very cool.
we'd love to hear anything the band had to say about D&W, touring, the music... whatever!
did you get any photos?
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 22:02:42 ET
Posted by: Clem Snide,
Maybe during the Intro to DooWop-Sattva, someday, between some Cuervo Gold and chronic sales pitch, Donny F. will offer thanks "to the memory of that dead old queeeer, William S. Burroughs, for letting us rip off his novel Naked Lunch for decades." Ca--ching................
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 20:38:13 ET
Posted by: Ezra Hound,
Arf arf. Who in the F. poured that smooth retsina? Je nay say kwah.
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 20:29:44 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Just read the Dandom Digest - a few comments...
Bill O., Paris: what a great comparison, Neg Girl and Mercy St.
They are both gems in a quiet, understated way.
Rolf Schade: an enjoyable read - your Dr. Walt section was right
on the money, IMHO.
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 19:44:48 ET
Posted by: Mario, USA
Hutch - That picture is on the slide show of the Kama 5.1 DVD. It also was in a ton of magazines around the time the recoed came out back in 1993. It was taken at his home in Woodstock.
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 19:42:20 ET
Posted by: E. Pound,
Ezra is NOT my great-grand nephew!!!!!!!!!
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 19:40:51 ET
Posted by: N. Zacour,
Watch out: Ezra claims to be the new leader of the Children's Crusade!
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 19:39:11 ET
Posted by: N. Zacour,
Watch out: Ezra claims to be tne new leaderof the Children's Crusade!
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 19:36:32 ET
Posted by: Hutch,
These search engines can somehow read your mind. Can't think how many times I've typed "Donald Fagen photos" or "Walter Becker photos", etc. to find something to put on the old desktop background. Mostly found a lot of the same stuff everytime. So tonight on a whim I type "great photos of Donald Fagen" and found this. I've never seen this one before. Apparently it was taken while filming the little documentary on Kama that we'll be seeing whenever the Nightfly Trilogy finally comes out.
http://lauralevine.com/photography/gallery/fagen.php
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 16:07:47 ET
Posted by: Lonnie the kingpin, Italia
Hello all,
I am at an internet cafe in Venice. Cannot wait for the Dan in Lucca. Weather is great here. Will there be an opening act? Should be interesting. Last show in Europe will be awesome . . . and in a place they have never played before.
Ciao for now.
Lonnie
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 14:03:23 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
You Scandanvians, or maybe Dan-Scan-Dan-Avians are marvelously insane. Prosit, carisssimi...
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 12:40:33 ET
Posted by: Lars, Sweden
Copenhagen concert...
Very good concert in Copenhagen. The venue this time was Falconer which is a fair arena compared to Valby 6 or 7 years ago (soundwise that's a terrible place).
The guys did a "rock concert"; mostly guitarbased songs and not much of what the euro-audience was expected. Since the hits are few in euro, most people who are attending concerts here (I think)likes the more elaborated works like Aja (the only one they played) The concert was very good, of course, but...
The supporting act - Sam Yahel trio- was great.
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 10:17:47 ET
Posted by: Raven, laptop treetop
Who gives a fuck about the porn monger Ezra or the drivel of a cowardly, disrespectful, officious, drunk troll? : >
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 07:31:54 ET
Posted by: duncan,
Nice one Reis
Date: Tues, July 24, 2007, 04:23:12 ET
Posted by: ReiS, Vadsoe, Norway
Hello everyone, this is my first post here.
Just want to tell you all about my experience during the two shows in Stockholm and Molde.
The show in Stockholm was spioled a little by the bad weather, but for a true Dan-head just seeing the guys again was a pleasure.
But the real highlight on my travels was that I was able to trawel with the band from Stockholm via Oslo to Molde. They were on the same plane as I was from Stockholm. They were all so nice and answered all my questions, and I also got all their autographs. Even a very nice hug from Carolyn when I told here I got her albums!!
W and D were not there, the flew a private jet.
The consert in Molde was 10 times better than in Stockholm. The sound was much better and "JR" soundengener told me afterwards that this was as good as they could do in open air concerts.
I just hope this isn't the last time we will have the oppertunety to see Steely Dan i Scandinavia, they are more than welcome back.
The autographs and pictures is already in a frame on my livingroom wall.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 23:36:38 ET
Posted by: Mario,
Rajah - Have fun in Lucca!
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 22:48:14 ET
Posted by: Ironic tangents,
Jeri is the inspiration for the theme to the Price is Right.
Steely Dan opens their show with Jeri
Drew Carey is a noted Steely Dan fan.
Drew Carey is the new host of The Price is Right.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 20:55:53 ET
Posted by: G, Sand,
Yeah, Ezra can "shtick it" this year.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 20:54:18 ET
Posted by: Clevon L'il,
Ezra is a spoiled brat.
He gets nothing from me this year.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 20:54:09 ET
Posted by: Perezoso,
WB and DF should can Carolyn and the gals(--or maybe just put up poles). Come to think of it, WB should replace DF with Ted Baker, and maybe kick Mr. Fagen upstairs to management, and yass, lyrical consultant. J-k. Sorta. And maybe sell t-shirts with the Dan's Fearless Deceased Leader (who dat? Uncle Bill Burroughs of course)on 'em, give the proceeds to starving artistes everywhere. And orchestrate Green Earrings, extend to like 30-40 minutes (replace the Aja cuts, say) . Plus pass some clean china white at concerts!. Yay. Keepin' it real.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 18:29:27 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Copenhagen - setlist
01 Jeri
02 Time Out Of Mind
03 Godwhacker
04 Bad Sneakers
05 Two Against Nature
06 Hey Nineteen
07 Haitian Divorce
08 Peg
09 Green Earrings
10 Bodhisattva
11 Dirty Work
12 Josie
13 I Got The News
14 Aja
15 Kid Charlemagne
Extra:
16 Pretzel Logic
17 My Old School
- Herington was absolutely amazing!! So was Jim Pugh.
- Donald lost his glasses doing his Ray Charles at the Rhodes. He was very absent-minded in his own charming way. Looked great in his long jacket. Sang perfect.
- Walter went on and on about the hot danish girls. Played some real great solos but Jon outshined him.
- The audience didn't even get op to My Old School. Sensed they enjoyed the show anyway.
- Goodnight...
Ps. Review here in danish: http://gaffa.dk/anmeldelser/view.php/mreview_id=34084
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 17:20:57 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Hey kids,
Classic Albums: Steely Dan's "Aja" is being shown tonight on VH1 Classic at 6pm EST. Woohoo!
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 16:09:39 ET
Posted by: Reuben Cornfield, hick from the sticks!
Greetings city people!
Today, EZRA TITUS has officially crossed over into over-40-ness! Me and Elsie the cow are plannin' a HUGE squaredance for the boy over at Sheriff Andy's barn! Y'all are welcome to come (if'n you brings some of them nice city MILF women with ya...)! Why me and Jim is processin' the corn squeeqin's right now! (Cept' Jim's been passed out by the silo for pretty near and hour now...) STILL, we're gonna be ready for this thing when the clock strikes 8! See ya there!
P.S.) Bin Laden's gonna jump out've a party cake!
Reuben Cornfield
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 14:56:00 ET
Posted by: Rajah, plunger theories
I stand corrected. Thank you.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 14:03:31 ET
Posted by: Gretchen,
Ann, hope you and your Dad are well out of harm's way from those floodwaters. Now they're saying this flooding is the worst in modern history! Fires in the US, floods overseas, can locusts be far behind?
G
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 13:55:59 ET
Posted by: mute education,
Sorry Rajah.
Babylon Sisters is a plunger, not a Harmon mute. There is no disputing this.
Big plungers for trombone, little plungers for trumpets.
Miles Davis was all Harmon mute, Cootie Williams was a plunger man.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 13:29:43 ET
Posted by: Ann, Borneo unsually but stuck in UK
Sorry to all those Blue Bookers that I promised the Liverpool Horse photos to. I was supposed to be back in my beloved Borneo on 18th July, but my old Dad has had a tumble so I'm staying on here in this drenched island to sort him out. Should be home by 2nd August. I'm not getting on the internet very often (no wireless in public places in these parts!), so I'm a bit out of touch with what's happening. However, someone in the BBC is a Dan fan as I've heard several Dan tunes as backgound music on some BBC produced TV programmes. It warms the cockles of my heart!
Peace to all,
Ann
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 13:19:28 ET
Posted by: LisaG, over a long time ago
Is anyone catching Metheny in Europe? Steve in Rochester? If so...color?
------------------
Dan Belcher--Sorry for the delay...I meant to respond to what you posted regarding the Rhodes stuff weeks ago.
Enjoyed your Josie vid...you are playing the fills. Yeah, the microphone doesn't pick up well enough to do the Rhodes justice. But I did click on the Black Cow mp3 link. Glorious tone color. I love that solo. I try to do my own when we play it, but I always find myself running back to some of the licks.
A couple of years ago I picked up a trade book called Steely Dan: Just the Riffs for Piano by David Pearl. It has pretty much all the cool piano/rhodes licks from SD's treasury (up to TvN) transcribed. The only thing I think is bad about it is that the author keeps on referring to these voicings as Donald's even though we know that many other keyboardists may have invented them. I can't imagine that DF gave them verbatim charts.
Enjoyed the youtube vid on adjustments, as well. I don't actually own the instrument, but it made sense to some degree. I wish I could see one up close and personal so these sorts of techniques could sink in a bit more. But I will not listen to a Rhodes in quite the same way again.
Thanks for the info.
:-)
P.S. You have very nice fingers.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 12:40:58 ET
Posted by: Jacquin Showfole, singing
But is she gothic?
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 11:37:22 ET
Posted by: katy tried,
i wouldnt be so quick to assume katy is a person...
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 10:48:48 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia
Bobbo,
a part from the second verse in your post..I didn't understand a word you said..!!
Roberto
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 10:19:34 ET
Posted by: Bobbo, gone from Sunday School (I, um, graduated, y'know).
Hey Fellas,
As a matter of simply listening enough, I DID pick up the "...big red words from the little black book" as a double entendre on Mr. Jesus/"debts I'll never repay", but...
What about the "five names that I can hardly stand to hear" from "Bad Sneakers"? I haven't got any religious/spiritual subtext for that; I merely thought there were four relatively bad/intolerable (but oh so pretty, sure, and why not?) girls before Katie, who lied. Is there something more?
What a weird turn for the interpretive side of the Dan conversation to take: fresh in from Dodge City and an assessment of my company's handling of packaging of meat (to the tune of 800,000 head per quarter beginning in September) bound for the Far East--sorry my Hindu and Vegan brothers and sisters, whattayagonnado? And we're on Jesus. Again.
Quite the wide swath, we blessed unwashed take to "find that Road again." In-con-thee-vi-ble. And it sure is good to be home again... New York strips and jumbo Gulf shrimp on the smoker tonight! Selah.
Okay,
Bobbo
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 09:09:21 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia
I'm in Italy at present in anticipation of Lucca (Piazza Napoleone) gig.
(Don & Walter, if you're reading this: a request for Pretzel Logic (Piazza Napoleone - geddit?))
Two nights ago I had the pleasure of catching Billy Cobham and his band which included the leggendary Brian Auger on Hammond organ.
What an awesome dispaly of drumming and funk. At times I could swear he had dynamite in his two Bass Drums..!!! yet so subtle and "loose"..
Auger on the Hammond was amazing...
As the band was playing a small northern town, my companion and I had the pleasure of sharing the same restaurant has the band before the gig.
The italian organisers were a little up the own arse for us to be able to approach the table and where acting like they were cool. At a certain point they all left but Brian Auger stayed back and we saw our chance.
My companion and I asked if we could sit with him a while and he said sure. We had a drink together and a little chat. Brian was so accomadating and funny and even signed all my companions Brian Auger vinyls that my friend had gone to fetch from his car..
The gig was amazing and well recieved by the italian crowd.
there was a young italian girl on bass who just smiled all night and was incredibily good, interweaving and supporting the rythm and the grooves efforlessly..
Auger though was getting the biggest cheers of the night. He has a massive following here in Italy. His solos just got better and better all through the night. A mesmorising display of Hammondorganism!
Heres hoping for a great gig from the dudes in Lucca...
Roberto
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 09:01:35 ET
Posted by: wt, ~
"...guess you haven't really been to a good Church"
"Good Church"... isn't that an oxymoron?
no but gentleman's club is
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 08:59:47 ET
Posted by: wt, nola
warren said:
W&D shed a new light on that by throwing in parallelism to the rhetoric of intense religious fanaticism.
intense
religious
fanaticism
that's not pouncing on something?
foursquare church is none of those
that's why it's been quite popular - ask Rajah
take the name of a church
take a few biblical sayings
gospel time, amen corner
stir
add underbelly
best line in that song is
opposite of an ariel view
maybe I'll give you "I hear her rap and brother it's strong"
but little eva is a 60's locomotion
different decade
I could give a shit about someone elses 'research' and not mine
GOd are you that petty?
what's your take on Black Friday's "strike those big red words from the little black book?"
or Bad Sneakers "Five names that I can hardly stand to hear"?
do tell
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 08:44:46 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Marvin Stamm on that Great Pagoda solo rivals any Steely Dan horn player on record. It's taut, it's tense, it's full of emotion.
Plungers are for trombone players. The Harmon is for Babylon Sisters.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 07:36:07 ET
Posted by: artist_nine,
Can't see anyone mentioning about the Pori gig either (21.7.), so this will be my first post about my first Steely Dan gig ever.
Pori Jazz Festival - Pori, Finland
Intro
Time out of Mind
Godwhacker
Bad Sneakers
Hey 19
Haitian Divorce
Peg
Green Earrings
Dirty Work
Josie
Bodhisattva
Aja
Kid C
Encores:
Pretzel Logic
My Old School
Outro
Before the show I was privileged to be able to attend a drum clinic held by Mr. Carlock. What a brilliant drummer and a very nice and humble person too. A very unique style of playing indeed. During the clinic he played an open solo, played some songs of one of his other projects (Rudder), talked about his views about drumming and answered some questions from the audience.
About the show itself. Attendance: approximately 12200. An amazing show. Apparently the same setlist as in Norway, except for Pretzel Logic (I didn't write the setlist down during the gig, wanted to focus 100% on the listening, but I'm counting on my memory). Sound was great, Donald and Walter seemed to be in a pretty good mood. All in all, pretty much one of the best gigs I've ever seen. Which, of course, was not a surprise to me at all, I kind of anticipated that. :)
Antti
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 07:24:39 ET
Posted by: LG, see the glory
Thanks for the mute homework regarding who played what. I totally forgot about the Royal Scam fills. Genius.
I love the harmon mute because the middle shafted section can be removed. I always thought its little stemmed inverted cup looked like an over-sized trumpet mouthpiece or something you could put in a coffee percolater:
http://www.compositiontoday.com/sound_bank/trumpet/harmon_stem_out
Now, kids...make sure you keep your valves cleaned and oiled. :-)
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 05:08:05 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
No. 40 so far...
http://images.pollstar.com/adverts/pollstar/2007MidYearTop100Tours.pdf
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 02:29:44 ET
Posted by: steely mute homework,
Harmon Mute
Almost Gothic trumpet solo - Michael Leonhart
Great Pagoda of Funn trumpet solo - Marvin Stamm
Toilet Plunger
Babylon Sisters trumpet solos - Randy Brecker
The Royal Scam - Chuck Findley, trumpet and Richard Slyde Hyde, trombone
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 01:18:07 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
thanks for the info! sends chills down my spine everytime i hear it.
Date: Mon, July 23, 2007, 01:08:11 ET
Posted by: trumpet mute, Babylon Sisters
FYI, the mute used by the great Randy Brecker on the Babylon Sisters trumpet solos is quite literally a TOILET PLUNGER. No joke.
It's a real trumpet with a plunger held half over the bell, moved on and off to create the color. No Harmon mute, no electronics/synthesizers used. Check out Cootie Williams in Ellington's band for the master of the plunger.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 22:23:10 ET
Posted by: perezoso,
Ah the mutha-f-ers are doing Haitian Divorce now (googlestein 'er on u tube), with WB on vocals, and Herr. purdy tight (as is Carolyn's &*^$%*). Nearly enough to have some of us plan a cargo heist, fence it for tickets to Europa....................
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 21:16:08 ET
Posted by: oh, oh, oh, it's magic,
"...guess you haven't really been to a good Church"
"Good Church"... isn't that an oxymoron?
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 20:10:16 ET
Posted by: i give up, going to bed
...or "if it WAS a synth."
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 20:09:24 ET
Posted by: correction, i need a vacation
That's "on something like that if it WERE a synth."
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 20:08:00 ET
Posted by: LisaG, sotte voce
I believe said mute in question is a harmon, warren. Common in jazz.
And from my ears, that's a muted trumpet/flugelhorn in Babylon. Too many variants in color to be a synthesized instrument, although knowing our heroes, they could have spent a day mucking around with every nuance on something like that WERE a synth. Haha. But my vote would be a wind instrument.
You made me realize that I do not actually own Gaucho--but I have it on Citizen. Ugh. Must rectify.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 19:32:58 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Lisa- I totally agree with you.
It's just really bothering me another listener is completely denying a totally plausible point of view (VIEW, not necessarily PERSON wormy) that is backed up by logic and research because it isn't theirs.
As for the trumpet solo- GORGEOUS. Harmon mute, right?
Speaking of mutes and trumpets, before the verse "my friends say no" in Babylon, is that a trumpet playing, with a mute? I love that solo. My sis and I swear it's a trumpet, but my Dad says it is some electronic instrument. you probably know better than all of us.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 19:27:13 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
"I really feel Don and Walt used the church name only
and didn't do anything with our friendly missionary"
wormy, i have said NUMEROUS times it doesn't have to be Aimee if you don't want it to be. but the evangelist concept IS used, and there is a plausible parallel between it and what the narrator seems to be experiencing.
"they toss irrelevant stuff off all the time"
great argument there.
"try "Greenbook" my friend for example
is Jill St John some deeper cult of fembots
a path to another universe
a cybe vixen to reunite the world?"
or just an early 70's "movie of the week" tv actress"
it's a different song, my friend. for some reason you assume every song i hear i take a name-check to the utmost extreme. no, but i find AG to be painfully obvious.
and once again you still don't hear what i am saying. i'll say it again: AG isn't solely about Aimee. sorry if you took me literally like that. it's about what the narrator is experiencing, and D&W parallel that to evangelist preaching/scene- be it Jack, John, Aimee, or Bill. but seeing now as you do admit they use the church name, i am sure don and walt knew some stuff about it, and they knew about aimee. it's kinda cool the antagonist can be a woman, and there's a slight connection to aimee there. you are right- THAT isn't the whole song. but the whole song extends from that, uses the idea of fanatical preaching a la evangelism and draws its parallels. and i wouldnt be so quick to say it takes place in the 60s. it probably does jump around. "this dark place, so thrilling AND NEW." but that doesnt really matter.
"and why does being a Christian have to be fanaticism?"
It doesn't have to be, I never really said that, and I am sorry if I offended you. But every religion has its extremes. I don't think Don and Walt are referencing the most common forms of Christianity.
i know i said i'd stop arguing, but for some reason i cant.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 19:25:37 ET
Posted by: I mean, ...
It was a freakin tomato. I found the skin in the wash. Apparently, it was gathered up along with the kitchen towels. What a silly thing to do.
My take, references are there sometimes because, well, they just are. And a cigar is just a cigar. Most often, specific ones have some relation to the topic that someone who can dig deep would be able to unearth. Some are more blatant than others. Foursquare is pretty obvious IF you decide to look it up. But for others who do not chose to research these things, the reference can go to the bed analogy. Either way, everyone wins.
I echo the sentiment of those who paraphrase Becker and Fagen when they say, the meanings are for the listener to decide. Just like a goddess is a goddess to some, but not to others.
And a domestic goddess washes her fruits and vegetables in the sink. Usually.
LG
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:51:42 ET
Posted by: wormy, truceville
warren
you are so busy trying to win an argument you don't even read posts
this was in one of mine
"we are saying the same thing from different sides of the coin"
I really feel Don and Walt used the church name only
and didn't do anything with our friendly missionary
they toss irrelevant stuff off all the time
the 00 version is no different
try "Greenbook" my friend for example
is Jill St John some deeper cult of fembots
a path to another universe
a cybe vixen to reunite the world?
or just an early 70's "movie of the week" tv actress
that's where we differ
foursquare
and why does being a Christian have to be fanaticism?
maybe from the outside looking in
guess you haven't really been to a good Church
we're cool, just don't try to ram rod something down my throat that frankly isn't there
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:49:59 ET
Posted by: wormy, truceville
warren
you are so busy trying to win an argument you don't even read posts
this was in one of mine
"we are saying the same thing from different sides of the coin"
I really feel Don and Walt used the church name only
and didn't do anything with our friendly missionary
they toss irrelevant stuff off all the time
the 00 version is no different
try "Greenbook" my friend for example
is Jill St John some deeper cult of fembots
a path to another universe
a cybe vixen to reunite the world?
or just an early 70's "movie of the week" tv actress
that's where we differ
foursquare
and why does being a Christian have to be fanaticism?
maybe from the outside looking in
guess you haven't really been to a good Church
we're cool, just don't try to ram rod something down my throat that frankly isn't there
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:48:56 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, hot licks and rhetoric
Whew!
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:40:11 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
"it used allegorical references
it's set in the 60's "
okay- I am done. you conceded in those two lines. it is an allegorical reference, and it's huge (even by solo definition of allegory).
like i said long before, AG is about a goddess, it's about sex, it's about the fascination that goes along with it, and W&D shed a new light on that by throwing in parallelism to the rhetoric of intense religious fanaticism.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:35:20 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
worm, how many times do i need to say it doesn't have to be about Aimee specifically? you are so literal. get over that! i'll say it another way. it DOES have to be about that culture, that idea, that concept. i chose Aimee because they use the word she. and they choose not to use Jack because they are good about writing about woman from a male's perspective (make sense!). an allusion to something doesn't mean the song is going to solely be about that allusion- you are right in that regards. but you are totally wrong in thinking that allusion serves no purpose. i have yet to hear you respond to any of the points i have made. if u cant see the connection between that sort of preaching and what the narrator experiences, well, GAH.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:25:24 ET
Posted by: me again, in an effort to lighten the load
How's this for comic relief? I just washed a tomato with my kitchen towels. In the washing machine. Dear lord...
Hopefully wormy and warren can find a chuckle in that silliness for one moment.
Ok, back to your regularly scheduled word battle. :-D
LG
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:21:28 ET
Posted by: LG, sweet dreams
yo--Yes...I'm afraid Herr Dop realizes that "Almost Gothic" is probably my most favorite Dan song in the world. :-D But you see...she who would be a goddess is only a goddess as long as said admirer sees her that way. In ten years, she could be that nagging old lady you work late to try to avoid.
In fact, she could be that right now. ;-)
(The admiration is flattering, however.)
Now how about that sweet trumpet solo that breezes over the undulation? Probably one of a handful of instrumental solos I have memorized. God bless you, Mike Leonhart.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:18:15 ET
Posted by: wt, nola
warren
definitely up the anti depressants
they take at least 3 weeks to kick in
Don and Walt lived in LA in the 70's
Foursquare church was pastored by Jack Hayford then
quite popular as he reached the masses without all the churchy feel
Almost Gothic has n o t h i n g to do with Aimee
it used allegorical references
it's set in the 60's
I know a little bit about writing
but I won't bore you hear
please see your shrink soon
and quit getting your panties in a twist
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 18:05:53 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
And this is my last comment on this for a long time. I'll try to put it in perspective this way. And once again, I repeat the song is not just about Aimee/evangelism, but uses that to make a point.
Worm, Don and Walt, as authors, WOULD be offended by your comment that they put in an IRRELEVANT reference. Any author would be offended by that statement. Everything serves a purpose in good literature. Don and Walt aren't writing a 1000 word essay for school and need to fill up some space. The reference to gospel and foursquare IS NOT irrelevant- they obviously put it in their because they felt it said something - it serves a purpose- and maybe one day you will see that.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 17:57:45 ET
Posted by: yo,
Walt's doppleganger, no one is denying the "nice dream" aspect of Almost Gothic.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 17:54:15 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
"you pick the irrelevant reference
I pick the theme of the song"
And I will say once again, the song isn't JUST about Aimee. The song uses the culture surrounding and practice of people such as Aimee to instill meaning and substance into the theme of the song. It draws a parallel to the shallow yet fascinating engagement the narrator experiences. There is parallelism and analogy. It is up to the reader to decide how intensely they want to consider that. But if you think Don and Walt were writing these lyrics and then the word Aimee/evangelism popped into their head and then they through in an obscure reference for the hell of it, you obviously have no idea about how the writing process works. Authors put these things in for a reason.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 17:45:17 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Sorry about the caps lock, but you still don't get it. It isn't irrelevant, at all. I'm weighing both "sides of the coin" equally, while you consider just one side, and shrug at the other, which I cannot understand why. Here, let me take it from this viewpoint. Since you do admit that there may be the slightest Aimee/gospel/evangelist (see it can be any of these from any time period!!!) reference, why would Don and Walt bother to put that in? Don't you think they're trying to say something with that? If you have ever taken an English class, you should know good authors and lyricists don't throw in references for the sake of it. They serve a purpose. As you said, great lyricists and authors know how to turn a phrase- but what you don't understand is that they just don't turn it for fun. They turn it for fun and to get a certain message across. And trust me, Don and Walt know that- they were English majors for pete's sake, perfectionists, and fans of quality literature.
For some reason, you continuously think I think the song IS JUST about Aimee. No, it isn't JUST about her. But as good authors, D&W use the concept of Aimee and her followers and the culture that surrounds her as a vehicle to make a point. And they have fun in the process doing it. Yes I know Deacon Blues isn't about UAlabama. BUT DO YOU CONSIDER EVERY HISTORICAL AND LITERARY REFERENCE IN THE DAN CATALOGUE TO BE JUST FOR SHITS AND GIGGLES? If you do, obviously we are different types of fans - I'll let you know now, though, that every one of their songs isn't a Cousin Dupree. I enjoy chuckling at "you're a mark, you're a screamer" JUST AS MUCH as I enjoy taking SD seriously. It's a different level of fandom I guess, and only provides more enjoyment. I feel sorry for you, and I am sure Walt and Don do too (and probably offended), if you cannot let the possibility of academic purpose enter their music at the appropriate times.
Sure, D&W have said if they can't look upon their past work and laugh, they have failed. However, that clearly isn't the whole story. It can't be. Clearly, in many songs they do try to put across a message. Babylon Sisters contains a clear message. On the other side of things, Don't Take me Alive is a fun story. The messages in their songs of course vary a lot, from jocular to insightful to questioning to didactic. Almost Gothic is in the middle and is trying to say something- I still think you haven't really listened to the lyrics. They've written a Josie before, and they don't like to repeat themselves.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 17:16:54 ET
Posted by: Walt's Doppelgänger, cloud 9
::wink:: ::wink:: ::sigh::
not many notice
whisper of a goddess
a very nice dream, tonight
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 16:34:38 ET
Posted by: wormy and wt (wormtom), nola
warrren
lighten up or increase your dosage of medication
and please turn off the caps lock
it's considered shouting
we are saying the same thing from different sides of the coin
you pick the irrelevant reference
I pick the theme of the song
like I said
Deacon Blue isn't about Bear Bryant
Almost Gothic isn't about Aimee
I'm a Christian, I know who Aimee is
I don't have to google her life story
Do I get my point across
or will your focus on the irrelevant cloud your judgement?
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 15:36:40 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Jeez, worm and wt. You guys still don't get it.
I HAVE NEVER DOUBTED THE DOUBLE FREAKING ENTENDRE. THAT IS WHAT MAKES THE BEAUTY OF THE SONG! DUH! IF IT TAKES THE JOY OUT OF IT FOR YOU, THEN YOU HAVE SERIOUS SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES. AND I NEVER SAID THE SONG IS ABOUT MISSIONARIES IN THE 1920S. OF COURSE IT ISN'T.
I KNOW THE SONG IS NOT SOLELY ABOUT AIMEE. HOWEVER, LIKE THEY'VE DONE BEFORE, THEY HAVE CHOSEN AN HISTORICAL OR REAL LIFE FIGURE AND HAVE USED IT TO DRAW A PARALLEL TO SOMETHING ELSE. IF YOU CANNOT SEE THAT AFTER READING THAT WIKIPEDIA ENTRY, AFTER READING THE LYRICS, YOU ARE RIDICULOUSLY STUBBORN AND QUITE SIMPLE-MINDED. DO YOU NOT SEE THAT MOST OF THE LINES FOCUS AROUND SPEECH OR WHAT HE SEES? CAN YOU NOT SEE HOW THE HYPNOTIZING EFFECT OF PROPAGANDA IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF AN EMPTY, YET PASSIONATE ENCOUNTER WITH AN UNSCRUPULOUS WOMAN??
SORRY IF I MADE IT SOUND LIKE THE SONG IS JUST ABOUT AIMEE BEFORE. BUT IF YOU ARE GOING TO DENY THIS ALLUSION AND ITS ANALOGY TO A CHEAP SEXUAL ENCOUNTER, YOU ARE A FOOL. IT IS A REOCCURING THEME TRHOUGHOUT THE SONG, AND I'LL BET EVERY PENNY I HAVE THAT WALTER AND DONALD HAD A BLAST PARALLELING SEX TO A FANATICAL RELIGIOUS SERMON.
IT'S HONESTLY YOUR PROBLEM IF YOU CANNOT ENJOY ENRICHMENT TO ONE MEANING OF A PIECE OF LITERATURE. GO BACK TO READING YOUR HARDY BOYS.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 15:36:39 ET
Posted by: LisaG, with her ears on fire
Hey Gina--finally got to the Wadenius clip. Jojje is a musical monster, but honestly, his voice leave something to be desired. There are a lot of pitch issues, but that was some harmonically nasty stuff he was putting out so you gotta give props for the attempt. His guitar work never ceases to amaze me--he's got chops on top of chops and his ideas are verily complex yet always accessible to us commoners. :-P Plus the dude can funk it all out. I wish I could hear him live since I've never had the pleasure--maybe a trip to Sweden is in order.
I was enjoying AiA recently and I have to say that Josie never sounded so good to me. Liner notes tell me: Becker, Barney and Chambers. Am I waxing nostalgic for an earlier touring band, or am I just looking for something different from the present. ::sigh:: Rock on, Dandom.
Oh and...go Yanks.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 15:09:53 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Druidendusche - just speaking from my heart, sorry. I emailed you, you appear to be an actual person. I'm hoping.
Almost Gothic and Aimee Semple McPherson? I drive by that Temple on Glendale Blvd every day. Whatever else is going on in there, people seem to find comfort and solice. It's always packed, people are lined up at 6:30 AM. The church apparently does a lot for the community around Silver Lake and Echo Park.
She was almost gothic, if you know anything about her life. So...could be, maybe, a connection there. Then again, maybe not.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 15:04:10 ET
Posted by: wt, nola
any clever lyricist of D & W quality can turn a phrase
the song isn't about a missionary in the 20's
that's what I hate about the bluebook
miss the double entendres but focus on the obscure side reference
take the joy right out of the song
oh well
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 14:57:45 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
and how did they get so many of them? lol
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 14:53:44 ET
Posted by: womry, nola
Warren K
Almost GOthic is NOT about Aimee McPherson
there is a tangential reference to foursquare and that's it
gospel time, amen corner, all playful
Don and Walt know how to weave in and select names
hell it's even easier today with Google, Jeeves etc on line
anyone can be 'clever'
It's like Crimson Tide in Deacon Blue
a little side reference
do you think Deacon Blue is about Bear Bryant or George McGovern?
please
The song is set in the sixties NYC and is a house of desire
Little Eva - 60's
Bleeker Street - NYC
Aimee - teens and twenties
Aimee - Los Angeles and on the missionary road
Aimee was a missionary for Christ who reached the lost with non traditional methods in the post world war I era. Jack Hayford is a very popular pastor who has continued in Aimee's tradition in Los Angeles - Foursquare is still in existence.
it's a slap reference, not the underlying meaning of the song
the gospel time, amen corner stuff is playing off foursquare (the bedposts you are tied to) not aimee
from Wickepedia
Her illustrated sermons attracted people from the entertainment industry, looking to see a "show" that rivaled what Hollywood had to offer. These famous stage productions drew people who would never have thought to enter a church, and then presented them with her interpretation of the message of salvation. McPherson believed that the Gospel was to be presented at every opportunity, and used worldly means at her disposal to present it to as many people as possible. Her sermons, unlike other contemporaries, e.g. Billy Sunday, were not the usual fire-and-brimstone messages, but were based around a more friendly interpretation of the modern Christian texts.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 14:49:04 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
and how did they get so many of them? lol
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 14:48:42 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
where did they get those quotes from?
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 14:33:32 ET
Posted by: Hutch,
Never saw this before...
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/donald_fagen.html
Couple of favorites:
The way we looked at things and what was going on at the time gave Steely Dan a specific character which I don't think it could ever have again.
and...
When you get a groove going, time flies.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 13:25:08 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
It's so ridiculous all those debating Almost Gothic are too foolish and stubborn to realize you are all saying the same thing. That the story is inspired by Aimee McPherson, that it's about a woman, that there's your favorite sexual references in it, that it's about discovering something for the first time and being totally enraptured with it. Why can't you all just except the genius of SD and understand this isn't cotton candy? When people hear an interpretation here, they should embrace it, and try to relate it to theirs. Walter and Donald have told us they write their songs so that everyone can have their own interpretation. Other than blatant fallacies and total misinterpretations, everyone's view point is a piece of the puzzle that the Dan manufactured.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 12:33:32 ET
Posted by: Druidendusche, .
Ciao,
MF's
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 12:32:30 ET
Posted by: Druidendusche, .
Jerks
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 12:21:54 ET
Posted by: Mitch, USA
almost gothic - If you only knew.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 11:37:02 ET
Posted by: Druidendusche, Smells not so good
Been away for a while, have u got some facts, some news,
or just this talking shit.rajah, etc. bla bla.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 11:36:45 ET
Posted by: Craig B,
Thanks Raj
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 10:55:10 ET
Posted by: almost gothic, love boat
A pity so few others see Almost Gothic as I do....as maybe SD's only true and straight lovesong. The thrill of early love/lust/awakenings and the hapless male view of the perplexing and all-powerful female creature. I think I remember a DF quote from some interview around 2000 on this topic, something like "yes this is the thrill of the early relationship before reality sets it" or some such.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 09:23:28 ET
Posted by: LisaG, is nothing sacred?
In regards to the latest discussion, one can call a Dangentially-absent foul. That said, critical opinions are always welcome, but plain old "hate comments" honestly have no place here.
It might be better to follow that old rule of never discussing politics or religion in mixed company, especially if that company has a personal relationship with said topic.
----------------------
P.S.I still love KC. :-P
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 08:28:15 ET
Posted by: Rajah, too terrible
Look to yourself.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 08:01:58 ET
Posted by: Handle, jiggle the
Damn straight your buddy should cry and beg for forgiveness, instead pope ratzo digs the knife deeper.
So you pray to the slave masters who created us and glorify the coming horrible death of our race and the planet. congratulations on your oh so cool life.
Tax the churches.
Religeons stunt true spiritual growth.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 07:34:20 ET
Posted by: Rajah, walking the floor
Dr Wu are a very visceral experience. Their singer, their guitar player, bass man and their lead sax are marvelous. I find it difficult to comment as they happen to be my friends. But that boy from Liverpool is something special. He's a caution but behind a microphone he is something truly special, a breath control that Sinatra would marvel at. He sounds just as good on stage as he does in your living room. He loves to sing and he respects the song. Bravo. Bravo. Bravissimo.
DB - I'm reinventing myself for the third time...it's scary.
I'm humbled to say Roger Cardinal Mahoney is a friend and a good man. His Eminence knows full well what terrible things occurred and has paid out 660 Million dollars in a gesture not to attempt to undo the things that happened but to attempt to somehow salve those wounds. He cries every day, he has told me, and I believe in his innate goodness. Flawed, yes, terribly flawed, no lies. When we've had the occasion to shake hands after Mass like this past April, I looked at him and saw great pain in his eyes. He lives with demons, but hey, doesn't everybody? And he said to me, "only you Italians still kiss my ring." It has been my privilege.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 06:44:22 ET
Posted by: Scouser, tonyland
Well said my Turbaned friend
No comments about Dr Wu Band?????????????????????????????????????
What is this
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 06:40:32 ET
Posted by: JC , THE TRUTH
F*** His Eminence Cardinal Mahoney .And his F***ing crew in Rome
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 06:07:06 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
By the way.
Preparing my trip to Lucca, i've putted all those fantastic artists below on my I Pod and guess with who? Yes, of course !!
I transfered the 9 SD albums and 4 soloworks on it to. Maybe not relevant to you but maybe should try. Amazing result when you put your I Pod on the "Shuffle" function.
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 05:57:44 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Rajah,
Gues you're discovering yourself for the second time in your life.
EMG gives me the same feeling i had with TvN and all their other albums. They're growning on you with the time, just like a good bottle of wine. The very first time i was listening to TvN, i thought it was a very great album compared with all the contemporary shitreleases at that time. But surely not so exeptional as their previous work. Well, now 7 years later i know i was completely wrong. Tvn is a real piece of art! Songs like Almost Gothic, Cousin Dupree, jack of Speed and Negative Girl are 100% SD classics. Maybe a prolongation of what they made since Aja as like time never stood still but at the same time those songs proved that SD survived artisticely a period of 20 years of inactivity. Critics were argumentating that TvN brought nothing new on the horizon but then again what to say about songs like Gaslighting Abbie, West of Hollywood and the titletrack? You feel and know those are typical Becker & Fagen songs but with those ones they're going quiet far mixing free jazz into it.
Well, the same thing is happening with EMG. It's growing on you with the space of time and litlle by little we're discovering new things.
In fact, that's what happening with all the Sd albums. Even 30 years after the release of Aja, each time i'm listening now to that three letterwordalbum, it's a new experience for me. As ell lyrical as musicaly.
"In the beginning we could hang with the dude" thinking their albums are great and fantastic, but it's only years later we're realising how brilliant those 9 SD albums are. To say it with Rajah's words "it all start coming clear"
I'm a fan of good music. I like Tom Jobim, Sinatra, Springsteen, Pink Floyd,Dire Straits,Pavaroti, Roberto Alagna, Dave Brubeck, Miles, Coltrane, Brecker Brothers,Metheny, Isaac Delgado (Cuban Salsa), Michael Franks and so many others like that. In fact i'm a fan of them because they made or performed exeptional music.
Then you've something extraterestrial, equivalent on what we calls here on earth "music". Coming from another planet and what those ET's are calling "Steely Dan"
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 02:58:02 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF
Rajah,
I second that, it was the biggest buzz I ever got from a new release.
I got it at Borders and forced myself not to open it on the drive home.
Then I burned it while listening to it the first time in order not to jump ahead, out of pure excitement.
Jaco's first record had a similar, lasting effect on me.
In a way 'Slang' reminds me of 'Opus Pocus', did not love it at first but it sure grows on you.
That's also why the 2003 tour was my favorite - there was a buzz in the air as to what new songs might be played that night.
Unfortunately many of the boomers have their minds shut when one out of 10 songs is a bit more challenging.
that's why the Eagles do so well I guess...
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 01:08:16 ET
Posted by: ROFLMAO,
Rajah you must know that Almost Gothic is about Walter's girlfriend? LOL
"Hmm, I see dark bobbed hair, dark eyes with an evil squint, alabaster skin, whippet thin and a gait that makes you think she's hovering just inches above the rug.
She's changeable, impulsive, she's judgmental,
she's wicked and manipulative."
Date: Sun, July 22, 2007, 00:58:40 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
So if anyone wants to have their minds blown- feast your ears on ERIC MARIENTHAL AND VINNIE COLAIUTA. Is that not one of the sickest 5 words you have ever heard together? It's from Eric's album Crossroads. I don't who the other guys playing on it are- I think Russell Ferante and John Pattituci. But I will soon since I am going to pick this up ASAP. The general consensus in the drum world is that if one has to pick the greatest drummer on earth (even though that statement is pretty much silly) it would be Vinnie C. And Eric Marienthal is a force of nature on sax- one of the few guys I know who can play tech and blazing fast but still make his solos as musical as say the solo on Deacon Blues. I love him. It's ashame he does so much smooth jazzy type stuff... Anyways, ENJOY (particularly Eric's solo, which should sweep you up and throw you into the dizzying chaos of one of the coolest furies between soloist and rhythm section I've ever heard)!
http://www.houseofdrumming.com/mp3s/upside_down.mp3
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 23:44:02 ET
Posted by: LG, P.S.
Herr Doppelganger--::wink, wink::
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 23:43:03 ET
Posted by: LisaG, sweeter at the top
Rajah--Man, how dare you be so eloquent regarding EMG. I was hoping you would say:
"Don't think it's bad but don't think it's great either."
:-P
Gretchen--How 'about those Yanks? :-D
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 23:41:17 ET
Posted by: Robert, Good luck
Raj -Nice post but:
"A terrifc achievement", only now being recognized by you maybe. I got it the first listen!
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 23:02:58 ET
Posted by: ed_beatty, @wohsorta
Raj
thats your best post evah
ed
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 22:25:13 ET
Posted by: Craig B,
Well said my Turbaned friend
No comments about Dr Wu Band?
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 21:56:07 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Hey everybody, I've been listening to EMG in DVD-A today. This album is starting to come clear to me finally after 4 years. It's...it's just brilliant. My bass speaker got jostled when I was chasing my cat, Frankie, the other day. Then I started fucking around with all these goddam buttons on my remote. Something just clicked. This record is a brilliant statment of simplicity. They showed us how sophisticated they could be on 2vN, this record screams: we can do both, we can wow you in layers and we can wow you naked and all stripped down. Walter on bass on this record is golden. So
I've led a big life. I've traveled the world since I was a boy. I've been on stage and on TV and in every rock club in NYC in the 80s. I have just been selected for the 3rd time to be on the SAG nominating committee. I read Italian, Latin and Greek. I have read everything, every fucking thing, I have seen all of the greatest performers, Dizzy, Frank, Pavarotti. I have taken big swings and never been cheated. And I tell you this not to aggrandize myself, dear Dandom, I tell you this because of all the places and things I've experienced, all the people I've met from Princess Grace and Charlton Heston to His Eminence Cardinal Mahoney who just churned out a huge chunk of change for things too terrible, these two motherfuckers, our Donald and Walter, have continued to engage and inform me best. All these years and all this other shit that has past through my life and consciousness and these two pricks just won't go away. Bastards.
So who do I keep coming back to? Steely Dan. Everything Must Go. A terrifc achievement, only now being recognized.
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 20:52:58 ET
Posted by: Fife, Florida,eh
Anyone up for a chat?
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 19:30:19 ET
Posted by: JBDan, Molde setlist, Oslo
Can't see anyone mentioning the Molde gig two days ago, so I guess I have to post for the first time.
Romsdalsmusèet in Molde, July 19.
Intro
Time out of mind
Godwhacker
Bad Sneakers
Hey 19
Haitian divorce
Peg
Green earrings
Dirty work
Josie
Bodhisattva
Aja
Kid C
encores
Fm
My old school
Outro
Attendance: nearly 8000. Great show. Our boys were i good form, sound was just great where we stood about 12-14 meters from the stage dead center, and they got a really good reception. People were singing, clapping and cheering all through the show. I thought it was a few songs short, but they were on stage for close to 2 hours. Local and national papers wrote that the show deserved 5 out of 6.
Now I´m really looking forward to the rest of the european leg. Some of us are lucky enough to follow the Dan all he way to Lucca. Leaving for Copenhagen tomorrow,,..:-))
JB
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 04:26:56 ET
Posted by: Scouser, tonyland
Hey Rajah. Nice to see you at the Edison for the Doctor Wu show. Sorry we never got the chance to talk before or after the show, but you know what it's like. I did put your name on the list so i hope you had no problems getting in. All the best. Scouser
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 02:56:26 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF
Jim Beard would be THE producer for SD.
Randy Brecker (think 46th/Lex) - another great fit.
It would also be interesting how some of the new guys like
Thievery Corporation could give some impulses.
The do have the grove down - all studio, right down the SD alley from way back. OK, it's digital now but that keeps the personality
stress factor low. Both of them sound damn good.
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 02:48:18 ET
Posted by: Big Popi, Fenway
Gretchen- Did you make that comment before or after they lost tonight to the worst team in baseball (Tampa Bay) 14-4? Blessed Yankees my ass!
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 00:54:50 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston
A-Rod is out of place in NY. He is Dave Winfield reincarnated. Great during the season...sucks at crunch time. It's not going to happen in NY as long as they think he is the man. Reggie J...not.
A while back there was some criticism about the song Cousin Dupree. How could any Steely Dan fan not like that song. It has the classic Steely Dan line "the dreary architecture of your soul". It's my favorite of all time. Guess it takes a southern boy to truly relate to that song.
Date: Sat, July 21, 2007, 00:28:25 ET
Posted by: Walt's Doppelgänger, loves lg
well heck, the ally is da bomb.
never got grant green - walter's had his moments. christian and wes - oh yeah!
how about that jim mckay - send him a note of thanks today!! hey, put a jackson in an envelope and send it to the dude!!!
just diggin todd sickafoose band - blood orange cd - doesn't get much better. (headphones late night - killer)
hey kenny vance - give it up.
izze fruit drink - blackberrry - yes!
¿air here - no no - mary shut the garden door!¿
don't forget to support your local farmers market!
dapper dopper
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 17:49:39 ET
Posted by: LisaG, NJ (unfortunately)
Re: another producer...I think it would be interesting if there was a third master-mind in the current mix, but I don't think they can actually do it. They've come too far on their own to allow an outside mentality in. There are influences with the current musical line-up that must be bringing them some creative outlets, though.
Gretchen--I never count the Yankees out. I just acknowledge that they have mediocre pitching this year. The '78 Yanks had above-average pitching. But I will never stop being a fan. :-D Players playin' in da Bronx, indeed. (Couldn't score any decent tix for the game tonight. Ugh.)
STILL LISTENING TO DUTCH RADIO. I'm obsessed. Yesterday it was baroque oboe trios and today it's a Perry Como-fest. And may I say, these arrangements were kickin.'
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 17:34:22 ET
Posted by: hoops,
My point being that without Donald and Walter as producers--and let's face it, they pretty much were producers during their mid 70s' classic years--it's not Steely Dan.
Sure Becker and Fagen could get outside producers but it would be something else other than Steely Dan. Maybe they would seek out such an arrangement and call it something else. Consider all the questions around the time of "Kamakiriad": What is the difference between a Donald Fagen and Steely Dan album? Steely Dan is the Becker/Fagen sound and songwriting. Becker and Fagen with someone else producing wouldn't be Steely Dan.
Jim
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 17:28:33 ET
Posted by: grant green,
Oh, yes Walter and Donald are the producers, and are quite good. But they have settled into their niche. They used to be beyond the bleeding edge, now they're comfortable (as is possible for them), and maybe even satisfied, or a least accepting of their status. I think there is a lot more to tap into, but it's easier to coast.
They used to have Roger, every cutting edge drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, plus the friction those mixtures created. Now it's a stable of pleasant personalities that don't bug them too much.
Producers? How about Mitchell Froom/Tchad Blake. Or some new guy who is not intimidated by them but has absorbed their work. Jon Brion, Jim O'Rourke. Or some old school contemporary like Phil Ramone, or jazz guy Joe Ferla. Just exciting to imagine Walt and Donald back in a situation where they were trying to prove something new.
They have friggin' PhDs for crying out loud! You have to keep pushing if you really deserve that.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 16:54:28 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick
In a huge sense, the hallmark of Steely Dan is that Becker and Fagen are the pretty much producers.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 16:50:11 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, 1978, more of the same?
On July 20 1978 the Yankees were 14 games back in the AL east, and truly did suck. They are now 7 back. Don't count 'em out yet, kids..... blessed Yankees.
G
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 16:47:54 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Who could possibly produce them? Rick Rubin? Burt Bacharach? Richard Carpenter? George Martin? Nelson Riddle or Billy May would be my choice if they were still with us. The brass and horn charts and Donald's resonate a lot, both very bold and, well, I guess, middle aged, secure, focused.
No I've got it, Herbie Hancock.
Never happen, they haven't come this far to give the reins over to a third party. Gary Katz, gone, Roger Nichols, gone, Elliot Schiener, just about gone. Katz was the axe-man, Nichols the Pro-Tools guy and Schiener the mix-master. They're in a completely different place now. They're big-band leaders. Bring on jazz quartet.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 15:58:43 ET
Posted by: grant green,
But Rajah -
If it were Grant Green's simple soloing in place of Walters, the complaints would go away.
Why is that?
And I don't mean any disrespect to Walter. I just think Steely Dan could use a producer to shake things up a bit. I don't buy the "it's their band they can do whatever they want" argument. They need to push the envelope one more time, and there is no shame in getting help to do it. Walter's solos focused by a fresh producer could be amazing.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 15:38:43 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Alkali- not bad!
There may be a nod to Reelin and Glam-pro, but no direct lyrics in there. Home at Last isn't one either, but I could see why you'd say so. If by Negative you mean Negative Girl, I don't believe there is any of that in there. You are missing two songs. One's on Katy Lied and one is on Countdown.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 15:31:48 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Thinking about Walter and Grant Green, his favorite guitar player. Green was so proficient at such a young age but always languished in the shadow of guys like Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery. By age 30 he had become the most respected unknown player around. He played all styles, Latin, bop, soul, funk even country-western as we used to call it. His style was very clean, very stripped down, lots of space everywhere and liked to play one note at a time. From my experience with players and actors, simplicity is the most difficult thing to affect. Writing, too. Pyrotechnics thrill us but that kind of raw simplicity stays with us, touches us deeply I believe on a psychological level. No, I'm not a psychiatrist but this somehow makes sense to me. And Walter's playing is deceptively simple as well. Take The Last Mall. He enters this song so elegantly, with such clarity and simplicity. He has a way of announcing the begining of a song so eloquently. Think of Boston Rag. He has a lot of heart, he just doesn't wear it on his sleeve. For me, he is a bebop guitar player who hears things most people don't. Could he weild the bass on tour? I tend to doubt it. He's a finesse player, not a power player. And like Grant Green, he is an underappreciated master.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 15:08:36 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Happy birthday warrenk! 19's a good age, Mom turned me onto the Dan for my 19th, now there's a birthday present!
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 14:43:11 ET
Posted by: Alkali, Captain's Neck Ln. Sth. Hampton, NY
These might be the trivia answers:
EARINGS
MOVIES
MONKEY
REELING
HOME
TBTLO
IGY
FLY
GLAM-PRO
NEWS
EMG
NEGATIVE
"happy birthday"
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 13:52:35 ET
Posted by: Gina, Sun Mountain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTtTv4aXJS0
LisaG, curious how you feel about the videoclip above, it's recorded in 2006 and Georg Wadenius is some fast (s)cat :-)
As a producer also a genius= Norwegian jazz singer Silje Nergaard.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 11:52:07 ET
Posted by: LisaG, wheee!!
Ah...Dop. Yankees may suck, but they are blessed with an ally.
:-D
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 11:49:52 ET
Posted by: Marek, New Europe
Dop - what are your suspicions? This is the place to air them. No one's going to come knocking on your door in the middle of the night.
Date: Fri, July 20, 2007, 10:44:25 ET
Posted by: Dop, pod
yeah walter keeps noodlin' - who knows why.
he's got something to prove?
he should play bass on tour.
i have my suspisions but i won't air them here.
and still emg could be one of their greatest - but can you imagine if they took those songs and brought them back with them to the late 70's and recorded them with the killer guitarists and session kats they were using?
fuckin amazing!!!
and what's with the horrible click/kick drum on emg?
LG - yankees suck!!!
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 21:31:49 ET
Posted by: Beth,
....more about "The Royal Scam" please....
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 19:42:38 ET
Posted by: Milo Hamilton, Houston
Rajah
Interesting Grant Green discography here: http://www.jazzdisco.org/green/dis/c/
Incredible to see the number of players Green worked with who also happen to be on our favorite records.
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 19:41:13 ET
Posted by: beth,
...Warren...a happy b-day....all the best, congrats, spankspankspank...I do question someone throwing a cake in your face....yeah, it's your birthday and all that, but jeez, was it really necessary to get cake in your face....some people like that sort of thing and that is O.K....it was all in fun right? I'm sure it was and everyone had a hoot and all that....myself, I would have punched the guy and kicked him in the ribs/liver...but that is just me. Be sure to slam his face in his birthday cake....oh how he will laugh and laugh and laugh. Wait....
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 19:11:29 ET
Posted by: Beth,
.....it's cocktail hour.....won't you let me in?
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 18:22:27 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, <====
19 yo?? Damn I have posts on here older than that!! :o)
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 17:52:08 ET
Posted by: LG, the spelling police
Darn it. That's THEREMIN.
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 17:50:49 ET
Posted by: LisaG, from the room at the top of the stairs
Happy 19th, warren. Celebrate!
But remember...it's just a band.
::wink, wink::
:-P
---------
Thanks to all for the North Sea Jazz banter. I am in love with that radio feed so much that I bookmarked it. I think it's such a kick to listen to the Dutch DJ when every few words or so, you hear the name of a great musician. There was a fine live Ella recording on there from her later years that blew me away. (However, at present, there is some kind of 20th century modern art-piece or something...hmmm.) You know, there just isn't enough theramin in the world. :-D
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 16:21:31 ET
Posted by: Nasty School Boy, watch out!
Alan Cranston - Sometimes the truth hurts.
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 16:14:44 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Today is my 19th birthday!! I know I'm growing mature when I'm a Steely Dan topic (or immature?) - but I do remember the Queen of Soul. Anyways, I am having quite a DAN-o-RIFIC birthday and would like to share some cool Danny stuff with you all. It was awesome to get some "Hey 19" birthday wishes from the two great friends I have who adore the Dan. My dad also wrote me a touching letter. A QUICK LITTLE CONTEST/QUIZ FOR ALL to keep your Dan-wits in check: Identify all DF/WB allusions with song names:
To a person like you
I love to give and give
You do so much with all you get
TO see that look in your eyes
like you're
Always laughing and having fun.
Some day I might find
I can't keep up with you no more.
But even still, if you care to do it, just call AND
yes I'll be there.
As the years keep rolling on, I spend a lot of
time watching, and I see how you navigate
the course, all the while you use tact,
poise, and reason and it is quite clear and evident
you're future looks bright; Not to mention
you look super swell.
And now more than ever, on the court, we
have many kicks and I love that
you know how to hustle;
and
when we play music, occasionally,
I get a few good licks. But very preciously
you have given back to me,
As far as I know, the most wonderful
yang.
The groove and joy of Steely Dan.
I'm also trying to get another friend into the Dan. He's listening to Gaucho, and knows the name of few other Dan songs. He sang me a very amusing "happy birthday"- you probably had to have been there and heard it:
"happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
Brut anndd charismaa poured from the shadow where you stood
Rikkiiii don't lose that number! (Deacon Blues)" [song ends and then abruptly yelled]:
REELIN IN THE YEARS (as he throws a birthday cake in my face).
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 13:54:00 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
Marek - I agree with parts of your post, and while I do get a little annoyed with Becker's tendency to noodle over just about everything, his playing just gets better and better and I think he's grown a lot between 00 and 07. Furthermore, it's his band, he can sideline whoever he wants.
A lot of the time, I prefer his solos to Herrington's. Herringon is incredibly skilled, but takes no chances and plays a lot of scales. Becker has a distinct style but once in a while will bust out with a line you'd never expect, for better or for worse.
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 12:23:29 ET
Posted by: Alan Cranston,
Marek
Bet Becker would love to read your post
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 12:20:55 ET
Posted by: Craig B.,
DeaconBlue
Thanks for the pics
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 08:42:53 ET
Posted by: Marek, New Europe
Just caught SD for the first time since '03 and have to voice one major complaint: Walter takes entirely too many solos. His playing, while distinct, sounds downright amateurish next to Herington, and it was frustrating to watch half the show go by before Herington took a solo.
Becker's solos work great on a handful of tunes- Josie, Bad Sneakers, to name a couple, but sound laughably out of place on most: Hey 19, Green Earrings, Bodhisattva. Herington seemed sidelined at the show.
I think the same could be said for the recent SD records, on which it's a given Walter will take the solos. Many, if not most of those solos go nowhere (prime example: Godwhacker). Becker's not a bad player by any means, but he's limited to one style. Becker had some great solos in the 70s (Pretzel Logic, Josie, Home at Last), when he had to earn his place on the records. Now that he has installed himself as SD's lead guitarist, does anyone else think that it represents a step backwards in SD's sound?
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 06:52:23 ET
Posted by: Visitor178, Visitor178
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Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 06:51:20 ET
Posted by: Visitor977, Visitor977
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Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 06:50:24 ET
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Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 06:49:19 ET
Posted by: Visitor660, Visitor660
Your site found in Google: <a href="http://google.com/search?q=mgf">position513</a>
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 06:48:59 ET
Posted by: Visitor648, Visitor648
I have visited your site 741-times
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 04:44:41 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
PICTURES OF STEELY DAN AT NSJF IN ROTTERDAM
www.northseajazz.nl/nsj885.html
Just take a look, they're just great!!!
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 04:41:05 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
STEELY DAN PHOTOS FROM NSJF IN ROTTERDAM.
www.northseajazz.nl/nsj885.html
Just take a look, they're just great.
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 00:11:57 ET
Posted by: W1P, VH1 Classic
Last night, Classic Albums? Aja! Tonight, Never Mind the Bullocks
Date: Thurs, July 19, 2007, 00:08:08 ET
Posted by: LisaG, going insane
Well...what sorts of drugs did you look to be peddling?
:-P
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 20:43:13 ET
Posted by: beth,
...lengthy post Hasaan...thanks for sharing. North Sea Jazz Festival... a dollar short and a day late....does anyone remember my "CatFood" tapes from the Netherlands?....they are most likely not played anymore...heck I've been gone for so long...I was surprised to see my name and number in the phone book....afterall I was an "alien" but this is the way Holland operates....you stay there for awhile and they put your name and number in the phone book...friendly, cooperative folks...I'm sure Donald et al had a wonderful time there....ah, the North Sea (well, what can I say - it's a sea for pete's sakes).....went very nicely for me in Holland. I'd drop some names but I'd have to get my address book and that is too much trouble right now. Heard the most intriguing songs while in Holland....don't remember the artists (tried my best to look the songs up on the internet...no luck)....I do have tapes somewheres, and videos.....perhaps I met you on the North Sea beach or at the amusement park nearby, I ate at the Greek and other ethnic restaurants, I had a hotel room on the beach (well, been there many times)....I think my shoes were a little too well kept (they were from Spain and impeccable) and I am a rather slender sort, "casual but smartly dressed"....this one boyfriend I had there said I looked like a drug peddler (me?)....I HAD MY PICTURES TAKEN WITH THE SEALS FOR PETE'S SAKES...HOW COULD I HAVE LOOKED LIKE A DRUG PEDDLER??????
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 20:07:22 ET
Posted by: beth,
....to Manchon D'Oreille.....I like the "fermez votre grande bouche"....ha ha ha ha ha....love it.....yez.
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 19:58:07 ET
Posted by: Beth,
Congrats on your wedding....good times. It's cocktail hour and I'm ready to listen....have you an interesting story to tell....bad day at the job?....a birthday?.....bought a new vehicle?....got some news to share about SD that "only you are in the know" of?....please share....
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 19:30:28 ET
Posted by: Steely Dan in Sweden, Starts with "S"
Will try to get the reviews translated and published this weekend. Just to busy right now.
Let's just say that the reviews have been surprisingly positive about the July 17 gig. Even the flavor-of-the-month critics from the two largest evening newspapers had kind things to say about Steely Dan.
The place was crammed. 10 000 people paid to see the group.
Found only one pic on the net. It features Donald, Walter, Keith and Jim on stage:
http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070717/ids_photos_en/r632771937.jpg
My own pics - none of the band, just some snaps from the festival and stuff - is here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danfest_stockholm/
Half a dozen, but could be a few more coming up. Including a reproduction of the newspaper article that mixed up Donald and Walter in a pic.
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 18:28:57 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Lonnie, congratulations on your wedding. - very happy for you!
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 17:10:59 ET
Posted by: Lonnie Zee Kingpin, Lucca, Italia
Hey there ~~
Lonnie of Lucca (and 19 and 65) comin' at cha. The Lucca show is drawing nearer. Cannot wait to enjoy the Dan in a completely new place. So new, in fact, that they have never played there before. It will be incredible. I must say that I feel alot more like I do now than when I first got here.
Lonnie
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 08:53:02 ET
Posted by: stbklpa, IPbXxLeqjM
LTCthr <a href="http://hmgykajweevg.com/">suctgtjgcqwj</a>, [URL=http://nnvhdjkelfry.com/]rjgjbdweeccs[/URL], [LINK=http://okdcpiuilebm.com/]ndlzvcobcgqf[/LINK], http://txdpxngwvhjo.com/
Date: Wed, July 18, 2007, 01:12:58 ET
Posted by: angel,
TJ: Thanks for the pictures. I love the "Brezel Logic?" one.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 22:39:57 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
plato, i don't think a lot of dan songs require the research that almost gothic does. but a lot of lines just don't sit quite right, so i felt like looking stuff up. can you explain your problem or how it is a chore? for some reason you seem offended and i don't see why.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 22:32:32 ET
Posted by: this just in, VH1
It's a pleasure to see the rerun of today's Classice Album tonite.
A wonderful surprise to an old old fan who sadly, was unable to make it to a show this season.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 22:23:21 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA
To all who posted, thanks for the info about the AJA broadcast. On the west coast it is on VH1 Classic, showing as this is written, and scheduled to repeat at 10:00 PM PDT, so it may also be shown again in other time zones.
GW
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 22:07:56 ET
Posted by: Fife, sunny Florida, eh
Sadly I can't seem to get it. Just some weird show about some heavy metal guy. Good thing I've got the DVD though not here, sigh.
Fife
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 22:05:43 ET
Posted by: Fife, sunny Florida, eh
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 21:28:24 ET
Posted by: Updraught, Pennsylvania
The "AJA" Classic Album series is scheduled for VH1 at 10:00 p.m. EDT tonight.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 20:55:10 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Thanks to you Plato et al., sono perso in il mio pensieri adessso, i meie genitori sono disabled completely. Ti amo, amici, sempre.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 20:31:26 ET
Posted by: Gula Gula a fon cuolo,
CHE CAZZO?
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 19:26:45 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Thanks for the photos, TJ.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 19:24:57 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago
Cool, P-G! Glad it was a geat time in Stockholm! Thanks!
Jim
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 19:23:47 ET
Posted by: plato, athens
"nobody ever kicks a dead dog"
I can't see the line - I used to think I could read between - Eno
it's a saying
loosely meaning
if you don't really have anything going, nobody criticizes you
so when they come down on you - at least you're not dead yet
for those who put activity into motion
if you accomplish - you'll get criticized
no wonder this crowd is so anal retentive with Dan Lyrics
oh boy
I yearn for the old days of yellow
where lyrical discussions were engaging
not an overly analytical chore
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 19:14:49 ET
Posted by: Socrates, apologies for the confusion
Rajah, a thousand pardons. Not sure what the "dead dog" post had to do with Plato. Actually, I ignored the comment for the most part. Mine was only a reference to Plato AND Socrates both posting here, but it's all Greek to me. Please do not contrue any harm.
I hope there is no lost old pal in the picture, as my dog is sitting here at my feet looking up at me as I type. If so, I would be deeply saddened to hear.
Regards,
S
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 19:01:19 ET
Posted by: Straight from the Danfest, Stockholm, Sweden, "90 minutes from Time Out to My Old"
Stockholm Jazz Festival, July 17
90 minutes
They started 15 minutes early. Rain drizzled down during a couple of songs.
The audience enjoying themselves from the first note.
Band intro
Time Out Of Mind
Godwhacker
Bad Sneakers
Hey 19
Peg
Green Earrings
Dirty Work
Josie
Bodhisattva
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Encore: FM
My Old School
Band outro
So how was it?
Tight, relaxed, groovy!
Let's do it again. The sooner the better.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 18:02:35 ET
Posted by: Manchon D'oreille, Plaster of Paris France
Plus cher Rajah,
Te audire no possum. Musa sapientum fixa est in aure.
(I can't hear you. I have a banana in my ear.)
Fermez votre grande bouche forte.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 16:03:57 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
A few pictures from Steely Dan in Berlin. They are not too sharp, but I hope you'll like them anyway:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10180133@N02/sets/72157600872843358/detail/
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 13:18:34 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
You're going to love it. Hyper-technical as to the musicology but so so very satisfying. I hated to finish it. Bravo Mr. B.
I'm reading a book on Grant Green right now written by his daughter-in-law. Wow, what a life. And like so many of his contemporaries, all too short. Dead at 43.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 13:05:14 ET
Posted by: Glamour Profession, Amsterdam
Thanx to the people who replied about the Aja-book
I just orderd it, and hope to receive it next week.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:45:53 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago
Thanks "This Just In."
It's news to folks like me that you can catch this on VH1 as well as the DVD. Can run over to the lounge at work and try to catch it.
I watched part of it a couple of weeks ago after reading DB's "33-1/3" "Aja" book.
Someone asked if the book is worth it. Yes, it has some omissions but what I like about it is that it focusses on the music in detail. Will write more later.
Jim
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:45:14 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Plato & Socrates:
Posting a comment about a dead dog in so close a proximity as my wife's post does not sit well with me, sir. You have my challenge.
italifornia@ca.rr.com
Back the fuck off. Some things are sacred. Not many but but some.
I hope we're cool.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:43:11 ET
Posted by: Eric Hoffer, This one's for you, Plato.........
The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. WE HATE OTHERS WHEN WE HATE OURSELVES. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice others when we are ready to sacrifice ourselves.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:29:37 ET
Posted by: Socrates, the great beyond
I drank WHAT?
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:28:00 ET
Posted by: LisaG, @ home for lunch
"Nobody ever erected a statue in honor of a critic."
--attr. to Igor Stravinsky
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:18:02 ET
Posted by: this just in, VH1
Yeah, it might be ten years old, but damn! It's still good.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:15:23 ET
Posted by: plato, athens
donald was straight (no drugs) on mtc
mtc his worse one?
what drugs are you taking?
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:13:04 ET
Posted by: Old News, ....and the bear got you!
This Just In - Wasn't that show 'just in' about ten years ago?
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:11:13 ET
Posted by: Blind, That Day
W. should take more drugs for faster, better tracks.
D. was clean on M.T.C., his worst one!
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:08:15 ET
Posted by: this just in, VH1
The boys are doing the Classic Album show. AJA
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:07:03 ET
Posted by: Janie, Runaway
Thank
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:06:11 ET
Posted by: Blind , That Day
Ur Welcome
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:04:13 ET
Posted by: Janie, Runaway
Sorry, twice
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:03:26 ET
Posted by: Janie, Runaway
F****** S***,
I need some good, fresh things from W. B.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 12:02:46 ET
Posted by: Janie, Runaway
F****** S***,
I need some good, fresh things from W. B.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 11:46:30 ET
Posted by: plato, athens
"no one ever kicks a dead dog"
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 11:18:35 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, OS
"When your critics stop criticizing you, you have ceased to become effective."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
G
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 09:16:43 ET
Posted by: angel,
Deacon: Thanks so much for the translation. That is a nice review.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 08:53:14 ET
Posted by: wormtom, nola
north sea jazz - glad to see such a strong reception and review
did anyone go to this one?
my favorite bassist - the late Niels Henning Ormsted Pederson used to play with virtually everyone at that fest
back to Almost Gothic
It's kind of like the opposite of an aerial view
this is the coolest line in the song
an aerial view is expansive - overlooking, thrilling
you see it all at once
with the foursquare element - you are tied to the bed
the view looking upward in this dungeon of desire is let's just say compelling - you don't know what's coming next
Jack Hayford is a well known and gifted pastor in LA area if I recall
this isn't some big movement or underground element
the boys just used a word association
there isn't some secret past with this Aime gal
more a hey female pastor / female madamn that's all
there isn't some deeper meaning there
some jones cult with koolaid or comets
personally the most sexually charged lyrically surpressed dan song is I got the news
spanish kissing indeed
the boys wouldn't even touch it on the Aja Making of Classic album series
personally I'm bummed that one came out so early
other discs have gobs of outtake interviews and bonus'
~
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 06:31:32 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
ABSOLUTE TRIUMPH OF STEELY DAN IN ROTTERDAM
Glamour: Thanks for the link to that famous quality newspaper "De Volkskrant". It seems Steely dan was on his top in Rotterdam.
I made an effort and tried to translate that review about their pasage at the North sea Jazz Festival (NSJF)on saturday 14th of july.
So here i go:
STEELY DAN GREAT ON THE SECOND DAY OF NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL
"What a night" were the enthousiastic words from Donald fagen.An enthousiasm that everyone was sharing with him because Steely dan was doing a historical concert at that moment
On stage we saw a extremely strong orchestra. Fagen said he never played with such a brilliant musicians. Well, he didn't lie and the sound was impecable.
The performance of the four hornplayers, two female backgroundsingers and guitarplayer Jon Herrington were in perfect harmony with Walter Beckers guitar and Donald fagens electric piano, melodica and vocals.
Fagens voice is exactly like you hope it should be and such as everyone's remembering it from the seventiesrecords Pretzel Logic and Aja.
And what a difference with the to gentle and smooth performence from 7 years ago in the same Ahoy hall. Not only the setlist is better now, but fagen and Becker are also enjoying so much the brilliance of their musicians that it brings both to higher level.
Hey 19 (with great trombonesolo), Peg, Josie and Dirty Work (sang by the ladies) sounds so clear and perfect. During Peg, almost the whole public was thinking and pretending to play Herringtons guitar!
But highlight of the night was without a doubt "Aja" from the identic album. Fagen said very carefully: "we're going to try to do this complex song" . Remember it was legend Wayne Shorter who did that phenomenal saxophonepart on Aja. Walt Weiskopf and the whole rythmsection had to give the best of themselves to try to let raise "Aja" on the same level. The whole band was just great and never missed one single note.
We were living a very special and great moment when Becker began to presents the bandmembers and finally was introducing his partner and friend: Mister Donald fagen.
VERY RARELY IN THE NORTH SEA JAZZ HISTORY AN ARTIST RECEIVED SO MUCH APPLAUDISEMENTS AND SUCH A LONG STANDING OVATION.
AND VERY RARELY NO ONE ARTIST DESERVES IT SO MUCH AS DONALD FAGEN.
This review is one of the most beautiful i ever read in the press.
North Sea Jazz is not easy to do for an artist. The critics are sometimes very hard, cruel and severe. Ask Amy Winehouse and Sly from the family Stone.
So if you leave NSJ with so much glory and fame as Steely Dan did this year, well that means something!!
CONGRATULATIONS DONALD AND WALTER AND OF COURSE THE ENTIRE BAND.
Date: Tues, July 17, 2007, 03:30:54 ET
Posted by: pagoda of funn, netherlands
Nice review in a Berlin newspaper of their concert (in german)
http://www.morgenpost.de/content/2007/07/17/feuilleton/911012.html
See also the announcement of the concert:
http://www.morgenpost.de/content/2007/07/15/tagestipps/910735.html
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 20:50:16 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
I'm buyin all that.
"Sloe-eyed creature in the reckless room." The dictionary informs that "sloe" is the small, sour fruit of the blackthorn, a member of the rose family. Hmm, I see dark bobbed hair, dark eyes with an evil squint, alabaster skin, whippet thin and a gait that makes you think she's hovering just inches above the rug.
The character study is pretty darn specific here. She the next in a long line of bad news babes that Mr. Steely Dan just can't seem to avoid. She's changeable, impulsive, she's judgmental, she's wicked and manipulative. Works for me. The opposite of an arial view. He's staring up her dress, no? "Thrilling and new," is comical; isn't that lifted from the theme to The Love Boat. Yeah it is, no, eciting and new, OK so close enough for jazz.
The horns are so breezy and carefree. Unlike the lady. What a great ending, sort just shimmering away.
I think of the Duke's aria in Rigoletto, the famous La Donna e Mobile lyric. Let's review that:
Woman is changeable
Like a feather in the wind,
She changes her voice — and her mind.
Always sweet,
Pretty face,
In tears or in laughter, — she is always lying.
Always miserable
Is he who trusts her,
He who confides in her — his unwary heart
Yet one never feels
Fully happy
Who on that bosom — does not drink love!
An inartful translation but you get the point.
This and Negative Girl are bookends in the mold of Peg and Josie.
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 18:14:40 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
that works mighty fine. that line in the song is definitely walter and donald's own little insert/interpretation of the protagonist. i like how it combines the "newest craze" idea of Eva with the underground mystique of the bleecker street of old. can definitely see how D&W would make that analogy.
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 18:01:23 ET
Posted by: Chinese cashier, yuan me
Courtesy of http://www.steelydandictionary.com
Bleecker Street--A street in New York City, which runs roughly east-west through the Greenwich Village area of Manhattan. Bleecker Street is best known for being the home of "Beat" poetry and a breeding ground for acoustic singer-songwriters back in the 1960s.
A troubador reference perhaps? Lots of rapping imagery can be conjured up there.
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 17:18:13 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
I'm working on gospel [GOSPEL IS THE FIRST BIG CLUE, I.E. International Church of the Foursquare Gospel]
time these days
(The summer - this could be the cool part of the summer)
The sloe-eyed creature in the reckless room she's so severe
A wise child walks right out of here [ YOU CANNOT DENY HOW WELL "WISE" WORKS WITH RESPECT TO DISMISSING EXTREMIST PROPAGANDA. THERE IS NO ENIGMA TO A WHOREHOUSE- YOU KNOW WHAT IS UP- YOU DON'T GO OUT OF CURIOSITY. HOWEVER, TO HEAR A NEW PHILOSOPHY, THAT'S A DIFFERENT STORY. THAT SITS MUCH BETTER. EITHER WAY, IT WORKS BOTH WAYS, BUT IMO IT'S ANOTHER HINT TOWARDS THE EVANGELIST SIDE OF THINGS.]
I'm so excited I can barely cope
I'm sizzling like an isotope
I'm on fire so cut me some slack
[CHORUS:]
First she's way gone then she comes back
She's all business then she's ready to play
She's almost gothic in a natural way [REINFORCES THE DOUBLE ENTENDRE- NOT PARTIAL TO ANY SIDE OF THE DUEL MEANING AS FAR AS I CAN SEE. EITHER SEXUAL EXCITEMENT OR THE EXCITEMENT LIKE THAT OF RELIGIOUS REVIVALS WHICH I AM SURE YOU KNOW OF. THE CHOICE OF THE WORD "GOTHIC" IS INTERESTING THOUGH AND ONE I NEED TO LOOK FURTHER INTO- MAYBE HE'S REFERENCING THE DARK ARCHITECTURE]
This house of desire is built foursquare [COME ON MAN, DO YOU STILL REALLY THINK IT'S JUST ABOUT SEX?? House, foursquare!!! It's genius combined with your imagery of a bed]
(The city - the cleanest kitten in the city)
When she speaks it's like the slickest song I ever heard
I'm hanging on her every word
As if I'm not already blazed enough
She hits me with the cryptic stuff
That's her style - to jerk me around [HILARIOUS-GREAT DOUBLE ENTENDRE. YOU HAVE TO ADMIT THOUGH THERE IS A BIT MORE FOCUS ON HER SPEECH RATHER THAN THE OTHER STUFF SHE DOES]
[CHORUS:]
First she's all feel then she cools down
She's pure science with a splash of black cat [ANOTHER INTERESTING LINE THAT FITS SO WELL WITH THE DEEPER MEANING WE PROPOSE]
She's almost gothic and I like it like that
This dark place so thrilling and new
It's kind of like the opposite of an aerial view
Unless I'm totally wrong
I hear her rap and brother it's strong [IT'S GOSPEL BROTHA!! IT'S THAT REVIVAL CHURCH STUFF!!!]
I'm pretty sure that what she's telling me is mostly lies
But I just stand there hypnotized
I'll just have to make it work somehow
I'm in the amen corner now
It's called love - I spell L -U- V
[CHORUS:]
First she's all buzz then she's noise-free
She's bubbling over then there's nothing to say
She's almost gothic in a natural way
She's old school then she's like young
Little Eva meets the Bleecker Street brat [I'LL HAVE TO THINK ABOUT B. STREET BRAT, BUT LITTLE EVA WAS THAT GIRL WHO STARTED THAT CRAZE WITH THAT LOCOMOTION SONG- FITS SO WELL WITH AIMEE!!!]
She's almost gothic but it's better than that
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 16:52:04 ET
Posted by: George, Paris
A new one for me - I've provoked ire on the Blue.
Wormtom - I miss much, to be sure. I'd never heard of the angle Gretchen brought up until I read her post, but I liked it - it clicked. Take what you will from a Dan lyric; you'll get no argument from me. I'm just babbling in the back room all night, wasting time.
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 16:47:07 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
worm, you're missing the whole beauty of it. we all realized immediately the sexual undertones of the song. in fact they aren't even undertones. they're blatantly obvious- and that is pretty darn weak for SD. the whole song is a double entendre- it's a whole parallel between that evangelist scene and the OBVIOUS immediate sexual facade. how the heck does that suck the joy out of it for you?
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 16:32:44 ET
Posted by: worm, nowhere
george and gretchen
the foursquare may be a double entendre trivial element from obscurity, so(don and walt use the internet like anyone else)
but the main foursquare refer to the bedposts of our little protagonists liar
still I remain tied to a different mast
like Western World or Gone to the Movies
the use of uplifting words with underlying seedy underbellies is all these guys are about
you guys take it to the extreme and suck all the joy out of it
I wonder just how much of the obvious stuff you miss in your quest for microprecision
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 16:28:04 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Wormtom:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Church_of_the_Foursquare_Gospel
I know wikipedia isn't the best source but that is the quickest way I can find you the information (I doubt kids will be corrupting that one due to lyrical interpretations of a dan song). A link to Aimee's page is on that page, too.
It's CLEAR as day once you do the tiniest bit of research. For sure, one of the best double meanings Fagen and Becker have ever created. Yes, they do try and write the songs so that they can have multiple meanings, but they start with an idea. For those that don't wanna search, it's a simple song of seduction. But never underestimate them, they aren't that cheap. What a BALLSY (no pun intended) parallel though! I love them!
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 16:23:26 ET
Posted by: Milo, Meyer Sound
After watching the clips from the Sunset-Sunside set in Paris
(Thanks for the link BTW), it's clear to see that Jon has a VOX
BOX with him on this tour. Why in the hell isn't he pulling that
bad boy out during "Haitian"??????
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 15:38:10 ET
Posted by: George, in Paris (alas, Texas)
Wormtom - after reading Gretchen's post, I was so excited I could barely cope. Then you ask her "Where's the evidence," and now I'm sizzling like an isotope. The whole thing is surely obscure enough to have enticed our heroes. She's on fire - cut her some slack.
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 15:35:32 ET
Posted by: :>, treetop laptop
Thanks TJ, TK Your post is of interest! :>~
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 15:31:33 ET
Posted by: Raven, treetop laptop
Right good posts. thx deacon and so many others, right here right now!
On that North Sea Jazz article--more recognition: Mind you the translator is not all inclusive--a few cut and pastes from link to left in Dutch article: (The tightest orchestra and the slackest chats) here using Babel webpage translator:
The cheapest cd’s: Fame. Goeie Blue Note and Steely Dan for five euro. Outrageous.
The best outfit: Donald Fagen van Steely Dan. Nondescripte narrow grey trousers and red ochre line jacket with straight shoulders, vaalgroen t-shirt, green All-Star gympen and zonnebril with red montuur.
Tightest orchestra: Steely Dan and the Lincoln Center jazz Orchestra of Wynton Marsalis go up right. Steely Dan win by the indispensable added value: tangible speelplezier. [wow, what's a tangible speelplezier?] hehe
-< -<
-< -< Later, Raven
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 15:17:15 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, <----
Just making phone calls here today (i'm in sales) and heard East St. Louis Toodle-Oo while on hold!!!
Now back to your regularly scheduled concert comments!
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 13:41:53 ET
Posted by: wormtom, topsoil
Did any of you purchase this book about Aja?
Steely Dan's Aja - By Don Breithaupt
http://www.amazon.com/Steely-Dans-Aja-33-3/dp/0826427839
didn't stop there
great read on Aja
only sins are those of omission
I would have liked to see more detail on the lyrical end
like Oleanders Geisha dialog
long but not long enough
please don't stop there
do yourself a favor
his two 70's books with his brother are priceless
he gets it, is humorful
the chapter on corporate rock had me pissy my pants, honest
Precious and Few (early 70's)
Night Moves (late 70's)
amazon them now
and thank me later
gretchen - where's your evidence on foursquare?
hard to be absolute with D& W lyrical association dear
see the geisha on that one
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 13:35:30 ET
Posted by: gimt, right
gimt
top ten reasons Carolyn Leonhart Escoffery deserves chocholate on her birthday ~ oh paris' madmoiselle
11. overseas and can't have reed hubby Wayne
10. already overdid the cuervo and the fine columbian,
oops wrong decade
9. her pixaleen virtual reality clone can't have any
8. it's a new8thday - so why not
7. bare midriff is concealled in a pregger, duffs the word
(thanks brits' on that one)
6. compensation for all brother michael's road antics
after she deficated in his trumpet mute
5. don and walt making up for lost time for
acting like she and vicki were their bimbo babes
in the limo in the plush vid
4. after tracking her almighty ass through seven heaven worlds
slinky redfoot found it easier to bait with the brown stuff
3. first trimester and it won't even show
2. don and walt nothing, those guys are cheap forgetful putzes,
the road manager and three goffers are fully responsible
or would have never heard the end of it
1. to balance out that other chocolate heaven on stage
miss cindy mizelle
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 12:29:06 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, OS
Well, in Almost Gothic, "foursquare" is referencing the Foursquare Gospel Church, founded by early 20th-century U.S. evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. AG is probably based on Mcpherson, and you see themes of religious fervor throughout, as in "Liiving on gospel time," "Amen Corner", and the "foursquare" line. IMHO, or whatevah.
G
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 11:09:29 ET
Posted by: Me, Here
There actually is a degree of connection between Aimee Semple McPherson and Steely Dan...can anyone illustrate?
There's your Brain Twister or whatevah for the week.
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 11:08:26 ET
Posted by: Glamour Profession, Amsterdam
Some very good reviews on the saturday gig in some Dutch (quality) newspapers; De Volkskrant and NRC Handelsblad
Some short quotes: Good vibe, tight orchestra, great crowd, and it's even called a legendary concert.
Exactly how i felt about saturday.
Dutch article:
http://www.volkskrant.nl/kunst/article445131.ece/Steely_Dan_groots_op_tweede_dag_North_Sea_Jazz
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 07:11:20 ET
Posted by: TJ, DK
Steely Dan – Berlin report
Venue: Zitadelle. Audience: approx. 2000. The fortress which is the oldest remaining structure in Berlin was the perfect place for an intimate outdoor concert. The sound was spotless and you could hear all 12 band members perfectly clear. Unfortunately the crowd was a little slow, maybe due to the temperature of 30+ degree Celsius. People didn't really get up until the last song.
Donald: He opened with: "Hallo Kinder". Big laughs. He's seems to become more and more cool and confident on the stage and at the same time acting mysterious and intriguing. He's really taking control and one could actually hear him playing the Rhodes as well as the added melodica. Great. His voice was really good though he tend to cut a lot of sentences a bit short.
Walter: His playing is a lot more aggressive that earlier. Nice attacks on some of the solos and less over all noodeling. Probably shouldn't sing Divorce but something else. He told his Tequila-story with: "you bring your bratwurst" and "your Deutch Mark or whatever kinda money you used back then". Very funny, charming and eloquent!
Keith Carlock. Wow! The rumours were true. The guys is a monster. His grooves are perfect and everything he does seems interesting. Great sounding drum set. Close to stealing the show at times. I'm so impressed!!!
The others: I like Herington but he seems to be making it hard for himself, trying difficult things instead of just playing it melodic, as he should with Walter as the subtle player. Maybe he's been in the band to long playing the same solos? Jeff Young was great and the Hammond B3 sounded fantastic. The horn section was tight and the girls hot and vibrant. Great band!
Highlights: Best version of Babylon Sisters I've ever heard. Carlock really nailed it. Two Against Nature turned out to be a perfect live song. Carlock amazing… Again. So great. The over all sound. Don and Walters relaxed attitude - they were truly enjoying it.
Lowlights: The beer drinking audience. No Deacon B. or Black Cow.
Setlist – Berlin (the show lasted from 8.15 – 22.15. 16 songs):
Intro
Time Out Of Mind
Godwhacker
Two Against Nature
Bad Sneakers
Hey Nineteen
Haitian Divorce
Peg
Babylon Sisters
Green Earrings
Dirty Work
Josie
Bodhisattva
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
+
Pretzel Logic
My Old School
Outro
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007, 05:31:52 ET
Posted by: Glamour Profession, Amsterdam
Did any of you purchase this book about Aja?
Steely Dan's Aja - By Don Breithaupt
http://www.amazon.com/Steely-Dans-Aja-33-3/dp/0826427839
When you have Brian Sweet's "reeling in the years" and the Making of Aja-DVD, is it worth to purchase this book for interesting information?
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 23:43:41 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Hate to ruin it for you guys, but the real answer to ALMOST GOTHIC:
Aimee Semple McPherson
Don and Walt are complete geniuses.
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 18:38:49 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Another great artist on the Dutch tv: Chano Dominguez from Spain.
So to Spanish latino people who are reading the Blue Book a little clarification.
Chano Dominguez es un pianisto viviendo en Cadiz en el sur de Espana.
Era un musico de Flamenco famoso en los anos seicenta. En los seventies, el empezaba a escuchar la musica jazzfusion.
25 anos despues podemos considerale como el pionero del Flamencojazz. Tremendo difficultad de mezclar el Flamenco y el Jazz?
No hay muchas cosas parecidas en los dos stylos de musica.
Asi estoy consejando los fanaticos dde la musica espanol y la del Jazz que si jamas este hombre pasa en tu barrio, vale la pena de ver este artisto.
Traduction? Other time please , they are giving Raul Midos on tv now
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 18:16:41 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Third day of the North Sea Jazz festival is going to his end.
Highlights today were Omette Coleman, Toots Thielemans, Chick Corea & Gary Burton, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Holland Quintet, Joshua Redman, Mike Stern, Candy Dulfer, Sly and the Family Stone, Snoop Dogg, Randy Brecker and Elvis Costello.
They are giving livereports just right now at the Dutch tv.
I already saw : Candy Dulfer : that's the real girlpower!
Wynton Marsalis : respect for this legend
Sly and the Family Stone: not exactly the kind of music i was listening during the seventies but i've had to admit that this 64 year old fireworkman still got the funk in his body.
Snoop Dogg: He pretends that jazzlovers generally are listening to his music because his Gangsterrap is extremely melodious. i'm a jazzlover but Snoop Dog or other rapmusic? No thank you, nothing for me!
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 17:48:21 ET
Posted by: gee, here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iRX1AQ35hk
sorry, this is a bassist you just gotto hear and see: Chico Huff.
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 14:35:09 ET
Posted by: Hutch,
LisaG - I'm with you. I didn't really "get" Krantz until I saw him with Jon H. at the Fagen show in D.C. (the ONLY show, by the way where the song "Morph the Cat" was played!!!) Actually I saw him play with SD in '96 at Va. Beach and didn't really feel then that he was a good fit. His playing was obviously technically great but I felt that some of his solos were a bit "outside" if you know what I mean. Since then I've come to appreciate his tone and attack. It's really kind of unique.
There's no doubt that what he and Herington did on Morph is just absolutely outstanding.
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 14:33:08 ET
Posted by: This just in! Must see TV, Europe
Two songs from Michael Leonhart and Jon Herington show at the Sunset Sunside Jazzclub in Paris July 11 can be seen here:
http://noted.blogs.com/westcoastmusic/2007/07/michael-leonhar.html
Plus an interesting 15 minute interview in two parts with Michael & Jon.
Hey, does that that drummer, the bassplayer and the backup singers look familiar to you?
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 12:06:00 ET
Posted by: LisaG, there's no one to fire upon
Arne—I think it’s a combination of the hall and the sound people. Each place has its own set of unique challenges, but as has been said over and over ad nauseum on this site, there is a definite problem with the bass instruments—especially static between bass and the kick drum.
DEACONBLUE—The “Goodbye Look” on the Fagen tour was my least favorite song, although I love the studio track. However, I fell in love with “Third World Man” from the same tour. So…I guess some musicians can’t be all things to all styles. I would love to see Wayne Krantz with SD alongside Herington, as well. The dude crafts every line he plays with such fervor and soul. I never was a fan of his until I saw him live with Fagen.
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 10:33:59 ET
Posted by: Arne, Rotterdam
For those of you who attended one of the recent shows: listen to Time out of Mind on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G1tRCfMNxc) and then remember how this was played in Brussels or Rotterdam. It almost made me cry... the way they played back then (the duet between Donald and Walter at the end)... Well, I guess we will just have to enjoy what we get today, and not think too much...
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 09:31:22 ET
Posted by: Gina, Sun Mountain
Hey Not My Nancy!! You're Gaucho's dad, well, kind of...you suggested to name the critter Gaucho and so i did, he's almost 6 now and crazy as a smooth fox can be. He keeps my parents young and makes them forget all about what ails them :-) Nice to see you around again. Now i wonder about Midnite Cruiser and his long long hair :-)
Haven't been to Rotterdam due to work obligations. But glad to hear it was a good show. I stumbled upon the Incognito message board (very very good band too!) and some of the folks were kind enough to share their Steely take: here it is:
----
i`ve been there at steely dan concert in stuttgart. what can I say, I have no words...
What an incredible evening. Donald and Walter came together with an absolute fantastic band. 4 horns, 2 backing vocalists, a second guitarist, second keyboarder, super bassman and with a drummer who blown the crowd away !
They played some songs of their newer albums "everything most go" and "two against nature" before they came to their all time hits ! Hey Nineteen, Josie, PEG, Bodhisatva, Old School and so on.
They were soooo cool ! The audience gave them standing ovations. They are so good, esspecially live ! I´ve been at Frankfurt in 2000 for the Y2K-Tour. We were waiting 7 years to see them again. We hope, we don`t have to wait seven years again !
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 08:50:27 ET
Posted by: Hutch,
Here's a poster for tonight's show...
http://www.citadel-music-festival.de/konzerte/steely_dan.jpg
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 08:17:08 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower
...no opening act in Berlin tonight...SD goes on at 8PM...just updated at SD.com
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 06:42:46 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Hello my dear friends in the waiting room, how are you both? It's been a long time.
Arne: For the most of all concerts happening in Forest National the sound can be better. Does it depend of soundtechnicians? Sure, but at NSJ they hust have the best.
So finally Herrington did some decent solos. I'm glad to here that. That's what i missed in Brussels and Paris. Jon is be able to bring Sd songs to another level.
And what about Keith? I don't know what to think about him. Should we give him some more credit?
I remember last years Donald Fagen solotour where he brought "Third World Man to another dimension and where he did really some very great things. But he almost screwed up "The Goodbye Look" that has been saved by that phenomenal guitarduo challenge between Jon Herrington and Wayne Krantz.
What i saw last year in Don's solotour was practicely the same band as Steely dan now. The only difference was that, there were only two hornplayers (Michael & Walt) and Wayne playing guitar in stead of Walter. The way the Donald Fagen Band sounded, that's the way i like to hear Steely Dan. And yes why not with three guitar players. Walter doing the acoustic stuff while Wayne and Jon can express themselves completely. That would give some more creativity!
Oh yeah,actually we were talking about Keith. Maybe we can compare it with the German and Brazilian footballteam. The German one plays powerfootball while the Brazilian one plays technically highstanding football full of creativity. I guess Keith belongs to the first category.
Raul Midon. Who the hell is this guy and from which planet does he comes?? He stande all alone on stage only with the company of his guitar. He's an orchestra on his own. Yes, he did the beats,chords, percussion and even the horns on his own. He's really fantastic!
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 06:04:48 ET
Posted by: Oh no!, The waiting room
Arne - you're a brave man.
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 05:31:33 ET
Posted by: Arne, Rotterdam
OK, about last night @ NSJ: if it taught us one thing, it is that bad acoustic characteristics of a concert hall do NOT exist. There are only bad sound technicians. NSJ took place in huge concrete halls with iron roofs, no acoustic padding, and the sound was just perfect. No matter where you were in the hall. So no excuses for Forest National.
A few observations, comparing Brussels with Rotterdam:
finally a few decent guitar solos from Jon Herrington (especially in Boddhisatva)
horn section was very good in chain lightning
and - sorry for Keith's fans - Carlock just doesn't do it for me: no subtle changes, no "Purdie shuffle" and I am afraid he does not even have the talent for it. Just straightforward hammering.
But overall an almost perfect concert.
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 03:35:00 ET
Posted by: Mike, CT
There's this small characteristic about Donald's Rhodes playing that has always stuck out for some reason. I'm referring to the way he does a staccato stab of a chord followed by a brief pause between the next chord which is held for a quarter note or longer. He does it quite often. I've heard it done in other songs but it always reminds me of Donald. So whenever I hear it in a song I just see huge letters appearing in front of me that says DONALD FAGEN.
Date: Sun, July 15, 2007, 01:48:50 ET
Posted by: I do believe, Raul Midon opened for Joe Jackson, on his last tour
Hey DEACON
Did Raul Midon use an acoustic guitar and beat on it in different spots to create bongo sounds and other percussion to accompany his guitar playing and singing? I had never seen anything like this guy.
He is kind of like a one man band, he'll strum or pick with his right hand, play a chord, beat on the body of the guitar, change chords, then make some percussion sound with his voice. And make it all work. He also manages to create a back beat by slapping the guitar strings with his right hand and noodling on the fret with his left hand.
Midon is like a Bobby McFerrin/Al Jarreau vocalist, percussionist and George Benson/Lee Ritenour jazz guitarist rolled into one and does it simultaneously! No?
Midon is but another example of a very talented guy who probably won't make it big and sell lots of records but at least he is getting some top level gigs. And no less a musical giant than the incomparable Joe Jackson at least acknowledges it!
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 19:26:40 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Glamour profession from Amsterdam.
Brussels was just great but you're right saying the sound can be better. Like i always told, Forest national doesn't have a good acoustic reputation. But the concert was just great, i can assure you that.
And the crowd? Well there's just one and unique Jazzfestival in the world, called North sea Jazz! Artists can always give more of themselves overthere. So what you're saying surely must be true.
I've been 3 times to the NSJF but never to Rotterdam but that cannot change the souln and spirit of this three days gig.
Unfortunately this year i'm not be able to go so my first Rotterdan will be maybe next year.
I just saw at the Dutch Tv a resumation of this second day, but no Steely Dan. But i saw Larry Carlton jamming his guitar with Robben Ford and that makes a lot good.
I saw that new Mexican New York and blind phenomen Raul Midon. Jesus, if you excists, when did you made that one. He's really extraordinary. During his gig he did a duo with India Arie and later in the night he did his thing during Indias concert. That was something ...it's difficult to discribe but there was enough magic in the air to let fall a tear. Remember that name folks: RAUL MIDON.
Gina, i'm sure you were there tonight in Rotterdam , so i hope you had the opportunity to see this guy.If you still there at this moment, well ...enjoy it!
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 18:46:05 ET
Posted by: Glamour Profession, Amsterdam
Just got back from Steely Dan @ NSJ
Much better than last monday in Brussels.
much better sound, and the atmosphere in the crowd was much better.
Was a bit dissapointed after monday (not by the band) but Rotterdam was everything I hoped for and just as much fun as 7 years ago.
Setlist was almost the same as Brussels, but no 2vsNature, and babylon Sisters, but with Chain lightning (sick horn arrangement) and Bodishatva as an encore instead of FM+ My old Skool
Unfortunatly no Larry Carlton at the Steely Dan show.
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 16:35:06 ET
Posted by: Meyer Wolfsheim,
It appears our dear Larry has the least stylish eyeglasses in the pavillion.
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 15:27:25 ET
Posted by: Bob, cause I care
Anybody have the North Sea set list and the Carlton answer?
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 13:56:29 ET
Posted by: Rae Lee,
Hello Steely Dan Babies!
The songs went something like this yesterday at Stuttgart
Intro music
Time Out of Mind
Godwacker
Bad Sneaker
Hey 19
Peg
Green Earrings
Josie with Band intro
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work led by girls
Boddhisttva
Aja
Encore was FM & My Old School plus band played on
Was a beautiful evening cut short only by a 10:30 curfew.
Hey Mr Steely Dan! Can we do this again?
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 13:23:03 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Newark, try the following radiolink: www.omroep.nl/live/nieuw-concertzender-bb.asx
Gina gave this one earlier in the afternoon. It brings you right where you have to be. Succes.
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 12:49:12 ET
Posted by: Newark, North Sea Program Online
I'm getting some stuff from the North Sea Jazz Festival Rotterdam--I'm clipping along about 10 mbs on this site:
http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=3108541
and the video feed is working around 75 percent good. I think I'll try the internet radio: links given here below. Thanks for links you all.
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 12:22:34 ET
Posted by: LisaG, Hollywood's been good to me
angel—Those two nights blur into one for me as it was, OVER SIX YEARS AGO. My goodness. I can still hear Bob Tedde singing “Gaucho” like a lullaby. He had me at the first note. Someday I’ll make it out to San Diego. I am envious that you got to see Dean Parks with them, too. Woo hoo.
Basic—That was wonderful fun. Randall’s face is priceless. What a neat little opening and closing dialogue. It’s obvious that these guys love to play. Randall is awfully creative but in an understated way. His second chorus was titillating. And to think, I hate blues. :-P Thanks for the link to drink my coffee to. :-D Funny, Randall’s UKyoutube profile says only one thing: “Steely Dan's legendary guitarist, on YouTube.” Guess that’s...his...claim to fame, although he’s done so much session and studio work, it hardly seems to be enough of a description.
Enimen—When I saw your post, I nearly fainted. Been thinking about you, bro. I STILL have your Peg chart from the drunken street performance of yore, but let's not talk about that too much... That was the day me and DaddyG (well one of them) had visited the WTC and were miserable after standing in line for several hours only to meet fog at the top. But in retrospect, I’m glad we actually got up there since later that year, well... Carlton’s new stuff never struck me as deep and yes I agree that his playing is worth a little meatier material. But I know plenty of terrific musicians who write things that lack luster yet burn on other peoples’ stuff. I would love to see him play with SD again. Wasn’t there some sort of rift between them at one point? Or maybe I dreamed that? By the way, be careful being critical of ANYONE who has ever played or currently plays with SD on here. Some of the fandom don’t take that too well. ;-)
Hutch—An unplugged coffee-house set of SD? Hmm, I’m making up my wish-list as we speak. Dr. Wu would be awesome acoustically—it’s fun with just piano—I almost submitted that to the yellow’s second to last compilation, but alas...no recording equipment here. They could also do Pearl of the Quarter, What a Shame About Me, of course most stuff from the first album... I’m starting to daydream again.
Rick--a similar thing happened to Bobby Darin at least according to the movie, Beyond the Sea. Although his Jesus was politics. The people wanted to hear the old stuff and he was all in this new direction that was just not happening musically, although lyrically, he became very deep, almost Dylanesque. Some folks just go through life changes that forever modify their work. Billy Joel used to be one of my favorite song-writers, until he married a supermodel and then began writing schlock. Hasn’t been the same ever since.
Hi Lady Fife—yes they were from Citrus. I have a few shots—the camera settings were off but you can make out the people. :-) I will certainly send you what I’ve got. I hope someone else took some photos because I think I only got a few people...not everyone. Hope everything goes well with your Dad.
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 12:02:41 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
CBS: Actualy i was not talking for myself but i saw it more as a suggestion for those who'll be in Rotterdam tonight. Unfortunately i won't be there. My next rendez-vous with SD are Bonn & Lucca.
Maybe the Italians will put some Hindu kush in their pizza's.
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 10:53:42 ET
Posted by: Fife, Florida, eh
Lisa G are those photos from Citrus? Being wrapped up with meeting everyone I didn't even think to pull out the ole digital and would love to have any that you might have. I'm currently in FLA helping to looking after my poor old Dad and would love any distraction. My e-mail is where it should be on here.
Thanks
Fife
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 10:47:16 ET
Posted by: angel,
NOt My Nancy!!!!! :-)
2 hours to go and we find out if Carlton makes a guest appearance at the Steely Dan show.
Some of my best moments are when a guest makes an appearance. I saw Dean Parks at Universal once and he added that unmistakable sound, to what was already a great encore. Icing on the cake.
I would have loved to see Howard Levy do the harmonica, during
the Donald Fagen Band tour in '06.
...and Denny doing his solo in Bodhisatvah? That would be Heaven!
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 10:09:56 ET
Posted by: Cover Band Sam, W1purple?
"Well, the coffee houses are an alternative tonight"
DEACONBLUE - Alternative? What are you nuts? ! I'd give me right arm to be with you tonight! Smoking the best Hindu Kush in the world!! Go to the coffee houses damn it! Do it for me!
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 10:00:16 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, Back in BRUSSELS
Well, the coffee houses are an alternative tonight.
Dirk: Were you in Stuttgart? Than if you've a little bit time, please tell us a little bit more about the show.
I'll bet Haitian Divorce will be replaced tonight by Slang of Ages.
For the nothern Europeans between us, just this: Tonight at 22.50h on the Dutch Tv, they are going to broadcast a part of 3 NSJF concerts of today. Names unknown until the start of the program.
Steely Dan? Who knows ?
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 09:59:53 ET
Posted by: Rick, Washington, D.C.
NMN - After LC got shot twenty years ago and lived to tell about it a lot of his material got soft. I remember seeing him on his first tour after the incident. Between songs he was talking a lot about Jesus Christ. I guess a gun shot to the neck might change a persons outlook on things.
Hutch - No need to travel. Plenty of Coffee houses in Rotterdam!
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 08:46:52 ET
Posted by: Hutch,
I wonder if WB will get over to the coffee houses in Amsterdam. Only about 30 miles away from Rotterdam. Who knows.. the whole band might be over there munching on hash cakes even as I type! Could make for an interesting set.
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 07:14:28 ET
Posted by: NMN, Procrastinationopolis
Beaming in on the Larry Carlton thread (hi LG & angel, remember me?)
Can I be honest here?
I have seen LC a couple times live and I have a couple of his solo discs, not to mention discs of stuff where he was central to calling the artistic shots like Crusaders, Fourplay, etc. I find him completely baffling as an artist because of this:
His playing is SO good, and his taste is SO bad. His solo stuff runs to completely forgettable smooth jazz, almost nursury rhymey dreck. I don't know how a guy can lay down such ingenious, deep, nuanced, exciting stuff as his solos in KC, New Frontier, Third World Man, etc, and then turn around and record Smiles and Smiles to Go.
I guess he just needs Don & Walt to keep him real, yo. I'll bet he would be GREAT on the tour and I would exchange all my frequent flier miles to see him with the Dan again.
(As the exception that proves the rule, I love LC disc No Substitutions with Steve Lukather. I think Lukather makes LC edgy enough to keep him interesting. Great, long, trippy cover of Jeff Beck's The Pump)
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 03:32:43 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Lisa G:
Think you might appreciate this:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oYGbnDs8DMI
Enjoy
Date: Sat, July 14, 2007, 00:31:29 ET
Posted by: angel,
Lisa G: It was The Steely Damned where we met. I was at the first night but didn't connect with anyone.
I loved Elliott doing Reelin'. :-)
Here's his website. http://www.elliott-randall.com/
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 20:57:23 ET
Posted by: LG, Are you Catherine of the Tears?
Rajah--You never disappoint. May I be your set-up man? Er...person?
angel--Ahhh, my dearest. Welcome to the killing fields. :-P But ditto on the Carlton plays Kid C wish. That would be an obvious choice, and pretty thrilling.
For what it's worth, I love the "reunion" solos concept--some might find it hokey. But remember LBB back in '01? (I think that may have been the night we met.) Elliot Randall on "Reelin'" was pretty darn cool. Yeah, so it wasn't SD at the gig, but still...there was something so right about hearing the solo from him. Incidentally, I can't believe he was the guitarist for Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice." I used to loathe that song...was a B side for, I think, one of Lennon's Double Fantasy singles. Oddness. Anyway, I wonder what he's doing now... Randall. Not Lennon. =-o
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 20:13:50 ET
Posted by: angel, Wishing I was at the North Sea Jazz Festival
Lisa: Girlfriend, you are killing me here. (I Heart KC) LOL!
--
angel prayers to the Steely ones, to get Carlton to do Kid C. What a total treat that would be!
--
Gina: Thanks for the time conversion. I was pretty sure that's what it is, but just wanted confirmation.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 19:56:52 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Honey, a gentleman never pulls out...unless he is asked.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 19:13:18 ET
Posted by: LisaG, I <heart> KC :-P
Raj—You DO know what they say when you’re sharp?
PULL OUT. :-P
Hmm, being you actually sounds like fun—but the real question is, who would YOU then be? Shout out to the Lady Gretchen. I have some pics of the fest on June 10 for her if she has interest. They aren’t photographical masterpieces due to a few too many libations, but you can recognize the peeps in ‘em. Ahhh, wine can have its way with all of us.
Richard—I totally understand the thing about the cats. My brother has one with opposable thumbs. Too clever for their own good… :-D
Gina and Let the music play— thanks for the skinny on the Northsea. I would give my left arm to hear Fanfare Ciocarlia live. Hope I can listen in. Mike Stern Group and later, Randy Brecker? That might be fun, too. Thanks for the schedule.
Josey—Will do. I need to find out which clubs he’s in next, and I’ll let ya know. That's a heck of a drive, but if you're in the area, you won't be disappointed. The fellow is quite accomplished.
Gypsyqueen—most drummers I know dislike the fact that Stevie Wonder played everything on some of his albums. I think the dude is alright—he shows he can put something nice down everywhere, but a true master of the instrument can only enhance. Ahhh, the wunderkind Tony Williams. Died too, too young, but isn’t that the way things sometimes go with early bloomers?
So this is a karma moment if I ever saw one. ::drum roll:: (Pun intended.)
Today in jazz band, our student set player was absent. So guess who was sitting there reading a “funk” chart? Hahahaha! I was laughing my butt off at this little voice in my head, “Damn you, Keith Carlock fans. You are making me put my money where my mouth is.” It was an easy chart, but I am not that co-ordinated to get anything but bass and snare with some hi-hat just to give them something to play off of. I had a blast, and surprisingly the kids played well despite my “performance.” So there you have it--my big debut. Too bad I can’t post it on here for my many anonymous fans. :-P
Robert—Would be nice to hear that Carlton came up to do a tune or three. I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it. Hopefully someone will post about that date.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 17:27:24 ET
Posted by: Robert, New York
Speaking of the The NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL. I ran into Pete Fogel last week and we were talking about the Dan. He told me that Donald Fagen was at the Blue Note in NYC a few weeks ago to see Larry Carlton. I asked him if he thought Larry might join SD on stage since they are both on the same bill in the Netherlands. He said "that would be pretty cool" but wouldn't give me an answer if it was definitely going to happen. I hope it does! If anyone on this guestbook goes to this show please give us a report !!!
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 16:55:59 ET
Posted by: Me again, mfsb tsop
(second try. the nothing-higher-than-12.59-version)
NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL LIVE BROADCAST
ALL TIMES US ET
Saturday 14 juli 2007
12.30 pm Campbell Brothers (live)
1.00 Raul Paz (live)
2.00 Joe Bonamassa (live)
2.45 Raul Midon (live)
3.30 Larry Carlton Group (live)
4.30 Reunion (live)
Sunday 15 juli 2007
10.30 a.m. Mike Stern Group (live)
12.00 p.m. Candy Dulfer (live)
12.30 Randy Brecker (live)
3.00 Sly & the family Stone (live)
4.15 Fanfare Ciocarlia (live)
Video: http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=3108541
Radio: http://www.omroep.nl/live/nieuw-concertzender-bb.asx
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 16:49:54 ET
Posted by: Let the music play, The walrus of love"
NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL LIVE BROADCAST
ALL TIMES US ET
Saturday 14 juli 2007
12.30 pm Campbell Brothers (live)
13.00 Raul Paz (live)
14.00 Joe Bonamassa (live)
14.45 Raul Midon (live)
15.30 Larry Carlton Group (live)
16.30 Reunion (live)
Sunday 15 juli 2007
10.30 a.m. Mike Stern Group (live)
11.45 archief 2003-2006
12.00 p.m. Candy Dulfer (live)
12.30 Randy Brecker (live)
15.00 Sly & the family Stone (live)
16.15 Fanfare Ciocarlia (live)
Video: http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=3108541
Radio: http://www.omroep.nl/live/nieuw-concertzender-bb.asx
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 16:44:58 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Margaret - when you say, "constant rotation," it makes my Turban turgid.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 16:32:23 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Wow, thanks Gus! And thank you too, Rajah, for all the kind words. I hereby raise my right hand and vow to keep the legend of Steely Dan alive thru mass education, constant rotation, fabulousity, and complete insanity. And a few views of the Modern Drummer '05 DVD :)
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 16:18:54 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
"Young Sprite" occurs like 15 times in Shakespear's canon. I only steal from the best.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 16:00:12 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, El Segundo cubicle
Happy belated birthday to Geoff (don't know if we met at Chumash) and of course to Girl Margaret. As the Rajah has intimated below, your generation of Dandom is our legacy; you yourself, our treasure.
GW
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 14:07:45 ET
Posted by: Hey Rajah, .
I had never before heard the term "young sprite" used to describe a woman. This week I read it both from you and a recent Roger Ebert movie review. You channeling him or is it a telltale sign of a great writer?
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 12:51:30 ET
Posted by: ps,
oops. earlier, 6 hours earlier than New York.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 12:50:56 ET
Posted by: gee,
angel, 6 hours or 9 hours. take your pick?
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 12:24:10 ET
Posted by: angel,
Can anyone get a handle on what 1830 (6:30PM) Saturday in Netherlands translates to on the East Coast of the US? Is it 12:30PM?
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 12:15:36 ET
Posted by: W1P, Murietta
Mick Fleetwood is only about 6'6" Hey Middle Europeans, (1) Mike Keneally, Marco Minnemann, & Bryan Beller, August 3, 2007, @ Outreach Festival, Vienna, Austria and (2) Mike Keneally Solo, August 18, 2007 @ OffsideOpen, International New Music Festival, Waldfreibad, Gelderland, Germany. For grins, only
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 10:50:23 ET
Posted by: Dirk, Düsseldorf
Gina : I remember NPS had some TV broadcasts from the North Sea Jazz Festival in the previous years, showing snippets of some 15-20 minutes from the concerts. But Dutch TV is no longer in the cable televison where I live. They deleted it and now I can watch some stupid shopping channels instead. There was some hope that the Stuttgart concert will be broadcasted on TV, but I asked them and it won't happen. I will attend the Bonn show.
I found an interview in the "Stuttgarter Nachrichten".
Donald Fagen says, that the will play songs they've never
played before.
"Welche Songs werden Sie in Stuttgart spielen? Ein Best of der 70er oder was Neues?"
"Eine Kombination von allem. Wir beginnen mit Songs unserer beiden neuesten Alben. Aber da das Publikum die Klassiker hören will, spielen wir sie natürlich. Und ab und zu wohl auch mal was, was wir nie zuvor gespielt haben."
"What are the songs you will play in Stuttgart ? A "Best of the 70s" or something new ?"
DF : "A combination of everything. We will start with songs from our last two records. But the audience want to listen to the classic songs, so we will play them. AND FROM TIME TO TIME SOMETHING WE'VE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE."
I think DF was joking around.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 10:45:19 ET
Posted by: Carl Rogers,
"Origins of writer's block -
Writer's block can be closely related to depression and anxiety, two disorders that reflect environmentally-caused or spontaneous changes in the brain's frontal lobe."
DF, the more sensitive and vulnerable of the two, would definitely be more susceptable to the above, not WB - his personal background and Germanic nature wouldn't allow it.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 10:41:43 ET
Posted by: Craig B,
Belated birthday wishes to Girl Margaret Hoops and Geoff
It always amazes me on this STEELY DAN FAN site when some start slamming the Dan.
WTF!! I don’t get it
WB emailed me once but didn't want to talk about music...He wanted to talk about Rajah
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 10:34:16 ET
Posted by: hoops,
"anywhere but here" ....???
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 10:22:38 ET
Posted by: gypsyqueeninafairytale,
Cats are better than humans.
I LOVE drummers!
Some of my favorites are:
Tony Williams
Steve Gadd
Bernard Purdie
Sheila E.
Stewart Copeland
Any drummer who has played with James Brown or P-Funk
Stevie Wonder-yes,you read that right
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 10:02:10 ET
Posted by: anywhere but here,
New Countermoon Zine article on DF.com if anyone is interested.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 10:01:00 ET
Posted by: Bill Greer,
http://www.bartleby.com/61/99/J0029900.html
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 09:40:38 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island
LisaG - would love to know more about your Bro! I live just an hour south of Savannah and Hilton Head's only 30 minutes further away. Zip me an email please!
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 07:58:31 ET
Posted by: Gina, Sun Mountain
Hallo Dirk, what show will you attend?
The North Sea jazz festival will be broadcast via webradio and webcast via NPS Output and will also devote attention to the presence of Steely Dan. It's all in Dutch, the website, but you can just click and find out where what and when or where. yYou can either listen and also watch.
http://www.omroep.nl/nps/output/nsj/northseajazz2007.html
and also click Radio6
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 06:16:47 ET
Posted by: Dirk, Düsseldorf
Quote from an recent interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung :
There are a lot of websites that painstakingly analyze your music and lyrics. Are you interested in these websites? Have you ever visited a website like www.steelydandictionary.com ?
DF : I had a look once but overall I’m not interested in all these things.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 05:57:09 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
Lisa G - nicely put and I always think your comments are excellent - we all have our own views
And as for my girlfriends views - here are a few
1. George Michael is musical God - Roger Federer is her non-musical God
2. Prefab Sprout, Scritti Politti, Hall and Oats, Jeff Buckley and Bryan Ferry are her in her team
3. She hates The Roots (I love them)
4. Thinks Steely Dan have great songs - the lyrics and the melody but thinks they may be a bit too clever for their own good.
5. Thinks cats are better than humans
6. Doesn't understand why I like to buy drum things particularly my Cindy Blackman stick bag - nice and blue and matches my kit (and this board).
7. Is happy to let me go on a week long residential drum course at the beginning of August
8. Now understands why I am taking time out to go to Carlock's clinic in the middle of that week in another part of the country.
9. Prefers Nightfly over all other Dan related stuff particularly The Goodbye Look
10. She top of my class at all times.
Richard
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 03:01:03 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
You are sharp as fucking tack. You tryin to be me?
Please don't ever go away...
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 02:41:50 ET
Posted by: LisaG, yes the car is locked
So thanks to all those peeps who suggested what I do with myself. No, not THAT suggestion. :-P I heeded your advice and gave Carlock a little listen outside of the Dan.
And I have to say that I heard some of what people were talking about regarding him letting loose. I also heard more of the same groove-like approach that was outlined here by another poster.
Thoughts on Carlock, but first…Tal Wilkenfeld is outstanding. Holy hell, that girl can play, and she’s just getting started. You just don’t hear it enough in the mainstream--the bass played like a guitar, melodically with a real sense of line and color with licks and solos, alike. And technically, she can run with any of the big heavies, hands down. Big ears, for sure. Now Carlock does some tasty cymbal work with a quiet energy on the snare on “Truth Be Told.” That’s the creativity I’ve been waiting for. Also, the mix was perfect. I think somebody posted it before, but once again, here’s her link: http://www.myspace.com/talwilkenfeld
Getting back to Carlock...Rudder’s “Sad Clown” was groovalicious—the guy has a great feel all around and puts it right there.
The samples with Sting show Carlock as a real presence on the kit—he’s solid and again, his big talent is in the groove, as if that needs to be said to this audience. :-P I can see why Sting likes him. He. Lays. It. Down. No questions asked. And a bass player can certainly appreciate that.
With Oz Noy, again...it’s all about the groove. He certainly has that sure-footed funky feel. Nothing subtle about this work. I like what he does with the hi-hat in contrast to the bass drum on “Damn This Groove.” Snare seems to echo a lot—is he striking it more in the center for that effect? Yeah, I don’t hear a lot of variation on that snare solo section (just past the guitar solo)—however he knows space and uses it well. Nice to hear that Fig and Lee work together on the outside, as well. They are monsters in their own right. Oz impresses, too.
Carlock reminds me of the quintessential power-drummer: the drum world’s answer to those heady guitarist types like Yngwie Malmsteen—in your face, all-out technical wizards who play their butts off. It’s clear to me why so many drummers (and non-drummers alike) revere him. He certainly has a talent for getting this big-ass sound out of the kit.
It’s funny that someone on here actually got annoyed with this “chick” when she dared to criticize a hero. Understandably. Anyone can talk out of his or her ass very easily in this place—there are no content filters. And if someone is saying something unfavorable about someone you idolize, it’s easy to get a little defensive.
Nope, I’m not a drummer so it may be easy to diss my comments as those of a person who is not in the know. Technically and analytically, I couldn’t hold a candle to a real drummer. Ya’ll can talk about shit that the rest of us never dreamed of. But the thing is…musicians are musicians no matter what they play. And the best ones can make connections from one axe to another. Those connections are the secret to success.
I may be tough on Carlock, I’ll give you that. Why? I grew up listening to one of the tastiest drummers I have ever known. And I remember the days when he was up in the attic trying out these funk and jazz grooves at 10 years old. We tolerated the practice—over and over and over--as we were all growing up as musicians in that household. So whenever I hear a drummer laying down a groove with little variation, it reminds me of that kid practicing the same stuff over and over. I have always felt a little more tuned into creativity on the drum-set as I witnessed my brother’s evolution as a musician from his playing of groove experiments to real interactive musical ideas within the groove. He remains one of my favorite drummers, and I always feel privileged whenever I get to play with him. Too bad he lives 13 hours away. If you’re ever down in Hilton Head or Savannah at any of the jazz clubs and you see a dude about 6’8” sitting behind the kit, no doubt you’re listening to my bro. Tallest drummer I know…and perhaps one of the greatest musicians I have ever heard.
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 01:23:09 ET
Posted by: Rajah, ha!
Well said!
Date: Fri, July 13, 2007, 01:17:07 ET
Posted by: Another bald guy,
Mark Buckingham? That's a name from the past. Wasn't he Jon Herringtons' webmaster? I heard that he was until Jon found out he was a "Steely Stalker".
Geoff, be careful of this guy. I heard that Buckinham has has a whole collection of Coke cans!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 23:54:41 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island
LisaG - Nicely Done!!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 23:47:03 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, One of those Malibu nights
Can anyone confirm this?
Did I just see LisaG shank
some scumbag and nonchalantly
drop her blade in the yard and
slip past the guards and take
off in a waiting 73 Monte Carlo?
Wow. Listening to the Jellyfish
Box Set this evening. Killer.
Highly recomended if you can track
one down.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 23:25:19 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Margie Girl - C'mon don't lead our Flock astray. I know full well you are 26, dear Possum, an age I can only see darkly, as through a looking glass, in my rear view mirror. I think it's wonderful we have a young Sprite like you to cavourt with...except for that weekend with our Satyr Geoff in Santa Inez when I flashed you in my bathrobe. If you could survive that, you could survive anything. But even for that I could forgive you because you bring such youth and beauty to our decrepit surroundings here in Dandom, so when you are my age many many years hence dear lady, and I have long since passed over the River Styx, remember kindly, won't you My Petal, the Dastardly Old Rajah who thought you such a lovely, lovely young woman a-way back then.
Happy Birthday Girlfriend and take our message of great music to generations unborn. If you succeed in that, I will rest quiet in my grave...
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 22:03:59 ET
Posted by: my my my,
LisaG
Yes! Articulation! Clarity, thoughtfulness, purpose...
Thanks for bringing some quality to a dull evening.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 22:01:52 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Thanks for the birthday wishes, my dear Danfriends! But to clarify - Rajah - I am not 36!!!!!! Wherever did you get such a number?! You are off ten years, thank you, bad enough for Bio-Mom to constantly remind me I'm nearing 30. And speaking of Bio-Mom, what a treat to hear New Frontier over the screaming children in Friendly's this evening. Not quite the Dan in Dallas, but still fabulous!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 21:41:45 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
LisaG - Holy crap!...you had me up out of my chair pumpin' my fist.
Dianne can cover it all...what power and subtlety...2 of my favorites are "I Remember" and "Morning" w/ Poncho...man, Poncho's got some heavy hands...a conga player told me one time "you know you've praticed enough Conga when your hands look like your feet".)...that's how the guy told me it English Professors, OK? Speaking of cookin' latin stuff...ever heard Snowboy?
Richard - didn't get to mention it, funny gig story...loved the "they're made at the bike factory" part...hilarious. My moment of similar embarassment (excluding this site) is when I lit my Rectilinear III High Boy speakers on fire "torture-testing" a friend's Sound Craftsmen power amp.
Listening to a little Prez on Norgran right now...think I remember hearing the name Horace Silver.
Last: shouldn't the Godwhacker horn lick properly be scat-sung "ba ba bada bump"?
Gotta go...the Hog Maws are ready.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 21:38:59 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Couldn't go last night, priorities.
LisaG - Way to come out fighting. I like your spirit lass, as George Saunders said to Maureen O'Hara in about 3 movies. Here's what happens on here sometimes, and I've done it too, you read a few phrases that don't sit right with you, strike you wrong, you miss the point entirely and come back snarling in reposte. It's human. I never thought you were dispariging of Carlock, just applying some criticism. Which is what a person who performs exposes themselves to. It's part of the price one pays.
Hoops should indeed write a tome on Guestbook Netiquette and he better devote a chapter to me: here's my working title: Rajah Syndrome, the histrionic ravings of a man in a deep narcissistic rage: the good, the bad, the ugly. Some thing like that, I'm still crystallizing...
In tryth, I think Jim did refer us to one scholarly article quite a few years ago which I promptly downloaded and read. It helped bring me down from a Stage 8 Asswipe to, mmm, about a 6. Seriously, Jim should be in the friggin Diplomatic Corps, he's that good.
Jim, isn't it funny that when upon those occasions when someone like Keith or Carolyn or Cynthia Calhoun clearly identified themselves hereon, they were treated with nothing but deference and admiration. So, I dunno, what does that say? Like, if someone you don't know shoots you the bird on the freeway, you flip him back. But if it's your next door neighbor, well, you still shoot him the finger in return but it carries does it not, my Hoopsian Kraken, a different intent? So it cuts both ways, a difficult dilemma.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 20:34:04 ET
Posted by: Gaslighting Dear Abby, 1940's
Hoopsie.....
Have you ever thought of writing a syndicated netiquette column? I'm sure it would be a smash.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 19:49:51 ET
Posted by: W1P, Temecula
Yeah, the "Pink Zeppelin" tour stopped at Pechanga on 7/7/07. The place is 100% brand spanking new and beautiful. They've got a massive traffic problem and they stop drinks at 1:30 but other than that, it's all positive vibration. The hospitality is terrific -- great "high end" buffet style grub and the halls to the green rooms are lined with autographed posters of the amazing acts that have played there, e.g., BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Seinfeld, BOC, Heart, CSN and on and on and on. One of the saddest was Boston in December '06 signed by Brad Delp "we had a great time" Anyway, we are hopeful for a return engagement. In the meantime, The Canyon bekons this weekend. How was Pretzel Logic last night?
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 19:28:17 ET
Posted by: LG, incessantly sniping (again) :-P
Happy Birthday to Margaret and Geoff. Hope you enjoyed the day.
Bob--I am a big fan of Dianne Reeves, one of the classiest and tastiest singers of her generation. They don't make 'em like that anymore.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 19:21:47 ET
Posted by: LisaG, is the car locked?
Getting Bored—I never used the word “lightweight”—never would. If you can show me where I have, you may have a point of complaint because that would woefully misrepresent Carlock in my opinion. And there are no “incessant digs by one chick.” I have sung his praises on many levels, as was pointed out by wormy. “He’s playing precisely what he’s being asked to play” is one argument, but I don’t hear that same restraint from other members of the rhythm section as I do from him.
There is no “deal” with me. I am entitled to an opinion just like you have and/or might be an asshole.
Not that this should even enter into it, but I have actually recorded and submitted a sample of my work to another fan guestbook compilation. However I do not have it on the web at this time. It really wasn’t a representation of what I really do anyway as most of my performing is done live and in an entirely different vein. But you saying that hearing my “work” would be interesting only points to the “oh yeah, well who are you to have an opinion?” argument. And it’s weak. If you don’t like what I write here, then feel free to actual rebut with some substance. Or you can just not read it.
Umm—AGAIN. Show me where I said that Carlock is "untalented" and "unskilled?" Never said that. I believe the bug crawled up your glory-hole as you want to kvetch about what you think you’ve read.
I love how people only see what they want to see when there is nothing of that sort in black and white. It astounds me, actually.
And finally, someone who actually presents and backs up his/her opinions to elicit a mature discussion…(and I thank you):
To LisaG and the rest--Regarding the “mongo-chops” comment...apparently where I come from, chops always meant you have skills, technique, etc., as in “a trumpet player has chops if he’s in shape and has an impressive range with a round and textured tone.” It never meant "licks or ideas" in my education. There seems to be a difference in our terminology.
You said it yourself: complicated groove interplay, one lick, back to the groove... I would love to see more "instrument" interplay on the kit. As a drummer yourself, you know how you can solicit a myriad of colors from one cymbal without compromising the groove or style, for one example. I once saw a drummer play an entire groove on the ride for one chorus. Outstanding.
Yes, SD is all about the groove. This is not in question. Some comments people have made seem to insinuate that he is the best thing to come along since matched grip. This is simply the discussion. But folks who have heard some of his other work or who read the trade mags tend to lend him more credibility, so he’s worth checking out beyond SD. Got to be since he isn't standing out as "the best ever" in this endeavor.
I don’t doubt that DF and WB have their say in what he plays since it’s their gig, but there has to be some personality in anything you do. I understand what you are saying regarding the drums being there for the groove mostly on Dan of the past--they colored it that way in their intricate mixing processes. But again, I see and hear so much from this band where others are letting loose and creating a real sense of shape and depth. The second time I saw them on this tour, I spent the better part of the night listening to Jeff Young. I heard shit I never hear on the live albums, and I cannot imagine that they would have asked him for all of it. Yeah, the “required” elements were there, but Young was laying stuff down with so much fever and interest, that it never lost my attention. I never felt Lawson was a stand-out, but he did the gig brilliantly and without much fanfare, as per what they want, no doubt.
I suppose the static I’m experiencing is built on why people are talking about him as the next big thing but yet little of his voice or personality seems to come through on this tour. It’s obvious that I need to listen to more of his work.
Richard—would love to hear your girlfriend’s opinions on everything. :-P
Worm—thanks for your reading kom-pre-hen-shun. It’s appreciated. :-)
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 18:10:48 ET
Posted by: Joey,
" ... They are driven along by the relentless energy of drummer Keith Carlock - like Buddy Rich, Keith Moon and Clyde Stubblefield rolled into one lethal package.
I have to say that just about sums its up - Keith 'Lethal Package' Carlock. - Buddy, Keith and Clyde rolled into one - a compliment if ever there was one "
I LIKE THAT !!!!
Joey " Moonie " Moon !
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 17:53:11 ET
Posted by: Connie, In the vineyard
HB GM & G!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 17:20:57 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Dare to be corny
Happy Birthday, sunshine. Now did I say they were all jammed up and jelly tight? I like it a little kinda sloppy like that, they're not the old Tonight show band horn section after all. A little New Orleans street funeral in there.
Margaret, happy 36th birthday! ;) :) ;)
You're really holding it together quite well, old girl, nice tushie.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 17:00:41 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Margaret and Geoff, my birthday congrats as well. I'll always remember out Santa Ynez drive in search of libations! Have a great evening.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 16:57:31 ET
Posted by: Geoff, wiggy office
Raj,
"So you all like that horn chart live on Godwhacker, yeah, that's so old school, everyone taking his solo between that thrilling bump-bump-ba-ba return"
Come on mate, the return is really late, a few of measures into each solo, not the corny old between each solo approach.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 16:50:17 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago
IF somone associated with Steely Dan (Donald, Walter, band member, their caterer, their dog walker, etc) posts to or reads the Blue these days, then one thing is very obvious. Clearly they want to remain incognito or anonymous. Otherwise they would have outted themselves already. Posting that you *think* they are Donald, Walter, a band member, their caterer, their dog walker, etc pretty much will chase them away if in fact such posters are akin to the aforementioned parties.
And if they aren't affiliated with SD, well, posting that you think a poster is Donald, Walter, a band member, their caterer, their dog walker, etc just makes you incorrect.
Either way, it's only a winning situation for you (and fellow Bluebookers) not to bring it up. It could kinda be like birdwatching. You kinda wonder if it is that rare bird or your average sparrow, but if you start shouting, for sure that birdie's gonna fly away. Bye bye.
-----
I've been mulling consolidating four or five of the facets of things here--I think it might make things better, save money and be less effort up front and behind the scenes. I've discussed it with seven of you regulars. I received an email from an eighth person (a regular who I have met at shows) who I never discussed it with but had all sorts of information about what I was doing--even though I didn't even know I was doing those things. It's really amazing to have someone hear this second hand, have all sorts of opinions and wrong facts and then send me an email calling me a "nasty motherfucker" and "spiteful." Huh? Anyhow, please know that *I* know that 99.9% of you are always a helpful and supportive part of things here. Thanks, as always.
Jim
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 16:47:59 ET
Posted by: Geoff, Wiggy Ofice
Thanks Jim!
Anyone got Mark Buckingham's e-mail address I have two old ones that don't work
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 16:21:09 ET
Posted by: hoops,
Happy birthday, Margaret and Geoff!
Jim
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 16:05:10 ET
Posted by: CoolRog, London
Anyone know where I can get a Heavy Rollers t shirt?
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 14:41:41 ET
Posted by: Rajah ,
Fifi, stop torturing me. We'll always have Paris.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 14:40:06 ET
Posted by: Milo, Meyer Sound
Pechanga was THE PLACE to see the Fagen Solo Tour hands down.
"Maxine" was phenomenal.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 14:35:57 ET
Posted by: Fifi,
You missed the "n" spazzmo.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 14:34:55 ET
Posted by: Rajah ,
I take it W1P played there recently? So, what were the backstage accomodations like? Hot and cold running Keno Betties? Adjustable Martinis? But certainly nowhere approaching the...jea se qua...of Soboba. No, that ambiance, the fine Corinthian leather, the smell of cowshit and old carpeting of a true negative three star establishment?
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 14:25:30 ET
Posted by: W1P, Pechanga
So now I know what everyone was raving about with regard to the Donald Fagen show at Pechanga! What an incredible venue! Sound, lights, sightlines, hospitality for the bands -- truly amazing!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 13:43:26 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
warrenk - Are you kidding I love the old horn arrangements going back to Duke and later Nelson Riddle. Donald and Michael have worked out some great stuff, bebop jazz riffs that move all around and swirl and blend, punctuating, modulating all kinda crazy ways.
There was this band from Austin called Spoon on Letterman last night. They came out sporting six horns, two trumpets, two sax and two trombone. Well this, I thought, was hopeful but the chart, feh, so boring, so unimaginative, they just all blew in the same key. They thought they were hot. They were not. Those guys with the long trumpets from the Middle Ages were hotter.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 12:52:50 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
Just in case there is any doubt - this in from the Guardian (UK national newspaper) review - please see second paragraph
"Hiya kids," says Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, "we're going to play songs from the recent past, and going back to the deep 70s...if you know what I mean." Everyone knows what he means, as the 12-strong band hammer out the golden repertoire: Time Out of Mind, Hey Nineteen, Bad Sneakers, Peg, Josie, Home at Last, Aja.
They are driven along by the relentless energy of drummer Keith Carlock - like Buddy Rich, Keith Moon and Clyde Stubblefield rolled into one lethal package.
I have to say that just about sums its up - Keith 'Lethal Package' Carlock. - Buddy, Keith and Clyde rolled into one - a compliment if ever there was one
Ha
Richard
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 12:50:26 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Rajah, I suppose you're right on the old schooliness of the "bump bump ba da BAH!" of live Godwhacker, but do you not enjoy it?
Go to youtube and see if they have a video clip of Godwhacker from that 2003 pine knob show. Cornelius Bumpus works that section like it's nobody's business. if you didn't have respect for that section, cornelius will give it to you.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 12:48:55 ET
Posted by: Mystic Moss, in the cupboard next to the blueberry jam
The Bear Article by Joel Selvin finally came out in the Chron today
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/12/MNGK0QV7HS1.DTL
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 12:48:41 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower
...all of you fine folks who want to hear Keith Carlock "stretching out" a bit, go and get yourself a copy of RUDDER....you can order it online through his website....a great CD...has anyone else gotten it?
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 12:02:52 ET
Posted by: mr belzoni, funway west
ok horsesmouth,,, you dont have to be so defensive, how silly of me to think WB would read this stuff, my fantasy is over.... my tab is all used up, though i enjoyed your musings, your call not to partake!!!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 11:42:03 ET
Posted by: Eric in SF, Careful what you cary
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/12/MNGK0QV7HS1.DTL
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 11:30:02 ET
Posted by: Janie Ranaway from home cuz, home had beer bellies on the couch
Ah, how you all feed the frenzy mind. So here it goes:
-The Ten Demandments of Walt & Don:
1. No more fans in da house shouting for Dr. Wu
2. "Beam me up, Scotty" teleportability
3. A free Reality cheque for everyone who idolizes musicians
4. Something corny, something stew, something whacky, something flew?
5. Foreign newspapers
6. All episodes of "Girl From U.N.C.L.E." on DVD
7. For Elvis to leave the building
8. For Sir Paul to take dancing lessons
9. Boxing gloves in a paper bag
10. Anti Bug spray
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 11:26:42 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Re Horace Silver: saw him about 10 years ago in Cambridge, he and his band were really wonderful. He played a lot from his (then) new CD, Hard Bop Grandpop, one of my favorites to this day.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 11:24:57 ET
Posted by: Rajah , el Kabong
wormy - nah there's lots of folks who know the great masters on here. Then, of course, there are those who wouldn't.
Horse Mouth, jeez, man you come off so condescending. We know most of these nasty ass venues are anything but cushy. Cinder blocks and cement floors. Scary backstage rooms, toilet down the hall. Shall I take you on a tour of the dressing rooms I've seen of the clubs I played in Manhattan in the 80s? Down in the basement next to the boiler room? A greasy closet next to the kitchen? Some of the theatres I played as an actor in upstate NY, Syracuse, Rome, Ithica, holy shit, in old vaudeville house, a five flight climb to rooms that still reeked of the old grease paint. We know and remember them well.
BTW, I've traded a few posts with Walter on here. They were strictly about music and I can tell ya he was a lot nicer than you.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 11:04:42 ET
Posted by: wormy, nola
rajah
don't go mentioning the genius of Horace Silver on this site
other than Song for my Father most of this crowd wouldn't understand a blue note in his canon
red garland, paul chambers, bill evans, and many more
all off limits
interesting that came to him via the muse
I don't know who girl margaret is, but Have a happy birthday
I brush over all those giggle like a school girl posts you kids do back and forth - too high frequency, too idol worship, not enough music
nothing worse than stalking musicians - I hate it
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:56:32 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Don really wants to take up a tenor sax instead of a melodica, he was pretty good on East St. Louis. That thing works nicely for creating an eerie or spooky sound like on Godwhacker and Aja. But for Time Out of Mind, yes, especially the last 64 or whatever bars, it goes on too long. And TOOM is played too slow live, it needs to be brighter. I don't know how many bpm it's being played at but it needs to be "goosed" up a few clicks. Melodica is pleasing for 8 bars tops as a freaky solo and to accent here and there.
So you all like that horn chart live on Godwhacker, yeah, that's so old school, everyone taking his solo between that thrilling bump-bump-ba-ba return.
And in something completely unrelated, I'm reading Horace Silver's bio entitled, Let's Get Down to the Nitty Gritty," and he calls Song for My Father (the Brazilian style vamp that you know who ripped off on Rikki) was perhaps his greatest success. Here's what he said about it as related to where a great song comes from:
"Although I call it my inner inspiration, sometimes I believe that the 8 bar phrase is a telepathic impression given to me by an out-of-body composer from another level, from the spirit world who still would like his music to reach and bless the earth and its people. It's like being a co-author with an unseen or unknown composer."
I don't think we'll ever hear Rikki again. The night Maestro Silver was in the audience on Y2K, right down center, Donald introduced him to the crowd, I just don't think it would have been right to play Rikki there. Maybe Silver came to sort of dare him to play it. That probably freaked DF.
Now if he had been sitting next to Keith Jarret, Donald probably would have run screaming up the aisle and into the night. Boo!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:56:06 ET
Posted by: anon, around
Horses mouth - don't be so touchy. Do you know how many people read this bluebook? Don't stop just because you don't like the post of 1 or 2, there's lot's more who may find your posts interesting, but don't respond in print. Take a tab yourself and chill out.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:51:39 ET
Posted by: Fife, sunny Florida, eh
Happy Birthday Girl Margaret and Geoff!
Fife and Mr.Sam
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:46:43 ET
Posted by: Horses Mouth, au revoir
belzoni or others - do you know how many people work on a tour this size? how many more are with local crew, catering, trucking, security, promoters, and administration each night? how many guests or family and friends? how many more at home office, management, accounting, travel? and how many of all of those with assistants, secretaries, etc?
Yet if any one of those countless post here, it's got to be either WB of DF, apparently.
Delusions of elite attention is the hardest psychosis to beat.
So take another tab my friend, and enjoy your daydreams. I for one won't be posting here any more since I respect WB and DF seek to spare them any further undeserved fantasy focus.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:42:14 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Steely Mom, you beat me to it. I was just remembering the birthday to end all birthdays last year, thanks for the well wishes :)
Happy birthday Geoff, my fellow birthday boy! Hope you're enjoying yours as much as I'm enjoying mine!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:37:13 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, sitting in for Casey
We interrupt this fy-fyt exchange to send out 2 long distance dedications.
Happy Birthday Geoff! Happy Birthday Girl Margaret!! Just remember how much fun we were having last year on this most special day.
And not to flame the fire, but I dig the melodica! It's one of those things about SD that makes it such a unique sound and Donald looks so darned cute playing it.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:14:20 ET
Posted by: dgssucks, ravenhairmoodyshit
raven and dgs
get a clue
this is a board
it has opionions
not all of them agree with yours
go home, turn off the computer
off
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:06:35 ET
Posted by: Raven, Throw up
Someone get this guy outta here. I'm sharpening my beak, Hopeful.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:01:31 ET
Posted by: what a jerk, guess
dgs
you are a very immature fuck
got a problem with me or anyone else
got a problem with any dan criticism
just refrain from typing for 10 minutes
please
fyt (clever isn't it asshole)
okay hoops remove this
like you do all my other rebuttals
st al wouldn't
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 10:01:07 ET
Posted by: Hopeful,
As Newerkes second, french poser, the lady hopes you choke on David Lee Roth's spandex bike shorts.
Gimme strength.
Hopeful.
Ha! demandments, Angel and Janie Runaway and others. More. thx Duncan, always a pleasure.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 09:53:00 ET
Posted by: mr belzoni, lucca - I wish
Hey horsesmouth, in the event you really are WB,(yes i am naive enuff to think you actually read what your minions have to say),, please on the NEXT TOUR,,,bring back the boston rag, and doctor wu, make all us dangeeks happy, play some deeper tracks, fuck the masses, they think peg is your apex for god's sake, they dont even know the beauty of almost gothic, the allure of pixaleen(who per my theory is based on the lovely Carolyn Leonhart !
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 09:52:12 ET
Posted by: Janie Ranaway but came home cuz..., Home is where the coaster sticks to the table
My-oh-my, ten demandments of Walt and Donny-boy. I'll bite the cheer-iooo.
Walter: "Ten demandments they ask."
Donald: "Hm, yes. What should we do?"
Walter: "We can give them five."
Donald: "Nah, I think we should go all the way in this."
Walter: "Why?"
Donald: "Don't ask me. I just think we should, that's all."
Walter: "We don't have ten, you know that."
Donald: "Yes, why is that? Don't you think it's about time we should?"
Walter: "We've been far too reasonable in the past, I think."
Donald: "Yes, that's because we're not really bothered, are we?"
Walter: "So, what do you want, from now on?"
Donald: "I don't know."
Walter: "Me neither."
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 09:41:34 ET
Posted by: Clean Willie, La Belle France, mais bien sur
Hello Newerkes PA, I shall pick up your glove and slap you round the chops with it like John Malkevitch in Dangerous Liasons... (or I would if I was in fact French)
How can you say that the melodica adds "old world Chinese Italian, German sounds" -it's precisely because it does such an awful parody of a traditional instrument that it is so offensive!
Sorry if my last sentence is worrying you, I'll rephrase it to make
the point another way:
DF and WB are composers/producers, a totally different skill to live
performance. Everyone else on stage is a consummate live performer. You would have to be James Brown to be the natural leader of that lot, but our heroes are actually a couple of ideas men who really have no idea how to work a room as entertainers, bless 'em. The SD orchestra should be more of a collective. It makes no sense to put the spotlight on DF and WB as live musicians because they never even played most of the stuff on the record - it's not their actual chops that we love as SD fans.
However, WB's position on stage is that of the "star soloist" - he never plays any of the structural stuff - riffs, etc - and only seems to be there to widdly-widdly on top of everyone else's work. He has his moments, sure - the first fifteen minutes at Fresno in January were cosmic - but he doesn't have the versatility to do justice to the SD catalogue when they get into reconstructing the classics. I go to worship his achievement, not his guitar work.
My respect for DF doesn't suffer when he hands over vocals to the girls. More of this would be a good idea - I'd love to have seen the live collaboration with Michael Macdonald last year. DF's melodica solo at the start of TOOM in Paris was dreary and went on too long, a mistake that you could not imagine any of the other musicians making.
So, I don't like to see DF and WB squandering their rich legacy on the illusion that it's about them as great live performers. I'd be quite happy to see them more as MC's directing the rest of the action to their exquisitely high standards, taking the odd spot here and there - in fact, doing more what they are great at doing in the studio.
End of rephrase.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 09:16:02 ET
Posted by: Hopeful, Corn field
2dgs just jumped over the tracks frothing . . . out of control, crying--had to get the switch and choke collar. Newerkes on the drawing board modifying her antique melodica to send overnight express to Donald, completely reinforced by balsa wood and glue (ha!) ouch! for doubleduty--Donald will soon be in a whacking posture to el-kabong the malcontents. War? Hold 'er. You fks leaped ahead from war crimes tribunal to sentencing. Squirell, bring your putter; we got a situation here.
Very disapponted, Hopeful
(gathering the tribes and primative weapons; no doubt the verdict will consist of the lowest of low torture chamber treament, complete with steel masks with obscene noses)
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 08:44:49 ET
Posted by: 2dgs, I'm goin' crazy
grrrrrrrrr!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 08:42:21 ET
Posted by: wormy, nola
you guys are dishing Lisa's comments without really understanding all of them - cut her some slack
Carlock is a great drummer, lisa stated that, but she also stated that he is a raw talent with potential
it doesn't help that DOn and Walt have him locked down in minor groovetown doing metronome rim shots ad infintitum
listen to West of Hollywood
those drums have to breath damn it!
give me more syncopation - more space in the mix
I've seen Keith on tour - Stinglet
he worked well with the percussionist and made songs his own
even turned the beat around with some funk a fa ca tion
on a few old police numbers
keith isn't the pinnacle yet - can he be? yes
is he damn good - yes
I'd love to see the Dan with Brian Blade
that would be some serious chopmeister
but then DOn and Walt would be flippen
Blade makes more money playing on everyone's albums
he's all over the jazz world
kind of like Chris Potter
sorry but the Dan would be a step down in both cases
(puts on flame retardent suit)
I just love all the euro tour comments
you guys soak up music - the joie de virve
I agree and would love to see Walter play some damn bass live
can't they work some counterpoint bass lines on a few numbers or give freddie a breather?
hell spinal tap didn't have a problem with an extra bass player or two at live earth ;-)
and bring on more 21st century tour numbers TvN EMG and MTK
at least the euro crowd isn't going for beer breaks
in fact if they were more concerned with the real fans
and less with the hollers for the greatest hits set
they'd find - wow - we have an audience
I recall the Navajo Indian Reservation crowd at Albuquerque 00 getting into the new stuff
most of them probably had never heard it
the boys were quite surprised
don't dumb it down for the masses
you want the obvious you get the obvious
maybe 07 euro tour could be a test market
now dan arrangements are tough
can't just vary the setlist like Pearl Jam does - 50% each show
still no excuse for the static overdrawn war horses
they are precise but less inspired
I recall when I was small....
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 08:26:44 ET
Posted by: Newerkes, PA., shoptalk
k: again great posts, now still reading thx! I loved the demandments (Raj) and link from SteelyDoc to bands' riders (backstage link). I liked Wynona's demandments for one. Joan Rivers requires a bottle of _______.
Richard from Bristol you are a blast to read, please never stop.
Willie, Walt's gift for bass is matched by his gift for (as Raj says "goosing") his brilliant guitar leads both live and in studio. However, I'm having a problem with the ending of your post; care to qualify that, friend?
As Damon and Ivory Wayans say in their Livin' Color used-car salemen pitch, something along these lines:
Ivory: "He's goin crazy, he's goin crazy!"
Damon: I'm goin crazy, I'm goin crazy.
P.S. Shoot, I was watching the Big Joe Polka show on RFD and, man, everyone was out on the floor a dancin' to wha? chord organ and glockenspiel, everyone having a large time. Wha? the french don't know how to have a large time?
Wherever the french's hotbutton, if they think the sound of the melodica is passe or blazay, then they need to take it down a notch to Mexico, say or maybe a little ride out of the country would help their tastebuds. Donald's penchant for his melodica--it punches a hole in the night time, adding an old-world sound: Chinese, Italian, German sounds from the heart of Dan culture. Unfortunate that some of the french audience were taken back by it. And if Walter's delivery of Haitian Divorce isn't appreciated as pure art, then well, it's time to run and go pee pee pee. No dash intended against you, Willie, but wtf? What gar-bahh-ge your last sentence. Please tread lightly; you're talkin' about my homeys, man. Newark (look over yonder)
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 08:20:05 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island`
Carlock is a great drummer without doubt. I would have to disagree about the "mongo chops" quote. I'm in the camp of those who hear that same lick everytime - or a slight variation of it - and I've heard a good bit of his work outside the Dan.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 08:13:00 ET
Posted by: Josey`, St. Simons Island
Clean Willie - I would agree whole-heartedly on those thoughts about that fucking melodica!! It's damn awful at the very best!
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 07:10:54 ET
Posted by: duncan, .
a couple more short vid's from London
Keith's aja solo hammersmith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK98Ek96anU
walters hey 19 rap hammersmith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c90aseF5Ng4
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 05:48:24 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia
In anticipation of SD palying Lucca 28th July, I'm going to see Billy Cobham who is playing with Brian Auger (Hammond) on the 21st July here in Italy. Looking forward to be able to add my comments to the Billy Cobham debate.
Roberto
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 04:52:37 ET
Posted by: Gina, Sun Mountain
Greg Hutchinson, the drummer in Sam Yahel's Trio, he played/recorded with Dianne Reeves, someone mentioned Dianne.
Rajah, Angel, love those Ten Demandments, it's an interesting idea anyway, whether exuberant or humble etc etc.
HM, very valid points. Tour managers do a lot of work behind the scenes indeed. For those who buy tickets to see musicians perform, they don't often wonder about these things. I do know, for Europe, there are all kinds of options perhaps not explored yet. But one would have to try and test it. If a venue is downtown, transportation through traffic (jams) and such can be a pain, time consuming. Looking into these things for (musician) friends from 'abroad', that's why i'm interested. Thanks :-)
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 04:51:51 ET
Posted by: Clean Willie, France
Just got back after seeing Hammersmith and Paris shows, and taking a week
holiday away from a computer!
A few comments on top of what has been said -
I previously saw the two January dates of this tour and the band, great to start
with, is now so tight - it is like nothing I have ever seen. A twelve piece that
swings and snakes like a three-piece. WB has to consider if his guitar is not
getting in the way of this consummate musicianship: I wish he would play the
bass which suits his genius as a performer.
The extraordinary tightness of the band may in fact be why they are having
problems with the mix. At Hammersmith the bass and drums were FAR FAR FAR too
loud - if Carlock didn't play like an angel it would have been unlistenable.
But this mix reflects the usual sound engineer's approach to trying to make
sense out of the sound produced by a large band - get the bass and drums to hold
it together, then everything else slots in where it can. This of course does a
huge injustice to this band - the brass is incredible, they can hold their own
rythm and indeed the whole band knows exactly where it is at any given second.
The bass and drums are actually playing along with that well understood groove,
in the jazz style, and to stick them out front as if they were laying it down in
the boring modern rock/dance fashion is a big mistake.
The two stand-out songs on both nights were Two Against Nature and Godwhacker.
I'd heard the stories about 200 people taking a pee break as soon as something
from this century came on so I looked around - everyone in the audience was
rapt, not one pee-break in the whole damn house! Take note those who think this
band has to play the greatest hits game, they are above that, they are a musical
phenomenon in their own right.
It just seemed like the extra challenge of bringing something to the people that
they may not have heard before was a task worthy of this band, whereas some of
the older numbers, incredible songs as they are, are just played numb. However
much I love Peg or Kid Charlemagne I cannot help glazing over when they start.
On the other hand Josie in Paris was fantastic. Babylon Sisters in Paris had me
in tears.
A couple more grumbles to finish with - WB maybe has flu or something but now
that the touring machine is well and truly firing on all cylinders, Haitian
Divorce is left as a bad joke. It is embarrassing, and we, the audience, were
embarrassed for him. People were squirming in their seats all around, as indeed
was I. Maybe he's getting into Theatre of Cruelty or something?
And finally, I would like to take a moment to excoriate the disaster of the
melodica. This is surely the most appaling musical instrument ever invented,
its cheesy, wheezy, honky, complacent noise has blighted many hundreds of hours
of music in the last few decades. A 1980's Casiotone robbed of its only saving
grace - the psychotic dancefloor possibilities? More like the sound that finally
tips a quiet guy over the edge into mass-murder. I have never heard anyone make
a decent sound on a melodica and unfortunately DF is no exception. Why does he
insist on playing it? When he came on in Paris and started the show with a
melodica solo (mediocre even by the standards of that instrument), he nearly
killed the whole night before it had begun!! I am not exaggerating here - you
could feel the excitement in the room fade to disappointment.
So to conclude, this is WB and DF doing what they do best - assembling and
inspiring the best musicians in the world to play their incredible compositions.
However, in the 1970's they used to boast that they hardly played anything and
could even conceive of an album where they didn't actually perform. These days,
the faults one can find seem to be down to their egos getting in the way. They
are composers and producers first and foremost, not world-heavyweight
professional session players, and their live chops sit uneasily with this
extraordinary backing band.
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 04:41:39 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
Ummmmmmmmmm
Couldn't have said it better myself about Carlock but please add
1. Every drummer I know in Bristol thinks Carlock is superb
2. My girlfriend thought he was fantastic
3. Pete Erskine thinks he's fab and one of the best ever
4. My cat will sit and watch his performance from the Modern Drummer festival and then get up and kill her favourite toy when he's done - she has a great double stroke and brings a touch of New Orleans to that back legs thing cats do.
6. Steely Dan, Sting, Tal Wilkenfield, Wayne Krantz, Diana Ross and a million others can't be wrong
Date: Thurs, July 12, 2007, 01:47:05 ET
Posted by: Ummmm....., here
Let see...
Sting called Carlock one of the best drummers on earth and hired him to tour for two years without an audition.
Walter and Donald sing his praises in interviews and onstage.
Elliot Scheiner (sp?) calls him something like the best ever...
Modern Drummer readers vote him #2 and #3 Best Drummer in the world over the last two years.
Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera....
Yet it seems everytime one visits this place, there's someone with a bug up her ass about how untalented and unskilled Carlock is.
OK, you've made your point. A million freakin' times. Move on please.
Thank you in advance.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 23:50:01 ET
Posted by: To LisaG and the rest,
First LisaG- you said he had "mongo-chops." For the most part you're pretty much wrong. The man is very groove oriented, and the only chops he has are double strokes with some double kick. The man has said it himself, that it's his "one lick." Every solo he takes is the same- complicated groove interplay, his one lick, complicated groove, his one lick. However, it's perfect for the crowd, it's musical, and it is still respectable and not easy to do from a drummer's standpoint.
Now when you look in the Dan catalogue, the one consistent instrument that is not adding color to the songs anywhere near the other instruments are the drums. The drums are there for the groove. I mean, to start, listen to the sound of the drums on Dan albums. The drums are severly muffled. They hardly breathe. The grooves most of the time are simple, the fills simple and spare. I mean if you're going to quote Purdie's half time shuffle for color, you're wrong. That shuffle is the perfect GROOVE for their songs, but his dynamics are pretty stagnant throughout the song. BUT THAT'S what was needed.
So in terms of playing the songs true to form, it's about the groove and taste (crazy fills won't work). And look, I'm a drummer who loves progressive rock, so I'm coming from a world of complexity but can still love Dan drum parts (SD is my fav band too).
Now, you may be arguing for more color because it's the live setting. I agree. But I think DF and WB are looking for groove, simplicity, and security. Ricky Lawson is proof. I think the next best drummer for SD is Simon Phillips- the guy has the ultimate pocket, is a big jazz drummer who understands the interaction, and has serious chops that he knows how to use in a musical sense. The large drumset may fool Don and Walt. He's with Toto anyways, so there's no time for it.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 22:39:45 ET
Posted by: Getting Bored, Wherever You Go....
Is it just me, or are these incessant digs at Keith Carlock made by one chick getting REALLY tiring?
Calling someone "lightweight" or "raw" without benefit of having heard any of his work outside of SD, and not knowing whether or not hes playing precisely what he's being asked to play - makes that opinion rather uninformed.
And the constant need to make the same uninformed point over and over and over and over again makes one wonder what the deal is... with you.
Why not post some of *your* work? That might be a little more interesting than hearing your constant sniping.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 22:30:47 ET
Posted by: I MUST BE BORED,
Gretchen… Kalvin’s asleep right now, so I’ll answer on his behalf:
“mucking ferds wuddled“ is a Spoonerism with a spelling modification to aid with pronunciation.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 20:53:34 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
HM and SteelyDoc - very enlightening.
Bullgoose - thanks for the heads up (and the heart burn)...are there some specific tracks off "Transformation" that lead you to the conclusion that KC sounds like Vinnie?...of the 2 tracks on her myspace site, I honestly didn't hear it...and I was trying to...it sounded like KC to me...but what I did hear was very tasty...KC is a huge talent and a nice guy. I want to keep an open mind about this but the CD isn't available thru Amazon...therefore, there are no samples so it is difficult to get a feel for KC's playing on all tracks. I was expecting something on the order of "Front Page" by Chambers, Lagrene and DiPiazza but, sadly, the 2 tracks on myspace aren't even close.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 20:15:54 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower
...the Smoking Gun website has over 200 concert riders that you can check out....quite a wide range, from Frank Sinatra to Britney Spears, and everything in between...
..some pretty interesting reading...I don't get why so many bands ask for tube socks though...
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/index.html
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 19:41:55 ET
Posted by: HM, around
better planning by tour group -- most tour mgrs work their tail feathers off to make everything work on budget while protecting comfort of band. A longer bus drive may equal a better hotel in the center of a nice city for a day off (vs a dump by the airport). Drives, flghts, check-in and check-out times, and much more all scheduled to make all as comfortable as possible given limits of time and money. Therefore the long hours of downtime at a show may be the best, most reasonable, and most logical time to do yoga or floor pilates or just stretch out a little. Asking a venue to set one such room aside is NOTHING in the "demands" department, that's all I meant to say. Another rider item that some people mock as "excessive" but is really smart and cost-effective is a hired local massuse at the venue (and a room for that)...good health benefits for tired and cramped players, and a lot cheaper than hotel massages or chiropractor bills. A relatively cheap way for people to feel cared for and loosened up before a show.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 19:34:21 ET
Posted by: angel,
I'll take those demandments and raise you 2 (Against Nature).
Take Out - Dean and Deluca
Coke (more of the same)
Herb Tea
Deludin
Pork Blanc
Panatela
Wax (for skis)
Rusty Chicken Wire
Black Mini
Long Black Gloves
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 19:31:41 ET
Posted by: BC,
Lisa G -
RE: "Why can’t every instrument be as simple as a trombone?"
You MUST mean "to fix" - you couldn't POSSIBLY mean to play (lol).
PS.: All us 'bone players know that, much to WB's chagrin, the french horn's really the toughest of the brasses - to play - and maybe to repair also.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 19:30:34 ET
Posted by: Horse's mouth, most venues
Most venues, whether stadiums, sheds, arenas, or theatres, have horrible backstage rooms. Old stinky locker-rooms lined in metal and concrete and the sewat of many ages, cramped ancient tiny rooms with urine-smelling carpets, 30-year old cheap stain-soaked furniture, pipes open at the ceiling, horrible florecent overhead lighting, bad temperature control if any at all, so on. Only the new casinos and a few rare newer sheds have half-way regular rooms with usual comforts. Wine lists are one thing....a room or rooms that you can spend time in with dimmed/regular lights without worrying about what you are sitting/lying in (and do some stretches or exercise) is another.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 19:09:08 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Here's the Demandments, I got em right cheer:
Duct Tape
Gingersnaps, one box
Kirschwasser
A Shell
Dish of Dollars, small bills, unmarked
Sacificial Yak for the pre-show Kulee Baba
A Diamond
A Pearl
Girlie magazines
A 1958 Chrysler
Box of balsa wood and Elmer's glue
Skulls of things undead, two
15 watt bulbs
Marilyn 4.0 for the Green Room
Janie and Melanie and One Cosmic Wow
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:59:51 ET
Posted by: LisaG, storytellers
Aha! angel...so it was you who talked of leashes. (That's my girl. ) :-P
Famous performing artists ask for things that many of us lesser known musicians could only dream of having before a night playing out--things like two dozen yellow roses in the dressing room, or specific brands of bottled water and snacks for the backing musicians, full-body wraps and massages, etc. My dad used to handle the contracts for the musicians for shows at a local venue back home so heard some pretty strange stuff about the contract requirements of the main talent. There is a famous star of yore whose entourage consisted of known kleptomaniacs, too. They used to take the towels and the ashtrays wherever they went, as if they could not afford any of their own.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:54:00 ET
Posted by: the bullgoose, sweet home bonalbo australia
Hey Lisa G
I would have shared your opinion of Keith Carlock in some measure, but things changed for me earlier this year when I heard ... wait. I'm getting something. Call me clairvoyant, but I can tell, I just know, that you haven't heard him play on Transformations, the CD by the (Aussie) bass player, Tal Wilkenfeld. I mistook his playing for Vinnie C. I rest my case. No I don't. It could be said that, Carlock-wise, this was my personal Road to Danascus. Ow that hurt! Antonio Sanchez is such a humble-looking guy while he's playing, don't you think?
Hey Nwk
You are too very, very kind. All I've ever tried to do is spruik a little taste, decency, dannery, syntax and respect for the rhythm section. On any street corner here in Australia one can usually dazzle and flummox a crowd of luckless pedestrians with the correct use of an apostrophe. Blue Bookers constitute a tougher league, and your comment has made me feel a whole lot better about myself.
On the Rhodes thing: If you've gotta lug around an instrument that weighs half a ton, you'd better be serious about your playing.
Pine Knob Parker's Band. Well worth the fifteen minute download time on my steam-powered Mac.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:46:00 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Billy Cobham -
Thanks for the clarification...thing is, he plays the bass drum with his non-dominant foot (that's kinda difficult, IMHO)...right?
For my money, I'll take Dianne Reeves over Krall any day...Erskine is magnificent with her, though...check this solo:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UI69P-2ybqI
Love the bass player's look just before Erskine's solo.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:35:34 ET
Posted by: Whacker,
You don't think Walter would stoop so low as to converse here with us mere fans, do you?
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:26:30 ET
Posted by: ps,
LisaG, yes, i agree on Cassandra owning the material she chooses and Krall's skills pianowise.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:24:23 ET
Posted by: gee, Sun Mountain
Rajah, yes, i have her on a Geoff Keezer album (Turn Up The Quiet), she sings Island Palace (wow) and The Nearness of You. It's not so 'coordinated' which means she sounds human, not a digitally enhanced controlled version of her self. i like her timbre, but alas not an entire album of Alan Broadbent arrangements and i know he's one of the best out there but it's all just too flawless. have some of her other albums too. never listen to it anymore.
Angel, i would not have noticed that coke can if it wasn't discussed in here :-)
Horse's Mouth, you make perfect sense. But call it ignorance if i assume that most of those venues nowadays have comfortable accommodation to begin with? and does it have to be called a Yoga room too? and that list of wines she wanted and special formula for her twins... and stuff for the nannies too... I understand perfectly about long trips and all that, the waiting even before musicians or artists can get up on stage. but this might also be a matter of careful planning and organization, the tour manager's job, right. a lot of efficiency can get lost, hotels far from the venue, means of transportation to and from the venue etc etc.
oh and yes, it wasn't the idea to exclude you from a discussion, but from the Top Ten list DF and WB would want back stage. well, you might as well spill the beans now you're here, right...?
i can only come up with a title for any hypothetcetera list WB and DF before going offline (00.17 am eurotime)
-The Ten Demandments of WB and DF
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:11:47 ET
Posted by: LisaG, tied to the mast
Wormy—check your e-, brother from the rich earth below. I'm shaking with anticipation.
Bob—Thanks for the skinny on the open sticking and Cobham. I don’t teach drum-set, but I do coach a student jazz ensemble where that open style is always encouraged. Been a while since I’ve seen the crossing myself. My brother used to do it, but then again, he learned his rudiments with traditional grip so I always thought it was more comfortable for him to cross over on the hi-hat.
Richard—fixing snare drums is the bane of my existence (I teach middle school instrumental music). I cannot stand replacing snares or tightening the monsters. I can spend the better part of an hour trying to get the snare to vibrate onto the head evenly enough to make a clean sound. I‘m probably doing something wrong as it is my least favorite job, and I can’t imagine that it should be that time-consuming. Why can’t every instrument be as simple as a trombone?
Rajah—no Wu for the tractor crowd? How could they? I’d be afraid of constituents with gun-racks on their formal transportation. Tell you lies, tell you sweet little lies? ...speaking of Fleetwood Mac.
Gina and Rajah—re: Krall. It’s interesting that I never used to like her early vocal stuff before…that aloof, lackluster style that makes you wonder if she was going more for the eye-candy effect than anything else. But Raj is right--she can play…with a sensitivity and creativity that does justice to the art form. Her singing has improved greatly over the years in that she uses space like a seasoned performer—much like she plays—and well, her voice has matured like a fine brandy. I like the more obscure songs, myself. And I always enjoyed doing up the better known stuff differently personally so when I hear something out of the ordinary and quite extraordinary, I applaud. My girl, Cassandra Wilson is an expert at reworking a song by discovering its true essence. She can sing the phone book and you’d be mesmerized.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:11:33 ET
Posted by: billy cobham, open secret
Well, the deal about Billy Cobham playing "open" isn't quite so simple.
He is left-handed and playing a right-handed drum set with the ride on the left. So he's just playing the hihats with his dominant hand.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:11:08 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
I think even WB himself might like this drum solo:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EyXkeAqUeH4
Wowsers!
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 18:10:39 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Here's what the Rolling Stones require backstage, it's wild:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/stones/stones1.html
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 17:59:10 ET
Posted by: Horse's Mouth, between here and there
Thanks for excluding me from this discussion but I have a relevant observation on this topic. It is not at ALL excessive to ask for a room backstage where yoga or other exercise/physical relaxation can be done. If there is an opening act and soundcheck is 4pm that's 4+ hours between finished soundcheck and playing a show. Factor in long bus rides and considering that most venues have dozens of empty rooms, you can see that asking for one yoga room is one of the cheapest, smart things to ask for -- then all can do something other than eat bad backstage food and sit on bad sofas for 4+ hours.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 17:22:29 ET
Posted by: angel,
Gina: Yes on the Coke can. It would have never even registered on my radar, if it wasn't for these past few years hearing about them sitting up on Donald's keyboard. We the fans, are super sensitive to these little things. It makes the experience so much better. lol
Yes, on Carlock. I definitely think he is kept on a very tight leash, drum wise. Love him anyway. :-)
Love the reports from Europe. Thanks everyone.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 17:17:59 ET
Posted by: Jemp, Belgium
Anybody know where photo's of the Brussels concert can be found on line?
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 17:05:12 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Gina, one of her early records was very good, it was a tribute to the music of the Nat King Cole Trio. She played well and delivered a nice sultry and saucy set of vocals. And the songs were secondary standards, not all this rehashed Night and Day or the umpteenth version of Stardust. She has sold more jazz records than anyone else in history, so how come they never play her on KJAZ? The jazz community has retreated from her and now she's a turn or two away from being Rod Stewart. Except her legs are waay better. She knows her Great American Songbook but it's worn as thin as my hair. Her original compositions are nothing to write home about. I saw her with a 38 piece orchestra here in LA. She talked about Ray Brown, Frank and she had really nice hair and shoes. She can play.
But here was the good one, entitled All For You:
1 I'm An Errand Girl For Rhythm
2 Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
3 You Call It Madness
4 Frim Fram Sauce
5 Boulevard Of Broken Dreams(not the Green Day version, the thieves)
6 Baby Baby All The Time
7 Hit That Jive Jack
8 You're Looking At Me
9 I'm Thru With Love
10 Deed I Do
11 A Blossom Fell(this one is played dead slow and she carries the torch nicely)
12 If I Had You
http://www.dianakrall.com/music.aspx?pid=9571
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 16:42:36 ET
Posted by: Gina, Sun Mountain
gawd. St. Al posted a list in Yellow, about Diana Krall's 'wishes', her w(h)ine list and such... a yoga room where 5 people can stretch out?
if it's true, than i am right to not really sense anything 'real' about her singing, everything about her is just a pose. that's why it don't stir nothing inside.
makes ya wonder about the things this band in Europe needs to accommodate them, from sliding into feeling indisposed. would be funny to see what you can come up with... a Top Ten List, highly hypothetical.. what would DF and WB need in their dressing room.
(Horse's Mouth, you're of course excluded from this little Dandom pastime)
Gretchen, i thought of you when one of the roadies, or the Chief Roadie even, took the old can (probably from soundcheck) away and replaced it with a new one. i should have gotten that on tape. i dunno. reading stuff in here and such, for how many years now? it sure weighs in on an actual concert experience :-) but i got the new one on tape. digital, that is. arrggh. have to edit all of it when time.
off again.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 14:46:57 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Well then you are forgiven and you have my apology. I guess it is a kind of fiction at times, except when I see something with my own eyes at a show. The truth is indeed out there but it's so deadly boring.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 14:44:51 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, Downtown Bombay
Kalvin, explain "mucking ferds wuddled." I like that one.
G
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 14:38:31 ET
Posted by: Frank Lee,
But Rajah, what is idiotic, mean and anonymous about loving fiction?
I LOVE fiction and that's why I LOVE your posts!
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 14:23:30 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
And Frank, what is perfectly obvious from your post is that you are a perfect idiot, perfectly anonymous and perfectly mean spirited to boot. Congratulations on that triple play.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 14:05:58 ET
Posted by: Horse's mouth,
oh yes, that would be the perfect and logical and nonhysterical conclusion to jump to....excellent logic as always, congratulations.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 13:56:57 ET
Posted by: mr belzoni, funway west
hey horses mouth,,, can this be construed that WALT really reads this stuff,,,, i hope so Mr B
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 13:55:43 ET
Posted by: Frank Lee,
You don't need to tell us that, Rajah--obviously 90% of what you write here is fiction.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 12:45:36 ET
Posted by: David Vitter, Soon to be private sector
I'll second that.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 12:43:56 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Reality sucks
I like stories better.
Tell me lies.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 12:18:27 ET
Posted by: Horse's mouth, Paris
The end of show interaction which some are confidently interpreting as a declined encore? It was this: because of the backstage configuration, D & W had to exit on the girls' side instead of their ususal herinton side. Donald headed toward the wrong side of the stage and both Skip and Walter had to wave D back the other way. Not as interesting as the other theories...but sometimes reality is pretty boring
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 11:41:28 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Sir Spanks- a-Lot
Thank you boys and girls for your comments and reports.
I'm taking a wild guess here that Walter nixed Deacon Blues since reports here indicate a bit of a cock-up of the song the previous show. That makes them even for Donald nixing Dr. Wu at the Soboba Burning Desert Trailer Trash Super Summer Smackdown and Big Rigg Tractor Pull last year. But if it was Deacon Blues that they nixed, I'm impressed with Donald's drive and stamina cause it's quite a big chunk of song. Especially at the end of the show. He must be enjoying himself.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 10:52:19 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
newerkes, p.a. -
Thanks...I think :) Re: Rajah...yeah, you might end up with some scratches on you if you tussle with him but he's got great taste...LisaG as well and right on the button re: KC.
It's a shame that Cobham seldom tours the states anymore.
I thought the same thing about the Hammersmith video (wow, that's clear)...hopefully details to follow.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 10:50:42 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
My drums and the Steely Dan Connection and a tale of woe
My drum kit is Yamaha (Carlock) and I treated myself to a nice Brass Piccolo snare (Carlock) a few years ago and found a Peter Erskine 12" snare on the web so I bought it in time for the weekend gig.
As I was setting up I was singing the praises of Yamaha hardware and drums - you know - never fall apart - made in the bike factory etc etc etc
Anyway we did the soundcheck with no problems
First number two hours later is Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac which to start with is just me with a shuffle groove - after first bar noticed there was something wrong - looked down and saw the snare lever had just fallen apart so was playing a timbale - no probs just switched the Erskine snare to my left and then realised that I had forgotten to switch the snares on
To add further to the feeling of discomfort was that in the process of all this swapping about I managed to break two sticks (something I never do) all during this Fleetwood Mac song.
I never really did like Fleetwood Mac to be honest.
Its all on film I think and may just let you have a link
Anyway the original snare was fixed by the third song (a spring had sprung loose) and we were off again for the remaining two and a half hours.
It was all cool - I had seen the Dan on Thursday night in Birmingham and somhow got some inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Cheers
Richard
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 10:24:40 ET
Posted by: newerkes, p.a., shoptime
Bob: yeal wowl, great youtube find. Holy bejesus. Who knows maybe Carlock will sit in with Sam Y. trio too and pull some of that kinda stuff. Hey Bob--you're a gifted prose writer too. I want a piece of you, but I don't want to horn in on Rajah's action. hehe. Nah, just kidding--you guys' discourse, ugh hem, makes for great reading.
Speaking of our own concourses, hey now, Cindy showin those pretty gams--wow--turns me gladsome.
And just wish to note that the Hammersmith "My Old School" (seeking an extended horns arrangement there) video was taken with a cellphone? Right, the continents over there are more advanced than over here--technology speaking. I'm never goin back to my ole Nokia 9012. hehe
Happy Birthday, exquisite Carolyn. Hoping for you continued happiness and decades of more of gorgeous artistic expression. [it's Cindy's legs doin this to me, i'm tellin ya]
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 10:10:41 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Another point of interest is (forgive me drummers that already know this...many folks don't) Cobham was, among many other firsts, the first to play in the "open" style...meaning he does not cross stick (one hand over the other) when sticking hi hat patterns. There are many advantages...chief among them is speed gained and, when filling, the left hand (ride hand) is already there at the ride cymbal or hi hat poised and ready for the downbeat as he rolls out of a fill.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 09:55:53 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Josey -
Glad you liked it.
Just for the record...I realized he's playing double bass drums at the beginning and throughout...it's just easier to pick them up at the point I mentioned.
The tune's in 10...subdivided a bar of 4 and 6...incredible!
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 09:52:15 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 09:47:51 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island
Bob - the man's got some of the cleanest, fastest sigle strokes happening of any drummer! Thanks for that link.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 09:11:18 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Here's a great drummer (not to mention keyboard player).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1hEw2v1Ki4
Drum solo is at 4:14 (listen for the double bass drums at 5:05).
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 08:34:20 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
I've just finished watching the Pine Knob "Godwhacker" performance again...wanted to point out how tasty a player Cornelius was (really miss him)...very effective the way he pauses during his solo for the horn punches...glad that moment is memorialized!
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 08:22:44 ET
Posted by: wormy, scatting everywhere
deaconblue - great color man!
Gina as well
the following observation from DB is very pertinent
At the end of the encore Donald stepped into Walters direction and from what i could understand of their bodylanguage was that Don was asking to do one more song. The response of Walters hand was very ferm and at least very clear. No!!
SO WALT IS THE KILLJOY!!!
glad to see Don in the mood
Deacon Blues - glad to see that back
it was the highlight of my show in Raliegh 00
steviedan a row in front of me
Lisa G - Carlock is definitely tied down in the Dan
he's got the chops, personally I wish he'd go syncopated more
like Bernard
oh by the way, send me an email - I've got something you'd enjoy
Carolyn's birthday sounds real nice - glad the boys gave her the full treatment
saw an interesting upcoming artist monday night
St Vincent
toured with Sufjan Stevens last year - yes that Sufjan Stevens
toodles from the topsoil
oh pari
wormtom
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 07:46:28 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Duncan:
You're a very naughty boy - but you are undoubtedly correct. LOL
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 07:00:04 ET
Posted by: db, .
Great clip from Hammersmith.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlS3C4klhyM
Cindy's LEGS, couldn't see them from where I was !!!
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 05:56:31 ET
Posted by: G., Mizar5
LisaG, doing this in segments, have to, work screams at me, emails piling up, phones ringing, people yelling at me etc etc.
but wrote some in Mizar5, "Things I Miss The Most part I".
Deacon, yes, simple deduction when i read you were front row seated like you were. a guy with a t-shirt like that had to have been in the US. you even looked at me for a brief second, though. grin. this is very funny.
http://www.writingaffairs.com/Deacon1.jpg
thanks for the Paris report.
found another belgian thingy.
http://ericlaforge.blogspot.com/2007/07/steely-dan-live.html
quick translation, Andy is amazed and glad about DF being in such good spirits, and being communicative with the crowd. also, he speaks of WB talking to the audience, quite for a long bit, 3 minutes something even, during Hey 19.
off now.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 05:04:43 ET
Posted by: LIsaG, take me where the music play
Hmmm. Maybe I'm just being a curmudgeon.
It would seem that there are more and more complaints about the bass being muddled on this tour. Maybe the sound people are befuddled by the lack of clarity in the lower end when working in some halls. Granted, from my personal experience, the sound was glorious at one venue and less than sparkling at the other.
One should probably keep in mind that the reviews in this regard are mixed most likely because of the difference in seating location among the reviewers themselves. But more often than not, there seems to be at least two complaints per show about the sound.
Is it just me or does it seem as though the mix is becoming a real problem for the Heavy Rollers?
Gina, nice to see you posting about the atmosphere. Would love more color on the performances themselves. Talk more music, girl! You're good at it. :-D
"Keith Carlock was a bit too present. He was good in Aja and did what was expected from him, but he lacked subtlety and variation in my view"
Ah, Arne. KC is a monster with mongo-chops, but as a complete player, a la Freddie Washington or Jeff Young, I think Carlock has fallen just a bit short on this tour. He is well-respected and revered among the greater Dandom as his incredibly channeled groove-divinity is hailed time and again, but to keep it real, I’d like to see more depth beyond his acrobatics with this band, i.e. a more interactive approach to color between the instruments in the kit--a kind of painting while weaving in and out of the groove. There are a few contemporary drummers in the commercial world who stand out in this regard (many of whom have been mentioned here): Bernard Purdie, Stewart Copeland, Steve Gadd, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Antonio Sanchez... These guys don’t just merely lay it down. They blend, balance, and create within the feel. Jeff Porcaro was a great example of this as well, if we want to go with more Dan alum.
To Carlock's credit, some have seen him do other work and vouch that he has more going on than the big bang of groove-dom he exhibits with the Dan. Someone suggested that perhaps he is holding back creatively because he is being told what to do.
I think in his future, Carlock will emerge as a more sensitive player who wields his power on more musical levels. Right now, he's raw, albeit exciting. And that could be just the shot in the arm that DF and WB need.
He certainly can groove like a mo-fo, which is half the battle right there. By far, his most thrilling efforts on this tour have got to be TvN and Aja. The boy can play, and deserves the kudos for those inspired performances. I'm gonna stay tuned to see what this talent can do. I hope he continues on with our heroes--the guy has amazing potential, no doubt.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 04:36:59 ET
Posted by: Nwk, hothouse
Deacon: you are Royalty! thx greatly for so many truly wonderous and witty posts. Enjoy that afterglow as long as possible--we all know what happens later. I'm curious your solution for that void that inevitably comes on after the last beam has sunk beneath the horizon, oh yes, it'll get better.
Yea, Denise, coolness with the youtube clip of Slang of Ages. Seeing/hearing Walter perform Slang is a treat and great band intros, egh? . My fav vid on youtube is Godwhacker. It's so intricate. Gads, it was once taken down from the site-I was forlorn as hell for a spell. But now it's baaacckkk! That song just gets more and intricate and so "fied" if you get my drift. nwk sleepwalkin I guess.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 04:21:38 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, PARIS-BRUSSELS
Gina.
You cannot imagine how much people were asking about that DF t shirt and cap. I think i was the only person with such a shirt.
There were some Japanese folks searching like fools to have that Morph the cat thing at the T shirt stand. Can you believe me that those guys offered 50 euros to have my shirt and cap??
Who gives more?? lol.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 04:09:31 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, paris-brussels
Gina yes, i was that one with the Donald Fagen t shirt and cap. it's really a shame we missed each other and could not talk a little bit. Maybe next time.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 04:05:54 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, Still always in Paris
And then now it's time for the FRENCH GIG 10TH july.
If Brussels was great then Paris was really marvelous. What a fantastic crowd, a great venue and a beautiful city.
Let's begin with siome background news:
- Jim Pugh was back on stage (he was in Brussels too but i forgot to mention it).
- Michael Leonhart and Jon Herrington having their own show tonight at 9pm in the "Sunset Sunside Jazzclub". For those who wants to see this act, the adress is "60 rue des Lombards" nearby the metro "Chatelet". You have to pay 20 euros to enter the club.
- And then the most emocional fact of the evening was the BIRTHDAY celebration of Carolyn Leonhart. It was anounced by Donald and the crowd reacted immediately by singing "Happy birthday" ....with Donald on the keyboards.
A little bit earlier both girls received a very special present from Donald and Walter. They came on stage with two big boxes of French Chocolat and a big kiss from both bandleaders.Cindy and Carolyn were clearly very surprised.I don't know if this chocolat part of the show had something to do with Carolyns birthday.
I would have prefere to say it in person buthere i go:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLYN.
Another thing that took my attention was tis: Donald was clearly under the impression of that crazy, insane but enthousiast audience. At the end of the encore Donald stepped into Walters direction and from what i could understand of their bodylanguage was that Don was asking to do one more song. The response of Walters hand was very ferm and at least very clear. No!!
And now the show. Everybody was in the mood and i honestly am not be able to say something more than what i saw and heared one day earlier in Brussels. There were just GREAT.
From where i sat (mezanine) the sound was really not so good. It was as they were playing from the caves of Altamira. The voices and instruments were very far and gave a very misty impression. So after 10 minutes i went to the stagefloor and there it was a lot better.
The show started exactly at 9pm and ended at 10.50pm. So here's the setlist of last night:
Intro
Time out of mind
Godwhacker
Bad Sneaker
Two against Nature
Hey 19
haitian Divorce
Peg
Babylon Sister
Green Earrings
Dirty Work
Josie
Bodhisatva
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
ENCORE
FM
My Old School
Outro
As you see compared to Brussels it's almost the same setlist. Deaconblue replaced by Bodhisatva.
Well thinking about it!! Could it be they're reading the Bluebook??? In that case they played "Deaconblues" in Brussels just for me!!
Ok guys, i know what you're going to say! But just let me dream about it. Talking about dreams, i think i'm going to sleep a few hours. I just came back into my hotelroom. Paris by night is sometimes very wild.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 03:54:09 ET
Posted by: ps,
deacon, were you the guy wearing the Donald Fagen Band t-shirt......?
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 03:50:37 ET
Posted by: Gina,
Deacon, maybe you're in one of the pics i took, this is funny and weird lol!
so how was Paris? and are you still there going to the Leonhart/Herington gig? would be cool to see Jon play in another fashion.
off to work now and Hoops is right, send in stuff for the Dandom Digest!!!!
i was searching for reviews or such from the UK gigs but hard to find, will try to find more Belgium reviews and Dutch (from the North Sea Jazz) and then translate/note-wise when time
etc.
Donald played Aquarius from Hair in the beginning of Time Outa Mind, their first song.
Got it on tape, i just filmed snippets and not entire songs.
Date: Wed, July 11, 2007, 03:19:37 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS,
GINA, what a great review. I couldn't have done better. I sat in the first row just only 3 meters away from Donald. You were only a few rows from me? Dat is dan zeer spijtig because it would be a great thing to share such an experiences with people loike you. Maybe another time. Groetjes!!
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 21:06:48 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Newark, thanks for the slang link...I had not seen slang live, next best thing I guess.
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 20:42:33 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower
...2 new pics added to the "pics from the road" section of SD.com
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 19:56:00 ET
Posted by: Nwk, hotyard
Bullgoose: Your post of Monday July 9 is so rich--I proclaim you Sir Bullgoose--Royal Prince of Prose in the fine company of Hoops, Royal Prince of Satire and Keeper of Peace in Dandom. nwk
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 18:40:49 ET
Posted by: Slurp1955, Manchester
Here's a review of the Hammersmith show from today's Guardian:
http://music.guardian.co.uk/pop/livereviews/story/0,,2122711,00.html
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 16:04:17 ET
Posted by: Newark, MD
slang
http://www.youtube.com/user/carlospc
thx for leads.
gads!
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 15:32:10 ET
Posted by: manfred mann,
Check out the drummer in Manfred's Do Wa Ditty band --- Air Drums, but with a real drum set! I noticed the wacky technique, then saw he wasn't actually hitting the drums - he does hit a cymbal later on, but the drums probably masked the lip-sync track.
Young Donalds playing is inspired though. Love the little beard-thingy.
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 13:25:13 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, at work - man it's hot
Thanks for the reports from across the pond. I take it the pumpkins and mice are a reference to Cinderella - the horses and carriage turning back after the ball? I've been trying to figure it out all morning.
They just started non stop flights from Hartford to Amsterdam - I wonder if I could still catch a show in Germany. The Dan in Europe - what a kick.
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 12:05:04 ET
Posted by: wormy, nola
Hey Gina Darlink
thanks for that great Corpsy V montage
so 00 or 07?
sounds like a Bond kind of question
sorry you missed out on the Leonhart's
yes being up front is well worth it
and the sightlines are more refined
I couldn't see Jeff Young in Atlanta but really appreciated him in Portsmouth filling in on Don's extended notes. I couldn't see Freddy from my front row seat in Porstmouth and I'm a bass player damn it. But that was made up by having Don, Jeff, Carolyn and Cindy a few feet away. Even got a blown kiss from Cindy in her band intro.
New Orleans had a screen feed which made things nice, but Freddy was way too hot in the mix sonically.
Carlock with his cymbals set up the way they are is hard to see up close as well - he looked vampiric (up all night) in NOLA
probably was as that's close to home. Every other show I can barely see him. He was setup a little better on the Sting tour.
cheers from the topsoil, wormy
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 11:29:48 ET
Posted by: gee, Sun Mountain
and that bit where WB did Summertime was in Godwhacker
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 10:26:36 ET
Posted by: mr belzoni, funway west
hey young donald unearthed,, i dont think thats really don playing keyboards! do any of you fellow danites know if he ever played with manfred mann( isnt he british)???
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 09:30:23 ET
Posted by: Arne, Rotterdam
Althuogh the Brussels show still bings big smiles to my face, I do have a few negatives when I compare with the 2AN show (see the DVD):
- Jon Herrington did not play (was not allowed to play?) any decent solo
- Becker's guitar work was poor compared to 7 years ago
- Keith Carlock was a bit too present. He was good in Aja and did what was expected from him, but he lacked subtlety and variation in my view
- the acoustics of the theater was such that details were lost. I could hardly hear Jeff Young, and Freddie Washington was not audible at all.
But all in all a great experience.
Arne
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 09:23:16 ET
Posted by: angel,
Gina: Thanks so much for taking the time to share your concert experience with us. I think I have mentioned it before but yes, Jon just seems to like to be alone, over to the side. I remember he did that even when he shared duties with Wayne Krantz, during the Donald solo tour. So glad you got to see those looks going between Donald and Walter. It's worth the drop in audio quality to actually see them in action. Those are the things I will miss the most, when they stop touring. Each night it is mostly the same songs but it's brand new each time, because it's live right there. :-)
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 09:18:07 ET
Posted by: brussels review,
in a national paper
summarized:
-not much Jon soloing, later on in the show he could prove he'd match SD's studio sessioned soloing.
-pristine perfect, to play a steady setlist (except for Deacon Blues) like this wasn't boring, but close to perfection
-mostly 40+ male audience (says the reporter) but loyal audience
-quetsioning why WB has to sing Haitian Divorce
-DF's voice surprisingly good for his age
-funky repertoire mostly with plenty soloing for the horn section, reporter praised FM and Aja for their 'slower' pace and poppier elements.
-WB's solos were lyrical and subtile
-the concert as an ode to their jazz heritage
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 07:02:39 ET
Posted by: ps,
oh, was indeed Babylon Sister, not Don't Take Me Alive (wishful thinking)... and Walter played Summertime as in intro, somewhere, got it on video....
and DF did this 'uptown baby' kind a thing somewhere too, when Keith was setting a pace on his own... he used different words, but you get the idea... could have said 'yo mama' or 'i hear ya', it's the rhythm of it that counts :-)
it was funny.
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 06:56:18 ET
Posted by: Gina,
hey... as Deacon said, great show. wrote this up as notes, just back home and off to the grind.
---
So it's a little over 01.00 AM and i just watched some of the pics and movieclips. It's quiet here in this neighbourhood and while i am writing, the band is well on its way to Paris. I was supposed to meet with Carolyn and Michael Leonhart for an interview, but there wasn't much time. Steely Dan played close to 2 hours if i'm not mistaken, i saw a lot of mice and pumpkins when i left the venue... then Michael called, to say they were on a tight schedule but that they at least wanted to say hi. So i got back inside and we chitchatted briefly, nice people, the Leonharts.
Time Out Of Mind, Bad Sneakers, Aja, Josie, Hey 19, Godwhacker, Green Earrings, My Old School, FM, Haitian Divorce, Don't Take Me Alive, Two Against Nature, Dirty Work... is what i remember now, not in order of appearance.
At first, the sound seemed a bit muffled, but i was close (row 4, right in front of DF and FW) to the stage and figured that's the price to pay for having a view like i had... After the first three songs, the sound got better.
Getting tired now. Oh. Jim Pugh was present. Walter did a lot of soloing, Jon seemed lonely where he was on stage... Donald had a great time and really seems to be in a universe of his own when performing but he had a good time for sure. Keith Carlock is amazingly energetic and kept a steady pace along with Freddie Washington. I couldn't see Jeff Young as he was right behind Donald. The entire horn section was tight and the arrangements of some songs were slightly different, in my opinion even better. "Dirty Work" was cool, less seventies and more abstract, due to Michael's brief trumpet solo. Cindy and Carolyn gave it their soul.
The audience was appreciative to say the least and people hurried up front when the band disappeared but they finally returned to stage, welcomed by a hungry crowd. I saw a lot of smiles and you could tell people had a great time.
It was sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, saw 12 year olds and up... but there were also a lot of young folks, under 30... and a lot of Dutch folks.
This is a tired mind speaking. The Sam Yahel Trio was cool too, with the Dutch guitarist Jesse van Ruller, i've seen him when he was just starting out and he really is a fine player. I wasn't really feeling well, to be in a huge crowd eats my energy and the vibes that went back and forth and such were strange. But i survived and sensed as the concert evolved, the music lifted my spirit some and it made me feel good.
One last remark, before closing up for now. I really have to respect Donald Fagen and Walter Becker for doing this. To get up on stage almost every evening, and do their thing. Play the same songs.
When the crowd cheered for an encore, Walter was surprised by the audience's enthusiasm and flattered as well, i think. By the time they played their two songs, FM and Old School, Walter was smiling and really taking in the cheering. Donald is a clown. His entrance was funny, his interludes made people laugh and what i enjoyed the most about sitting so close, was to see him have a really good time. There wasn't much genuine interaction between the musicians, the girls checked with Jeff Young quite often and Walter and Donald kept checking back and forth, but it was a plan they followed, and touring like they do, well, it must cost a lot of energy to keep it going.
On my way out, i heard people say it was far out better than 'last time' which was 7 years ago.
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 06:20:32 ET
Posted by: mr funk,
review from birmingham gig:
http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/0607072.html
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 06:07:35 ET
Posted by: mr funk,
nice review of liverpool gig:
http://www.liverpool.com/reviews/review:-steely-dan-summer-pops-aintree-racecourse.html
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 05:50:22 ET
Posted by: Frank Archer, Rainy London
A few comments re London gig ,thought excellent concert ,but as a very long time dan devotee felt ,we needed a "reeling in the years " a "rikki dont lose .... and definitley a fagen solo offering to have made it an even more memorable experience ,greedy i know but 7 years was a long wait ,and doubt they will make the british shores again ,sadly .
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 02:12:23 ET
Posted by: None, None
Very good site! You are wellcome to visit mine!:
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 01:24:22 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA
We disappear for a few days in Vegas and return to discussions of Ian Anderson? Bungle in the Jungle? That takes me back. An unsolicited word of caution to the Rajah: Be careful whom you threaten to spank; the intended victim may have some heretofore unknown "Hunting Girl" tendencies. Sorry Hoops for the brief non-Dan digression.
GW
Date: Tues, July 10, 2007, 00:12:02 ET
Posted by: young donald unearthed!, extra extra
young donald's first band. great keyboard playing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fh7B5zWHzw&mode=related&search=
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 22:47:32 ET
Posted by: Don,
You won't see any Fagen solo music on this tour, Becker wouldn't allow it.
Maybe Fagen will play another solo tour and Becker will play a show at a small club.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 22:37:00 ET
Posted by: Mr. A. Jemima, Amish Country
Almost Gothic flows over me like warm maple syrup.......syrup that cascades down the sides of my soulful pancake with rhytmic, buttery goodness........its waterfalls create amber ponds of sucrose I frolic in frothily.....Much to the chagrin [Falls] of it's Amish distiller whom disdains such disrespectful displays.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 22:24:22 ET
Posted by: dop, i've been around
¿ain't nothing like a box of fresh good & plenty's - eh?
dop
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 19:23:57 ET
Posted by: Milo, Meyer Sound
I'm really surprised that not one solo Fagen song is being played on
the Euro leg?!! There were no Fagen solo shows across the pond and even the original press release said they would be doing some solo stuff. Let's see, nearly 40 shows in and no Fagen solo stuff? Not even one track?
Okay, Euro fans, what would you rather hear, "Deacon Blues" or a Fagen solo track?
What Fagen solo track would you want?
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 19:21:14 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
It was very impressive.
Negative points?? Yes of course because they are humans you know:
- Donald missed completely a note during Peg. Jon was doing his solo thing and Donald fadad in while Herrington had not completely finished his artwork.
-Jon should have done some more but i had the impression he was not aloud to do it. Shame.
-Deaconblues, the greatest surprise of the night was at the same time the greatest desception . They have to work a little more on it before to put it in setlist. They were not feeling very comfortable on this one. Keith fucked up this pearl. But we like to forgive it to him because during the other 15 songs he was just great. Sober but great.He did a great shuffle during Babylon Sisters.
-Haitian Divorce and everyone knows why i think.
Highlights??? Sure, the rest of the show. My favourites were Godwhacker (what a horn section), Two against nature (what a great musicianship), Grean earings, Kid Charlemagne, Aja of course , the encores but most of all the girls on dirty work (standing ovation).
I know there were a lot of different opinions the last days. But those who didn't like their shows have a big problem.
They don't like real music and musicianship.
Tomorrow i will be in Paris, so now i'm going to sleep.
Goodnight Danners.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 19:00:33 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Just came back from the BRUSSELS concert in Forest national.
The only thing i can say is that they blew me and the all audience away. This was as so far my personal greatest SD gig. It was the same level of Donalds last years concert in temecula.
GREAT GREAT GREAT!!
After the nice but to softie half a hour act of the Sam Yahel trio there was a little interval about 20 minutes.
And than it was so far. At exactly 9.30pm they began until 11.25pm. Indeed, an almost two hour show. The setlist was the same as the previos days in England. There was ONE great surprise, at least for me. But i let it discover yourself in the following setlist:
Intro: Jeri
Time out of mind
Godwhacker
Bad Sneaker
Two against Nature
Hey 19
haitian Divorce
Peg
Babylon Sister
Grean Earings
Dirty Work
Josie
Deaconblues
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
ENCORE
FM
My Old School
Great setlist, great sound and everybody was in a great form and mood. They received in return a great response from the public.
After the show i saw nothing than lucky and under the impression people. I must say that it wa
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 18:23:58 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 17:57:23 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Kalvin -
That's a hoot...my guess is you'll emerge on the other side of this thing OK (I'd recommend a strong support system until you are comfortable enjoying the music of SD, as you once did, without the concert flashbacks). It's early on for you right now...understand, you are JUST coming down...consult this site, though....that's part of the reason why the site exists (I don't think I want to know some of the other reasons).
On the upside, those concert moments will become galvinized (and Kalvinized) as you season out..savor it.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 17:28:49 ET
Posted by: Slurp1955, Manchester
I suppose for true Dan authenticity the Liverpool gig should have featured a severed horse's head during the encore. The actual beast was a prop from Aintree's Equestrian Centre where they were playing.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 16:32:57 ET
Posted by: Kalvin , Portsmouth, England
Many thanx Bob. I've have this lost sort of feeling all day that not only could I not understand, but was also finding it hard to describe, continually getting my mucking ferds wuddled in trying to do so. Then you sir, like a shining light just come along and nailed it it one...going to a Steely Dan show (or two) is narcotic, and coming down after them is painful...it's back to the cold turkey I guess...
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 14:36:09 ET
Posted by: Craig B,
What was the story behind Walty and the horse?
thanks
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 13:41:27 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Ed - Jesus, you are funny, I missed your post yesterday and just saw it now. You're killing me. Specially when I think of HER, what a tremendous pain in the ass she is. But you, you are our rock. Old, yes; worn out, maybe; but still the standard. How 'bout you and me teaming up and kicking that punk-ass Hoops into next week? Not for nothin', just for funn?
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 13:19:50 ET
Posted by: Ann, Borneo and UK...and it's still raining!
LWO, Alan and Per, the horse pic will be with you all as soon as I get back to Borneo.
Seriously regretting having sold my London tix, but too late now. If there's anyway I can do Oz, I will.
Has any other Dan fan out there done 3 continents?
Peace to all,
Ann
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 10:42:37 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Steve & Mike -
Well stated...SD concerts are narcotic...I hate coming down after them.
I'm Steve's age...had the good fortune to see SD first in '74 on the last tour...Jeff Porcaro, Mike MacDonald (before he was Mike MacDonald), Royce Jones in addition to the band. I watched the 2 drummers performance as intently as I could with all else there was to see...Jim Hodder was using a Camco (now Drum Workshop) set...Porcaro was using the Ludwig single headed tom set up and many cymbals (I know too much drum info...the drummers like to read it)...and I could only imagine the origin of the cymbals that Procaro was using (you could spot that ride that became famous on Katy Lied)...no doubt most old Istanbul K Ziljians his dad gave him or he found in CA music stores (dad Joe is a long time session guy...rumor has it that Jeff's insecurity was, in large measure, induced by some cruelty on Joe's part...anyone have the skinny on that?). That concert was in Detroit and I've always wondered...was that the inspiration for the Rose Darling line, in reference to Snake Mary "I would guess she's in Detroit, with lots of money in the bank"...........of course, I could be wrong.
Regarding you appreciation of Keith Carlock, I remember the first time seeing Billy Cobham...jaw-dropping...many have come along since but he was the first (I'd seen Buddy Rich before that so I knew a good player but Cobham defied reason...watch the Mahavishu clips on youtube and imagine seeing that for the first time in '71). I had the 2 LPs by Dreams before seeing him so I knew he was good but I was woefully unprepared for what I saw. If you haven't seen Cobham, check him out as he's past 60 now but is still strong...of course, billycobham.com has video...should be relatively easy to do so there as he lives in Switzerland and plays European venues 90% of the time.
BTW, did you notice how Walter watches the stage like a hawk? Something you can only see up close.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 10:09:50 ET
Posted by: Mike, London
I'm never sure of the protocol regarding cameras at gigs. hen we saw the Dan in Santa Barbara, everyone was frisked. As tourists, we went everywhere with our camera, so were forced to check it in.
These days, there are so many people snapping away with their camera phones that I don't think they bother to check you out in London, unless you're carrying something prety bulky. My snaps were taken with a tiny pocket camera. There was no way that a flash would work, even up-front, so I had to rely on stage lighting.
I liked the comments about the big smiles on the old guys' faces. That audience certainly came out knowing that they had seen something special. The Steely Dan groove does not fade quickly, I've spent the whole day grooving to the Pine Knob clips and checking the site for people's comments - it's the kind of thing that you can do when you're an old geezer with no work to do.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 09:41:38 ET
Posted by: Newark, Dark Room Photography of Art
Right on Duncan--thx for those great pics--and others who shared too--such luck and treasures and keeps us voyeurtypes at bay. I have NOT had success with pocket cameras and the Dan--always a snafu--always: forgedaboutit. And for some flippin reason any click of Donald just never works (but you guys got some of his aura--COOL!) --Either Donald's guardian angel is quite on task to intercede or the lighting is so shielding that it really makes those digits go bezerk. Perhaps it's really tough to (ugh, clear throat) to penetrate the lights in order to capture that one and only Fagen countenance.
When it comes to venue rules and artists and an okay-for-pics, I see that still most big games won't dance, but I've never understood how free hype could hurt an artist. Maybe free hype is passe or blazay or whatever to our artists, and we gotta grant them their idiosyncratic desires. [Sidebar: I got an autograph from Bela Fleck the other day---AHHHHHHHHHH!!!] I'm pretty sure at most vens nowadays that pocket cameras inside are okay because GADS, it's so unlikely with the lighting and and distance and digits that a pocket snap can do much of anything--I've got plenty of evidence of that and busted cameras thx to the Dan. Hey if you get a snap--and you did capture Walt, charmer that he is--then congrats and well done. Isn't it true, if an artist is in a public place, then it's okay to take photos, right?
I can almost imagine which songs they are playing by the lighting and it gets trippy and more lush and complex later on. Your photos captured the mesmorizing mise en scene. Kudos artists and light guy(s) [are there lights in those monitor boxes? wtf?]
To me its a fkdup situation when it comes to digits and the Dan--you sweethearts who captured the artist on film defied nature, so be careful.
Hoppy Boithday to Hoops!
GEoff on jetlag?
Gotta date, can't be late! nwk
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 09:31:17 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Ooops..."Steely Day" (good cover band name?)
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 09:28:14 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Taking a moment away from a favorite Southern snack...Pork Skins w/ BBQ Sauce (this time it's what's for breakfast).
I am the poster re: Erskine...yes, I should have written tempo instead of meter. Reelin' in 15?...it's possible...didn't DF say he was listening to Don Ellis back in the day...he said Ellis had a nice R&B number at the time...no doubt "Pussy Wiggle Stomp" (that's really the title!). I'd recommend the live version of it on "Don Ellis at Fillmore" (recently reissued by that great reissue label Wounded Bird...woundedbird.com). The tune is taken in a simple (to the Ellis band anyway) 7/4. It seems to be true, once you listen to a credible band swing an odd tempo (damn it, I did it again!...I meant meter), it does seem confining sometimes to hear just meters derived from 4 or 3...ex: the popularity of "Take Five".
Incidentallly, the band members would refer to Don Ellis as Don Elvis due to his cape, etc....he composed the music to the French Connection film and died in '78 (at age 44) from congenital heart problems. His work, once again, is more evidence that there was much happening musically in the '60s & '70s and little happening today. A lot of guys graduated from the Ellis band: Tom Scott, Jay Graydon (first guy I heard use a "bag" on guitar in the Ellis band...way before Walsh and Frampton), Ralph Humphrey (another good drummer fit for SD), John Klemmer, etc.
For those interested in superb drumming (who isn't that reads this site), listen to Bruford's licks on "One More Red Nightmare" on King Crimson's "Red" album...an excellent album in its entirety and accomplished both musically & lyrically ala SD...and Bruford apparently found that cymbal (Camber?...you'll know the cymbal when you hear it) bent in half by the previous owner lying in a studio trash can at the start of the session. If you haven't heard it, I guarantee you have never heard a more perfectly trashy-sounding (pun?) cymbal used in such a perfect context. Saw KC (not Keith) w/ Robin Trower in support of "Starless and Bible Black" and "Bridge of Sighs"...again, nothing like that today.
Last but not least, thanks to kind soul that posted the Pine Knob SD clips...saw a great many shows there (had a freind that worked the gate...a lot of shows) in the mid '70s including Joni w/ the LA Express (it was sublime)...with the late John Guerin...now he would have been an excellent fit with Steely Day.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 09:00:02 ET
Posted by: Steve, London
Well, what can I say except I am still buzzing following Saturday at the Apollo. Don't ask me why but I dreaded an anti-climax, this being my first SD gig. For this 52 year old, it was just a wonderful evening. Great seats in the 4th row right in front of Walter and John Herrington (and right behind Dunc, judging by his excellent pics). Even my wife had a great time despite not being a huge SD fan and also the man mountain sitting in front of her! The only thing that came remotely close to spoiling it for me were the 2 w**kers behind us who arrived in their seats after it started and proceeded to yak most of the way through the show. As far as I could tell, they were the only people in the audience sitting down for the last 3 or 4 songs.
Anyway, the thing that struck me most, and surprised me, was Donald's stage presence - what a star! Actually, I lie. What really knocked me for six was Keith Carlock's drumming. I'd read about him on this board for weeks in the run up to the show but nothing really prepared me for the real thing. I'm not one for applauding solos during songs or getting carried away with anything but I was out of my seat twice during Aja and would have gladly followed Carlock to the ends of the earth at that exact moment in time. Mid-life crisis? Forget it - I want to be a drummer when I grow up!!
On the way out everyone (mostly male and over 45) seemed to be shaking their heads in awe and all had that strange little satisfied but rueful smile that seemed to say - "It's been a long time since I felt like that (and how many more times will I feel like it again?)".
Needless to say, having the house to myself for most of the day, Sunday was spent blasting out Aja and the rest and perfecting my drumming style! (Although I did find a bit of time to watch the Tour de France speeding its way through my beautiful home county of Kent.)
Why oh why have I never made the effort to catch them on previous tours?
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 08:57:46 ET
Posted by: angel,
Bullgoose: I saw Steely Dan with Michael McDonald there in 2006. Pine Knob is a ski resort that just happens to have an outdoor Theatre on the property. It's known as DTE Energy Theatre nowdays.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 07:51:53 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Bullgoose:
"Have you noticed that there is no such thing as a Rhodes player who can't play?"
Very fair point. LOL
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 07:37:49 ET
Posted by: the bullgoose, sweet home bonalbo australia
Hey those Pine Knob clips on youtube are the real deal. Great groove in Godwhacker.
The Bullgoose eschews rudity, crudity and lewdery, but is Pine Knob a locale or someone's nickname? Actually, there's a town in South Australia called Iron Knob. It would have to be the second best location in Australia, after Muswellbrook of course, for Steely Dan to play is my opinion i must say don't you know.
Hey Lisa G, same to you I'm sure. Back in the dank, dark days of Running Bear I learned to feel 15 time, The drummer was lumpy and the singer couldn't count. She lost concentration every time she took a breath. When we played a shuffle I'd average their grooves and end up with 15. They were also notoriously inconsistent and so we only hit 'one' together every seven bars or so. The saddest thing was that quite a few couples chose Running Bear for their 'Bridal Waltz". Enough with the Running Bear. It's out of my system, and let's never speak of it again.
Jeff Richman does some nice metrical jiggery pokery with Josie on The Royal Dan.
Have you noticed that there is no such thing as a Rhodes player who can't play?
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 06:16:06 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Mike:
Many thanks for that.
Actually, I DON'T know how to arrange a DVD transfer of it!! LOL If I could prevail upon you further for your help in that reagrd, it would be great.
Please feel free to email me if you prefer.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 05:57:42 ET
Posted by: Mike, London
Pine Knob 2003
Cubano Chant
Aja
Time Out Of Mind
Godwhacker
Caves Of Altamira
Black Cow
Babylon Sisters
Slang Of Ages
Peg
Home At Last
Steely Dan Show
Janie Runaway
Hey 19
Haitian Divorce
Things I Miss The Most
Parker's Band
Josie
Kid Charlemagne
Don't Take Me Alive
--------------------
My Old School
FM
Of course, you do know how to DVD this.
Have fun!
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 03:18:22 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Could anyone help with a set list for the Pine Knob show currently on YouTube?
Predictably, I've saved all the clips to a Play List, but I'm struggling to get them in the right order!! LOL
Any help would, as always, be very much appreciated.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 02:32:49 ET
Posted by: LisaG, one louder
Whew! That was over two hours of reading and I must say, I am personally enjoying living these concerts via the Greater Dandom's entertaining reviews and banter. Wish I was going to be in Europe this summer...I think the audiences there would be quite fun to share some space with.
bullgoose--what a hoot. Yes, I thought something similar when I read the Erskine comment, but I wasn't going the way of the pointed stick. Had to be tempo. Hmmm, Reeling in 15. How would you work the phrases? Maybe 8+7? Drop a beat every fourth measure? That reminds me of the old "Strangers in the Night" in 5 joke. :-D Your post made me want to sample a little of Oz.
::sigh:: But if only I could ever make my way to Tuscany...
Here's hoping Jim Pugh is doin’ alright.
It certainly is interesting to read the variations in people's perspectives regarding the concerts. If it's sound that bothers you, sometimes a bad mix from your seat can ruin even the best efforts. Keep the reviews coming.
And remember, these go to 11.
Date: Mon, July 09, 2007, 00:53:05 ET
Posted by: the bullgoose, sweet home bonalbo australia
Hey Newark, thanks for the thumbs up and request for details of the state of play in Boomerang Land. Well, to paint you a picture of the current situation in Australia, you could cut the air with a cheese grater, such is the general expectation, expectoration, excitation and yip yip yippery abroad in every town, city and bandicoot burrow since Dan fans heard that the arcane Gang of Two and their hipster jazzbo craven lackeys were to essay upon a trip of trips and indeed, finally, 'tour the southland'.
Not a peep has been heard from the Prime Minister on the subject. Let's face it: he is not one of us. Understanding only cricket, chicanery, and Eye To The Main Chance, he represents a negation of all human and steely values, and as such is unlikely to be leading the charge for any civic welcomes for the hardy Dan visitors. The bad news is that there is no god. The good news is that John Howard won't be coming back.
Whilst there will be no speeches in the national parliament about the Dan tour, at every other level preparations are well in hand. Muswellbrook has been placed on the national register of sacred sites, and is to become a Sister City to Donald's hometown, Passaic NJ. Local school children have been given the day off to line the streets armed with melodions and fresh fruit. All eyes are to alternately scour the skies for the hallowed steely jetliner and the roads for tour buses. One hundred merit points will go to the first youngster to spot the Steely procession.
Shearing sheds, crocodile tanneries and snakebite antivenine laboratories are left in Marie Celestian silence as operatives and functionaries down tools to jog with show folk, scoff spiced dumplings and generally participate in a groove-oriented Peasant's revolt of sorts. Wombat-proof fences are springing up at venues across the continent and gimlet-eyed platypus wranglers are scouring auditoria on a weekly basis. Nothing is being left to chance. A national newspaper actually carried a full page article on the boys. The author had done some research, but tripped up when he claimed that Keith Jarrett had sued Steely Dan over the song Aja!
Baby boomers, freaks and hep cats alike have queued for tickets. Nearly everyone in Australia will be at the shows. Some people won't front, but that's their problem. The nation is buzzing like the transformers Nigel Tufnel's Marshall stack. I've written to the nation's top TV interviewer, Andrew Denton and our most erudite music jock, Andrew Ford, to goose them into lining up interviews.
Bullgoose plans to facilitate a tasteful Danfest in Brisbane, and Alan and Jeri from Shellharbour are sniffing out the ambience of potential boltholes in Sydney.
More than that, at this stage, I cannot add. I need to complete a composition called The Giant Rat of Sumatra by the weekend. Every word, I swear, is true.
Hey Lisa G, good to see someone walking the musical walk with a command of the musician's lingo. Not to be pedantic, but the poster with the Peter Erskine anecdote got me alarmed when they mentioned him counting in a Dan tune 'in a different meter'.That would really be a provocative jab of a pointy stick into the Beckerian bull ants' nest. I guess they meant 'tempo', but, then again, it would be fun to hear Reelin' In The Years in, say, 15.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 23:25:54 ET
Posted by: a casual observer,
I've heard that blue Gatorade does wonders for that....or possibly whatever pharmaceuticals bandleaders Becker and Fagen have in their shave kits!
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 23:07:11 ET
Posted by: jimpugh, is in the same place Herington was in boston
Jim pugh is in the same place Herington was in boston
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 22:54:43 ET
Posted by: Fife, sunny Florida, eh
New pics at SD.com. Walter with the horse very funny!
Great chatting with everyone last night.
Fife
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 22:44:28 ET
Posted by: oh cranky, isle of wrong
top ten reasons Jim Pugh isn't on the british leg
11) he couldn't get the words bollocks, bloody and ell into his vocabulary fast enough
10) keith richards swapped blood with him in the airport and now he can't pass customs
9) too much cialis and now his horn is stuck for 48 hours in 7th position
8) Wayne E. thinks he's the one who put Carolyn on the duff and is looking for him
7) he was pissed when boy toy Leonhart took the Babylon muted trump solo before he could wet his lips
6) he's been cryogenetically froze with allota fagina
soon to be playing in the London offbroadway "cathouse blues"
5) he's got the Chateau in Nice for tax evasion purposes
(NPR theme song is mega bank)
4) nice guys don't finish last, they don't finish
3)Slinky Redfoot has his mouthpiece
2) his spit valve opened on Walter during the Hey 19 dialog and suddenly it was Hey New Trombonist
1) Bad sneekers and a pina colada can't touch pints of Guiness and floor
gimt
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 21:36:26 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Dad, behave yourself!
Geoff, share your adventures, please!
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 21:09:17 ET
Posted by: ed_beatty, @spankme first
Raj
I'm first if your spanking anyone
big fella
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 19:45:36 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Goeff - you blaggard, no woman is safe around you, you smooth devil, more power to ya mate, blimey, I'm glad someone's still got it...
LWO, I will spank whom I choose, wife notwithstanding, and you are first in line.
Assume the position.
Oh, and go Steely Dan!
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 17:57:29 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Mike and Duncan: thanks for the photos.
Deacon Blue: hope you have a great time tomorrow.
Jim: happy (belated) birthday to you.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 17:09:02 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Dunc:
Excellent pics as always!!
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 16:51:47 ET
Posted by: Bad Trainers, England
Hi all
This is my first comment on dandom so forgive me if i don't use the right lingo!
Saw the Hammersmith gig last night and thought they were ALL superb!
The last time I saw them was at Wembley on the Two Against Nature tour and was lucky enough to be front row then so was a bit worried that last night wouldn't be able to compete.
I needn't have worried, even though I was nowhere near the front, the atmosphere amongst the crowd was like no other gig I've been to and the band were in my opinion better. (never seen such an amzing bunch of musicians) I left on such a high and the only disappointment was not hearing Babylon Sisters sung by the gorgeous BV's!
Pure magic for me, would like to hear more from anyone else who was there.
Bad Trainers
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 16:49:41 ET
Posted by: Jive,
I have seen 3 or 4 Steely Dan tribute bands and watched a few others over the net. The only band that didn't have that "loungey" sound was the Steely Damned in San Diego. Although I wasn't a big fan of the lead singer, they had the energy and attitude. I believe they were all professional musicians, so maybe that had something to do with it.
Geoff, fill us in!
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 16:26:22 ET
Posted by: duncan, UK
London was awesome!!
A triumph, sorry beer's NIA was a 10 but like the ''TAP'' Hammersmith took it to 11.
Donalds comment said it all ''you guys are wild, your bugging me out''
Highlights.... everthing.
An unforgettable weekend*
thank you.
D&L
* the photo's & video help
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richmondschoolreunion01-04-2006/
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 15:48:30 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Not Nearly Enough:
Couldn't agree more. LOL
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 15:45:32 ET
Posted by: Besides that, it sounds like something in the rhythm section is a bit off.,
That's for sure.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 15:44:05 ET
Posted by: Not Nearly Enough, Since you mentioned it...
I watched that Nearly Dan video and am amazed that you think they "beat the real thing hands down". They are not bad, but they have fallen into that SD cover/tribute band trap. They play the notes, they do not "feel" the music. They come off sounding like a lounge act or wedding band covering a song. Steely Dan is not about hitting the notes, it is about the edge and the attitude. Most cover bands just can't pull this off, they sound like a bunch of 40-somethings with day jobs (maybe that's because they usually are!). That Nearly Dan clip is a prime example of what I'm talking about.
Besides that, it sounds like something in the rhythm section is a bit off.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 15:22:52 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
Geoff, I haven't read a thing about what you said has probably already been said. Please do tell if you have the time.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 15:12:38 ET
Posted by: Geoff, Newark
LWO - Here I am! I went to the UK for a couple of shows. Slept on my own all week, but when I get back to Dallas tonight I er okay I better give you a call with the rest of the story.
I'll be in IAH for an hour or so later tonight.
Hey no JT anywhere near us? I wouln't have gone except I here there are are some interesting people in the band.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 15:05:42 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Cover Band Sam:
Sorry, but I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about. LOL
If it helps, however, I propose that you continue to post what you want to post and I'll do likewise.
Deal?
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 15:00:43 ET
Posted by: Geoff, Newark
just came to have a look at the Liverpool reports... haven't scrolled down that far yet. It was even better that Brum. I guess the horse encore has been well covered, including Walter's hilarious "scousers, scousers, fucking scousers everywhere", just after he pretendend to hang his gutar over its head. No doubt someone has already explained what that means, and the humour.
- geoff
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 14:39:37 ET
Posted by: Warren,
warrenkr00ga - This may have been true in the 70's. Read the stuff over at Walter Becker Dot Com. It's not the least bit funny or entertaining. I think even he (Walter Becker) might have lost his edge (shitting in his girl's purse aside)
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 14:31:16 ET
Posted by: warrenkr00ga,
"MTC would have had much more biting, dark lyrics had it been a SD offering. Walter has the edge in lyrics, severed heads aside."
I'd say this mostly true. Most of the writing at sd.com are predominantly the doings of Becker, right? However, I do think a lot of the creativity and fun storytelling comes from Fagen (maybe the enigma, too?). The Nightfly is my evidence for that, as is the song Century's End.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 14:27:09 ET
Posted by: Cover Band Sam, dream land
bassicinstinc- Oh please. You're starting to sound like W1P.
In your dreams. Just let it go and we'll make believe you people aren't posting such nonsense.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 13:19:16 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Anyone wanting to test the veracity (or otherwise) of the statement that the tribute band Nearly Dan "beat the real thing hands down" can check them out at their leisure on YouTube.
Here's one for starters:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kfkdAvAGCVI
I think that any further comment from me would be not only redundant but also inappropriate.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 13:02:13 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England
Time to drastically reduce my meds big time I think people cos if all/any of the negative reports on last night gig are even a tiny bit true, then who the hell did I see perform one ass wipingly storming set in Hammersmith? Like I said, this was the seventh time I have been fortunate to see the band, the third time in the last six weeks, so I'm not classing myself as a starry eyed first timer, but in my humble opinion, last night blew the other six clean out of the water ! Whatever...
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 13:01:54 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, an honest man
IMHO, Donald and Walter have discussed their takes on songwriting in some of the interviews that they have done since 2vN came out. When they write, it is not autobiographical, but snippets/vignettes/musings from a character ("Mr. Steely Dan") who experiences some of what the songs project. Is it everyman? In many ways, I think so.
But I do think 11 TOW is honest, vulnerable and visceral. So is MTC. Some passages lightened with some oddball humor, but as our dear friend Rajah recently opined, MTC would have had much more biting, dark lyrics had it been a SD offering. Walter has the edge in lyrics, severed heads aside.
Lovely chat last night in the Green, folks. Thank you for making a stay at home Saturday night fun!
Oh and Rajah, your wife won't let you spank me. Remember we've BTDT before.....
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 12:54:44 ET
Posted by: Bloke,
"There's a tribute band called Nearly Dan who play the Jazz Cafe twice a year, and I've got to say that they beat the real thing hands down"
Prince of Darkness ( I mean Eithne) - It's time for you to get a life. By the way, are you the drummer or the bass player in Nearly Dan?
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 12:42:28 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
And lastly, I'm not too sure new millenium Dan is much more "honest" than the original. To me, from a lyrical standpoint, Janie Runaway is quite lewd (right in your face!) and one of the most pointless stories SD ever wrote. Same with Cousin Dupree. West of Hollywood (love this song much more) wallows in the same loserdom and alternative lifestyle many characters of the early SD storybook did. Jack of Speed I think most returns to the original and phenomenal story-telling style of the original SD out of the four I have mentioned- maybe it is more relevant to us humans ("honest" maybe you would say) but definitely remains dark with the vast majority of stories in the SD catalog.
I haven't really analyzed EMG quite yet. Things I Miss the Most is probably the most directly personal song SD has written, but I'm not quite sure about the stories of the others yet.
So, from what I have indulged myself in, SD has remained dark, sardonic, cryptic, and witty.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 12:23:28 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
And while I can see where you come from on SD's sarcastic side- I don't believe any of their songs end up condoning the activities they speak of. They let the listener gleem from them what they will, but I don't think any of the drug-abusing alcoholic rapists of the Steely Dan storybook ever ended up happy.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 12:19:34 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
BC,
I'd like to who DF and WB were- were they hardcore druggies? Were they the characters in their songs? Did they experiences all those effed-up things they wrote about? Or were they occasional users of recreational drugs who enjoyed writing about things no one else did?
Just because SD didn't write about happy love and the perfect life doesn't mean their lyrics weren't honest. They were just writing about different things, things no one else did and things fewer people experienced. On one hand, who are everyone else to tell us about how love should be experienced? Why should they preach to us? What's the point? WB and DF probably found the typical love song trite, and wanted to do something different, sharing stories, experiences, and life values no one else could or dared to. Plus, on many occasions, it's way more entertaining and funny.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 11:51:19 ET
Posted by: BC,
You know I adore the music of SD but I wonder why these guys have had, especially in the past, such a difficult time being ingenuous either personally or lyrically.
When you listen to the best music of say, Dylan, The Beatles or James Taylor, their lyrics are guileless yet witty and sometimes cryptic but mostly HONEST and VULNERABLE.
I wonder if SD's personal pasts had hardened their hearts/emotions to the point of HIDING BEHIND THEIR LYRICS (SEMTIMENT) AND THEY CONSEQUENTLY SPITEFULLY LAUGHED AT THOSE THAT THEY SECRETLY FEARED/ADMIRED - PRETENDING TO BE PSEUDO-JAZZBOS.
If you look at the demise of SD I - WB getting hit by a car, his girl dying from an OD, HIMSELF resembling character out of one of his own songs, DF collapsing - WHY did these events happen?
You can only bullshit yourself for so long then it catches up to you and IRONICALLY bites your own sarcastic ass in the end.
Maybe that's why SD II is a more humane, REAL, creature today .
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 11:38:59 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Also i was wondering if Mr. Nightingale is just doing the English part of their European tour. Is in that case Jim Pugh continuing the rest or will Mark Nightingale will be replaced by a third tromboneplayer.
Concerning Brussels i really quiet sure harmonicalegend Toots Thielemans is going to be there because he'sz always there when Steely Dan is passing through Belgium. I hope this time the great "Toots" will doing something on stage with Walter and Donald.
So let's make a rendez vous my dear Bluefriends. Tommorrownight around 6pm you can expect a very detailed review about their passage here in Brussels.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 11:20:43 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Well rajah, maybe we should ask Sir Paul and Mr. Gilmour what they think about last night show in London.
I presume, just the way you said it,people have to let the things go and just enjoy the show just like it is from time to time.
I remember last year when i was in LA to see Donald fagens soloconcerts in Temecula and LA. Temecula was perfection while i had double feelings about the LA gig in the Wiltern because the sound was really sucking right over there.
Does that means that the show was disapointing?? Not at all, it was a great time to be there. It just depends how you feel the whole thing and how you're interpretating your own feelings and expectations.
Tommorrow they will be in Brussels. "Forest National" did not have such a good reputation concerning the acoustic. But i'm sure i'm going to have good time.
One other thing!! Jim Pugh has been replaced by Mark Nightingale on trombone. Is there some more information about that change??
The only thing i know about this guy, is that he has a lot of experience. He played in the past for Sinatra, Sting, Royal London Philharmonic Orchestra and also for afakejazzband named Shakatak.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 10:03:46 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Verrry interesting,Dandom...the difference of your experiences of the London show. What is it, I wonder as I sit on my prayer rug, that makes one person enjoy a show and another be disappointed? Is it a matter of expectations...taste...musical knowledge...the inability to let go and just have a jolly old time? Many questions, my soul mates, very few answers...
LWO - We ARE still talking to each other, our last online spat notwithstanding because we happen to love the same thing. Oh you are a caution, young lady, and probably deserve to be sharply spanked which I will happily deliver upon our next meeting. Oh, and extend my love to your darling young girls, they are your treasures as is mine, 33 years young and giving me grand children. You bitch.
Newark, TvN is a marvelously arrogant tune. It's an affirmative statement that screams, "we're not dead, we're back - and deal with it."
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 09:45:32 ET
Posted by: mrfunk,
hi mike
maybe my comments were a little harsh
no i wasnt at the london gig but was at the liverpool one and it was
damn near perfection so i was amazed to hear some people
being critical of the band's so called half hearted performances!!
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 09:31:48 ET
Posted by: Mike, London
Hi MrFunk
It's a bit hard of you to knock anyone whose assessment of the show is less than glowing. We're all 'real fans' on this site and, personally I feel that Eithne has made some good points. Were you at the gig?
I've seen the Dan nine times at least and this was, for me, their least effective performance. Unfortunately, I was sitting right at the end of the row and I suspect that the poor sound was due to this. When I stormed the stage for the encore (carefully avoidiing the zimmers) I was up front dead centre and it sounded great.
High points: My Old School, Kid Charlegmane, Josie, Time Out Of Mind. Low points 2vN, Dirty Work ( which was fantastic in 2000 ). I felt that J.H. was under-used and the guitars not clear enough from my position. Seven years ago at the same venue, the guitar work was devistating, as I recall. The sound was better in the Santa Barbara open air gig a few years back. Nice set list, spanning their entire career. Everyone is going to have their own favourites, but surely there was something for everyone here.
Still, there was a real buzz on the way out, everyone seemed to want to be talking about the gig, all in glowing terms. A good night, but not a great night.
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 08:46:57 ET
Posted by: mrfunk,
what a bunch of moaning gits!
do us a favour a go and watch artic monkeys instead
and leave some seats for real dan fans next time
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 08:42:46 ET
Posted by: Prince of Darkness, London
Setlist for London was the same as Liverpool
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 08:17:08 ET
Posted by: Eithne, London
Last night's show at Hammersmith was very disappointing. The sound was awful and, apart from the drummer, everyone else seemed to be playing half-heartedly. Walter Becker's guitar solos sounded nothing like the real thing and his rendition of Haitian Divorce was uninspired and lamentable. The backing singers' interpretation of Dirty Work was abysmal - a great opportunity for Fagen to let us hear his take on the song missed - I could have heard a better version down the local Working Man's Club.
Peg sounded flat and dull too. The show started promisingly, Bad Sneekers had everyone going, but quickly descended into a very less-than-average show. Fagen's vocals were all over the place on Kid Charlemagne in particular. The finale of My Old School got things up to speed but it was all too little too late.
Oh well, until next time...
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 07:57:27 ET
Posted by: Nwk, on time
Great posts all . . . and . . .Pictures! How fantastic to see SD!
And wha? Sir Paul and DG in audience, get out!!!!!!
Thrilled that these cats could get in a night of musical enjoyment--most every song spanning the Dan catalogue, some of Donald's favs and also TvN!!!!--hearing TWO must've been a flip out for the special guests--that song is a total trek, as was mentioned by Raj, it moves through lure, tension, releases, dread, resolution--and they play it with such aggression and passion--Two v Nature in its LIVE glory is definitely one of the world's wonders of the new millenium. thx brits and scots and flems(? lol) and all! zzooomm
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 07:30:43 ET
Posted by: mrfunk, aberdeen, scotland
setlist for liverpool was roughly like this:
not sure about the exact running order as i was too
blown away!!
time out of mind
godwhacker
bad sneakers(always enjoy this one)
2vn (stood up well live)
hey 19 (great groove from mr c)
haitian divorce
peg
dirty work(stunning vocals esp cindy mizelle)
home at last
green earings
josie
chain lightning(great work from brass section)
aja(outstanding)
kid charlemagne(fab as always)
fm and my old school (storming versions which
had the crowd on their feet and the place was jumpin)
thanks again donald,walter and band what a night!
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 06:55:56 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England
LWO - Yes, bollox = balls, the transaltantic dictionary's in the post ! As for our little wild time...I...errr..mmm...you know... you must realise...err...I still have the beads under my pillow every night though...x.
Prince of Darkness - everyone has their opinion with regards to setlists etc, so no problem there, but I can only put your comments on the sound down to the fact that maybe you were too close, if there is such a thing. I was in the front row of the top shelf, and it was truely awesome, the clarity, richness, mix etc. Just be thankful you were'nt at Birmingham !
By the way, last night's Sam Yahel trio was down to a duo, before Michael L and Walt W turned it into a quad !
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 04:16:19 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia and Nottingham UK
Re:Lucca,
I live in Italy but have never been to Lucca so can't say what the venue will be like. I know for a fact that the town is one of the most picturesque in Italy (Tuscany) and the gig will be open air in one of the Piazzas. (Piazza Napoleone infact (hope they play Pretzel Logic)).
Anybody going to Lucca and wants to contact me then just email me(click my handle. I'll try to help out with whatever I can (I'm fluent in Italian, so if you have any probs, don't hesitate to call me).
This will be the there first time in Italy and they have a cultured fan base here so I just know they will go down well.
Ok so roll on 28th July.!!!!!!!!
Great Photos Mike,
Roberto
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 03:49:20 ET
Posted by: alan, Shellharbour AU
Hey Mike, nice photo's, thanks for sharing.
Glad to hear that at least 99.9% of the UK fans enjoyed the shows.
Borneo Ann, count me in on one of those photo's of DF and the horse. Sounds hilarious!
Looking forward to September when they come Downunder to entertain the convicts for the first time...
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 03:24:05 ET
Posted by: Mike, London
If you're interested, here are a few pics from the London gig:
http://www.fortbaxter.com/pages/steelydan.html
Date: Sun, July 08, 2007, 00:58:47 ET
Posted by: warrenk,
what is this i hear of DF singing Lucy in the Sky? did he sing that one line or play it with the band?
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 22:36:05 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
The one, the only, the awesome...Steely Dan.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 21:47:47 ET
Posted by: Fife, sunny Florida, eh
Sounds like that on the most part a good time is being had by all in Jolly ole England.
I'm feeling kind of jealous!!
I'm presently sitting here in Florida and wondering if anyone out there wants to have a chat, the folks tend to head to bed a little earlier then I do.
Fife
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 21:44:05 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., The shutter falls
Looks like only four pics posted so far, nothing major dudes.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 21:41:26 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., The shutter falls
Pics from the road now posted at SD.com.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 21:11:48 ET
Posted by: Prince of Darkness, London
Just back from the London show and I must admit I was very disapointed. It was the first time I've seen the dan and my expectations were very high especially after seen the DVDs of the 2006 and 2003 tours.
It's been a while since I've been to a rock gig (I normally go to jazz clubs) , so I was expecting the sound to be great. I'd seen Ennio Morricone with a 100 piece orchestra at Hammersmith six months ago and you could here everything to perfection. I had a seat in the sixth row on Donald's side, but the sound sucked. It was bad for Sam Yahel's band, but I assumed it would improve for the main show. Unfortunately, at least until the last few songs it did not. Jon and Walt's solos seemed to be somewhere in the distance. I could barely make out the names of the musicians in the introductions. However, the main problem was the set list. I had a general idea of what was going to be played from the US shows, so I knew not to expect Dr Wu, Ricki etc, but no Black Cow, Babylon Sisters, Pretzel Logic, Bodhisattva. There were too many omissions of for me anyway, some of their best songs. Tunes like Godwhacker, and TVN would be fine in a 2 1/2 hour set, but in a 100 minute show, they were a luxury.
There's a tribute band called Nearly Dan who play the Jazz Cafe twice a year, and I've got to say that they beat the real thing hands down, at least on this performance.
They play again in early August (and they do play Dr Wu for anyone who is interested)
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 21:09:54 ET
Posted by: Prince of Darkness, LONDON
Just back from the London show and I must admit I was very disapointed. It was the first time I've seen the dan and my expectations were very high especially after seen the DVDs of the 2006 and 2003 tours.
It's been a while since I've been to a rock gig (I normally go to jazz clubs) , so I was expecting the sound to be great. I'd seen Ennio Morricone with a 100 piece orchestra at Hammersmith six months ago and you could here everything to perfection. I had a seat in the sixth row on Donald's side, but the sound sucked. It was bad for Sam Yahel's band, but I assumed it would improve for the main show. Unfortunately, at least until the last few songs it did not. Jon and Walt's solos seemed to be somewhere in the distance. I could barely make out the names of the musicians in the introductions. However, the main problem was the set list. I had a general idea of what was going to be played from the US shows, so I knew not to expect Dr Wu, Ricki etc, but no Black Cow, Babylon Sisters, Pretzel Logic, Bodhisattva. There were too many omissions of for me anyway, some of their best songs. Tunes like Godwhacker, and TVN would be fine in a 2 1/2 hour set, but in a 100 minute show, they were a luxury.
There's a tribute band called Nearly Dan who play the Jazz Cafe twice a year, and I've got to say that they beat the real thing hands down, at least on this performance.
They play again in early August (and they do play Dr Wu for anyone who is interested)
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 21:08:58 ET
Posted by: Prince of Darkness, London
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 20:45:04 ET
Posted by: mrfunk, aberdeen, scotland
steely dan have fab gig in liverpool
i travelled down from aberdeen to see my faves and wasnt dissapointed
having seen the band 3 times in 96 and in glasgow in 2000 this gig was by far the best...
the sound was fantastic, the band was tighter than ever...take a bow mr carlock and the set was a great mix of faves and some newer tracks
hurry back guys...but please come back to scotland next time!
the band got a rapturous reception and seeme to have a great time
well worth the long journey from chilly jocko land
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 20:38:48 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, sharpening the claws
Hello to all of our dear friends across the pond. So Sir Paul came to Hammersmith instead of Live Earth? I reckon that says something about his taste in music, even if his last offering is a dud.
That was a sweet shout out, Kalvin. Gosh, to even be mentioned in the same breath as Cindy in hot pants is such an thrill. She is a lovely person, inside and out! But you don't have the bollox (is that balls, btw?) to wear my beads, you're dancing with Denise and who knows what with my Steely Daughter, so I'm afraid that our little wild time is sooo ovah.
Ann, I'd like the photo. You know the addy. Wish I could have shared with you again this year. You doing downunder? That would be 3 continents with SD. How can you resist?
And Rajah, I'm still not sure I'm talking to you after the last little on-line spat, but I couldn't ignore your comment about pants that fall just below the knee. Are you referring to GAUCHOs or capris?
Also, I've been humming "Bungle in the Jungle" all day and even looked up JT's tour dates, none of which come anywhere close to here. Made me wonder...what OTHER band(s) would you travel 5+ hours to see?
SueDave, we will most definitely keep you posted!
Geoff, where are you, mate, and more importantly, who is sleeping with you, since the ir-regulars are not?
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 20:06:23 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England
...ok, so it was all over nearly two hours ago now, and i've only just about stopped hyper ventilating !
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,... it has been my honour, priviledge and pleasure to see the mighty Dan six times before tonight...but this performance has just blown the other six out of the water. If you know anyone else who witnessed what I just have...ask them...if you know any of the band, or anyone close to the band...ask them, there is no doubt, no debate, this is a statement of fact. End of...
In no particular order, probably cos I'm too mangled to do it at the moment... set list was as per Birmingham except in the main set out went Bad Sneekers and Bodishatva, and in came Home at Last and Kid Charlamagne. The encore was FM and My Old School.
So...A full house, awesome sound, all levels, especially Jeff Y's and the girls were just perfect, John H and Walter like 2 kids who'd been given the keys to the sweet shop, Carlock came on with 2 heads and the monster just grew from there. If we had a snap general election tomorrow, this guy would be prime minister on Monday morning. You could see people around me who did'nt know him were honestly taken aback. Freddie also to the fore with a 30 second solo during the band introductions. The horn section were tighter than a camel's arse in a sand storm ! Mark Nightingale now looking and sounding far more comfortable on trombone than he did on Thursday...especially on the horn section's new extended bit in the middle of Chain Lightning. And how much work had Mr Honey and Mr Lemon done on Donald's voice since Thursday...he was as smooth as the devil in silk pyjamas ! When the house lights went up at the end even Donald looked taken aback to see EVERYONE on their feet going mental, as the whole house had been twisting and jiveing in an arrogant fashion to both encore numbers.
Please believe me, I'm not overplaying this. It will go down as a special one...a very special one. If you have'nt got your European tickets yet, make sure it's for a stand alone show an not part of a festival cos if the sound and the house are just right, as they were tonight, you'll never see the like of this again, these boys and girls are on fire ! Trust me !
The only downer for me personally was that all the usual suspects from the Boston posse in May were'nt there to gorge themselves on it. But though no one can ever take the place of the female company that are the Little Wild One, Girl Margaret (glad you liked the message - your undying love has been noted and will be collected at a later date to be advised !...x.) and Denise, I promise you that Cindy Mizelle in hot pants nearly makes up for it !
Thank you London, you've been a great audience,
Good Night.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 19:44:57 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, London, Got the Dan-gone blues..
Fresh back from the Apollo...
As expected, streets ahead of the NIA. Walt even commented on what a great theatre it was... or words to that vague effect.
Don's vocals were sharp and the rest of the crew were as tight as ever. My Old School replaced Bod in the encore but otherwise the same setlist as Birmingham.
Now it could just be coincidence but I hear that the boys played "Lucy in the Sky with Diaomnds" last night and, possibly returning the favour, who should be sat behind me singing along tonight???... a certain Mr Paul McCartney! With divorce settlement pending it was a shame to see he couldn't afford first row seats but, still, it was nice to see him enjoying his single-again self. David Gilmour was close by too and some other people whose fezes seemed familiar...
A fantastic night but night quite as good as 2000. I know, I know, I'm a hard man to please, but we Dan fans are an exacting bunch. However, I can't wait to see them again already. Whenever they're next on the Eastern Seaboard I'm flying out. Sadly I don't expect to see them in London again.
Was glad Walt decided to drop his lame question-to-audience: "What Trombonist would play in Berkley Square?" when introducing Mark Nightingale. It didn't exactly bring the house down in Birmingham so he presumably thought better of it when faced with a few thousand discerning Londoners.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 19:42:55 ET
Posted by: Jack , London
Fine show at the Hammersmith. House sound a bit bass-y but all players in top form. Sold out crowd lively for London. Spotted Sir Paul McCartney leading the cheers from Row J center and David Gilmore was also in the house. Home At Last a highlight. Farewell chaps, thanks for the visit
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 19:23:49 ET
Posted by: Mike, London
I'm not saying that the London crowd was old but ....
I overheard two guys after the show. One said "Well never see that again in our lifetime!"
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 18:43:03 ET
Posted by: Queen, Live at the Apollo
another one bites the dust
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 18:39:21 ET
Posted by: Ann, Borneo left behind...now in Bolton, Lancashire
ROSELAND MOVE OVER......LIVERPOOL HAS HAPPENED!!!
.......Well, our heros braved torrential rain, floods, gale force winds and terrorist threats to play on this fair isle. They came and they conquered! I will be forever greatful!
As my buddy and I (it was a re-union for us, as we went together to see SD play in May 74)parked up in the multi-story car park in Birmingham, there was a plethora of flash German cars. At this point I realised that 'Middle England' had turned out in full force (30 years down the line they are now lawyers, accountants, etc...). I had the feeling that despite the band's performance, the stiff upper lip would prevail and I was right.
We had front rown seats. The support band was good. During the interval I had a wander round and looked at the instruments and equipment at the side of the stage...and suddenly there before me was Jon Herrington. I shook his hand and thanked him for coming to our fair isle (what a nice fellow he is!). For me, the musical performance was as good as ever, so I won't comment on it, except to say KC has to be the best drummer ever...and Freddy Washington's face was a picture during chain lighning...and the brass section during the same song was incredible. Walt's comments about our culture and weather were hilarious (and a synopsis of why I don't live here any more!!). The audience were responsive to a certain extent, but I didn't feel much energy coming from it.
.....but LIVERPOOL is another story!
This was my 6th time of seeing SD and is definitely the BEST ever! The difference in the audience's respose was unbelievable. The place was jumping and even Walter said we were the best 'kick ass' audience!
The life-size stuffed horse just added to the hilarity of the occasion! I got a photo of Donald and the horse. If anyone wants a copy, just sent me an email entitled 'horse' and eventually i'll send it to you (I'm back in Borneo on 19th july and have very limited access to the internet before then). Walt was on top form and loving every minute of it, and even made reference to his friends from China Crisis. Donald was on fine form.
The new trombonist is Mark Nightingale and is from the UK and stepped in at the last minute, so I'm not sure what happenend to Jim Hughes.
It was a night to remember for a very long time. My favourite band excelled themselves and Northern hospitality was also on top form! I'd dragged along the Off-Spring who had to admit she'd enjoyed the show.
By now, the London show will be over. I hope it was as fantastic as last night was!
Mr. Steely Dan, you are immortal!
Peace to all,
Ann
PS: Happy birthday Jim!
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 18:10:23 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
And.....was there someone in london tonight???
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 18:07:49 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Very nice Live Earth reviews here on the Blue.
But...what about Liverpool?
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 18:04:55 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Kalvin, it's official - I am declaring my love for you! What a treat tonight's voicemails were, felt like I was there in spirit! Thank you so much!
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 16:54:45 ET
Posted by: jeff blackie, message 4 rajah
hey rajah, donalds voice was superb in birmingham just like he'd put in his larynx of the '70's liverpool a little weaker if iam to be critical, will be interesting to know how he comes across in the capital tonight!
cheers!
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 16:22:57 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Rajah -
That's right....that's right.
Saw Ian and the boys in '00...only saw 2 concerts that year...Tull and SD. Parralels: two boy bands for decades (albeit one collaborative and the other totalitarian)...time-tested...both promoting stellar albums that year.
Bummer moment...got there (outdoor venue) and a guy with an acoustic guitar is playing Mr. Tambourine man...not Dylan but Roger McGuinn (or is it Jim?)...hardly anyone there and few took notice. That little pinch of the past makes you pay a price in the self-examination department...later put right when Ian pranced on the stage (stage entrance being another not-to-original parallel).
Ian commented that the elaborate flute he was about to play during the unplugged tune (Tull invented unplugged, right?) looked like a "sexual apparatus"...third 'A' prounounced as a long 'A'...now that's Frank-like. Something else about sending Glenn Cornick is royalty checks.
Indeed, saw Frank a few times in the '70s and he never really was a "bigger than life" guy on stage...not like Ian.
Ian's voice is horrific!...only Dylan's is worse. No real surprise as he went at it with a fury...lot of notes in each recording/performance. Same kinda thing with Freddie Hubbard (previous post) and Leo Kottke, etc...but my real hero, Buddy Rich, never showed that wear and tear...ah, what can I say about Buddy?...except never again.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 16:17:43 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Rajah -
That's right....that's right.
Saw Ian and the boys in '00...only saw 2 concerts that year...Tull and SD. Parralels: two boy bands for decades (albeit one collaborative and the other totalitarian)...time-tested...both promoting stellar albums that year.
Bummer moment...got there (outdoor venue) and a guy with an acoustic guitar is playing Mr. Tambourine man...not Dylan but Roger McGuinn (or is it Jim?)...hardly anyone there and few took notice. That little pinch of the past makes you pay a price in the self-examination department...later put right when Ian pranced on the stage (stage entrance being another not-to-original parallel).
Ian commented that the elaborate flute he was about to play during the unplugged tune (Tull invented unplugged, right?) looked like a "sexual apparatus"...third 'A' prounounced as a long 'A'...now that's Frank-like. Something else about sending Glenn Cornick is royalty checks.
Indeed, saw Frank a few times in the '70s and he never really was a "bigger than life" guy on stage...not like Ian.
Ian's voice is horrific!...only Dylan's is worse. No real surprise as he went at it with a fury...lot of notes in each recording/performance. Same kinda thing with Freddie Hubbard (previous post) and Leo Kottke, etc...but my real hero, Buddy Rich, never showed that wear and tear...ah, what can I say about Buddy?...except never again.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 16:14:12 ET
Posted by: Make that 10 days and COUNTING..., Same as it ever was
(I blame it on my cheap keyboard)
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 16:12:11 ET
Posted by: 10 days and conting..., Europe
Any news on what was being played in Liverpool?
Wonder if the stops at various jazz festivals will get the setlist in a jazzier mood?
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 15:22:55 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
Yo ma Southern Brotha from anotha Motha, I saw Jethro Tull two Novembers ago at this state-of-the-art venue called the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. Ian Anderson is such a great performer, he kept the audience rapt for two hours. He tells stories, he's a great showman. But he's totally lost his range and breath control, it was an embarassment. He did his level best to cover and fill but, man, it just wasn't there anymore. The acoustics in that joint were astounding, panels moving about prior to showtime.
The drummer was behind plexiglass, God I hate that more than anything. And Anderson gave everybody there a live recording of Aqualung done in DC a couple years before at the interval.
Ian at one point had a felt washer displaced on his flute. He stopped and said, "give me a second, this blasted stop needs mending." It was dead quiet in the theatre for a minute or so as he adjusted the thing. The audience sat there silent and attentive, he then looked up, you could hear apin drop in the room and he said, "are you still there?" He was the best guy with a live group of people in front of him I've ever seen, better than Frank and Frank was good, so relaxed, and that's what we really want from a live performer, someone to make us feel calm and attentive, not someone who makes us feel like everything could fall apart at any time. This is my complaint with Donald Fagen. Thank goddness he has Walter.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 15:08:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
Phil still has it, but Land of Confusion and Invisible Touch had Rutherford and Banks mailing it in.
Crowded House rocked Sydney in the wee hours
Check out Locked Out, Silent House, etc. Tracks in the 40s
Phil still has it, but Land of Confusion and Invisible touch
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 14:58:17 ET
Posted by: skmusic, Windy City
One correction regarding REELY DAN:
The Prairie Rock, Elgin IL gig is Saturday AUGUST 11, (not July 11), and TODAY they perform from 5:45 PM to 7:45 PM at FRONTIER DAYS in Arlington Heights, IL (see previous post for details, or better yet - the Chicago & Milwaukee Dandom digests). Enjoy!
REELY DAN
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 14:45:00 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
Rajah-
How you, Bubba?
Thanks for the heads up on the concert (I forgot...damn!). I'm watching some guy named "Kenna"...puhleez. Phil was a pretty wicked drummer as well.
You're bang on about the Chile Peppers (don't you ever get tired of being right?). The Chiles, on paper, aren't my cup of tea but, damn it, when the "boy" plays that stuff, I must admit I listen.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 14:20:13 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
How about this for stage presence:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QqZmtq5LhFo
Even if you have difficulties with the band/tune, hang with it till the start of the guitar solo (3:40 in)...brilliant, Ian...nice kilt, Barriemore.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QqZmtq5LhFo
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 14:08:58 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
I'm enjoying your excitement over there you lucky people. Keep those reviews and random thoughts coming, per favore. And no, no detail is too insignificant. These are our chronicles and they should be both personal and carry with them a high degree of specificity. ...is what I think anyway...
What a great memory for you and your boys, Blackie, the only concert my Dad ever took me to was Claudio Villa and Domenico Modungno. I'm not complaining, they were pretty good, the year was 1962. Ouch.
How is Don's voice? I just watched Genesis on the Al Gore concert and as annoying as he is, I have to give Phil Collins his due, he has lost nothing vocally. He climbs up the scale with no break just like always and he's no spring chicken. Simon LeBon the same way with Duran, I am shocked. And these fuckin Chili Peppers rock hard, my daughter took me to see them 15 years ago and they were just clowns, a joke really but there is something respectable about them as flat out skate-board rockers this far down the line. They basically suck but they have a lot of grit I gotta admit.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 14:04:45 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
DEACONBLUE & Roberto,
Roberto - dinner with Enrico after a show...what can I say?. I have yet to meet a trumpet soloist that doesn't make for good company on some level...especially the "outniks" (imagine Michael Leonhart here...good grief!!!...we all know besides the tours & recordings that he's done horn arrangements for the Dan)...and the stories about Miles must have been eye-opening.
Someone who will remain anonymous (OK, it was my son) attended a Peter Erskine drum clinic recently...Erskine had an interesting example of illustrating deviating time when he played a sax solo...he then superimposed a click track over the solo and yup, the "solid" sax solo was wandering all over the place. He then told the audience that when he played on the SD tour, he thought it would sound better on one tune if it was faster (or slower...doesn't matter) so he counted off a song in a different meter. When the tune was over, one of them (my guess is Becker) said "don't ever do that again" (although at last years sound check here, Fagen was telling the girls not to rush to chorus of ("Deacon Blue").
I just order "The Pilgrim and the Stars" thru Amazon...they were MUCH more expensive used (this one was new from a 100% seller) just a bit ago...sorry folks, that's the only copy...thanks (I still keep the vinyl...love those ECM covers...and the recordings!)
DEACONBLUE - I wish I could be there in Lucca...I live in the Southeastern US...you know, Allman Brothers, Jimmy Carter and grits. I know I don't need to tell to have a great time.
There's nothing like the anticipation of going to a Steely Dan concert.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 13:33:32 ET
Posted by: Lonnie the Kingpin, Lucca
TO ALL LUCCA DAN FANS:
Lonnie the Kingpin will be at Lucca on July 28! I will be on my honeymoon and how lucky for me/us that the boys will be close by. We have our tix and it is a done deal. Cannot wait to take it all in. Come see me in ROW 7 way up front!!!
Who knows what the venue for the show is like?
See you all soon!
Lonnie
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 13:25:01 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
It's great to hear our boys are in great form. Only two days left from the Brussels SD gig.And the day after that it will be Pariggi.
It's really unbelievebal the way i'm discounting the days. I'm just hungry like a child to see his heroes. Ask my wife!!
Roberto.
i don't know if Bob will be in Lucca but i surely will. I'm staying 4 days over there in Lucca. Dusfruting the pearls of Toscane: the fucking good wine, the fantastic food, maybe some operamusic, the painting landscapes, the hystorical treasures of Lucca and of course Steely Dan. There's no better place to see Walter and Donald than in Lucca.
To all who'll be there i just can advice this: Just enjoy the beauty of it all.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 12:41:06 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia and Nottingham UK
Bob, Atlanta,
You can find Pilgrim and the Stars on Amazon..
As far as Easy Living is concerned. This is Enrico's first album on his return to ECM.
It is beautiful . It's got to be one of my all time most played albums
I've seen Enrico live a few times as he tours all year round, in Italy and Europe
I've met him personally once when the audience was invited to join him at a restaurant after his show. He is totally cool, He's played with Miles Davis and and some of the stories he told me that night I shall treasure..What a great night that was..the food was good too.!
Imagine Walt & Dan inviting the crowd back for a meal after the show..now that would be something..!!!!
Bob, are you going to be in Lucca for the Dan show?
Roberto
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 11:15:57 ET
Posted by: heymike,
Reeely Dan! good to see you guys back.
Did you mean July 14 Saturday?
I didnt get an email.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 08:52:18 ET
Posted by: Jeff Blackie, Liverpool delight
Hi all please excuse my woeful attempt at a sort of a revue its more like a "we had a fucking great time" experience i would like to share with you all.My two boys came with me last night aged 13 and 12 and were totally transfixed by the whole experience particurlarly charlie my oldest boy i just hope the experience steers him into a musical career and not a bricklaying one!(hee hee).(not that theres anything wrong with laying bricks mind you)
Well the circus tent has gone and the gig was played out in i believe an indoor equestrian centre (ah!! thats why the horse appeared on stage just before the encore and of course it was aintree,thats typical scouser humour for yer!).
I must say tho' the Sam Yahel "trio" were fantastic especially as walt weiskopf and michael leonhart stood in with them and wow can those guys fucking play i could have listened all night long.
It was carlock in brum but tonight the horn section fucking killed me absolutely blew me away especially during the "bluesed-up" Green Earings and the delight on the faces of herrington and walter as they grinned from ear to ear stage left was a sight to be seen really.Donald was bonkers as usual i just love his "tics" and body language and the way he signs off at the end of a show is truly mesmerising.oh! they left out bodhisattva and also brought in my old school as an encore.Well unless my works holiday entitlement suddenly reverts miraculously back to 25 days from 0 thats me done until Italy.thanx for listening to my rubbish garble. cheers
jeff blackie wales uk (this was the best i have ever heard steely play)
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 08:19:05 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta
E' l'era del terzo mondo-
Congratulations on seeing the show...too bad the sound could have been better...the sound in Atlanta this year was superb...last year it was not so good. Enjoy the next show...I would like to see them twice in succession...there is so much to absorb that the first concert merely sensitizes you to the performance...the second one would be much better absorbed than just a one-off.
Yes, have enjoyed Enrico Rava since the '70s...particularly "Pilgrim and the Stars" and "The Plot"...sadly ECM has yet to re-release these on CD...would love to find a source for them...email me @ jaquesofspeed@hotmail.com. I don't yet have "Easy Living". I am a frustrated drummer so I'll have to check out Roberto Gatto...Jon Christensen, who played on so many ECMs including the above two of Rava's has amazing touch...check him out on youtube...believe Aldo Romano played drums on Enrico's next few LPs.
As we all should know, trumpet is a difficult instrument to master...it's difficult to sound "hip" on it and it is taxing physically (that is why there are so very few trumpet soloists contrasted to so many sax soloists...and sax players play until they drop...no split lips for them...i.e. Freddie Hubbard).
Incidentally, "The Pilgrim and the Stars" has one of the most evocative pieces of cover artwork...also check out "The New York Jazz Quartet" artwork...the one with the apple.
Ciao
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 07:46:09 ET
Posted by: Kalvin , Portsmouth, England
Warren - Thursday had one encore, with two songs. Sorry for any confusion.
GM - I'll only get offended if you send me a phone card ! This is all part of the Dandom Global customer service policy where any and all debts are repaid in Dan heaven ! Direct every and all calls to your voicemail immediately and gloomy mornings at work will be a thing of the past !
Denise - this is now officially our tune and I will ensure the appropriate dedication from the band tonight !
Roberto - Your right, disecting the whole thing is'nt healthy, each and every performance stand or falls on it's own merits and it is what it is. Trouble is if you asked me what I thought about it in a months time I would'nt remember all the little bits and pieces I thought were relevent at the time. Nothing annoyed me about Thursday night, but when you set the bar as high as these guys continue to do, then even a 1% variation from perfection gets noticed by someone. I don't know of any other band performance that gets stripped down like we do to the Dan on the blue, cos we'll all be mightly sorry when it's all over. Believe me, I'll be heading the queue that's left wondering why I bothered to mention that the crease in the right sleve of Walter's shirt was a lot sharper in London than at Birmingham, and why I just did'nt sit back and enjoy the show but I'm afraid that's just where and who we are. Anyway Hammersmith beckons for maybe the last time I'll ever get to see Steely Dan on these shores in this format, who knows. It'll be something special I know, cos even the bloody sun's just popped it head out for the first time in what seems like months to mark THE event of the day as far as I'm concerned. Wimbledon ? Earth Concert ? British Grand Prix ?, Tour de France ? There may be other attractions on this isle today, but only for those people who don't know any better !
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 05:51:38 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia and Nottingham UK
On a "off topic- off forum" note..
I would like to recommend an Italian trumpet player whose music is on one of my itunes playlists mixed in with Steely Dan songs..they seem to go very much hand in hand..especially his album "Easy Living".
His name is Enrico Rava. He often plays with the best drummer I have ever seen or heard, Roberto Gatto, and this drummer is part of his quartet on the above album, has anybody ever heard of these guys?
if not, I strongly recommend you check em out.
Roberto
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 05:41:46 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia and Nottingham UK
Kalvin,
really enjoyed reading your comments about Birmingham UK.
I thought Donald's voice sounded fine, maybe it's all to do with where you sit..i don't know. But I do agree with you that the overall acoustics could have been better: Jeff's and the girls voice I agree were far to down in the mix...But I don't know, I don't want to dissect the whole thing..If I have to be critical then I will find something that annoyed me..but as a whole I really did enjoy it,
I saw them in Birmingham in 2000 and that gig really did blow me away, the setlist , the sound, the acoustics etc...so if I compare to that gig then yeah, this one wasn't as good, but maybe that's the problem, if I hadn't had seen them in 2000 I would have nothing to compare with..
I'm seeing them again in Lucca , which will be intresteting, even due to the fact that it's open air..
No-one seems to have any comments on Sam Yahel Trio...though they were alright..songs a bit to long and my brother actually fell asleep while they were playing.!! But I guess if you're waiting to hear the Dan, then not even Girls Aloud singing naked would grab much of your attention.!!!
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 05:23:06 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, same as before
Now look what you did... I was so mad, I spelt my handle wrong Doh!
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 05:22:04 ET
Posted by: Beerberain, Dandom on Trent
Perhaps some of you guys have been spoilt by better soundstages ... The NIA is a shed! But even so, that was some SOME GIG in a Shed Chaps. The sound in there Does not get any better I can assure you. I've seen a few acts really struggle with the ambient slap back from the walls - Dan overcame - I still say it was effing marvellous!!!
Talk about eclectic venue tho 3 nights running this week at the NIA Rev Al Green, Steely Dan, Ozzie Osbourne - Hands up who went to all three LOL
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 04:13:34 ET
Posted by: Monday Monday, Bolinas Salinas Gilroy LA Chicago Elephant Mountain Montana Mongolia
Just incase you have not had enough of Bear lately
Joel Selvin is doing a front page story on Bear/Owsley Stanley/ and Walter’s friend Stanley Owsley in this Monday’s San Francisco Chronicle http://sfgate.com/
Somewhere over the Pacific tonight Bear and Sheilah will be missing out on 07/07/07.
Date: Sat, July 07, 2007, 03:04:05 ET
Posted by: skmusic, Windy City
Greetings fellow Danites - from REELY DAN!
Please consider joining us for some great music and fun this summer at the following events. REELY DAN, a 10 piece jazz-rock orchestra, is now featuring the requisite trio of exquisite female backup singers (known as the “Chi-town Sistas!) -- as well as 3 well-known Chicago studio brass players (known as the “Fabulous Martinis” horn section)!
They play this Saturday, July 7 a the annual FRONTIER DAYS Festival in Arlington Heights, IL - 500 Miner Street, at Recreation Park; (847) 577-8572. The band hits the Frontier Stage at 5:15 PM, and plays until 7:45 PM.
The next gig is Saturday, July 11 at Prairie Rock Brewing Company in Elgin, IL (127 South Grove Avenue - (847) 622-8888. The band begins at 9:00 PM, and plays until 1:00 AM.
A more detailed communication has been e-mailed to the Chicago & Milwaukee Dandom digests, along with some hip attachments as well.
So in case you're in the Chicago area during these 2 summer dates, please consider coming out and joining the fun with our resident Chicago show-biz kids . . . a splendid time is guaranteed for all!
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 23:13:29 ET
Posted by: What?, Liverpool
Donald sang "Lucy In The Sky" tonight.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 22:56:40 ET
Posted by: Beth, Wild Life Specialist
This is all about me....client Beth....(I had to laugh at what I read throughout the Steely Dan Site....(which one you ask?....well I couldn't tell you and that is that)....my main concern: a real time SD chat site.....where, when, who, how, why, how much?, do I get paid for chatting?, will I be stalked afterwards?, why do birds fly and fish swim? (hint: already know that answer), don't ask me any questions....as you might have already assumed; and you are correct in your assumption....I am a Tech-NO, but give me some slack and break it down for me like A, B, and C.; Dick and Jane, CliffsNotes style......my pity card?... well I don't have one, but if I did I'd use it. Okay, here's one....I am finally in a full time job and I despise it....so that is a pity card if I ever had one. Real time SD chat...that is what I'm after....how awkward it was for me to go onto a SD chat and NO ONE WAS THERE.....awkward indeed....I just ended up talking to myself and that is not good (can I get a witness?). Oh yeah, I like cats, dogs, squirrels, otters, and several other kinds of mammals if that counts for anything. Not too crazy about insects, but I could change if that is a requirement. Seriously. If I am currently on a chat site well then so be it....eureka, stepped in it....if not, shame on me (well, not really shame on me.....I do have some self-esteem----spit,spit,spit,spit......, but as always, whatver. I really don't like posting and then having to wait until someone figures they might give me a reply or hit on me. Regards.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 21:58:34 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Kalvin, I will be dancing with you again (in spirit) to Bodhisattva at the encore.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 21:31:57 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Live Earth will start on XM Radio Channel 40 and 41 in moments from Sydney. Time is now 9:30 EDT.
Blue King Brown on now. Let's burn some freakin' carbon!
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 21:24:16 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, European dreamin'
Kalvin you sweet, sweet man: not only are you a riot in person but you're a riot in the written word as well! What a splendid review! If you call me again tomorrow I'm sending you a phone card to cover expenses, but I hope you won't be offended if I click you to voicemail so I can save the choice tune for those gloomy mornings at work when I need a little pick me up! Have fun tomorrow!
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 19:29:00 ET
Posted by: Warren, lido
Mr.Lapage- Kalvin had the setlist last night down with two encores.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 19:02:38 ET
Posted by: Mr La Page, Still showing my films...
JJ - I'd never expect more than 2 encores. My point was there was only 1.
Anyhow, thank you for your (un)kind advice. Sadly I won't be staying home. Instead I shall be right at the front of the stalls, whooping like a liquored-up frat boy on Spring Break and (though not quite simultaneously) blubbing like a de-throned Prom Queen.
Like many others, I shall share my thoughts on Hammersmith this time tomorrow...
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 18:55:33 ET
Posted by: suedave, wishin' I was seeing Steely Dan in Europe
I would love to take you up on that drink rollerskater - what a shame about me that I was a year off in my timing...thanks again the drink you bought me last year when I visited you with Ruby & Katy. You've got great timing though!
Here's a CD I need to put on my wish list in the September timeframe: "It has always been my dream to mix Steely Dan with No Means No," Dave Grohl told Billboard of the eclectic sound of the sixth Foo Fighters album.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070706/music_nm/foo_dc_1;_ylt=AnClJJPjJ_nI32f0l3EpFgwE1vAI
Anyone here familiar with No Means No?
BTW, LWO, Fife, Denise - keep me in the loop for your plans next summer if well, you know.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 18:29:49 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
First the domestics, in no particular...
LWO - you know I really did have them with me, but I did'nt have the bollox to wear them on my own so I'm afraid they stayed in the car ! Also the fact that it was pissing down with rain just about right up to showtime did'nt help so it was straight into the venue where, as others have commentated it was as dark as hell. Will try and be a bit more of a big boy for London tomorrow...x.
Girl Margaret - glad you liked Peg. Just seemed like a good idea idea at the time. Any requests for your track for tomorrow, or are you happy for me to play DJ ?...x.
Roberto - Apologies mate, your right, it's one bad sneakers and one babylon sisters. It's just when your trying to understand some rough notes you scribbled in a concert at 2.30 in the morning, the brain sometimes can't distinguish between one 'B.S.' and another !
Hoops - all us celts wish you a very 'penblwydd hapus !'
And now for something completely different...and remember people, opinions are like assholes - everybody's got one !
Many thanks first to Mr LaPage. You've helped break the ice for me sir and made some of this a whole lot easier after all the positive comments on Birmingham that had gone before. Firstly it was good, bloody good infact, but I sort of won't be reaching for the kleenex just yet. The positives, in no particular order were Walter who I've never seen better, Keith, but especially after Green Earrings when he seemed to take things up another level, John H, who no matter how much he fiddled with his sound, it just sounded bang on the money to me, the near sell out crowd who seemed very knowledgeable, 2vN, Hey 19, Peg, Josie and Chain Lightning. However, and maybe I'm booking my ticket to Dan hell for the following, Jeff Y and the girls vocals were too quiet, overall the sound lacked a certain richness, it all seemed to pass you by very quickly on it's way up to the roof miles above us, the majority of the same knowledgeable audience as before, but who's feet were firmly nailed to the floor and here's the big one for me - Donald's voice, which I just did'nt think was anywhere near top form. Whether it was because it's had a lay off, or maybe the cold and damp conditions did'nt help, but if he's going to take that all the way through to Ozz, then Mr Honey and Mr Lemon both have their work cut out !
I confess that thanks to my night job as a bank robber, I've been lucky enough to see Steely Dan 3 times in Boston since they last visited these shores - once in May this year. Last night, for me at least, was a couple of notches below that, but as I said, still very good. Whether they'll warm up as the tour goes on, whether it was just a bit of first night cobweb blowing, or, and this certainly works for me, whether they need to feed off a more energetic audience to take them up the the next level,a la Boston in May (LWO, GM, Denise, where were you ?), that just was'nt quite there last night. They may get it on a Friday night in a traditionally more passionate Liverpool, we'll have to see. The venue for London is easily the best of the UK 3, but like New York sometimes, London audiences can be a bit too much up their own ass to really let go, hopefully not tomorrow night. (apologies to those concerned - but you know what I mean).
There is a train of thought that says that after seven years of Dan starvation, all these guys had to do last night was come on stage and farted in turn and they'd have got an ovation ! People were there to worship at the alter of Dan just because they could. Donald's first two words to the audience last night were 'hiya kids.' Maybe there just were'nt enough kids, or people who were prepared to take on that role for the night, there.
(There, that's better, and just in time as the nurse is just heading down the corridor towards me !)
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 15:17:29 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, still raining
Mr. La Page, I don't think you are being critical and controversial. Count me amongst those who want to hear the newer, less hit list stuff. But as we discussed during the east coast leg, to some point, they do have to play to the crowd. Having said that, I hope the acoustics and the crowds get better.
Maybe that is the odd thing about us Danizens of the Blue. We don't just see one show.... Does that make us better or worse fans? A lot of bof, I would think.
Hi Kalvin. Do you have your beads?
Happy belated, Jim! Hugs and kisses always!
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 15:13:55 ET
Posted by: Randall,
"whoops where seriously hard to come by"
Yes he is a busy chap as noted by Rajah comment
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 15:06:33 ET
Posted by: J.J. Putz, all over
Mr. Lapage -
I got some bad news for you. No matter how much the crowd hoots and yells and screams they will never do more than two encores. They also won't change the setlist. So my advice to you is either stop crying and enjoy the musicianship or just stay home.
This Saturday night will be no different then last night.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 13:43:17 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, London, UK
I'm as big a fan as everybody else here and was seriously looking forward to seeing the boys as 7 years is way too long, etc.
Maybe my expectations were scandalously high but I was seriously disappointed by the gig. I was sat at the front of Block D (not the worst seats in the house by any means) which was a little to the left of the action but I found the acoustics seriously lacking and the venue felt like a lofty school hall/gym on graduation night. I felt sad for the boys that the place looked/felt so empty.
Watching YouTube clips of the US gigs I hear, whooping and excitement and see evidence of dancing - or something very like it. However, at the NIA anyone who dared to dance in the aisles was swiftly reprimanded by a Stalinite steward and whoops where seriously hard to come by.
Also, the audience decided to rush off home as soon as the boys had played their "final" number. any hope of a double encore faded with this exodus and so we ended up with less Dan than we should have had.
I'm going to the Apollo tomorrow which is an infintely better venue and I can only hope the London mob don't feel the urge to rush off to the car park/baby sitter/pub-before-last-orders.
Sorry gang, but I'm not going to lie and gush just because everybody else is.
I also would have liked them to have pandered less to the Mid Life Crisis Brigade and played more of their recent stuff which, let's face it, they'd much rather be playing anyway. How anyone can seriously enjoy playing a song they wrote 30 years ago night after night is beyond me. It's like reading the first love letter you wrote to your first girlfriend out loud or showing photos of you with acne... why????
God damn it to hell and back, I know I'm being controversial and ojectionable but somebody's gotta...
Bring on Saturday night... please...
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 13:39:40 ET
Posted by: Glad , It's Friday
I thought Carolyn looked pregnant 2 months ago in Atlanta, so...
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 13:29:15 ET
Posted by: Rajah,
So very happy for you Brit fans and please keep the commentary coming. So you like that Keith Carlock, huh? Great showman.
Hoops, as former stage actor and aficiando of the feminine form, I could I daresay with no false modesty be certified an expert on female sartoria. I've been called upon to unhook many a corset and bustier in my time, my dear host, and am a freak for ladies in their skivvies. Oh that Victoria's Secret catalogue is better than any pornography available online. Not that I've looked. That's an "Empire" waistline you're talking about, think Marie Antionette. A gal hasta be long and willowy to pull that off, oh but when they pull that off... I see a lot of what we used to call in the 60s, "baby doll" dresses lately, have to have great legs. But these very distubing pants that come down to just above the knees are disquieting. Hate 'em, three snaps down.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 12:35:53 ET
Posted by: 2dgs, End of break
Ok, scats, wormy, nola etc. I do apologize. My bad--the operative word is "trying" (to steal thunder). To sum up and get back to diggin' I think a Brit once offered that "Silence does enhance a conversation," and that you can bank on. I did see a forum on Levin's site--perhaps praise him there? bye
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 12:29:45 ET
Posted by: hoops, passing through on the quick
Glad to hear the UK reports. When I hit shows in 2000 in Paris, Rotterdam, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf, I found European audiences to be suberb in every way. Can't wait to heara the word from these SD-starved fans!
As for Carolyn being duff, well, who knows and it is none of our business, but here in the States, I've noticed the hip ladies' look theese days are these dresses, skirts and tops that are cut where the waist band seems to start from just below a woman's bust--yeah, perhaps like a maternity dress IMHO. There is a name for this as some fashion maven told me when I commented on this recently. Maybe Europeans have not had this fashion fad. Clearly this post reveals more about my lack of fashion sense than anything else.
What? No Jim Pugh?
Jim
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 12:26:58 ET
Posted by: Craig B.,
You Brits!
Thanks
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 12:06:26 ET
Posted by: 2dgs, next door
Ok now, the weekend has officially begun!!!!!!! Everyone will be heavy rollin' on 777 day--but no one like Steely Dan!
Club sandwiches for everyone!
I am impressed Freddie's magnanimity and amused his layin down slaps. Is this dynamic a rite of passage for what was considered by the boys and justifiably so a sound quite passe by then when vogue in the mainstream--ala the upsweep of the Rickenbacker popularity era?
My God, please continue that Brit wit and those darling idioms a comin'.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 12:06:03 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
Craig
Up the duff = with child/expecting/preggers/in the family way/etc
Thinking about it today - it may just have been the outfit......but I wonder????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Anyone have any inside info on this??????
R
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 12:03:56 ET
Posted by: mr belzoni, funway west
yes richard we yanks arent familiar with "up the duff" especially as it may apply to the lovely carolyn,,,,, should my mind be racing with "dirty little thoughts"?? mr b
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 12:03:49 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Craig B:
Translation:
"Trying to establish whether or not Carlolyn was pregnant"
Apologies to Richard for jumping in with this on his behalf. "Up the duff" has long been one of my very favourite and typically Brit expressions. :-)
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 11:57:07 ET
Posted by: wormy, nola
are you blue dolts so insensitive?
i thank the UK boys for their british posts
and glad to see the band is still in fighting fine form
and I'm somehow bashing the proceedings???
stealing someones thunder?
gmab no, gmafb
I thought others here might want to hear that mr Gabriel is going for some very deep cuts this Euro tour instead of cow toeing to the masses
that comment has no dig to the dan tour so don't put it there
I forgot that Mr Gabriel isn't two steps of seperation from Walter's grandfather (other than in the looks department)
so kindly take your comments elsewhere
bye
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 11:51:30 ET
Posted by: Craig B., AV CA
Richard
Thanks
What the fuck does " Trying to work out whether Carolyn is up the duff " mean?
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 11:21:49 ET
Posted by: broadway duchess, around & about
Hey kids, can anyone clue me in as to who is/are the original composer(s)/performer(s) of the instrumental tunes played by the Steely Dan Orchestra 2007, "Jeri" and "Carolyn"?
And wishing a big Happy Birthday to dear Hoops ! May you have many many more, Jim !
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 11:11:44 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
My Birmingham highlights in no particular order
1. Being caught out by the prompt start
2. Trying to find my seat in the dark with out taking my eyes off the band
3. Marvelling at TOOM and GodW - particularly the horns
4. The roadie removing Donald's lyric stand after God so I could get a clear view of KC in action.
5. Deciding that my attempt at KC's intro to TvN was a load of old tosh and deciding to give up trying
6. Bad Sneakers
7. How well the band played the reggae feel for Divorce
8. Peg - the guitar solo, the slapped bass, the horns, the backing vocals, etc, etc, etc - real class
9. Walter's singing voice
10. Donald's singing voice
11. Trying to work out whether Carolyn is up the duff
12. Walter's guitar playing.
13. Mr Washington's facial expressions indicating how much he was feeling it
14. Walter's Hey 19 story
15. A couple of odd Fender Rhodes chords and notes
16. Babylon Sisters
17. Marvelling at how Green Earings got my girlfriend's head bobbing.
18. A fantastically bluesy Chain Lightning
19. KC's drum fill that brought the band back in during Josie - you know the one
20. Bodhisattva
21. Messers Fagen, Young, Washington and Carlock holding it all down
22. Roger's big big big horn
23. Aja from beginning to end
24. KC's left foot and left hand - just going all the time - phew - that is something for the weekend - and actually noticing how big his forearms are.
25. Donald standing up and exhorting the band int a proper climax to finish a couple of numbers.
Think that'll do
Cheers
Richard
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 11:01:46 ET
Posted by: 2dgs, grrrr
Yes, Scanks--Tony Levin is a tempting deviation and wicked as all get out, but why not let us bask in the glory of the Dan for a spell?
And the brits' reaction is priceless--let em roll for chrissakes?
As quoted by the late great husband of my girlfriend friend who lives down the road asks, "Tryin' to steal the thunder are ya?" Why not take a week off, scats, or are you going to rave about the Elton John show up the road tomorrow?
grrrrrufff
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 10:01:27 ET
Posted by: scats, nola
good to hear the euro end - people enjoying it
looks like Peter Gabriel is digging in the dirt
and going back to very old classics
see his setlist here (Tony Levin's tour site)
damn, wish I was abroad
http://tonylevin.com/pg07_4.htm
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 10:00:34 ET
Posted by: Jeff Blackie, Birmingham review
Hi all please excuse the late review but a spell in casualty was needed after last nights fireworks!.One word says it all i believe ok maybe two KEITH CARLOCK, jeepers where did u yanks find this giant of the drum world, he absolutely tore the place up, if ever a guy has/got/does/ the steely vibe this be him indeed!!.However as you know one swallow does not make a summer and all i can say is the band as a coolective were truly outstanding and yes this was the best i have EVER heard them play.If the circus tent manages to stay grounded in the high winds were having in our fantastic summer were experiencing (not) then Liverpool's gonna be desi-may tonite!!
thanx for coming over steely have a great and safe tour.
cheers jeff blackie wales uk
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 09:05:57 ET
Posted by: duncan, UK
My Birmingham highlights
2VN, Green Earrings, Kid C, A very bluesy Chain Lightning*
Aja & FM
The prompt 8.30 start seemed to catch many people out, with literally hundreds of people stumbling around in the dark ?. * Walter’s introduction to chain lightning brought on the mass exodus of the weak bladderd not helped by the GIANT 2 pint buckets of ''ahem'' lager that where on sale.
Donald' take on the band intro' '' His favourite part of the show, every night they get new names ''
A great band & show
Thank You
See you in London
Duncan
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 07:14:10 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, in seventh
We were NOT worthy ... BEST gig ever!!!
Donald Fagen - Keyboards and Vocals perfecto
Walter Becker - Guitar icing the cake
Keith Carlock - Drums a go go
Jon Herington - Guitars a plenty
Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery - Backing Vocals sensually Snakey
Michael Leonhart - Trumpet and Flugel Flare
Cindy Mizelle - Backing Vocals belting it out
Mark? Nightingale - Trombone (Apparently he sings in Berkley Square according to WB lol)
Roger Rosenberg - Baritone Sax Appeal
Freddie Washington - Bass Base BASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Walt Weiskopf - Sax ual healing
Jeff Young - Keyboards and Backing Vocals The glue you would not sniff at no way Jose
I coulda died happy and satiated last eve
Built upon the rock (of ages, we hope) that is Carlock/Washington/Young was a MIGHTY MONUMENT to MUSIC Never before seen in the very moist Midland Capitol
'Never heard DF sing better, or with more feel and enjoyment - perhaps it was the thought of "English men and Ladies out there in the dark" ;-)
Herrington nailed EVERTHING ... a measure of the guys relentless pursuit of perfection tho, - he had his Guitar tech out to his amp/gear several times during a performance that had sublime tone/timing/touch - Wtf he was trying to gain extra only the gods will know!!
Hey 19 Soliloquy gave a side swipe to our Weather and our noble cuisine both of which we forgive of course i was struggling to put the sartorially garbed character WB painted into any kind of romantic situ...
Raincoat, Rainhat, Rainshoes?? (Wellies woulda worked) Hat, Scarf, Gloves... it went on
And the menu read (thanks CB for the help) "Lancashire Hotpot, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, Buuble and Squeak" be assured ANY kinda sexual congress after that lot would need a whole lotta Tequila and FC and maybe a crane to lift you on top !!! Walt if you can see this I dare you try Yorkshire pud in The 'pool 2nite and don't forget the Jellied Eels Pie & Liquor when you get to The Smoke...
PLEASE DON'T LEAVE IT ANOTHER SEVEN YEARS
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 06:40:39 ET
Posted by: Geoff, Wiggy hotel in B'ham
I was sat right at the back, it sounded great up there, and the view was really good too. Walter's summary of British cultural sterotypes was a riot "Lancashire hot pot" LOL!
See you in Liverpool. How do you get to the Adelphi?
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 04:59:38 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol Uk
Birmingham
Wow what can I say - great gig and great setlist - highlight for me was Aja - now I am a big fan of KC but I have to say that was the most impressive, powerful and groove conscious piece of drumming I have ever seen (and I've seen a lot) and I had a great view.
More on that later - a couple of points - No Jim Pugh???? didn't catch the trombone player's name
Agree that Walter was outstanding but JH's solo on Peg was superb and a real joy.
What a talented band - I doubt that amount of talent on one stage will be seen again once this tour is over
On stage early - 8.35 and finished at 10.20 - fine with me
More later
Richard
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 04:54:49 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia and Nottingham UK
Kalvin,
looking at the setlist you posted, Bad Sneakers is there twice.
Also Babylon Sisters is missing, I think (but not sure), that it should go where the 2nd Bad Sneakers sits..
Roberto.
Date: Fri, July 06, 2007, 03:53:40 ET
Posted by: PR Logic, http://www.thebear.org/
Bear is still here in the USA and has many lovely art pieces for sale at his website.
Al
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 22:34:40 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Thanks, Kalvin. Would have loved to have seen WB in action tonight! Richard, did KC meet your expectations?
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 22:29:01 ET
Posted by: Girl Margaret, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Thanks for the set list, Kalvin! And thanks for calling me earlier and playing Peg to my voicemail, it has been saved and will probably be listened to every day at work when I feel like ripping my hair out. My dad was in the kitchen with me as I was listening to it and kept asking what was wrong with me as I was jumping up and down with a big goofy smile on my face. Truly brightened a crummy day! Sounds like a good show, looking forward to some DETAILS tomorrow!
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 21:20:06 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England
Apologies for the delay people, but as I failed to find a hotel in Birmingham for less than the debt of a small third world country, I decided to drive the three hours home. So with my 21 hours already clocked up for the day, I'll leave you with jut the set list tonight with a full debrief by the time you get up tomorrow. It was good, very good infact, but great...mmm...I'll have to get back to you on that one, but as for the Man of the Match, step forward and take a bow Mr Walter Becker...like a hyperactive kitten who's just been given his first ball of wool !
SPOILER+++SPOILER+++ SPOLIER+++
Jeri
Time out of Mind
Godwacker
Bad Sneakers
Two against Nature (slight different arrangement at the end of it)
Hey 19 (Walter on top form - British weather, British food)
Haitian Divorce
Peg
Bad Sneakers
Green Earrings(Carlock goes from being just awesome into a monster)
Dirty Work
Josie (all on top form)
Chain Lightning
Aja
Bodisatva
FM
Kid Charlamagne
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 19:15:09 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia and Nottingham UK
Just got back from Birmingham gig.
Just wanted to say they were awesome..too tired and exhausted to give more details but will update in the morning..
Roberto.
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 15:39:16 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago
I was thinking the same thing--getting ready to start.
One cool thing is I don't have to wait up late for setlists on this leg of the tour.
Also: Per-Gunnar has a new Stockholm Danfest page at the URL below. The delay is ALL my fault. Awesome page, Per-Gunnar. And it looks like even more awesome Danfest.
http://dandom.com/danfests/stockholm
Jim
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 15:27:45 ET
Posted by: Newark, , MD
Isn't it around six hours difference between EST and the UK time? If so, they should be soaring along in their magnificient glory right about now. Egh? Nwk
Godspeed, SD
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 12:23:35 ET
Posted by: Hutch,
Richard - Perhaps she was referring to that elusive yet ever present Mr. Steely Dan himself! That underlying ghost-character who pervades so many of their........
Nah. I guess not.
Have a great time at the show. We will all expect a report of course!
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 12:03:13 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
All UK ers
Got that info direct from NIA by phone.
However the converstation went like this
Me : Hi could you tell me what time Steely Dan is on tonight
Girl : Yep HE'S on 8.45 till 11.00
Sounds promising nevertheless and she did promise to check HIM out once I had explained how good they were.
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 10:29:56 ET
Posted by: Beersy, Same as it ever was
± S a m Y a h e l O r g a n T r i o o p e n s On SD.com
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 10:25:48 ET
Posted by: Lazy Dan,
Richard in Birmingham tonight -
8.45 to 11.00 - Steely Dan ?
You mean:
9:00 - 10:20 - Steely Dan
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 10:19:21 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, Dandom on Trent
Hey Richard ... where did you get that info from ? Any clues on the support ? 2hrs 15 for of Dan ... Making up your lost time (out of mind) Lets go Dragon chasing Man !!! OR I'll be in the bar havin it large
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 10:00:05 ET
Posted by: Craig B,
Richard
Have a great show
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 09:46:11 ET
Posted by: Richard, Bristol UK
Birmingham tonight
So looking forward to it - for those that are going this may be useful (according to NIA)
7.30 to 8.15 - Support Act
8.45 to 11.00 - Steely Dan
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm - sounds interesting
Richard
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 09:36:02 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Beersy:
I think I'll just keep it all in. :-)
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 09:14:24 ET
Posted by: Beersy, UK
Look Mr T you've had a little time to think it over you've had a little time to have your fun ... ;-)
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 07:46:36 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK
Beers:
Enjoy it buddy.
I'll be thinking of you as I tread the boards in Sheffield.:-(
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 03:14:06 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, Burton on Dan
Guys ... THE DAY has arrived time to get out our Britishly Bad Sneakers in Brum tonite !!! The seven year itch is about to get scratched ;-)
I know I should know this BUT where do I post 3 avail tickets for London?
Date: Thurs, July 05, 2007, 00:19:47 ET
Posted by: Ivory Phallus and Regalia, hold the peaches
Pississantly. Ha ha ha!
Enjoy the Dan, Kalvin.
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 21:56:29 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, Chgo
I too liked your "human interest" post Fife. But be careful, there are lurkers on here that will have none of it!
Happy 4th to all!
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 18:30:54 ET
Posted by: Celine Dion, Oh Canada
Don, What about Paul Schaffer?
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 18:08:12 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Very detailed setreports of the Brussels concert. That's what you can expect of me upcoming monday between 6 and 7 pm eastern time.
The same thing concerning the Paris act but a little bit later because i have a 3 hour trip to do after the French concert. If i'll meet other Danners in Paris , well better no expect a review before tuesday. You know how such a things go.
Lucca is surely going to be my top of the build. It's the birthplace of the great operacomposer Giacomo Puccini. I know that there are some operafestivals in july. In think i'm going to make one.
Isn't that great?? Steely Dan meets Puccini!!!
i also was wondering who of yours will be in Lucca?? I insist that such a lovely place would be the ideal place for a Danfest. Are there some Italians that are interested??
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 17:26:36 ET
Posted by: Young Guy,
Sorry Garcia, didn't mean to offend you. Don't get me wrong, I love the Doors. I've heard them for as long as I've heard Steely Dan. And I think there is a point to his lyrics having a definite poetic quality to them. Quite possibly his words sound better together than do SD's. But I think they'd be considered good poetry because of the aesthetic quality- and that's definitely something worth studying. Maybe they're really good at describing something, of arousing the senses. I mean, again, I'd love for you to prove me wrong- it would only be another avenue of great pleasure for me. It's just when I sing lyrics like "show me the way to the next whiskey bar, o don't ask why" (love the song, though, for sure) or "What have they done to our fair sister? Ravaged and plundered and ripped her and bit her" (great assonance and alliteration definitely) I can really only come to the conclusion that they're inspired by the burnt out, simplistic thoughts of a carefree, tree-hugging, drug-abusing hippy trying to sound deep.
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 15:33:54 ET
Posted by: Don Breithaupt, Toronto
Happy 4th of July to my American friends/relatives/colleagues. I was incommunicado during the recent Canada flap here at the bluebook, but I thought I'd weigh in with a few of my favo(u)rite notable Canucks, excluding hockey players. Some of these names may surprise you:
Margaret Atwood
Saul Bellow
Paul Bley
Lenny Breau
Jane Bunnett
Jim Carrey
Bruce Cockburn
Leonard Cohen
Douglas Coupland
David Cronenberg
Robertson Davies
Gil Evans
John Kenneth Galbraith
William Gibson
Glenn Gould
Sonny Greenwich
Phil Hartman
Peter Jennings
Norman Jewison
John Kay
Marshall McLuhan
Mike Myers
Lorne Michaels
Joni Mitchell
Steve Nash
Catherine O’Hara
Michael Ondaatje
Oscar Peterson
Christopher Plummer
Mordecai Richler
Robbie Robertson
Martin Short
Donald Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland
Larry Walker
Kenny Wheeler
Neil Young
DB
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 14:42:47 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England
Hi Denise, good to hear your voice and I hope all is well with you. Unless I get all tired and emotional tomorrow night, I hope to have a set list/atmosphere/swag list report posted here between 5-6pm Eastern time. With regards to comparisons to Boston though, even though I've registered for any Danfest info I have'nt heard or seen anything about any get togethers so I'm afraid it won't even be in the same ball park. (Then again, maybe they're just keeping the news from me !!!). So just on the off chance, if there's anyone reading this and going to either the Birmingham or London concerts and you fancy a sweet sherry and a cucumber sandwich (crusts cut off of course) before either concert, and you're not too fussy about the company you keep, then I'm open to offers on 07970 940297 !
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 13:51:49 ET
Posted by: Fife, Baltimore, eh
LWO,
That's just too weird, Gretchen and I were talking about doing that exact same thing. I've been checking beach houses out on the OuterBanks of NC, it's just so beautiful there, the beaches are prisitine, and are quite reasonable if you have a gang to go in on them. Wouldn't that be fun a Dan sing-a-long by a campfire on the beach!
Fife
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 13:04:21 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, Blues Beach....it's rainin'
That was a lovely post, fife. And while I think my camping days are in the past, it made me think about next summer IF there's no tour (always hopeful, but realistic, too) that we should plan a big beach house get together. Denise and I talked briefly about this in Boston.
Can't wait for the UK/Europe posts. Have fun, y'all!
Young guy, I like Maroon 5 a lot. Now, having said that, nothing compares to the Dan. I listen to the radio on the work commute and I have a teen-ager and a wannabe teen, so keeping up with the current stuff is a must. Also, All American Rejects, but I'm prejudiced since one of my good friend's brother plays in the band.
As for the Beatles and the Doors, I listened to them when I was a kid. Don't currently own anything by either group, so I can't say I listen now. You can't argue with the influence the whole British invasion had on popular music. I actually own more Elvis and Sinatra than any of the afore-mentioned acts, excepting Steely Dan, of course.
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 13:01:24 ET
Posted by: G Garcia, Modesto
Young Punk
The suggestion was for your buddy, not you. If he is aware of The Doors then you both need to move on to something else. You are entitled to your opinion and many do share that interpretation of Morrison.
Morrison works on two levels. He has the appeal to the unwashed masses with his voice and sensationalism for those who really don't care about the lyrics or meaning but only go as deep as a sonoral, visceral experience. You could enjoy Hendrix for example, and you could never figure out what the fuck he was mumbling.
On another level, Morrison's lyrics and poetry have been published in other arenas and used in college literature and music classes. So for some there is as deep or deeper meaning as you could get from Steely Dan.
In the end, it all in what you like. But for the youth of today that might not be aware of The Doors that like Steely Dan (rock, with jazz, pop, blues inflections) they might have interest.
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 12:56:03 ET
Posted by: mikemLBI, LBI, NJ
happy 4th,
a steely torrent at
http://www.thetradersden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=40987
notes from page:
DVD - Proshot Steely Dan xxxx-xx-xx Video Nuggets (NTSC)
Steely Dan Video Nuggets
created July 3, 2007 by Creflo
01. Old Clips:
- Reeling in the Years (live)
Incorrectly labelled "7-11-78"
Unknown origin. poor quality hi-gen
Better versions exist, even on youtube
- My Old School (Jan 9, 1973)
'American Bandstand' rebroadcast
Don veils comments during lipsync?
Bandstand backup "singers"
Disaffected Becker and limited band
Dick Clark hints at Naked Lunch dildo reference
"Thinking person's music"
- Do it Again + Reeling in the Years (Jan 24, 1973)
'Midnight Special' TV broadcast
David Palmer sings with a frightened face
"Skunk" on bongos
Couple of drag spots in the tape
02. Alive in America (German)
Supplements the missing minutes of VH1 US version
03. Alive in America (VH1)
Footage from final show of 1994 tour (Sept 18 Phoenix)
Mixed with candid interviews, LP shopping
04. David Letterman: March 3, 2000 (recording date)
'Cousin Dupree' is performed with Don on Key-tar
05. CNN World Beat: March 3, 2000
Interviews and rehearsal footage.
Nice clips of Mike McDonald weighing in
06. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction: March 19, 2001
Brief speech/Q&A followed by 'Do it Again' w/ house band
Paul "the shiv" Shaffer directs Don & Walt?...sit down man!
07. VH1 Storytellers: April 24, 2000 (broadcast date)
- FM
- Peg
- Kid Charlemagne
- Bad Sneakers
- Josie
- Do it Again
- Cousin Dupree
- What a Shame About Me
Performance taped Feb 2, 2000 at Sony Studios in NYC
Stupid questions answered, lame props fail
Superfan nerd answers trivia and loses mind
08. Today Show: May 5, 2000
- Interview
- Peg
- Jack of Speed
- Kid Charlemagne
Uncertain finish to 'Kid'. Stopped DVD-R prematurely
'Dean & Deluca' in background (referenced in 'Janie Runaway')
09. Today Show continued
- Black Friday
10. 'New Frontier' Donald Fagen video
- An extra nugget
These were transferred from VHS to DVD+RW using a standalone recorder.
All clips are first gen VHS except 01.
I traded the 2000 material to some cat for a VHS of the AJA
Greatest Albums DVD when it was only available in Japan. He included
the crusty 70's clips and the German 'Alive in America' clip.
Someone took the clips I supplied and is selling a DVD with them.
Lineage:
VHS -> LP speed DVD+RW (LVW-1101HC1) -> DVD Decrypter -> TTD
Not for sale.
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 10:25:05 ET
Posted by: Young Guy,
Garcia G,
How can you say The Doors are on par with the Dan lyrically?? Morrison's got a great voice but most of the time the lyrics are pointless, rambling drug trips. They may be fun to listen to but don't go near the depth that SD's lyrics do. If you can prove me wrong, I would only be happy.
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 09:16:34 ET
Posted by: Fife, Baltimore, eh
Happy July 4th and belated Happy Canada Day, which was on the first, to all you fine folks of Dandom.
Mr. Sam and I celebrated with a camping trip to Point Lookout MD. There’s a lot of history there, it was a POW camp during the Civil War and the scenery was gorgeous. To celebrate Canada Day, which was on Sunday, we had a 3 hour campfire sing –a- long of all Dan tunes. The group of fellas and their sons in the adjoining campsite yelled to turn it up when Josie was on, we of course, happily obliged. Is there nothing better in the world then dancing and singing in front of a campfire with your loved one to all things Dan? Enjoy your day!
Fife
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 09:06:27 ET
Posted by: wormy, new orleans
Rpberto
very happy for you and what a nice brother!
My American brother lives on the coast just west of Rome
he has two beautiful Italian children
I spent a month in your beautiful country in 2003
once you get the itch of seeing a great Dan show you will want to see more. I caught the second show of the tour at an outdoor festival in my home town (Jazzfest), then decided that wasn't enough, saw them in Atlanta a week later, then caught one more show later in the U.S. tour
glad they are playing europe and aussie land
you won't be disappointed
wormtom
lisa g? of negative girl met in Raliegh fame or the newer LG
you've love the police show
thanks for the color on the Fagen vid
saw a band Lez Zeppelin - all girls all zeppelin the other nite
it was fun
time to scat on out of here
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 07:10:11 ET
Posted by: DEACONBLUE, BRUSSELS
Terzero Mundo,
That's just the normal way of life of a diehard danfan. last year i spend a lot of money to see Donalds soloacts in the USA.
This year on my program: 07/09 Brussels, 07/10 Paris, 07/25 Bonn and 07/28 Lucca .
And each time i've the opportunity, i'll travel the whole wide world to see my heroes. As long as they touring,I have to take my chance.
Am i a fool?? No just uno grando Steely dan fanatico.
See you in Lucca!!
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 04:28:12 ET
Posted by: E' l'era del terzo mondo, Italia and Nottingham UK
Well today 4th of July, is my birthday, I live in Italy but am in Nottingham UK visiting my brother.
As I have already mentioned I have tickets to see SD in Italy 28th July.
Well Anyway..day of days, my brother this morning presents me with a ticket to see the the guys in Birmingham UK, tomorrow night , first gig of their European leg. This is just fantastic. I know a lot of you guys are hardened aficionados and may belittle my joy. But to be able to see the Dan play TWICE..in a matter of weeks..I'm walking proud today
Roberto.
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 01:22:41 ET
Posted by: angel,
Lisa G: Just back from vacation and saw your post about Concepts for Jazz/Rock Piano. Not being technical, I totally enjoyed the video in spite of my ignorance.
I only differ with you in that I have always loved "On the Dunes". Great song to get totally lost in. :-)
Date: Wed, July 04, 2007, 00:40:45 ET
Posted by: G Garcia, Modesto
Young Guy
Try to see if your buddy can get into The Doors if he is leaning that way but thinks the Dan is a little soft. It is harder edged rock than the Dan but has the pop, jazz, blues etc. If Royal Scam doesn't have enough oomph for him, which is the strongest rock stuff in the Steely Dan arsenal then The Doors could be the right balance.
The Doors are also on par with the Dan lyrically as Thinking Man's Rock.
As far as Jimmy boy, his father was an Admiral during the Vietnam era and Jimmy boy was on his way to the Naval Academy on the strength of his scholastic abilities. He took a different path in life, acted up and probably succumbed to excess but that boy was no dunce.
We pretty much know that Steely Dan has borrowed from their influences. If you doubt that The Doors did have a solid impact on the Dan listen to the instrumental middle of Light my Fire (1967). Then listen to the instrumental middle of Do it Again (1972). Especially the organ solos. And the very idea of having such a long similar interlude.
You might think Manzarek himself is on the keys of Do It Again and that Donald might have recruited him as a session player, but instead did so in spirit.
Date: Tues, July 03, 2007, 23:14:20 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY
LisaG,
Any time you want me to talk about the Rhodes piano, you know I'll oblige! Mine is my baby. I am likewise an amateur pianist at best. However, learning how to play some stuff by Steely Dan has definately improved my skills. Black Cow is one of my favorites to play (some juicy chords there with absolutely fantastic transitions).
To show off my Rhodes, and to further the discussion on Josie, here's a quick clip of me playing Josie on it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTzj8QeOz-4
Now, as far as adjusting a Rhodes piano, there's more info than you could ever want to know at www.fenderrhodes.com if you don't mind reading. However, let me give you something even better -- video! I did not make this video, but it is the technique that I used to adjust my Rhodes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvhMvS1tZS8
The reason the Rhodes sounds so good is also the reason it's such a pain to tweak and tune juuuuuust right. Everything in it is a mechanically-generated sound that is merely amplified with electromagentic pickups. The hammer needs to strike the "sweet spot" of the metal tine that vibrates to generate the sound, much like you want to hit a tennis ball with the "sweet spot" of the racket. You also need the hammer to cleanly strike only once, and then get out of the way to let the tine vibrate, while still keeping it as close as possible to give you plenty of hammer velocity for louder notes. You also need the dampers to be the appropriate height to not interfere with the note, yet be able to cleanly and equally stop notes. The video goes into pretty much everything except adjusting dampers (which even I haven't bothered doing on my piano because it's INCREDIBLY difficult and time-consuming).
Date: Tues, July 03, 2007, 23:02:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
LisaG: That's on my pick up list. Methinks the lyrics from On the Dunes may be a bit more sinister under the surface, so to speak.
Girl dumps Fagen.
Fagen dumps the body.
When I was 18 and Aja was released, Josie was preferable to Peg. Now that I'm older, Rainey's bass during the verse and Marotta's drums never tire. Nice to see props for Victor Feldman. His contribution to Black Cow, Aja, I Got the News, Josie cannot be underestimated.
Lennon and McCartney fans are going to dig the new Crowded house album. Half is really Neil Finn's 3rd solo album. Lost of minor key stuff. Very eclectic, more like together Alone and Try Whistling this than the first album from 1986-1987 which Americans know. Not a mediocre song in the bunch, eclectic, layered, and grows with each listen. Transit Lounge and silent house may appeal most to Danfans.
Date: Tues, July 03, 2007, 22:03:31 ET
Posted by: ed_beatty, wishing I was in england<