January, February and March 2015Posts

Date: Thurs, April 02, 2015, 11:16:25 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/youtube-to-live-stream-coachella-music-fest-for-free-for-5th-year-running-1201463642/

Date: Tues, March 31, 2015, 02:59:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

They suffer the least compression as well. Running out of Time is without legs it's so compressed. I'm shocked Toto let that be done to the master.

Date: Tues, March 31, 2015, 02:56:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jazz: Besides 21st Century Blues, the tracks that are the strongest are those started by Paich in the 70s:

Chinatown - seems like there are bits of the Moodies, Chicago, Doobies, Little Feat, Boz Scaggs, but I think it works as an R&B jazz number. The keyboard hook from a forgotten Al Jarreau album produced by Jay Graydon is nice. It's pretty decent. Pure 1980.

All the Tears that Shine - wistful with a very nice chorus with tight harmonies. Could be a track from IV

Great Expectations - sounds like a swan song. Could be a track from Hydra ,IMO their best album. More theatrical/proggy and less macho. Carlock absolutely crushes


Of the macho man stuff up front - Runnin' Out of Time is probably the best. Maybe slight tunewise, but all are well played, with a bit of prog/fusion thrown in there.


Carlock is fantastic throughout. I find a lot more emotion in this album since their 80s albums.

XIV has the same problem as EMG - strong back end and weaker up front.

Date: Tues, March 31, 2015, 01:30:25 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

'The Music of Steely Dan" of course,
not SD Big Band.

Date: Tues, March 31, 2015, 01:04:37 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

SFJazz is getting a lot of attention.
For anyone that might be out West:
Steely Dan Big Band night.
This band is real fun plus Drew Zingg!
http://www.sfjazz.org/events/sessions/2015/0802/tommy-igoe
Also Catherine Russell and Snarky Puppy four nights each in July.

Date: Mon, March 30, 2015, 08:28:23 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I happened upon it in a search. The incendiary tone seems more confrontational than anything. While the baby boomers may overstay their welcome, so to speak, there hasn't been anyone to come along and take their place. If you asked the average music listener what artists define the current era, I doubt they could come up with anyone significant.

The entire music industry has become one big mash-up of styles and genres. Also, when you factor in that the young generation has been weaned on Napster and are now accustomed to having the entire world of music at their fingertips, the tendency is to view music as a disposable commodity. Even what was once thought to be obscure music no longer has the impact of discovery that it once did. This explains the labels' fixation with repackaging back catalogs of older artists, because the older generation grew up purchasing and owning tangible items.

A well-written and performed song is just that, no matter its creation date. Heck, sub-genres from decades-past have developed their own niche followings, allowing for a massive gem-digging expedition if you will, leading to rediscovery of great music which had fallen by the wayside. Shades of Bach revivalism.

Date: Mon, March 30, 2015, 00:56:39 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I agree that there possibly could be a point to be made about baby boomer classic rockers overstaying their welcome, but holy cow was that a terribly-written column. Why would anyone go to that site?

Date: Sun, March 29, 2015, 22:14:52 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Disagree. Two of the best shows I have seen since 2013 were SD last year and Rush in 2013 on the last night of their tour.

Date: Sun, March 29, 2015, 20:32:33 ET
Posted by: Juice, Philly

I disagree with the article. 'Nuff said.

Date: Sun, March 29, 2015, 10:54:06 ET
Posted by: Michael, @Jim Taylor

Sorry, I didn't attend either of those shows. If there's anything you'd like to discuss, feel free.

On an unrelated note...

http://www.inquisitr.com/1813259/have-paul-mccartney-and-other-baby-boomer-rockers-become-a-plague-on-modern-music/

Agree or disagree?

Date: Sun, March 29, 2015, 09:15:04 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Michael: It just occurred to me... Did you go to either of the Port Chester shows last year? I was there with a different set of friends both nights. If they hit New York again, I need to get in touch. I will be on my extended Honeymoon, LOL.

Date: Sun, March 29, 2015, 04:22:44 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

A Donald Fagen interview I didn't know, from a site that has plenty interesting ones. I came there looking a Johnny Mandel one:

http://www.jazzwax.com/2011/07/interview-donald-fagen.html

Date: Sat, March 28, 2015, 11:47:12 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, SoBe

Phil,

Thank you so much for the link to the
James Grant interview recalling creating
"Love & Money's" - "Strange Kind Of Love",
or "SKOL".

Really great interview and to this day, I
still think it is a perfect album and as
Steve M, from Scotland has said, "Not a duffer
in the bunch".

James Grant reformed the band for one night
and did all of "SKOL" at Shepherds Bush Empire
in 2011. Really wish their was a good recording
of that show. Killed me that I could not cross
the pond to be there that night.

I find it funny that James and Gary Katz still
will not reveal what song(s) Donald played on
or helped arrange for SKOL.

Seems like "water under the bridge" after 27 years.

http://movingtheriver.com/2015/03/18/love-and-moneys-james-grant-on-classic-album-strange-kind-of-love/

Date: Sat, March 28, 2015, 11:45:09 ET
Posted by: Marlow, Atlanta

YouTube has audio snippets of Boz Scaggs forthcoming "A Fool to Care" album. I don't like it. Why can't Boz work with Toto again and make another Silk Degrees/Middle Man album?

Date: Sat, March 28, 2015, 07:24:39 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, 1985

While not having the entire Sprout/ McAloon catalog in my veins, I agree McAloon is a considerable songwriter. When their Steve McQueen album came out, I remember we immediately recognized it as something of a future classic. The debut; Swoon, was strong, but the Steve McQueen songs were so insanely pop catchy in addition to everything else that they were. They were like echoes from a deep common well of perfectly crafted melodies and harmonies, probably the same well that e.g. Bacharach dived into. Like they'd always been there. Yet, the musical puzzle pieces were often put together in a certain signature McAloon-ish way, and along with the almost overly amorous but clever lyrics and the arrangements that in themselves were quite a bit of masterful juggling of timeless clichés, Prefab Sprout created a consentrate of popular culture that fit its time like a glove and gave the term "bittersweet melancholy" a new dimension. The sleeve with another permutation of the classic Hollywood legend factory made motorcycle picture ... everything about this album was iconic, and obviously the artistic child of a person with an unusual sensibility. For better and/ or worse, it also marks the beginning of an overwhelming wave of nostalgia, a looking into the review mirror that's been going on in western culture ever since around that time. This phenomenon was discussed recently here.

I just gave Toto XIV in its entirety a few more spins. Not being a big fan of their songwriting or macho-stadium-rock image, they sound mostly like always to my uninterested ears, except with even more compressed sound and tasteless production and arrangement details. But that's just me. I do however recognize Keith's fantastic drumming, it's way too good for the record as such of course, but I promise not to use this against neither of them. Great is great. One song actually stands out as very enjoyable, namely the heavily Pretzel Logic/ ZZ Top influenced "21st Century Blues". Congrats! :-D

Date: Sat, March 28, 2015, 03:59:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

"with high quality"

autocorrect is a gas.

Date: Sat, March 28, 2015, 03:57:57 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Phil, this one could have be written by Walter in a sentimental moment:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3H3lKt5_BM

Date: Sat, March 28, 2015, 03:55:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Can't please everyone, Phil.

D&W
Paddy McAloon
McCartney
Dylan
Gary Clark
Neil Finn


are the at the top of active songwritiers on the planet.

McAloon can still pen them we high quality:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkelh2kET1I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIxRbCMqG_M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8EyF8pPwE4



Finn new one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udd8tsFpxuI


like Fagen, they are almost post-apocalypso

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XvANBiNg4U&list=PLFqKRhaqOwTR7pYqkwoqLJ27LTJM5oTqZ

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 16:20:53 ET
Posted by: Michael,

It does nothing for me. If others feel differently, more power to them.

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 11:42:50 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Prefab Sprout dull ? Of course you've got the right to feel it that way but did you try this one for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLI8En-vgFU
It has a Bacharach/David feel, both in the music and the lyrics, sounding light and profound at the same time, somewhere between a tear and a smile as Toots Thielemans puts it

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 09:44:35 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The track by Mari Wilson was interesting but I found Prefab Sprout to be on the dull side.

Just because an artist is inspired in some way by Steely Dan doesn't automatically make their work noteworthy. Everyone is influenced in various ways by those who came before them, but ultimately the best artists are those who develop their own sound and maintain a high standard of quality throughout their career.

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 09:16:32 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

You remember Love and money's Strange kind of love album, produced by Gary Katz ? Here is a James Grant interview in which he talks about working with Jeff Porcaro and Gary:
http://movingtheriver.com/category/love-and-money/

Fine site by the way

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 07:13:18 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Two Gary Clark interviews:

http://popdose.com/hooks-n-you-a-portrait-of-gary-clark-as-a-young-recording-artist/

http://movingtheriver.com/

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 03:13:23 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dan-like track from Toto's newest. Paich pan-fried a big one from the 70s


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkc_7VhpSD0

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 02:37:01 ET
Posted by: Abu, At my all night job

Thanks, Michael. I have consulted the SD database many a time, which is indeed the best source for a list of the many covers. I have found a few errors there, but overall it is a very good reference point. I was talking more of finding someone who may have recordings of a few of the more rare ones on that list. So, again, if anyone has a bunch of covers, or even a few, let me know with an e-mail. I can let you know specifically which ones I am looking for.

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 01:06:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

...and the last link. Thomas Dolby and Peter Gabriel bought the first Fairlight CMI synthesizers...

Date: Fri, March 27, 2015, 00:34:47 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

kulee - the Time Bandits! The woman lives in a dram world, like the night time imaginative world of the Terry Gilliam films Time Bandits and Brazil.

Phil - good pick up on the Mansfield connection. He worked with the keyboardist on post-Naked Eyes stuff. They had a gift for melody.

I would rate Naked Eyes debut second to the series of Talk Talk albums that morphed from synth to post-rock, ambient jazz. It's My Life, Colour of spring, Eden, Laughing Stock are classic, each in its own way. That series was produced/co-written by Tim Friese-Greene...

...who had previously produced part of The Records' first album, including the brilliant power pop of Up All Night. He brought out the best of John wicks and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp5zXNpVqD0


AND Thomas Dolby's masterpiece The Golden Age of Wireless

Thomas Dolby who later Produced and played Keyboards for Prefab Sprout:

So Chris, Phil: Good call out on Prefab Sprout...just about to post the connections!

Two Wheels Good/Steve McQueen has stellar songwriting, but I'm partial to their opus Jordan the Comeback and from Langley Park to Memphis

They have a host of Steely Dan influenced tracks touched with Gershwin and Porter:

I Remember That

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7VurhK2kos&list=PLlfBaLLewwsR5Goqs0PQgkzZAfkJb6Yiy

Enchanted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhKqTLm44Fc&index=4&list=PLlfBaLLewwsR5Goqs0PQgkzZAfkJb6Yiy

Hey Manhattan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLCqIOxNmXg&index=6&list=PLlfBaLLewwsR5Goqs0PQgkzZAfkJb6Yiy

Venus of the Soup Kitchen (the thing that sounds like a sick cow is a 1940 Battle of Britain siren)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FCQZ_lxGdU&index=10&list=PLlfBaLLewwsR5Goqs0PQgkzZAfkJb6Yiy

Machine Gun Ibiza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORcRHfnL7mI&list=PLlfBaLLewwsTeGlAurgiYESE-vf10ihSB&index=3


All the World Loves Lovers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1et63YVgmGM&list=PLlfBaLLewwsTeGlAurgiYESE-vf10ihSB&index=10



Paddy still releases something twice a decade, now afflicted by tinnitus and retinal detachment.

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 14:37:01 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Michael, Doc Mu, and whoever likes Tony Mansfield, this is another Burt song, rearranged by him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiCcGq5pITk

Paddy Mac Aloon from Prefab Sprout has said many times how he had been influenced by Don and Walt, Aja being his favourite album and just like the Dan, there is just not any filler on any Sprout album, and there are tons of outtakes, rare songs that are interesting too

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 12:39:04 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Just checked the tickets available for the Tampa SD Show in August and it is far from a sellout. In fact very few tickets have been sold in sections 11-17. I suspect this is attributable to the venue being outdoors and in mid-August. The size of the amphitheater may be a contributing factor as it holds approximately 19,000 including the lawn "seats". Of late they have been performing at Ruth Eckerd Hall which is considerably smaller at around 2,000.

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 10:29:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Abu, I'm anything but a connoisseur on SD covers, but the Steely Dan Database maintains an exhaustive list.

http://www.steelydan.nl/covers.jsp?SearchInclude=0&SearchBecker=1&SearchAndOr=Or&SearchFagen=1&OrderBy=Title#top

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 09:53:54 ET
Posted by: Abu, Sheridan Square

Michael, how about Dan covers? Do you have a good collection of them? Send a message to my e-mail and let me know. Or if anyone else does, for that matter.

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 09:32:11 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Anyone ever check out Prefab Sprout? Their big album was called Steve McQueen wordlwide and Two Wheels Good in the US. Mid-80s. Some pretty great songwriting, slightly dated production but to my ears it's almost charming. Cursory googling revealed some comparisons to Steely Dan from critics when they first hit the scene.

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 09:11:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Pretty good find, Doc Mu.

Phil, I've been a regular member here for a decade or longer. If you're looking for more rare gems, I've got a ton. Here's a small handful.

David Benoit - Los Angeles - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MWsTwPn6t8

Strunz & Farah - Frontera (Live) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f8_1wCTYlg

Daniele Patucchi - Il Paese Del Sesso Selvaggio - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWK8EQfeseg

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 07:58:34 ET
Posted by: kotw, unhere

On hating to tour, I think it was Donald who said in the 2vN live broadcast that what they'd hated was all the hassle of it while making no money from it. It was supposed to be worth it just to promote the record. He said by the 90s, certain legal advancements had been made, allowing artists actually to make a profit on tour.

Anyone with stage fright would be loathe to admit it.

Date: Thurs, March 26, 2015, 01:03:39 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba, ,

Doc Mu,

Thanks for reminding me of Naked Eyes. Brilliant artists -- not sure why they didn't take off after that first album. "Promises Promises" is just a stellar song.

"When the Lights Go Out" -- I don't remember any more why the Time Bandits are in the video, but I'm sure it made sense at the time!

Date: Wed, March 25, 2015, 15:47:12 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, same time same place

Oh, and Jim, I totally agree about Walter's humor and Mark Twain, but I'd add a splash of Samuel Butler to the mix... Donald's humor, to me, is more Alexander Woolcottish. Just my opinion. Actually, if I were to put DF & WB on the Algonquin Roundtable, I'd say Walter is Dorothy Parker and Donald is Alexander Woolcott.

Date: Wed, March 25, 2015, 15:04:05 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, reptile cage

First time I've been on here in a while, so I paged down to read from bottom up... one that I need to put my two cents in about is why Walter wouldn't do more touring, as Donald does with Dukes, guest gigs, etc. Having seen more Steely Dan, Dukes of September, and shows were DF was sideman more times than I can count, I can say that Donald, unlike Walter, loves to perform. In fact, I think he thrives on... one could say live performances are like the protaganist's young partner in "Slinky Thing" ... "She's my power supply" . Damn, in fact that song could be a metaphor for live performance, if you think about it. OH, and BTW much is often said about Donald's stage fright being the reason they stopped touring in 70s, but when I interviewed him, he said point blank that he really never had stage fright. What DOES stress him out, he related, is audio quality at venues -- he said that at maybe only 50% of venues can he properly hear himself during performances. Yet he loves it... I think he'll be on stage in some manner or another until he's 100.

Date: Wed, March 25, 2015, 14:15:40 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Doc,
Naked eyes, another Tony "New music" Mansfield production.
I will have the live Danny Wilson soon, if you want to hear it drop me a line

Date: Wed, March 25, 2015, 01:38:52 ET
Posted by: Juice, Philly

So now Van Halen has announced a big tour for this Summer. I noticed David Lee Roth is still sporting his new completely shaved bald clean appearance. No more "Diamond Dave". It's now "Chrome Dome Dave".

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 21:23:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Pau,

The dreaded Fairlight! It kicked DF off the synthesizer habit!

Naked Eyes I think was another artist to use the Fairlight early one, and they probably did it best. Known best for remaking Bacharach's Always Something There to Remind Me and Promises Promise (original, not Bacharach)...

I thought their best song, which stalled as a single, was When the Lights Go Out. Very underrated and has some Steely elements (guitar solo on Promises, Promises, harmonies):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0X8pV2IoZc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8Q83DPZy6E


There are some Clark/Danny Wilson rarities out there and covers as well. Man they were talented. Too bad GC had to morph into a producer to make a buck.

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 20:52:26 ET
Posted by: Of Possible, Interest

A new studio set from Boz Scaggs, due March 31.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102529588

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 12:35:07 ET
Posted by: paultess, Vancouver

I have an old LP 1972 but can find no information about this album cover. Anyone familiar with it please? Thanks.

Pale blue background SteelyDan in red script. ABC 177

Can't buy a thrill

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 12:33:59 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Hi Doc, thanks for the link, beautiful song indeed. I've just ordered their greatest hits double cd, that song is not on it, the unreleased ones are mostly live songs so if you have anything rare by them I would love to hear it.
Talking about pop gems, what about this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqmhwCQqdcw ,
in the league of artists who didn't get the success they expected, and deserved, with their band, just like Gary Clark,you have Tony Mansfield, after he disbanded New Music, he became a successful producer, same thing for EG White of EG and Alice:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmb-hsBciTY

Mic and Rap was a master at finding such little gems and posting them here. Are you still there Mic and Rap ???

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 11:55:15 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Charles:

I have to say that whenver I hear someone is coming out with a duets album, I am skeptical and generally expect greatest hits that *market* the artist with their celeb friends. One Example: Elton's John's way over-hyped "One Night Only" which, while not officially a duets album, is essentially a really bad live duets album--recorded over two nights at that. But contrast with a great duets album--Elton John's sorely under-appreciated "Duets" which actually works amazingly as an "non-Christmas" album--like he had some friends over for the holidays and they played their favs after hours.

That said, I did pick up a copy of Van's "Duets - Reworking the Catalogue" this morning after previously having heard some advance tracks through media promotions. I think it's outstanding. First, he doesn't pick the obvious hits and instead mines his less known gems. Second, the matches are all dead on. Third, almost everything is indeed a "rework." These reworked tracks stand confidentially, and in some case it could be argued that they exceed, the originals. If you only know Van's "Hits" ("Brown Eyed Girl," "Moondance," "Wild Night," etc.), you may hear his "Duets" album and accept these versions as the original definitive versions. No schmaltz at all on the album...a top notch album and Van's most consistent since perhaps 1997's "The Healing Game."

I've read some comments some years back where DF speaks favorably about Van, but Van's hard to pin down as a collaborator. Van picks his, rarely the other way around. Heck, I believe Rickie Lee Jones said she's met him once and it was all very distant. She sounded intimidated -- and, of course, in a lot of ways, RLJ isn't too distant musically from Van. So go figure...

Jim

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 09:48:54 ET
Posted by: Michael, @Jazzassin

Was reading up on Chris White and there's not a whole lot of info out there. Turns out that the label reissued his album, Mouth Music, back in 1999 and included a lot of unreleased tracks. It was also reissued in Japan for a brief period. It's been out of print for awhile now and isn't even available digitally, save for the song She's Only Dancing on Amazon's UK page.

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 08:31:40 ET
Posted by: search, k

As Mr. Crosby's hero once sang, "Some kids just drive too fast"


http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/23/us/david-crosby-jogger/index.html

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 05:46:13 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, vitae lux

Nice DW tune, Doc.

After praising Chris Potter's "Imaginary Cities" yesterday, it was a pleasant surprise to find this on the front page of AllAboutJazz.com today:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/chris-potter-underground-orchestra-imaginary-cities-chris-potter-by-eric-j-iannelli.php?&pg=1?page=1?page=1

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 03:10:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Phil,

Yeah, Freefloating is my favorite Gary Clark penned song aside Steamtrains to the Milky Way or You Remain an Angle. Quite a pop song.

Clark can be sneaky with a turn of the phrase:

"I love somebody wild and young and free
Says she wants to be free of me"


Should have been a huge it - perhaps if Danny Wilson had remained together - this is slightly to much DIY.


Here's a great DW demo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vgxKYhpe7Y&index=44&list=PLTaUl9ufXKwqcIibE1jpQG7577iIYfaXG

Date: Tues, March 24, 2015, 01:37:58 ET
Posted by: Charles, Oakland, CA

Hey, Hoops. What do you think about Van Morrison's new "Duets" album?

Date: Mon, March 23, 2015, 15:15:30 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, up, up and away

Phil, I can imagine not an eye was dry at the Taylor concert. Not a seat either, for that matter. Steve Gadd actually played Victoria, Oslo last fall with a couple of Danish guys on sax/flute and Hammond organ (Blicher/Hemmer/Gadd). I got the opportunity to get Gadd's regards and autograph on a piece of paper. It resides inside the Aja vinyl cover now.

Funny detail from the Potter gig; I've never seen so many sax players on one tiny spot before. It was a who-is-who of established Norwegian sax players and younger music students alike. Confirms my impression that Potter is a fast rising "star", at least a "musician's musician". Which is more or less the same in my book.

Date: Mon, March 23, 2015, 11:20:24 ET
Posted by: Philippe, Pau

Hi Jazzasin , thanks for the info on Snarky Puppy, I'll try to make it.
BTW, I went to the Femina theatre in Bordeaux last saturday to hear James Taylor and his "all star" band, Steve Gadd, Larry Goldings, Jimmy Jonhson, Michael Landau. First time ever he was doing a "Tour de France" , for you, I mean the Americans, it's easy to see him, not for us so there was a lot of emotion, both in the audience and on stage.

Date: Mon, March 23, 2015, 07:29:59 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, live music land

Re: Chris White
Former keyboard man in The Surfonics, songwriter and performer with some god-given abilities, a musically kindred spirit of Brian Wilson turned out a one-hit wonder who probably came too late for dinner. The A-side of the single was Spanish Wine, according to comments reaching #37 on the UK charts in March 1976. A fine tribute to an era:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eejrjEtadB8

Re: Chris Potter tweet in the top left corner
Yours truly saw Chris Potter's Underground Orchestra in Oslo five weeks ago. Mostly material from their brand new (second) ECM release called Imaginary Cities. A majestic album that's constantly growing on me and will obviously be a stayer - no, a classic, in this house. The live versions were often dramatically re-arranged to fit the smaller format of the band. I think very few of the audience, myself not, had heard the studio versions prior to the concert, as the album was 100% fresh meat at the time. After becoming more familiar with the studio versions, I've come to the conclusion that some of the quite original ways of using the electric guitar in a jazz quartet setting that was shown by Adam Rogers on the night of the gig, was probably really attempts to re-create some of the things originally done by a string quartet on the album. A magic night at Victoria it was, and I strongly recommend Imaginary Cities and showing up at Potter's gigs to all fans of contemporary jazz as strong as it comes in 2015. Oh, and btw ... It becomes more and more clear how much influence Potter actually had on his co-ops with Pat Metheny in Unity Band and Unity Group. The man is a modest monster. With emphasis on monster.

Next major concert experience on my calendar is Snarky Puppy again, this time in Rotterdam, Netherworld, on the 30th of April. My sons and me have decided to become the feared stalker fans from hell who pops up like three jacks-in-the-box as often as we can now. This time it's release party for Sylva, their not-yet-released co-op album with Dutch entertainment/ symphony orchestra Metropole Orchestra (Jim Beard, Pat Metheny and m.o.), two gigs in Rotter and one in Paris, France with the full Metropole package. Yes Philippe, you heard me. Time to jump out out the easy chair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoF7ZzMUrgA

Date: Sun, March 22, 2015, 09:25:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

This song is sort of like what would happen if Steely Dan teamed up with Brian Wilson. I think you'll find it intriguing.

Chris White - She's Only Dancing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amSgtv_ZCvc

Also, check out his other songs for more similar stuff. Unfortunately, I read that Chris White passed away in 2014. I've never heard of this guy up to now and it seems his music is only available on vinyl.

Date: Fri, March 20, 2015, 13:48:56 ET
Posted by: Lionel, Bronx, NY

For one: "Do Wrong Shoes" (Jackie Allen)

Date: Fri, March 20, 2015, 13:32:06 ET
Posted by: curt, ny

besides proud to be your slave there was another tune called Tell me a lie written by the boys, during that period. have not heard that one yet.

Date: Fri, March 20, 2015, 10:35:09 ET
Posted by: Lionel, Bronx, NY

DF gives some these songs he writes to chicks because that's who's meant to sing them. And that's why he probably never will

Date: Thurs, March 19, 2015, 20:45:16 ET
Posted by: Abu, In the warehouse

And thanks Shark Deville for posting Proud to be Your Slave on "The Tube". Nice for all the Dan fans who are not privileged to have it in their collection. BTW, I do have it now myself! Nice tune.

I would love to hear DF's version of his song The Girl Who Dreams Out Loud. Has he recorded Do Wrong Shoes?

Date: Thurs, March 19, 2015, 13:04:58 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Southland by Steely Dan, soon to be released

Two shows on cd that you probably already have:

http://www.spincds.com/coming-soon/live-in-67-cd-44727

a little discussion on them:

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/steely-dan-southland-1974-2015.421221/

Date: Thurs, March 19, 2015, 12:40:29 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Unless it somehow compromises Michael Leonhart's ability to make music, I will leave him alone with this concern of his, except to wish that it be resolved swiftly enough that he can refocus those energies on being happy and making music for us.

My opinion is that Michael Leonhart is the "almost-secret special ingredient" that made "Sunken Condos" so cool.

Jim

Date: Thurs, March 19, 2015, 07:50:19 ET
Posted by: Portnoy,

Did DF ever do his own version of "The Girl Who Dreams Out Loud"?

Date: Thurs, March 19, 2015, 03:27:40 ET
Posted by: Abu, At Jive Miguel's site

Hey Shark, I have seen this trading site called Jive Miguel several times. They list Sacajawea as being in their possession. Here's the link:

www.samuelpurdey.com/jivemiguel/index.htm


Abu

Date: Thurs, March 19, 2015, 01:23:34 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

proud to be your source for this tune. anyone know a damn thing about Diamond Head?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9K1fRA7wr0


now if anyone wants to help me out with the song Sacajawea, you know where to find me!

Date: Wed, March 18, 2015, 07:18:45 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, typo correction

Please insert a "-" between "by" and "note". And make a jazz noise HERE.

Date: Wed, March 18, 2015, 07:15:45 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, the vaults

Re: Proud To Be Your Slave

Abu, I share your optimism regarding the possibility that this fine signature Becker/ Fagen song recorded by Diamond Head in 1975 will find it's way back to Youtube.

IIRC our boys actually recycled note-by-note the first bars of the guitar solo from Midnight Cruiser for PTBYS.

Date: Wed, March 18, 2015, 06:59:31 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, man cave

If M. Leonhart wanted to convince someone he's really living in that studio/ bachelor pad, why didn't he just throw in a sofabed, a fat gaming rig and tons of take-away food debris? Perfect camouflage. Sprinkle with toe nails for an impressing finishing touch.

Date: Wed, March 18, 2015, 03:21:10 ET
Posted by: Abu, On the Catwalk

Sorry, Dave from Acquisitions. On my last post I was griping a little about Proud to be Your Slave, but not Runnin'(or is it Running?) Child. I had copied and pasted a post from 2011, which showed at that time both of the above-mentioned songs were, in fact, on Youtube. I have Running Child, which I agree is quite a song. I like it a lot! It has been on Youtube for more than three years, but Proud to be Your Slave is not there. I have a feeling, though, that it might be there in the near future.

Date: Tues, March 17, 2015, 15:01:48 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I'd like to argue on Michael's behalf, especially as 'Sunken Condos' was so wonderfully recorded there (to say nothing of those goofball guitar pedal ads, with Donald) ...

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/grammy-winning-trumpeter-steely-dan-facing-eviction-article-1.2142993

... but it's really hard to defend getting rent control on something he's just using as a recording studio and not living in.

Date: Tues, March 17, 2015, 13:55:56 ET
Posted by: search, k

NY Daily News reports landlord is trying to evict Michael Leonhart from his recording studio.

Date: Tues, March 17, 2015, 12:37:55 ET
Posted by: henry , d.c

steely dan lost album ?

h-gang
brite nightgown
night belongs to mona
paging Audrey (don vocals)
darkling down (don vocals)
somebody's Saturday night (don vocals)
weather in my head
memorabilia
good stuff

who knows?

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 15:11:47 ET
Posted by: Be Bop Dan Top, Yorkshire

Danny Wilson had an EP release called Strepsil Logic. (Strepsil is a cough sweet).

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 11:50:19 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

The man recorded an album under the name Transister. I have it somewhere but I heard it once and was not really impressed.
You can see him here in 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZYTeVjBx_c&list=PLDCgq7OdQkfdKr7AlfCv-fVACVeWlU1lP&index=7

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 11:27:07 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Nice to see Gary Clark get a mention on the Bluebook. The King L album is a lost treasure ( "the first man on the sun, will be meeee!") and his solo effort '10 Short Songs about Love' is a favourite of my wife's.

I actually went to school with Gary and remember him getting a band together in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations and I am 99% sure they covered 'Only a Fool Would say That' although my memory may be failing me. He certainly triggered a curiosity in the Dan that's lasted nearly 40 years, nice fella too.

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 10:42:58 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Hi Doc Mu, if you are into Gary Clark's music I suppose you've heard his solo album and that song :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Y4WALO7Bw

Any recent news from the man would be welcome.

In the same area you have Tony Mansfield but he has also disappeared from the radar years ago

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 10:40:43 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Also, starting a solo album with the phrase "in case you're wondering ..." is all kinds of brilliant.

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 10:37:16 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

KOTW - I think you're onto something here.

Becker's solo material hits me harder lyric-wise than Fagen's. it's a stretch for me to say one is better than the other, but I think my personal preference is for Becker.

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 09:59:18 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

I forgot, if you want to see that documentary one day, send your contribution here:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/porcaro-a-band-of-brothers#activity
I did on the first day

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 09:57:19 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

RIP Mike Porcaro, I don't think he ever played on any Dan session but he was probably one of the first to hear the songs on which his brother played

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 03:24:27 ET
Posted by: king of the world, Minbar

Unfortunately, it's going to take me a very long time to have any sense of who Donald and Walter are, as musical individuals. Would I be right in thinking, though, that Walter tends to connect with gut-level, difficult emotions better, while Donald is more romantic and perhaps even has head in the clouds a little bit?

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 01:42:23 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, U

Walter writes the best first verses ever. Girlfriend and Downtown Canon are pretty complete songs.


Why a cure for gravity?

Gary Clark formerly of Danny Wilson, with Dan-like production values, and friends recorded the album A Great Day for Gravity as King L before becoming a producer. Some of the last times we heard his voice. Great stuff.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9VBfGH9SJ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VuiCWMCNk0

Date: Mon, March 16, 2015, 01:37:05 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Walter Becker is my favorite guitar player. Walter Becker, in ways he will never understand, helped this dumb sportswriter turn into a scribe worth following.

I wish he played rhythm like this, so that I could hear him after paying for a ticket. That's all:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LlvghY_vvQ

Date: Sun, March 15, 2015, 18:40:56 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Service elevator

Abu, Kinda confused about your post but I do have full length running child that I remastered myself. Really cool song. Fagens voice sounds very early and very good.
I'm thinking about starting a steely dan podcast for us nerds. Thoughts?

Date: Sat, March 14, 2015, 11:15:49 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

And for a newer, more interesting Mike McD track that wasn't penned by Holland/Dozier/Holland:

https://youtu.be/LPI7oU-fuGw

Date: Sat, March 14, 2015, 09:08:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,

All joking aside, I do admire McDonald's contributions. Aside from his role as back-up singer on a hundred different albums (or maybe a thousand, who can say?), songs such as What A Fool Believes, I Keep Forgetting and Sweet Freedom are great works that stand the test of time.

Small pop quiz for MM aficionados: on which tune does Michael sing the back-up lyric, 'Nobody's gonna find us'? (A great tune on a relatively obscure album; SD fans should know this one.)

And now for a little bit of fun.

I Keep Forgetting 8-bit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rRxFpvat_k

Date: Sat, March 14, 2015, 04:45:43 ET
Posted by: king of the world, Matterdome

Hoops, thank you for the perspective. Michael, an actual out loud laugh, on ubiquitous MM. "A Cure for Gravity", that's a good book title.

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 19:33:43 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Ha ha, thanks for the laughs. You guys get it.

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 19:10:19 ET
Posted by: fact, F

SD is now playing smaller theaters than Fagen played on his solo tour. He's not touring solo again.

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 17:32:56 ET
Posted by: Shep, Watertown

The setlists for the Steely Dan tours were starting to get repetitive. The Dukes of September offered a badly needed change from that. Now that The Dukes seem to be finished, we can only hope for a Donald Fagen solo tour to emerge in the near future.

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 14:41:14 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Watched on Dukes show here in SF in 2012, a free show in GG Park with at least 10000 in the audience, maybe 20000.
It was a fun show, and although I think it's fair to say that most people came to see Donald, Boz was cool. A local favorite no less.
It seemed people didn't know what to make of some of the real old R&B songs.
The show was part of a Bluegrass festival and a lot were pretty stoned already by that time.
Some took to the streets when McDonald' nose came off flew across the stage...
They were advertising it correctly, although I am not sure what audience Donald was expecting at the other shows - going on tour with such an outfit.
I wouldn't necessarily travel or pay a lot to see them again.

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 11:39:51 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, to and fro

Yeah, right. McMike actually did every vocal track on the Beatles albums. And Pretty Purdie was the real drummer on all of them. British invasion my ass.

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 09:34:59 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Michael - your post reminded me of this great SCTV sketch ....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0HzWMqLeiE

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 09:13:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

From what little I heard of the new Toto album, the songwriting doesn't strike me as anything remarkable.

I have this strange feeling that Michael McDonald shows up unannounced at recording sessions just for the sake of being included on every album in the world. It wouldn't surprise me if he sneaked into Abbey Road Studios and recorded back-up vocals on every Beatles album. He's everywhere!

Date: Fri, March 13, 2015, 06:28:31 ET
Posted by: Pete Evans, MANCHESTER UK

As far as the solo output of Donald and Walter are concerned my opinion is that all four of Fagen's solo albums are way better than either of Walters. Nightfly is a bona fide all time classic and the other three are really excellent albums that any musician would be proud to release. Whilst I like both of Walters solo outings neither are a patch on any of Don's works.

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 18:24:50 ET
Posted by: Ira, NJ

KD- Don't put words in my mouth like you do for Becker and Fagen. I'm here to defend myself. I said mediocre, I meant mediocre. Who really cares about the Dukes of Sept anyway? He had the entire second half of that book to talk about the early to mid 70's stories of sex, drugs and rock & roll with the band that he and WB made famous, Steely Dan! He bailed on that idea and went with the comparison of swimming pools in the different Ramada Inns they stayed at on the Dukes of Sept tour. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 16:42:04 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Re "A Cure for Gravity"

Thanks for the recommendation Jim, always liked JJ but never knew he had a book. Just ordered a copy for very little money from eBay

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 16:14:47 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, rambling in circles

I think a lot of the comments that attempt to make a case of why Walter does this or Donald does that are mostly speculative and getting kind of nasty. Sort of like feeling the knee of an elephant and not knowing it has a trunk and big ears, etc. I don't think we know a lot of the reasons why they do what they do. Who knows what kind of health either of them have or what they feel up to physically or mentally, what medical advice they have to follow, other family interests, etc. Some people raise the possibility that one or the the other is motivated by the need for additional money or another because lack of interest, etc. I dunno, but I hate to make it my business. Heck, let them play what they feel.

That said, here's simply my rambling opinions.

Rose Darlin' compared Donald's humor to Albert Brooks. I'm not up that much on Albert Brooks, but I do agree that Donald's humor is more intellectual than wise guy, slapstick or other kinds of humor. In other words, I didn't laugh at DF's book, but it did register, "Yes, he's being humorous."

I think Walter's humor is a lot more like Mark Twain. Tangentially, when I heard there was a Mark Twain Award I wanted to see if he could be nominated somehow. I since found out the politics. IMHO: it's not so straightforward for that to ever happen, especially with help from a grass-roots fan sort of movement. I'd love for Walter to write a book! Wouldn't expect an autobiography--just a lot of observations in the spirit of Mark Twain. There's some interview years ago in the Cleveland Plain Dealer with Donald's late father talking about how Walter's humor really makes an impact on Donald. I really enjoyed that perspective.

I largely agree with Joe Jackson's comments on Steely Dan, including most of what he said about Donald's book. Many musicians love Steely Dan; But Joe Jackson is a real big-time fan in the best way. J.J. "senile"? Anything but!

Since the 1972-1980 Steely Dan, The Nightfly, 11 Tracks of Whack and Circus Money are the tops for me. On 11ToW it's the songwriting that is so awesome--the production is semi-demo which is not so Steely Dan-like in that sense. Circus Money is an amazing album. Paging Audrey, Door Number 2, Downtown Cannon are sublime. I never thought that Donald and/or Walter could work with an outside (non-SD-connected) producer. Would love to see more collaborations with Larry Klein. (But who knows how the chemistry with between the three would work out.)

More than a few of you say I blindly love everything Steely Dan-related. Actually not true. I like everything except that I'd say there's 10-12 things or maybe 0.15% I don't like. But that's JUST 10-12 things out of infinite possibilities! SD is perfection compared with other musical acts that I closely follow. For example, Van Morrison--love ("connect with"?) about 80%; Leonard Cohen, about 90%; Lou Reed--about 60%; Joe Jackson--maybe 75%? I could go on but you get the idea...

One of those 10-12 things was the 2012 Dukes tour. I agree. Donald's voice was sub-par. I humbly say that--by humble I mean I'm open to having my mind changed. I liked the Dukes 2010. I do know DF sounded great in 2013 and 2014. 2012? Thumbs down.

I read Donald's book twice and listened to it once.

Whether or not his touring accounts were humorous, the book left me thinking the feeling is mutual--he should have stayed home instead of doing the Dukes tour.

A couple of things about Joe Jackson.

One, in the late 1980s, I stopped following him because I heard that at that time--BITNET era--he kept yellling at the audience to "SHUT UP" instead of applauding, etc. Makes Donald's reaction to the 2012 audience seem chirpy! Later, I was relieved to read that J.J. thought that he was kinda messed up in his head around that time.

Second, what brought me back to Joe Jackson was his book from around 2000, "A Cure for Gravity." It's one of my favorite books ever. It's as much or more about musicology than it is on Joe Jackson's career up to his first hit in 1979. Even if you hate his music, it's an amazing book that I always snap up a copy of when I see it at used book stores. I'm like the cat lady who tries to find homes for kittens--I see the book and know that I will find a home for it. The humor is subtle and I did enjoy Joe's book very much and love to read it from time to time.

Jim

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 15:06:14 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I mean, it's safe to say they both dislike buses. They take a private jet when they do Steely Dan tours and fly in from the nearest city with a 5 star hotel.

I do think it's safe to say that Fagen likes to work a little more than Becker these days. His solo output and the fact that he hasn't taken a summer off since 2005 demonstrates that.

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 14:34:46 ET
Posted by: Sam, NE

The only thing I recall Fagen saying about buses is that he prefers not to sleep in them and instead opts for a hotel room.

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 13:59:04 ET
Posted by: duh,

if walter fucking used the PLAINS that would mean he fucking walked to Tulsa from dallas.

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 13:37:55 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Oh come off it, we've discussed it on these boards for years. It doesn't make 'Circus Money' any less brilliant, but compare live tracks from 2000 to any of the recent tours and it's obvious that Walter is barely playing any rhythm parts. The fact that he wouldn't want to have to bother learning some Tammi Terrell song, as Boz Scaggs barely did for his own guitar, is not a shot at Walter.

Also, Donald Fagen hates tour buses so much that he decided to live out of one for two entire summers. Walter Becker declined and just uses plains when out with SD, but it's *Donald* that hates tour buses just because he complained about them?

Also, credit for continuing to be one of those people who thinks "mediocre" means "bad."

Date: Thurs, March 12, 2015, 00:16:09 ET
Posted by: Observer,

Whoaaaaa KD. Earlier I thought your points were worth considering.

No need to dis Walter.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 22:57:52 ET
Posted by: Ira,

KD- Since you loved DF's (mediocre)book so much you should have known that Donald is the one that wants nothing to do with tour buses. Walter is an incredible businessman. Which is why he doesn't "HAVE" to go out with as something as cheesy as The Dukes.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 21:05:12 ET
Posted by: Coach, OK

The Rolling Stones will announce a 14-city North American "Sticky Fingers" tour this Summer. They will play the entire Sticky Fingers album at each show. I guess Jagger & Richards can't come up with new material too.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 19:30:33 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Walter Becker also wants nothing to do with traveling by bus, and having to learn new guitar parts, I'm sure. He barely plays the parts he used to play on his old songs live with Steely Dan anymore. I love the guy, but let's not give his tact level *too* much credit.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 17:55:46 ET
Posted by: Ira, NJ

Walter offered his opinion of The Dukes of September by not participating. I'm sure he thought it was cheesy has heck. Because it was. NY Rock & Soul Revue was much better.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 17:07:15 ET
Posted by: Felonious,

The second part of the book would have gone over a lot better it wasn't for the fact that Donald sang like shit during the last Dukes tour.

Between the show and the book, I refuse to even consider buying the Dukes DVD.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 16:34:40 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I reserve the right to laugh my ass off at Donald's fantastic book, to laugh my ass off at the Steely Dan fans who whined about the book, and rock my ass off while listening to Joe Jackson albums.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 16:13:15 ET
Posted by: search, k

Never seen this pic of D & W before

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Various-CLASSIC-ROCK-VOLUME-ONE-1988-MCA-25185-SEALED-ORIG-VINYL-LP-RECORD-Comp-/360619691411?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53f69bcd93

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 15:21:38 ET
Posted by: SDV, busted

well i busted a gut... i don't know if any book has ever made me laugh so hard.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 12:38:06 ET
Posted by: Rose Dealin',

Part II. The book isn't funny in a gut-busting sort of way or in a Walter Becker sort of way. It's more like an Albert Brooks kind of funny. You can often tell when Albert Brooks is attempting humor. Sometimes he actually is funny. Other times, you notice intellectually that it is humor and appreciate that, but it lacks soul. Same for Donald's book.

With that in mind, the scene where Donald is having a fever dream and Carolyn Leonhart sort of rescues him from it, that's a good example of Donald's idea of funny.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 12:36:20 ET
Posted by: Lester, US

The only things I ever heard is that Fagen floated What I Do for inclusion on an SD album, and Walter told him to save it for a solo release.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 12:14:02 ET
Posted by: Rose Dealin',

Has Walter ever offered his opinion of The Dukes of September, Eminent Hipsters, Sunken Condos and Morph The Cat? I wonder what he thinks.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 10:03:12 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

Joe Jackson's "smoker's rights" stance also made me laugh. It can be summarized as "I like smoking, and the anti-smoking activists are imposing on me. Non smokers should tolerate smoking."

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 08:58:34 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

When Gary Katz stepped back... or was stepped back.

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2012/09/09/steely-dan-sunday-shanghai-confidential-1988/

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 05:20:10 ET
Posted by: Kent, Pittsburgh

Body and Soul is my favorite Joe Jackson album. It's got his infectious hit single "You Can't Get What You Want". Despite his comments about Donald's book, I still think Joe Jackson would be the perfect opener for Steely Dan.

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 05:16:53 ET
Posted by: PETER EVANS, United Kingdom

Sounds like Joe Jackson must be going senile these days, not Donald Fagen ! He had a dig at some of the Dan's later stuff ( light years ahead of anything he has ever released ) and even tried to say Walter's debut solo was as good as The Nightfly, which is total nonsense but I guess he is entitled to his opinion. Then he gets it completely wrong with this comment about Don's book. Come on Joe, we Englishmen are supposed to 'get' irony !

Date: Wed, March 11, 2015, 00:22:17 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

I'm a Joe Jackson fan, though I don't know his entire catalog. My favorite is the Night & Day album. the "funniest" song on there is probably Cancer, but it's more sarcastic than humorous.

Anyone who finds Eminent Hipsters depressing, either doesn't "get" Donald's humor or just doesn't understand that the entire tour journal was written and included for laughs. I'm amazed how many people were offended by it, but some people just see what they want to see. It's not serious in the slightest, other than asserting that life on the road can be hazardous to one's mental health. I was literally laughing so hard I was crying.

Ever heard Joe Jackson go on about "smoker's rights"? what a riot.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 23:30:30 ET
Posted by: UH?, Rally?

Shark says: "Joe Jackson doesn't strike me as a man with a terrific sense of humor"

I guess you have never listened to the lyrics of any of Joe's songs. You're a little off with that statement.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 22:56:46 ET
Posted by: Mi Take,

Joe Jackson is right on about Donald's book. Chalked it up to Donald's struggles with depression and intake of anti-depressants as mentioned in some interviews. Not a happy guy.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 18:44:10 ET
Posted by: tomorrowsgirl, hangin at the beach

This band will knock your socks off!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46W0feqbx0w

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 18:13:15 ET
Posted by: henry, d.c

Maybe joe was looking for something deeper from donald, However I think joe missed HOW funny the book is to most steely dan fans.

I agree shark!

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 18:07:35 ET
Posted by: My Guess, home

Not really a settlement, a jury awarded that much.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 18:06:57 ET
Posted by: My Guess, home

Strainer,

The Blurred Lines plagiarism lawsuit was just settled for 7.3 million.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 17:54:25 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

Eminent Hipsters is one of the funniest books I've EVER read. I couldn't stop laughing. I think "depressing" is in the mind of the beholder, and Joe Jackson doesn't strike me as a man with a terrific sense of humor. It's a shame that someone who's as big a fan of the music as he is would feel the need to trash the book on his website.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 16:11:53 ET
Posted by: willis,

joe jackson said eminent hipsters was a depressing read, and that donald insulted his fans.

joejackson.com look for his What I'm Listening to blog for january 2015

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 14:56:28 ET
Posted by: Rose Dealin', Clearwater

Interesting to ponder. Some accounts have Katz as a sort of facilitator or tie-breaker for Walter and Donald producing, but I doubt it. Otherwise it wouldn't have taken so long for Steely Dan to record albums. The Fagen was partners with Katz in River Sound, although they ended that arrangement. Walter produced Kamakiriad, but somehow I don't see Donald not being involved in the production. The more I think, the more I don't know.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 14:35:19 ET
Posted by: Miles, R

I always wonder if that fact that Toto swept the '82 Grammys over Fagen had something to do with Gary Katz never again getting producer's credit. Toto credited themselves as producer of Toto IV, and won with a record far inferior to The Nightfly.

Date: Tues, March 10, 2015, 13:34:56 ET
Posted by: Rose Dealin', Clearwater

Have Donald or Walter ever sat in on a Toto session?

And the other way around, we have Jeff Pocaro and now Keith Carlock. What other Steely Dan alumni have gone on after playing with Steely Dan to playing with Toto?

Saw a YouTube clip some time back. It showed Toto and their IV album beating Donald Fagen's the Nightfly for album of the year. Hmmph!!

Date: Mon, March 09, 2015, 14:03:36 ET
Posted by: sausage, & beer

Lay down your ....


http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/should_a_nj_woman_replace_andrew_jackson_on_the_20_bill.html

Date: Mon, March 09, 2015, 12:10:49 ET
Posted by: Kent , Pittsburgh

This new Toto album seems like a winner to me. A lot of care, time and devotion was put into it. SD fans should give it a chance. I find it strange that David Paich told Billboard that they may not make another album as Toto and this is their last record.

Date: Mon, March 09, 2015, 02:31:47 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

There's definitely some NYRSR Chain Lightning - like action. Luke even sounds a tad like Zingg on some runs.

21st Century Blues and Paich's All the Tears are more interesting than the Joe Williams tracks: Orphan, Holy War although Carlock and Luke sound great


We got lucky in Dallas 2003 - Fagen's voice was in top shape and he remembered all the lyrics!

Date: Mon, March 09, 2015, 02:14:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

FWIW, the's a new Toto track with a Dan-ilke groove in 6/8 time...a bit like Miss Marlene crossed with Weather in You.

Carlock lays down a pretty righteous shuffle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f8vophVDNM

Date: Sun, March 08, 2015, 23:34:11 ET
Posted by: danfan2000, Seattle

Hi I am a long time Dan collector and fan. Have been to about 50 shows and have a large collection of concert memorabilia. I am always looking for concert ticket scans, articles, reviews, photos, hand bills, posters and other special goodies. If anyone would like to trade concert memorabilia please drop me a line. Nothing is for sale just trade!

Date: Sat, March 07, 2015, 18:13:50 ET
Posted by: ChrisCT, Connecticut

I think he's saying "they hated playing live"

Date: Sat, March 07, 2015, 18:11:51 ET
Posted by: True, yep

He said "they hated playing live".

Which really wasn't true. They hated playing with inferior PA systems and all of the other BS they had to deal with on the road in the 70's. Which they don't have to deal with now.

Date: Sat, March 07, 2015, 16:15:05 ET
Posted by: Milt, R

And something about "they hated my...."

Date: Sat, March 07, 2015, 13:56:59 ET
Posted by: Brad, Kansas City

Thanks!

Date: Sat, March 07, 2015, 13:11:50 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, inside loudspeaker

Something about China Crisis and how Walter B(r)ecker(?!) did a great job with them, I think.

Date: Sat, March 07, 2015, 12:43:27 ET
Posted by: Brad, Kansas City

What is Elton saying about Walter Becker? I can't make it out.

Date: Sat, March 07, 2015, 10:28:34 ET
Posted by: ChrisCT, Connecticut

I just stumbled across this clip of Elton John talking about Steely Dan, "They're weird..." very funny. Turn volume up and go to 2:45
http://youtu.be/er6Lx5DmruE

Date: Fri, March 06, 2015, 12:58:50 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Oh, I know all that, I'm just appreciating the irony that the one song we thought would be way out of their usual touring (and recording, as you mentioned) realm is more of a mainstay that 'Runaway,' 'Dupree,' 'Shame,' et cetera.

Date: Fri, March 06, 2015, 02:03:41 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Random thought rolled into my head while driving through the chill tonight, listening to 2vN.

Someone at the Yellow, before the 2000 tour, wondered if the title track would be part of that year's setlist moving forward. Some other poster, who wasn't entirely off in this regard, cracked that if Donald Fagen couldn't even remember the words to 'Deacon Blues,' (as was the case in several of the 1990s tours), then there was no way in hell 2vN would make it to the live show.

A decade and a half on, and it's the only song they play from that album.

I wish they played more. Not holding my breath.

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 23:31:01 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Would rather they take this Summer off and finish up some of the 84 stuff they keep threatening to finish up, write something new or go through their archives and finish off some old stuff.


I hope they at least do a 2008 style revamp of their setlist this year.

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 23:17:04 ET
Posted by: Miller, New York

Would you rather see our boys tour 3 summers in a row, or have them spend that time working on a new album and then tour behind it?

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 20:05:07 ET
Posted by: lovethisgig, Atlanta

Does anyone know the complete setlist for Amy's City Winery gig?

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 14:35:35 ET
Posted by: curt, ny

if you bluebookers want to hear Donald and walter in their earliest

live performance playing, should check out jay and the americans live and unreleased cd and download. you can get it at amazon.

part one is from 1970 at capitol theater new jersey. when they were backing them up.

this is a legit release.

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 11:56:21 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

thanks for posting that Fagenism.

I'm not a lawyer, but it sounded to me like Palmer was owed some money when news of the lawsuit broke last year. Sounds like it worked out for him.

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 08:59:30 ET
Posted by: Stan, U

At the 4:30 mark in the interview he discusses how he hooked up with SD.

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 08:48:17 ET
Posted by: Stan, U

Palmer seems like a likeable guy. I never knew what he was like before seeing that interview.

Date: Thurs, March 05, 2015, 02:22:42 ET
Posted by: Floyd, NY

Roger...Do you think Gilmour will bring the tour to the United States? Gilmour told rollingstone.com that this will be an "old man's tour".

Date: Wed, March 04, 2015, 20:12:18 ET
Posted by: Roger, Mason

www.davidgilmour.com

LIVE EUROPE 2015

September 12, 2015
CROATIA – PULA : ARENA PULA

September 14, 2015
ITALY – VERONA : VERONA ARENA

September 15, 2015
ITALY – FLORENCE : TEATRO LE MULINA

September 17, 2015
FRANCE – ORANGE : THEATRE ANTIQUE

September 19, 2015
GERMANY – OBERHAUSEN : KONIG-PILSENER-ARENA

September 23, 24, 25, 2015
UK – LONDON : THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

**First tour in 9 years.**

Date: Wed, March 04, 2015, 17:26:39 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

David Palmer discusses Dirty Work lawsuit:

http://youtu.be/gWxtfhWRkWE?t=15m30s

Date: Wed, March 04, 2015, 14:50:20 ET
Posted by: search, k

http://www.jambase.com/Articles/124231/Donald-Fagen-Sits-In-With-Amy-Helm-and-The-Handsome-Strangers

Date: Wed, March 04, 2015, 10:31:58 ET
Posted by: I thought I smelled the pizza burning, you can't cook, but you are learning All I wanted was a large with anchovies

Who booked a bet with Trey?

Date: Wed, March 04, 2015, 10:21:49 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Here is DF singing Beast of Burden at the show referenced below. Looks like some other videos posted, as well.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSzNl1CzD1k

Date: Wed, March 04, 2015, 09:55:53 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Don't know if this is the full version, but here's "Runnin' Child".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-C1MWEX7RM

Date: Wed, March 04, 2015, 04:03:28 ET
Posted by: Abu, at my night gig

What is the deal with "Proud to be Your Slave", by Diamond Head? Of course, it was written by Becker and Fagen. Someone out there in Dandom land must have a copy of this tune. Back in February-March 2011, there was a discussion about it here on the Blue, and at least one person stated they had the 45 RPM record, which evidently was released in 1975. One guy even stated that they might post it on Youtube. Evidently it was posted for a time, at least by July 2011 (see copy of post below)

Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 10:37:10 ET
Posted by: Zippy, Fantasyland

Two incredibly rare Steely Dan items!

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

The FULL VERSION of the very rare "Runnin' Child" SUNG BY STEELY DAN!!

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

"Proud to be your slave" written by Becker and Fagen and performed by DiamondHead!


Alas, I missed it back then! It has now been taken down, perhaps for quite a while. I would venture to say that many of us have never heard the song, as it is a very rare find. It was never put on an album. So, anyone out there who has a copy of this rare song, can you post it on Youtube for the rest of us to hear? If you don't know how to make a Youtube video, send me a copy of it, and I will post it. But why just hold on to your personal treasured copy, and not share it? Anyone have a MP3 of it?

Date: Tues, March 03, 2015, 15:52:44 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Fourteen seconds of DF's pretty pretty girls...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTkCec0wpL8

Date: Tues, March 03, 2015, 12:56:41 ET
Posted by: ccw, NY

Donald came out about 2 hours into the City Winery show last night, and burned through the four songs Shark DeVille named. Donald singing "Beast of Burden" was surreal (especially the "pretty pretty girls" falsetto), and fun. Then he stayed on for most of the next hour on piano accompanying Amy and the rest of the band on what were mostly old covers and blues. They ended with "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."

His piano-playing was sharp, accomplished, and soulful (solos and accompaniment). It was great to see him on an acoustic piano for a change. Really fun night, everyone on stage was in good spirits, and cool to see him in such a small venue.

Date: Tues, March 03, 2015, 10:51:21 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

apparently Donald played a handful of covers: Gotta Serve Somebody, King Harvest, Beast of Burden (!), and Viva Rock'n'Roll. sounds like a great time. I figured he'd play something, since he was listed on the bill.

Date: Tues, March 03, 2015, 00:09:07 ET
Posted by: Barnacles, Clearwater FL

So who went to the Amy Helm show with Donald Fagen last night? Did Donald do anything special?

Date: Mon, March 02, 2015, 09:59:00 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Bhodisattva


A message from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement directed her to the Harn Museum of Art, which hosts a collection of African, American and Asian art and artifacts at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Olmstead sent photos to Allysa Peyton, an assistant curator at the museum.

"I saw enough in the photographs to make me curious," Peyton said.

Olmstead explained that the Apopka museum was nonprofit and couldn't afford to pay Peyton for her expertise. She came nonetheless.

Peyton immediately arrived at one conclusion:

These figures were not lawn art.

They are made of volcanic rock, and there aren't any volcanoes in Apopka.

"Seeing these in person is extraordinary," Peyton said.

The sculptures could be as many as 1,000 years old and likely originated in the Indonesian region of East Java, a small island between Malaysia and Australia, she said. The giant head, bearing an expression of contentment, may depict Bodhisattva, a being who has achieved nirvana but remains on Earth to help others attain enlightenment.




http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-apopka-mystery-ancient-carvings-20150227-story.html

Date: Sun, March 01, 2015, 18:43:38 ET
Posted by: pzlsuxbwff,

FbNWQ4 <a href="http://xzzxqibigidf.com/">xzzxqibigidf</a>, [url=http://zwnowvkylrcw.com/]zwnowvkylrcw[/url], [link=http://vlnjgutenann.com/]vlnjgutenann[/link], http://xehgepwnzcdq.com/

Date: Sat, February 28, 2015, 17:50:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just emailed and covers February 17-28, 2015. [The previous edition covered February 4-16, 2015.

The following are the subjects/headlines of the items in the latest newsletter:

- A Decade and a Half Since 2vN? ALREADY?
- 3/2: Amy Helm with Special Guest, Donald Fagen
- REDUX: Rockabye Gollie Angel Tour 2015
- REDUX: Keith Carlock on New Toto XIV Album

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within the next hour of this posting. If you don't see it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. Heck, if you want, email me privately that you DID get it. We had some issues last summer with it being delivered. If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter and its content is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.

As always, thank you for your support through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and especially thinking of Mark and Bill, and purposely not to mention a couple of people who request anonymity.

Fly about as low, be so cool,

Jim

Date: Sat, February 28, 2015, 14:42:34 ET
Posted by: trey, Kansas City

10-1 Fagen doesn't sing one song this Monday. He'll be accompanying his step daughter on piano only. Bets?

Date: Sat, February 28, 2015, 14:03:53 ET
Posted by: Lazlo, Colorado

I remember watching Bandits a few years ago and thinking Billy Bob Thornton would make a good Donald and Bruce Willis a good Walter. I mean, especially BBT for DF: in that film especially, he's almost a carbon copy of Don; twitchy, riddled with problems, smart but shy. I don't know.

Date: Sat, February 28, 2015, 10:49:54 ET
Posted by: hoops , evanston

Through the years, we've had several threads on who should play Becker and Fagen in a Steely BioPic.

Geoff Goldblum always comes out at the most popular among Danfans , balancing both appearance and acting.

I believe Billy Bob Thorton for Walter was the most popular candidate.

Jim


P.S. Dandom Digest for later today--let me know or email me anything you would like included. The Dandom Digest reaches something like 2,000 readers, a lot more than here or Facebook, etc., but probably not even as close to the Official Steely Dan Email Newsletter.

Date: Sat, February 28, 2015, 07:14:25 ET
Posted by: CSA, X

Alan Rosenberg can play Fagen. They look like they could be first cousins.

Date: Sat, February 28, 2015, 00:53:29 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

Along the lines of Strainers, Hemorrhagers and sonic similarities of songs, there is in recent music news the ongoing lawsuit of the children of Marvin Gaye, Plaintiffs v. Robin Thicke/Pharrell/T.I. Defendants. The Plaintiffs contend that Thicke plagiarized Gaye's 1977 tune "Got to Give it Up" in order to record his 2013 megahit "Blurred Lines". Blurred Lines was everywhere, it was nominated for a Grammy Song of the Year, I believe. It was big, big, big. You would have to have been out of touch with any mass media for most of 2013 and 14 to not have heard it.

Since this very real legal battle is based on the types of analyses/discussion that we do with Strainers/Hemorrhagers, I will pose an open question to the Blue to see if anyone thinks that these tunes are the same, similar, or whatevah, and what their take on this case is.

I am particularly interested in what "My Guess" and "Doc Mu" have to say about this, and all comers in general. I will give my opinion later.....

Date: Sat, February 28, 2015, 00:26:43 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

The most recent Strainer was:

"Tonite's Strainer deals with New Testament Dan and the Fagen Trilogy.

On the Blue, of late, there has been intense discussion regarding "synths" and such in general, and the tune Green Book, in particular. While there may be various subtleties employing the use of synths in the sonic makeup of Green Book, this "green" tune most likely sprouted and grew from the sonic roots of a tune in the Fagen Trilogy (studio albums).

Difficulty level is about 5.5"

EPILOGUE:

Although I didn't notice it at first when EMG was released in 2003, it was around 2006 or so when I took EMG out of the archives for a spin, there was something familiar about Green Book that I couldn't quite place. In preparation for performing musical artist's tours, I usually spin their records in order to bone up for the actual show. To get ready for the 2006 DF solo tour, out came Nightfly and 1993's Kamakiriad for some spins. Upon hearing the final cut on Kama, it was then that I made the connection between that cut and EMG's Green Book.

That cut is indeed Teahouse on the Tracks, which was the answer we were looking for. The poster "My Guess" was first with the answer. However, My Guess is ineligible to receive the one Strainer point, as he indicated that he answered this Strainer correctly once before. My Guess does remain as the all-time leader with 8.5 points.

If you mash up Teahouse and Green Book, the recurrent 3 chord piano riff is nearly identical, and occurs at the same interval throughout each of the tunes.

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 17:51:32 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

Ben Stiller is a dead ringer for Fagen on the album cover of The Nightfly.

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 17:29:24 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa

While Howard Stern would make a great middle aged Donald Fagen, I think the Amazing Kreskin could play the modern day post "Sunken Condos" Fagen.
Richard Karn of TV's "Home Improvement" would make a great Walter Becker.

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 17:22:29 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa

Howard Stern who played himself wonderfully in "Private Parts" would be a great choice to play the enigmatic Fagen.

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 16:12:42 ET
Posted by: Bud, Los Angeles

Perhaps Michael Keaton could play Fagen.

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 16:01:47 ET
Posted by: sad, c

Who's left to play Fagen in a movie now?

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 15:36:41 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

With the unfortunate passing of Leonard Nimoy, I wonder what 2 sci-fi fans like Don & Walt thought about "Star Trek".
I assume they were fans.

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 08:10:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Ah, so that's what happened. Thanks guys for the memory refresher.

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 04:50:19 ET
Posted by: Abu, SoCal

I remember a few years ago, there was a discussion about the very rare 45 single by Diamond Head, entitled "Proud To Be Your Slave", which was written by Becker and Fagen, but never released by Steely Dan. This Diamond Head 7" 45 RPM record was the flip side of the tune "All For the Love of Music", neither of which song was ever on a Diamond Head album (correct me if I am wrong). At that time, one person on this very forum tantalizingly stated that he had a copy of this extremely rare record, but never actually produced verification of it. Does anyone now have a copy (actual record, or MP3) of this Fagen/Becker tune? If so, send me an e-mail and let me know about it.

Abu

Date: Fri, February 27, 2015, 01:05:20 ET
Posted by: Will, Carson City, NV

Keith Carlock is on the cover of Batterie Magazine published in France. Keith posted a message about it on his Facebook page. That interview with him looks interesting. Sure wish there was some way to read it online (translated in English).

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 22:33:44 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Nah - not just Bonham, there's some Freakin' Bruford in the Carlock mix

Stewart Copeland, Tony Williams, the drummer from Blondie, Buddy Rich, a little Porcaro, a taste of Bonham power, and Bill Bruford.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 22:18:17 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jeez, Keith's drumming is approaching EPIC on both Toto tunes. Jeff was the master and still my favorite SD drummer. Simon could attack the drums...but it's amazing to me how lost Carlock's incredible performances are lost on many of the posters. His contrapuntal feel and fills in 6/8 time on Orphan are mind-blowing and the energy and power on Holy War are palpable.

Like a fusion of Stewart Copeland, Tony Williams, the drummer from Blondie, Buddy Rich, a little Porcaro, and John Bonham.


Fagen keeps Keith so constrained with a few exceptions. What I Do has some freedom and nuance. Walter and Larry Klein let Keith stretch out a little bit, but there's only so much to be done with the dub.

Keith's better with SD live from my experience. He does Aja proud.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 22:10:29 ET
Posted by: Don, NY

Thanks kids,

Amy's show this Monday is sold-out.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 21:54:39 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Ah, now I go back and read the actual re-release notes - I could have saved myself and you poor readers much trouble if I had done this first, and I apologize - and see that the tape loop bit is about Show Biz Kids. One may wonder at this point if I ever even listened to the album. Please don't wonder out loud...

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 21:54:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: Dias relays this epic tale:

"I just read an article in the December "95 issue of Electronic Musician about microtuning and synthesizers. The author goes into great detail describing how fretless string players constantly adjust their tuning according to what they hear. The equal temperament of the piano is merely a compromise. Even within the same scale and the same song, the ideal tuning of any particular note will often change according to the context in which it is played. Even though there is a midi tuning standard (MTS) to allow such fine tuning to be controlled by sequencers, only Turtle Beach (according to the article) has seen fit to implement MTS. So this poor sap is constantly retuning and punching in bits of sequences for hours on end while he keeps making his coffee stronger and stronger!

This reminds me of a certain Arp Soloist you can hear on Countdown to Ecstasy. It was used for that melodic passage in King of the World but I am thinking now of the four part harmony in Bodhisattva that feels somewhat like four saxophones playing together. Now, the Arp Soloist was a small plastic keyboard that could only play one note at a time. It had on tiny plastic knob that you turned between your thumb and forefinger to tune the entire unit.

The only way to get four part harmony out of this synthesizer was to record four parts on four separate tracks, one at a time. By the time we progressed to the second of these tracks we could hear tuning problems. "I could swear I had it in tune," said Donald. "Maybe it's just certain intervals," said Walter, proud owner of a book by Hindemith on music theory. So we began tuning and patching bits and pieces of each part. Sometimes we returned to a previous part to repunch a note or two. The air grew thick, and Donald's fingers were getting sore from turning that little knob. This affected his performances so the each bit required more takes. He began saying "I'm gonna kill this thing" every time he had to retune. Then he started saying it whenever the tape stopped rolling.

Then it was done. The last part had been played and played back. The look on Donald's face was one I will never forget. He yanked the wires out of that Arp Soloist and headed for the door. We all followed. Outside the door was a hallway that led to a balcony and stairwell that let out on a courtyard down below. Donald threw the synthesizer down the stairs as hard as he could. He then chased after it and started jumping up and down on it. Several of us joined in with a few kicks and thumps. Roger got some alcohol from the studio and we proceeded to set the thing on fire! That was a warm glow.

That studio was in the same building as ABC Dunhill headquarters. It was therefore no surprise and no accident that the wreckage was discovered the following morning by some men in grey suits. Their response, however, was something else. It must have touched a raw nerve, because they had that twisted lump of burnt plastic framed and mounted on a wall with an engraved plaque. I don't remember the inscription but it said something about Steely Dan, men and machines.






Holy War is nearly tuneless, but it dies rock - Carlock really lets the monster out of the box around the 3 min mark. Luke is Luke on guitar.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 21:47:22 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

KD - Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I can't remember why I connected that "bad, badly" comment with the tape loop, but the backwards tape part is all part of the vibe of the song, too - let's call it a nice idea, nicely executed. I also remember reading something that was typical D&W speak about a tape loop running out the door and down the hall, and that's why I thought that the repeating guitar track was a loop. That may also be a little off-target.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 21:39:13 ET
Posted by: BenJammin, Indy: Keeping warm!

When I finally squeeze into the adult film industry I'll have to choose that perfect stage name, but I'll have a hard decision to make: Walter Pecker or Dongald Fagen. I guess it'll depend on rockin' what would be top sellers at the merch table: aviator Blue Blockerz or black sweatpants with Circus $ printed across the bunz!

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 20:29:56 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

It was that part, kotw, love that.

All of those late 90s liner notes can be found here, so many Y2K-era thanks to Broberg for writing these up:

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

Huge influence on my writing. Seriously.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 19:53:02 ET
Posted by: Bugle Boy, Miami

I love Toto's new single "Holy War". Lukather & Carlock really rock!

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 19:18:43 ET
Posted by: kotw, a few miles further on, in same orbit

KD-- Was that the surreal moment when they say "Might as well ...DIE!"? That DOES work, very definitely. As does the fast guitar.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 19:14:42 ET
Posted by: king of the world, Sol 3

I love that story lurker ray, thanks very much.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 18:35:57 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Also, Nicholas Urfe, Don and Walt were referring to that backwards tape effect following the bridge as "poorly executed," not the repeating guitar riff (not sure that's a loop).

I think both are perfectly lovely.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 17:46:33 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Sunny SoBE

Steely Dan, Men and Machines
by Denny Dias

"This reminds me of a certain Arp Soloist you can hear on Countdown to Ecstasy. It was used for that melodic passage in King of the World but I am thinking now of the four part harmony in Bodhisattva that feels somewhat like for saxophones playing together. Now, the Arp Soloist was a small plastic keyboard that could only play one note at a time. It had on tiny plastic knob that you turned between your thumb and forefinger to tune the entire unit.

The only way to get four part harmony out of this synthesizer was to record four parts on four separate tracks, one at a time. By the time we progressed to the second of these tracks we could hear tuning problems. "I could swear I had it in tune," said Donald. "Maybe it's just certain intervals," said Walter, proud owner of a book by Hindemith on music theory. So we began tuning and patching bits and pieces of each part. Sometimes we returned to a previous part to repunch a note or two. The air grew thick, and Donald's fingers were getting sore from turning that little knob. This affected his performances so the each bit required more takes. He began saying "I'm gonna kill this thing" every time he had to retune. Then he started saying it whenever the tape stopped rolling.

Then it was done. The last part had been played and played back. The look on Donald's face was one I will never forget. He yanked the wires out of that Arp Soloist and headed for the door. We all followed. Outside the door was a hallway that led to a balcony and stairwell that let out on a courtyard down below. Donald threw the synthesizer down the stairs as hard as he could. He then chased after it and started jumping up and down on it. Several of us joined in with a few kicks and thumps. Roger got some alcohol from the studio and we proceeded to set the thing on fire! That we a warm glow.

That studio was in the same building as ABC Dunhill headquarters. It was therefore no surprise and no accident that the wreckage was discovered the following morning by some men in grey suits. Their response, however, was something else. It must have touched a raw nerve, because they had that twisted lump of burnt plastic framed and mounted on a wall with an engraved plaque. I don't remember the inscription but it said something about Steely Dan, men and machines."

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

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 15:11:59 ET
Posted by: Critical John the Nuclear Waste Researcher, UK

Does anyone know what's going on between the two sections of touring announced? Is it possible that W&D will be playing dates in the UK and Europe. it should be cool enough (though possibly wet!) in May and June even for a porky old bloke like Walter.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 10:59:09 ET
Posted by: ccw, ny

I saw the Replacements in Forest Hills last year, it was a blast!

The two couldn't be more different musically, but they both have senses of humor and both have focused lyrically on the outsider. The Replacements couldn't take punk seriously enough (and were too talented) to draw within the lines of the genre they started in, and Steely Dan couldn't take rock seriously enough (and were too talented) to draw within the lines of the genre they started in.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 08:56:07 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Michael you are in fact right, it was dropped on and killed Charlie
Sheen in the final 2.5 Men. You have excellent sources. Just curious:
Anyone besides me excited about The Replacements tour? My bad Hoops,
but I always look forward to see what other Dandom's are in to, as I
respect many on this board.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 06:54:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I thought they dropped it from several stories on to the pavement.

Date: Thurs, February 26, 2015, 02:59:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The ARP synth from KOTW was later set on fire by Donald and Walter nd sent bounding down the stairs for getting out of tune often.

Date: Wed, February 25, 2015, 15:29:39 ET
Posted by: Lionel, Bronx, NY

ccw- Intimate venue? Back around 1990 I saw DF singing in a tiny bar in NYC with about 25 people in the place. That was "intimate"!

Date: Wed, February 25, 2015, 09:52:12 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Jazzassin - good one. I haven't updated my thinking since I came up with that list years ago. Now I can add a souvenir of perfect doom from the back of Louis Dakine's back room. Nice. Perhaps billed in the list as:

Memorabilia - Souvenirs from the bomb. Do they glow?

Date: Wed, February 25, 2015, 09:11:51 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, F of MB

My experience has been that if Fagen is billed, he feels obliged to sing a song. I'd be very surprised if he didn't at the CW.

Date: Wed, February 25, 2015, 03:47:13 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Louis Dakine's backroom

Nick,

Add Memorabilia to the bomb recipe for good measure.

Date: Tues, February 24, 2015, 21:44:11 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Chris, in the liner notes to the re-release of CTE, D&W call the guitar loop in KOTW a "bad idea, badly executed." Even our esteemed Jim holds the Joe Jackson cover - which is darned good, don't get me wrong - in as high or higher esteem as the original. I'm with you on the synth line, I like the guitar loop, it all fits the vibe of the song (to me), which is the first in the a-bomb trilogy:

King of the World - Steely Dan does Mad Max; classic post-apocalyptic imagery.

New Frontier - Let's party in our parents' bomb shelter; and get a little 50's nookie underground.

Last Mall - The cold war is over-or is it?; let's do some last-minute shopping before the radiation does us in.

Who but SD, collectively or individually, have played that theme over so many years in so many ways?

Date: Tues, February 24, 2015, 17:15:03 ET
Posted by: ccw, NY

Check out who's appearing "with" Amy Helm!

http://www.citywinery.com/newyork/tickets/amyhelm030215.html

I imagine only a minor supporting role for Mr. Fagen here, and I have no particular desire to see Amy Helm, but a cool opportunity to see Donald in a very intimate venue (maybe he'll take lead on one song or two?)

Date: Tues, February 24, 2015, 13:32:51 ET
Posted by: My Guess, Summer reruns?

This Strainer has been asked previously that yours truly answered correctly.

Teahouse on the Tracks.

Date: Tues, February 24, 2015, 11:09:37 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Casual Fan

You can DO it! I too had the same concerns. In the end I made the decision to not miss an opportunity to see this great band perform another time. Considering they skipped Florida last summer, my interest was to the point of ignoring the undesirable venue at an undesirable time of year. You never know, this might be the show where you get to hear that one deep cut on your list.

Date: Tues, February 24, 2015, 08:42:08 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Strainer - Countermoon has a somewhat similar groove to Green Book. Almost the same tempo. Green Book slightly faster.

Date: Tues, February 24, 2015, 04:27:48 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, the complete rhyming dictionary

I heard the call and I wrote it on the wall, Hall.

Thanks for adding something deep, sheep.

Your Creep

Date: Tues, February 24, 2015, 01:41:29 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

Tonite's Strainer deals with New Testament Dan and the Fagen Trilogy.

On the Blue, of late, there has been intense discussion regarding "synths" and such in general, and the tune Green Book, in particular. While there may be various subtleties employing the use of synths in the sonic makeup of Green Book, this "green" tune most likely sprouted and grew from the sonic roots of a tune in the Fagen Trilogy (studio albums).

Difficulty level is about 5.5

Date: Mon, February 23, 2015, 15:30:27 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Dave and Jazzassasin - Thank you for reminding me of these. I can't believe I forgot King of the World! That synth line is one of my favorite musical moments in, well, music!

Casual Fan - I wish I could help ya but I'm having a hard time doing the same for one of the Boston stops. Lotta money, hate the venue, and I like Elvis Costello but not enough to justify paying more for what will probably be a slightly shorter, hit-heavy SD set.

But I'll go anyway, and I'll have a blast, because I always do, even though it's less of an "event" for me this year.

Date: Mon, February 23, 2015, 14:20:26 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

I need a boost of energy, guys. SD is far and away my favorite band of all time. But I've seen them 6 times now, and I'm having trouble getting motivated to shell out $100 a ticket to go see them on a Tuesday night, in the humidity of August, at the Tampa amphitheatre (just about the worst venue they could pick), and where they have to share the bill to make it work.

At some point, its just too much work. Help me, Bluebook! Remind me why this is going to be worth it!

CF

Date: Mon, February 23, 2015, 14:05:04 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia pa.

Hey chris. There are a ton of Fagen synth solos and the other posters are correct he usually tried to get some sort of horn or synth melodica sound out of it. I think his background as a sax player and obvious love of the instrument, makes him solo a lot like a horn player. Home at last, hey 19, igy, big noise new york, gold teeth II. Also on kamakiriad (I think tea house on the tracks)? He plays a synth solo that is supposed to mimic a trombone.

Date: Mon, February 23, 2015, 12:23:34 ET
Posted by: hall, monitor

jazzassin, you have officially become the biggest creep loser on this board.

nice post you creep!

Date: Sat, February 21, 2015, 04:24:27 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, K-code

Green Book? That song! Referring to the Cyan Book here and the Yellow? Mwahahaha, noo waaaaayy ...! The Cyanid Book ... Mwahahahah! But THAT SONG!

Date: Sat, February 21, 2015, 03:49:47 ET
Posted by: king of the world, the other side of no tomorrow

Have a good birthday, Walter. Get others to entertain you, or something. I have no specific birthday suggestions, but I'm sure he's set in that department.

DonWalt must read this stuff, if Green Book really *was* a reference to the yellow and the blue.

Date: Fri, February 20, 2015, 17:48:35 ET
Posted by: Q, Tampa

Chet.....That's not rare.

Date: Fri, February 20, 2015, 17:23:52 ET
Posted by: tommytomato, Columbus OH

Row 3 Seat 12 (center) for Cuyahoga Falls...

Date: Fri, February 20, 2015, 12:23:18 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Happy Birthday, Walter! Listening to your fine music at work.

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 15:59:14 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

Here's a rarity that should interest the collectors out there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DONALD-FAGEN-Centurys-End-3-INCH-CD-w-adap-STEELY-DAN-1988-/391056341438?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5b0cc639be

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 15:34:57 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Nooo!

Cashier, that's a nasty one right there! Also reminds me a little of a trombone crack. Is that even a word? In the lowest part of the bone's register, when the tone occationally and hopefully intentionally cracks up?

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 15:06:31 ET
Posted by: The Cashier, Los Angeles

You want to hear some funny synth stuff? Listen to the (simulated?) fart at 4:42 in Godwhacker.

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 12:27:30 ET
Posted by: Neal, NJ

Milton.......Don't worry, DF won't be "The special guest"

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 12:20:29 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, deep down the steely grooves

@Chris, what about King Of The World? Lots of fine weird synth things going on there, too. And on Turn That Heartbeat Over Again, right after the pure guitar solo stuff in the instrumental part, there is some subtle moderately weird multiple overdubs with guitars, synths and pedal steel nicely blended into something very beautiful and deeply original. The album credits says Fagen plays "Plastic Organ". This is likely a cheap analog synth, technically. And it sounds weird.
Very typical for Fagen's use of synth sounds for solos is his use of pitch bending, to achieve a more plastic voice and hit those bended blue notes. This also fits well with the other characteristics of his synth style; his fondness of harmonica and melodica like sounds. Can be heard all over his solo albums in addition to his real melodicas and/ or some harmonica by other players. Even the one on Green Book has a hint.

But the mimicking goes the other way around, too; SD has other pretty weird synth sounding things that are not necessarily "real synths", but sounds a bit like them ... The last seconds of Green Earrings, where Randall's shining solo, in itself a weird creature, towards the end gradually transforms into something even weirder, which probably includes both some guitar effects that sounds synth-ish and real synth(s). Some rapidly decreasing delay time bleepy effect is obviously one.

Another thought: For fills, pads and other comp elements Fagen often chose cold/ cool synth sounds. For soloing, almost exclusively warmer sounds.

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 10:27:56 ET
Posted by: Milton, R

Bill Charlap will be performing a Charlie Parker tribute with Phil Woods & others. Maybe a "special guest" will perform a song suited to the occasion.

http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/bill-charlap-presents-bird-lives-a-salute-to-charlie-parker

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 09:45:18 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Can anyone point me to specific examples of Fagen actively exploring odd synth sounds? (Lunch with Gina and Green Book are the only two I can think of with prominent synthy synths, for lack of a better term). I had him pegged as a guy who used them as a means to an end - getting as close as possible to the instrument he wanted to emulate while retaining total control. That type of synth usage starts in his sporadic 80s output and peaks with Kamakiriad.

Date: Thurs, February 19, 2015, 07:28:24 ET
Posted by: Michael, new song

Grandpa's Station Wagon

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15040_ntxgW82ogBdA2c6u5HMo&board_id=1

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 22:45:01 ET
Posted by: king of the world, ruthenia

Thanks for all that, KD. That's got to be right. If John Lennon had continued wanting to be weird (why did he stop?) he probably would have moved on to similar synth usage... the weird kind... and Stevie Wonder used it for funk purposes, innovative too, probably. ?

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 15:04:18 ET
Posted by: Eartha,

KD:

Add Stevie Wonder to your list of innovative keyboardists intrigued by the possibility of new sounds.

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 14:44:42 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

This might be my fandom coming through, but Fagen seemed like the first rock guy to use weird keyboards and synths not because they approximated sounds of other instruments, but because they sounded ... weird. Starting with the first song on the first album.

Kind of predated both the Brian Eno advancements, but also the Farfisa-heavy obsession that Steve Nieve brought to Costello's records. He wasn't using that goofy keytar live because he wanted to stand up to sing like some Awesome Rock Dude, he did it because he liked the odd sound and fake vibrato. I'm guessing that's what he used on that nutball (and fantastic) "Greenbook" solo.

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 13:05:04 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello Baton Rouge

Anyone know the Houston (The Woolands) pre-sale code?

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 12:20:21 ET
Posted by: king of the world, earth's rocky outer shell

Jazzassin-- I'm surprised that SD has used synthesizers.
Maybe I instinctively accept abstract sound, without wondering what made it...

Fagenism-- Well, I was listening to EMG recently and thinking, what an incredibly great "worst album"... I love the whole thing, but it and CBAT vie for beloved-worst position. For me, it's not musical sophistication, but what's done with it, emotionally, lyrically.

Was it impossible to have a new SD with a harder, rock edge? Sometimes? That's what I miss, despite the miracle of having them rise from the crypt again for those two great albums.

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 11:45:10 ET
Posted by: Sib, PA

Carlock cannot make the show tonight, according to a tweet from Wayne Krantz.

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 10:58:25 ET
Posted by: Noo......, !

EMG is not superior to Aja and Gaucho. The songs all sound the same, and used all the same musicians who are not in the same league as the hired guns on those earlier albums.

hr>

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 06:53:14 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Thanks Faganism. I couldn't agree more.

Filled with anxiety right now hoping to get good tix for the Tampa show...general sale becomes available Saturday. I haven't been able to see the boys since 2007 and that's way, way too long.

I may be the most diehard fan here, only because, I have a recurring dream that I'm at a "Steely Dan" show...It's outdoors, I can hear the music somewhat..but its almost like I'm in the parking lot so close but still to far away to enjoy the show. I've even gone to the t-shirt stand in this recurring dream. Hoping to get 2 great seats so I can chill out, get their early, "get my "steely dan t shirt" and just take it all in.

Hoping the cable channel "Palladia" shows the boys at Coachella ..maybe even live in April.

Date: Wed, February 18, 2015, 06:39:38 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

Steve Gennarelli:

Painted From Memory is one of the finest albums I have ever heard. If memory serves, I have brought it up numerous times on The Blue. A reviewer once referred to it as ”the gold standard of pop music” or something along those lines. As a sidenote, there have been rumors about it being adapted into a Broadway musical for a while; not sure what the latest update is.

* * *

Doc Mu:

Thank you for pointing out that Two Against Nature is more sophisticated than anything that came before it. Now that I think about it; how hopelessly underrated the new testament is. The Duo perfected their craft on said album and Everything Must Go, just like solo Don did with Morph The Cat and Sunken Condos.

I would go so far as to say that TvN and EMG are to Aja and Gaucho what Aja and Gaucho are to CBAT and CTE. Don’t get me wrong - it’s all genius. But increasingly so.

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 23:57:56 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Uptharinthemtharhills, NJ

Hoops, can't resist another legal use of that word.

If you look up original Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall's real name, you'll see what I mean.

I think it's French for, well, you know.

https://www.google.com/#q=peter+marshall+real+name

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 21:09:19 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Thanks, Doc!

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 17:43:37 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Hey Philly Area kids!

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 18, is a great night to see some great SD musicians:

WAYNE KRANTZ, KEITH CARLOCK and ANTHONY JACKSON will be at the Sellersville Theater at 8PM in support of Wayne’s new CD.

an intimate small theatre north of Philly, easily reached by the Northeast Extension (476) or Route 309

details at www.st94.com

Hope to see you there!

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 14:52:10 ET
Posted by: Dylynfan, Harrisburg, Pa

Pez you dispense good information. While I am a fan of Mr. Costello,
I too will be pissed off if it cuts into the boys set. Can we assume
that Elvis will be the opener and not the other way around for all the dates they are together? I sure as Hell hope that is the case.

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 13:53:20 ET
Posted by: Pez, Orlando, FL

I bought tickets to the Tampa show too. I hope Elvis doesn't hog up too much time during his set. I wanna see as much Steely Dan as possible.

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 12:08:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Dear Dandom:

After sending out last night's Dandom Digest, we found that 16 out of maybe close to 2K subscribers had their copy blocked because of "offensive language."

The problem has been narrowed down. What's wrong with the word "cock"--as in "Peter, you will deny me three times before cock crows..."?????

This internet business isn't as fun as it used to be...

Jim

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 10:39:09 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Just bought my ticket for the August 11 Steely Dan show in Tampa. Orchestra seats are $146.00 plus all of the out of control fees. Looking forward to the show, not the venue.

Date: Tues, February 17, 2015, 09:17:25 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, 911

Just listened to Donald's synth solo on Gina. I think I blew a digging fuse. I may never be able to dig again.

Date: Mon, February 16, 2015, 20:34:08 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just emailed and covers February 4-16, 2015. [The previous edition covered January 7-February 3, 2015.

The following are the subjects/headlines of the items in the latest newsletter:

- Update: Rockabye Gollie Angel Tour 2015
- RS: SD, Elvis Costello Plot Joint Tour
- Dylan: Nothing against SD in Rock Hall
- RS: Mark Ronson on Loving Steely Dan
- What We Really Meant: Steely Danchella
- Keith Carlock on New Toto XIV Album
- Steely Gift Ideas In Case You Missed Valentines Day

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within the next hour of this posting. If you don't see it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. Heck, if you want, email me privately that you DID get it. We had some issues last summer with it being delivered. If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter and its content is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.

As always, thank you for your support through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and especially thinking of Mark and Bill, and purposely not to mention a couple of people who request anonymity.

Fly about as low, be so cool,

Jim

Date: Mon, February 16, 2015, 10:51:20 ET
Posted by: Rob,

I lurk here and don't post much, but wanted to say I really enjoy catching up. Thanks to all who write.

Date: Sun, February 15, 2015, 16:16:20 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Thanks for your patience with the spam over the past 20 hours or so.

Best,

Jim

Date: Sat, February 14, 2015, 19:33:05 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, Near the tower

Steely Dan website updated with presale info

Date: Sat, February 14, 2015, 07:24:55 ET
Posted by: Hey, here

SOBOBA

Date: Sat, February 14, 2015, 00:01:32 ET
Posted by: Nat, P

steelydan.com has the Red Rocks date on July 6, not April 6. The RS story must have been written after a few Rolling Rocks.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 20:33:28 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Walteria, CA ("you could look it up")

Jim,

Thanks for the link to the RS article. I wonder if the 4/6 date at Red Rocks is an error. That is quite a haul in less than 24 hours to Santa Rosa if the equipment is moving by truck.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 16:44:24 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Rolling Stone has a story about the new tour. Features comments from Walter. Left side bar has a link to a 2006 interview with Donald by Austin Scaggs.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steely-dan-elvis-costello-plot-joint-tour-20150212

Jim

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 16:14:01 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Bob Dylan clarifies his "Musicares" interview comments about Steely Dan at his website:

YOU SUGGESTED THAT SOME OF THE ACTS IN THE HALL OF FAME MIGHT NOT BE TRUE ROCK & ROLL. YOU MENTIONED THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS, ABBA, ALICE COOPER. I HAVE TO STICK UP FOR STEELY DAN. NOT EVERYTHING THEY DID WAS ROCK & ROLL BUT “BODHISATTVA,” “SHOW BIZ KIDS,” “MY OLD SCHOOL” - THOSE SONGS ROCKED LIKE A BASTARD.

Yeah they might have rocked like a bastard, and I’m not saying that they didn’t, but put on any one of those records and then put on “In The Heat of the Moment” by Willy or “Steady Driving Man” or even “Cadillac Walk." I’m not going to belittle Steely Dan but there is a difference.



Read more: http://www.bobdylan.com/us/news/conversation-bill-flanagan#ixzz3Rf5VCseR

====

Remember: to get first crack at Ravinia tickets, you need to be a subscriber and get the series, typically. Also: All lawn seats are obstructed view with a lot of picnics and chatting. Nice place if you get up close--and the ushers don't let people back into their seats from potty breaks until a song is over.

Jim

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 15:55:07 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

The setlists of late always have good chunk in the middle of tunes that don't necessarily thrill the hit seekers but still get played year after year. Stuff like Daddy, TvN, Godwhacker, Show Biz Kids, TOOM. It's unlikely they'll ever play a show without Hey 19, Josie, Kid C, Peg, etc -- and that's fine. I'd like to see them change up "deep cuts" portion of the show, though. Get a new 21st century tune in rotation and some old stuff we never (or rarely) hear. If people are gonna take a bathroom break anyway, why not play The Bear every night?

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 15:44:08 ET
Posted by: Jerry , Manchester England

With you on the setlist KD.. can't believe Brinsley didn't have the idea of touring the USA within his 15 thoughts!

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 15:33:09 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Thank you, YO, that was not reflected this morning.

I would give my right pinkie finger for the "shortened set" to include just tracks from 'Circus Money,' 'Kamakiriad,' 'Morph,' 'TvN,' and anything else from the last 25 years. And then 'FM' and 'Reelin' in the Years.'

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 15:26:09 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Brinsley Schwarz never toured over here, though, Jerry. Gol-darnit.

Are we even? Eh, probably not.

We will respect both acts on your behalf, my man.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 14:51:20 ET
Posted by: Jerry , Manchester England

Oh this is torture.. who would have thought it.. Elvis Costello and the Dan in the USA but not over here... is it worth the plane fare and the ticket prices.. probably yes but can I afford it.. no. Ah well if one good thing comes from this then for me it would be for Elvis to show Don and Walt that you don't need to keep churning out the old numbers when you have great new material contained within your recent group as well as solo albums. Much as I love Steely Dan and have listened to Aja so much it should be buried in my coffin with me, I think he puts them to shame in this regard. I also think it's a shame to see some of the knockers on this forum having a go at Elvis C ... does life have to be so serious.. loosen up... were you born in the 1950's or what (joke by the way) X

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 14:10:47 ET
Posted by: Dylynfan, Harrisburg, Pa

The "shed" in Camden has had several name changes over the years. I
for one cannot wait for this "combo platter", you could even say I
am Pumped it Up! Now the agony of waiting until FKING August!

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 13:48:01 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Gus is right, that San Diego show, to my knowledge, was also the last show where 2 sets were played. It sure helped the 'geriatric' crowd...
Glamour Profession and Monkey were added that night, if not one more.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 13:08:50 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, El Segundo, CA

Regarding the Ravinia shows without EC, in 2006 the two shows without Michael McDonald (Soboba and San Diego) were longer than the others by a few songs, perhaps 22 songs vs. 18 if memory serves, and depending on what you count as a "song". So perhaps history will repeat itself.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 12:33:29 ET
Posted by: YO, KD!

KD- The only two shows that Elvis isn't playing with SD are the two in Ravinia

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 12:27:01 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Check out EC's Stalin Malone. Maybe a crossover number for the SD horn section. It's no Cubano Chant, but, then, what is...

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 11:35:33 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

If indeed we get shortened SD sets due to the opening act, it will probably mean only 1 show for me this time out as opposed to other tours where I always juggled finances to sometimes squeeze out 3 shows (assuming that shortened sets = fewer "deep cuts" or a more radio friendly setlist, which seems to be a safe assumption). I hate to be part of the whiner contingent here, really I do, but I can't even imagine toughing it out on the Greyhound from western NY to The Beacon (done it a few times) to catch less of my favorite band and way, way too much of an act I have zero interest in seeing.

Here's hoping by the time they get to NYC that Costello has moved on to other things.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 11:29:04 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

In the same liner notes where Costello talks about not wanting to hire Thomas because he liked Steely Dan, he also talked about obsessively listening to 'Katy Lied.' Sometimes snotty 22-year olds contain multitudes.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 11:27:08 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Bernie -- in comparison to the 1993, 1994, 2000 and 2003 tours? Yes, they didn't shorten the setlist. In all the tours that have followed, however, they've played about as long and about as many songs as the McD tour. A few more numbers hit the setlist, but not by a ton. That was their invitation to make shows shorter, and they stuck with it.

With that in place, it's Elvis Costello and Steely Dan. Two in my top five. Cannot wait for this tour, even if it means I have to schlep to bloody Ravinia.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 10:07:33 ET
Posted by: 2006, set list

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/steely-dan/2006/nikon-at-jones-beach-theater-wantagh-ny-33dfe0d5.html

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 09:46:51 ET
Posted by: Bernie, Jacksonville FL

Did Steely Dan shorten their setlist when Michael McDonald became the opening act on the 2006 tour?

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 07:32:28 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks for the intriguing responses. It's good to see this place come alive again.

Hutch, if people are going to hold artists accountable for every perceived slight and bad decision, perhaps we should also examine our own conscious because there are bound to be plenty of skeletons. It's a rather easy matter for people to pass judgement and lampoon others, but are such people models of perfection? Not likely.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 03:36:15 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Agreed that EC as an opening act likely means a shorter Steely Dan set, which is likely to result in even more static "hits" lists. Wish they'd picked Winwood, with whom they toured in Australia a few years back.

Btw, Springsteen has now become one of the bigger names selling downloads of recent and vintage concerts with slight sonic enhancement. A very low cost, high return proposition from his perspective, and very convenient and reasonably priced from a fan's perspective. And they've been selling swiftly (he's offering a new one every month or so) despite the fact that his fans already have lots of unofficial show recordings.

If D&W's frequent touring and greatest-hits tour sets stem from a desire to maximize returns, you'd think this would be an easy way for them to bring in a healthy return. Many of us have already heard superb soundboard recordings of past shows, and would be happy to pay the boys for an officially released copy to download. I'm just suggesting, guys. It would bring a much bigger return than any show they have planned.

Date: Fri, February 13, 2015, 00:03:29 ET
Posted by: oolkwdcrt, mVpIaaXjPB

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Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 22:37:41 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

Costello has told the story of initially refusing to hire Attractions bassist Bruce Thomas when he listed Steely Dan as an influence... strictly on principle, he said.

the man has obviously come around on a lot things. I have to admire his prolific output, genre-hopping, and collaborations with some of my favorites (Bacharach especially... and George Jones) but I've just never been a big fan.


now if only Don & Walt would adopt his "spinning set list" idea!

http://www.elviscostello.com/#/the-wheel

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 21:10:26 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

I doubt it will be as long a set as when they tour with a small opening act. Instead of 18-19 songs at an hour and a half I think 13-14 for an hour is more likely.

And all radio hits.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 19:11:22 ET
Posted by: all sheds,

all the time for the summer tour.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 19:10:54 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Cole: the original name of the place was the E-Center...then it was the Tweeter Center, now the Susquehanna Bank Center...I think SD last played there in 2006. They were at the Mann in Philly a couple of years ago.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 18:44:16 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa

"Painted From Memory" Costello's album with Burt Bacharach is brilliant. I'm really not familiar with the rest of his work.
I just hope SD still plays a full long set with 16 or so songs.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 16:53:07 ET
Posted by: Cole, Delaware

Is the Camden E center the same shed there they usually play? (I'm not familiar with that name.)

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 16:24:39 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I don't have a solid opinion on Elvis Costello, but I'll happily check out his set before Steely Dan.

I do have a solid opinion on the Blue Hill Pavilion in Boston (formerly BoA). While it's a lot easier to get in and out of than other venues in the city, the sound is shit, the security is overzealous, everything is crazy overpriced and the cheapest seats are almost as much as the primo seats I had last year at Meadowbrook. It may be my least favorite venue in the area - Tweeter/Great Woods/Xfinity is a bitch to get to and from, but at least the sound is good.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 16:20:15 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Nashville show added 8/8

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 16:20:15 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Nashville show added 8/8

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 14:48:46 ET
Posted by: Brad,

I'm a huge SD fan! Elvis Costello never did anything for me. It's ok, more drinks for me when his set starts.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 14:05:18 ET
Posted by: Skippy, TX

Despite Mike McDonald's affiliation with SD, I thought he was too much of a pop lightweight to be on the same bill with SD. I saw three shows that tour, and it was two too many times seeing MM open. Costello is someone I always meant to get around to checking out, but always forgot to. Plenty of times I've browsed CDs in the record store and didn't buy anything. If I had thought of Elvis Costello, I'd have at least bought a best of compilation CD. Alas, I still don't own anything by him. Based on my limited exposure to him, I think he's a good match.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 12:58:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I've been a fan of EC's Armed Forces, This Year's Model, Almost Blue, with Bacharach, parts of Spike etc. but the thing about EC I remember from back in the day was his surprising vocal power on stage.

I saw a concert with Squeeze and Costello in Carmichael auditorium in Chapel Hill, NC - a real tin box. Squeeze was in their heyday and the compositions on East Side Story, etc. were first rate. Vocals were a little thin live except Paul Carrack (Tempted). The shocker for me was Costello's command and strength/surprising on key/note purity of his vocals on stage. He blew away the place. Only SD, EWF, The Who have more stage/band power live.


Costello can write a good melody, throws in bitingly sarcastic lyrics. Jump started a moribund period in Maccaa's career. Veronica and My Brave Face are spectacular post-modern songs.

I don't see the harm. EC fans probably feel the same way. I hope the fans don't beat each other over the heads with canes. Wait, I'd like to see that on youtube!

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 10:47:24 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Just a little surprised at the Elvis bashing. I've been a huge fan from the beginning. I certainly consider him to be one of the best lyricists in pop music hands down. I'm really blown away by the writing, the production and the performances on albums like Armed Forces and This Year's model.

His most legendary drunken stupidity (yes, alcohol can do that)was the Stills band/ Bonnie Bramlett episode, which no one is excusing him for including me...

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/elvis-costello-racist-remarks/

So he explained and/or apologized for it. Frankly, I'm unaware of any recurring bad behavior and won't spend any time researching it. Maybe he's an asshole. I still think he's a hell of a great singer and songwriter.

As a side note I always found it interesting the way Elvis and Joe Jackson entered the scene with their first releases. Both chose to get their foot in the door by riding that emerging Punk wave, playing it to the hilt and then, after some chart success, moving their music in the directions they really wanted to for the rest of their careers.
Smart marketing.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 10:25:45 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, NYC

Where the hell is my Beacon run???
Or at least a Jones Beach gig.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 09:52:13 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Serves me right, I suppose. One day I'm expressing my hope that Don & Walt not inflict Elvis Costello on their fans, and the next they announce the tour and skip Oregon completely. Maybe they'll still add a non-EC OR date at the end of their April tour. Here's hoping.

Still don't quite get this. Even Toto would make more sense.

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 09:15:35 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Uptharinthemtharhills, NJ

I just posted this on Jon Herington's Facebook page:

"If you get Steely Dan to play Kulee Baba and Elvis to do Shipbuilding and Almost Blue during the encore, we may have something here. Last time I saw you was Rarities Night. So special to me. Until 2007, I had seen each tour at least once since 1993. My picks for "remaining hold-out" tracks (aka rarer Rarities: Carey (Joni Mitchell) - does this really exist ?, Brooklyn, Fire In The Hole, Kings, King of The World ( included despite its rare appearance ). Same goes for Ruby Baby, Any World, Gold Teeth II, Western World (we were all teased by that MSG promo and perplexed by Donald's flippant distaste for his own song Especially after what you guys did to that song in 2006. What was that anyway ? We hope to make it to PNC at Holmdel on Sat 8/1. My wife's favorite artist is Elvis Costello. And for me, well, you know. It's the perfect show for us. Please throw as many surprises as possible at us."


Let's see. Did I miss any ? Oh yeah... My Rival, Gaucho, Haitian Divorce ( Donald - Vox, please. Sorry WB :-(... )

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 07:53:09 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, Tzununa

This is interesting and actually uplifting--Mark Ronson on Steely Dan:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/11/mark-ronson-bruno-mars_n_6662178.html

Date: Thurs, February 12, 2015, 07:24:20 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, inbox

SD Newsletter just out, and SD homepage updated w/ 22 US shows added.

http://www.steelydan.com/tour15.html

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 23:13:10 ET
Posted by: Mongo, Boston

Steve Winwood joined Steely Dan onstage during the 2011 Australian tour when he was the opener. So now it's time for Elvis Costello to "jam" with the Dan.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 22:34:55 ET
Posted by: Emmo Deepea, in the minority again.

Mt. Belzoni, I'll happily join you in that minority. Back in the late '70s I was unfortunate enough to see Costello perform live a couple of times (a friend was - and still is - a big fan). I never did buy into the whole punk/new wave/whatever contrived act - the silly posturing, the snotty onstage behavior and the often undisguised contempt for the paying audience. In later years, I caught part of his UK/Canadian TV show by accident. As a host he came across as an effete, pompous ass and a studied phoney. This dovetailed nicely with my earlier perception of him.

Don't even get me started on his wife, the "Jazz Artist".

In recent years I always made it a point to catch sets by Sam Yahel, Deep Blue, and Bobby Broome - at least out of respect for the musicians themselves. I will definitely be paying special attention to SD's hit-the-stage times for any shows that I see this year in an effort to avoid ingesting any of Mr. Costello's offerings.

M/O/D/P

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 21:26:59 ET
Posted by: Drake, Los Angeles

My favorite Elvis Costello albums are: Painted from Memory with Burt Bacharach, The Sweetest Punch with Bill Frisell and Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland. People should also get Chet Baker's Live at Ronnie Scott's DVD which has Elvis Costello doing interviews with jazz legend Chet Baker. Good videos on YouTube with Elvis Costello interviewing former President Bill Clinton and introducing Pat Metheny and the late great Charlie Haden.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 20:23:22 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

I like some of Costello's stuff, especially what he did with Bill Frisell.
Sharing a bill with SD, doesn't excite me either.
Mt. Belzoni is right, politically he's a another pompous ahole/hypocrite like Roger Waters and I just don't go and support these guys.
Costello is fine playing all these corporate gigs in Vegas, who does he think the Wynn is owned by?

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 20:20:55 ET
Posted by: ken, should have been Joe Jackson

Personally, I've never been a fan of Elvis Costello. So, him playing with SD doesn't excite me in the least.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 20:17:28 ET
Posted by: king of the world, the empire of trebizond

It irks me when people view music as merely being some sort of personal nostalgia trigger. It should be a fresh experience each time you listen to an album, with each listening adding to what you got from the last one, with the music and words drawing you into new areas of life, making you think new thoughts and feel new feelings, not just reviving old personal experiences. I'm looking forward, even when listening to old music.

I don't have the hunger for familiarity that most people seem to have, or the tolerance for endless repetition. I don't get how people can say that they never get tired of hearing their favorite songs. I overload easily, and have to put my favorite stuff away for long periods sometimes. Individuals may just be wired differently in this regard. Also, I just have no nostalgia in me. There may have been a mountain of incredible music in the 60s and 70s, but I still need to hear fresh, new things.

As for SD being musically "happy"... funny, when I think of Steely Dan, I think of something dark and tense, enjoyably "malevolent" sounding, and no not just the words, but the music. I love how Royal Scam almost sounds scary... Countdown to Ecstacy is at most points either grim, or twisted, or both.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 20:14:35 ET
Posted by: Wino, Drinking

Scotch & Soda

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 19:37:42 ET
Posted by: lyric, quiz

Milk and Honey
Coke and Rum

Name another food pairing

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 18:44:10 ET
Posted by: Green Bull, Happy Hour

No, Steely Dan's touring band is too big. Besides, Walter might get seasick.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 18:25:12 ET
Posted by: BenJammin, Indy, procrastinating

When's SD gonna sponsor a cruise? What would a week at sea be like with our crowd?! Some picks for an opener which would make for a fun encore jam: Sly n Robbie, Gregg Allman's solo band, and The Anderson-Ponty Band (Jon and Jean Luc). Heck, I'd appreciate a motivational speech from Bruce Jenner or some poetry shared by Charles Mason's fiancé if I knew Don and Walt were waiting in the wings. Let's just unite in a party!

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 18:24:41 ET
Posted by: Meko, Florida

Jazz vocalist/pianist Diana Krall is Elvis Costello's wife. Maybe she might be at these shows. Donald & Walter could bring her onstage too.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 17:36:30 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

I may be in the minority here, but I have no desire to see Elvis Costello tour with Don & Walt.

I'd go see D&W with no other act, and there are a few acts that would complement them well (M McDonald is one, perhaps Joe Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Swing Out Sister. If only Laura Nyro were still with us . . . . ). But not Costello.

From the first hostile concert I saw him give in the late 70s (turning bright lights on the audience to get us to leave after 45 min.) to some of his more recent objectionable political positions (which even his wife has openly disagreed with), I just don't like him. More importantly, his material can't hold a candle to the Dan, nor does it complement the Dan's work at all (to large a genre differential): important requirements for any artists who'd share a show 50-50 with D&W.

If they did tour together, I'd hope that D&W would at least go first so I wouldn't have to sit through Costello's show to get what I want from the evening.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 16:58:02 ET
Posted by: Meko, Florida

Elvis could come out and sing "Dirty Work" with SD since Donald never does the vocal on that track.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 16:54:00 ET
Posted by: GE, the airwaves

Twenty Four Hour Steely Dan Radio if so inclined. I have no part in this but thought a few of you might enjoy.

http://steelydan.playtheradio.com/index.cfm

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 16:49:50 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Saw Elvis Costello at a fest in Chicago (Guiness Fleadh) in 1999. He did his set. Later Van Morrison did a set. Elvis joined for the finale, a duet of "Jackie Wilson Said".

I have no idea what EC and SD would do but clearly it could happen.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 16:07:05 ET
Posted by: Sammy, N

I don't think SD will be able to invite Elvis onstage for a song. My understanding is that immediately after his set, he leaves the building.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 16:02:09 ET
Posted by: cool, pp

Can't wait to here Pegronica and Allirik.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 15:45:10 ET
Posted by: Shane, Tampa

It's gonna be good. Elvis Costello will have his band The Imposters with him. I'm ready to buy tickets. I hope Steely Dan invites Elvis onstage to sing a song with them.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 15:43:24 ET
Posted by: Emmo Deepea, Toronto, buried up to my neck in bad weather

Ticketmaster now has Boston shows listed for July 30 & 31, as well as a West Palm Beach concert on August 12 - all three shows listed as a double bill with Costello. Nothing on SD.com so far about these ones or anything else outside of April's West Coast dates.

Back on January 12, the scoop from Lewis was "4 in cali then 7-10 usa", presumably meaning a US summer tour from July to October (who knows, maybe just a few dates end at the of July, with the tour ending in early-mid October?)- looks like he was spot-on again.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 14:59:58 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, tower

it's back in the news...

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundcheck/steely-dan-elvis-costello-coming-to-the-midflorida-credit-union/2217260

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 13:58:19 ET
Posted by: Hippo, Watertown

I'm surprised that Jon Herington has to play with Steely Dan in San Diego, CA on April 19 and then fly to Ann Arbor, MI to play with Madeleine Peyroux on April 20.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 12:56:54 ET
Posted by: Sheldon, CA

I think U2 gave away their new Songs of Innocence album for free to iTunes customers. Also, Bruce Hornsby is giving CD copies of his new album for free to anybody who attends his concerts.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 12:31:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Another example of a talented artist not heard widely - Thomas Walsh (Pugwash, Duckworth-Lewis Method). A updated Andy Partridge, with a knack for a good melody

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8bn2k9_LZE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvgFF3yEwc8


or Paddy McAloon arisen from a near grave of hearing and vision maladies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWElOXnc3Uk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCF2Spczk70

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 12:23:37 ET
Posted by: Sheldon, CA

Yes, releasing new material is a tremendous problem facing veteran rock bands/artists. I'm not a fan of Aerosmith, but back in 2012, they released their first studio album in 11 years called Music from Another Dimension. The album bombed with the public and critics. Now their guitarist Joe Perry tells www.rollingstone.com that he is unsure if Aerosmith will ever release another album.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 12:11:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Because for a variety reasons (largely the record cos and iTunes partitioning) albums/CDs don't sell as entities very well and make a lot of money 50,000 sales is the new 500,000.

Thus there is little impetus to seek and provide support for new talent. On the flip side, setting up a DIY studio is no longer cost prohibitive



When an established artist finds refreshment and creativity barely anyone in the US knows about it.

Neil Finn reformed Crowded House in 2007, and while the 2 recorded follow-ups time on Earth and had some interesting songs and good musicianship, the albums sound tired.

Ironically recording with Finn's wife on an album and his talented Indy son Liam have lit a creative spark. His vocals are a little more ragged, but the songs are more complex and nuanced, while harmonically interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d67sb3rBmlo&list=PLVluy4aAKG_Lcg67n2dbzU5iN7DT-OhFj


Donald's album Sunken Condos has him post-apocalyptic rejuvenated. IMO, the best thing he has done solo or as SD since The Nightfly.

and it translated well to live performance (except for Letterman's lame jokes):

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


even Dave seems a little surprised at the power ;)

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 09:46:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Nice links Hutch. I had read that article about pop music becoming less complex awhile ago but not that other one about boredom. Few things spur on creativity the way boredom does. It's as though we have a built-in mechanism which brings about discontentment, pushing us to seek out things of interest.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 09:29:55 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Got $20,000 burning a hole in your pocket? Here's a 1958 Fender Precision Bass that was once owned by Walter Becker...

https://reverb.com/item/485200-fender-p-bass-walter-becker-1958-sunburst?_aid=fb

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 09:16:29 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

A couple of interesting articles concerning the state of today's music and creativity in general.
I've read more than one article about using boredom in a positive way.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/science-proves-pop-music-has-actually-gotten-worse-8173368/?no-ist

http://99u.com/articles/7188/why-boredom-is-good-for-your-creativity

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 08:09:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

king of the world, you raised some interesting points. The reason older artists have trouble engaging audiences with new material is two-fold, far as I can tell.

> The vast majority of people like them specifically for the nostalgia factor; they're not interested in hearing anything new. Reason being, the older generation longs for their youth and to this end will cling to any artifact which reminds them of it. Browsing the comments section on YouTube for older music would seem to confirm this, with replies such as "Times were so much better then," "How I miss the days of my youth," "They don't make music like they used to," et al.

> Older artists' new material tends to lack that special quality present in their older material. This could be attributed to a combination of factors, such as lack of motivation, loss of creative drive, a feeling of detachment, and so forth.

Every single year, without fail, you can count of seeing the usual suspects being paraded about or paid tribute. There's no escape. How many 'lifetime achievement awards' and 'hall of fame inductees' are really necessary? The industry gets off on patting itself on the back.

As for your comments regarding movie remakes and whatnot, you're spot-on. Can you believe they're doing remakes of Ghostbusters, Dirty Harry and Ben-Hur? Then again, they're still using comic book characters from the mid-20th Century, so nothing surprises me.

Date: Wed, February 11, 2015, 04:11:55 ET
Posted by: king of the world, the uncharted territories

Michael-- I wouldn't frame it as old acts over younger acts, but the most mainstream, familiar old hits vs, new material, whether it's recorded by older or younger bands. Old, established artists have so much trouble attracting attention to their new material that most have stopped making albums, except (in the cases of the sell-outs I think) for covers albums and (retch) Christmas albums.

It's the same with films, and the pop culture in general. Why the public accepts regurgitations of the familiar, I don't know, but entertainment conglomerates will only go for what's predictable and "safe". In films, it's endless remakes and reboots of old TV shows, the latter of which don't need to be hugely successful-- it's enough that they're safe bets to make enough money.

There have now been enough films and pop music made that they can just take the old stuff, make small changes, and regurgitate it back at us, endlessly.

I'd like to think that these supposedly neglected younger bands have a wealth of great, creative material. What I've heard sounds the same to me though, a sort of regurgitating of the past also.

Date: Tues, February 10, 2015, 11:22:05 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

SIAP, but SD.com now shows a second date for Humphrey's in San Diego. 4/19.

Date: Tues, February 10, 2015, 09:04:34 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I will preface my response by stating that in no way am I positing that we should discard our musical heritage.

NYB, you've presented a fair assessment of the sorry state of our culture. The general public's expectation for quality has diminished substantially, which may also explain the older generation's fixation with the artists they grew up with, since they cannot identify with the current generation.

casual fan, while past is pretense, this senseless hero worship of older music icons has surpassed the point of lunacy. Culture has erected an edifice of its immediate past and promotes it without cease. Artists from the middle of the last century continue to occupy the limelight. Part of this is the fault of the major record labels for promoting garbage and not fostering artistic development. Instant stardom is the call of the day; they are looking for an image or brand to sell, a product, instant gratification for an audience with a short attention span. When future generations look back upon the current one, I worry they'll view it as a hollow, soulless, artificial generation, pillaging the past out of desperation for a sense of its own identity.

Doc Mu, well articulated response, especially with regards to Steely Dan. Of course good music is still being released, but it flies right under the radar, consequently requiring that people dig for it like a diamond in the rough. Latter-day Steely Dan (and solo Don/Walt) has its fair share of standout moments. Miss Marlene could've been a leftover track from the Aja/Gaucho sessions, Almost Gothic is genius in its construction with sublime horn charts and some of their best lyrics, etc. But that's why we're still here, because we crave more of that luscious sound and they deliver it, at least when they're in a songwriting mood. I got a kick out of your analogy to alcoholic beverages. "...smooth pomegranate daiquiri with a bit of absynthe..." That's a nice touch.

Date: Tues, February 10, 2015, 08:43:04 ET
Posted by: Casual fan, Orlando

Yes, appears he is busy through mid-June. If there is to be a tour, would appear it has to be a summer tour.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 22:25:07 ET
Posted by: Sheldon, CA

Just took a peek at Jon Herington's website. Right after his gig with Steely Dan in San Diego, he goes back on the road with Madeleine Peyroux on April 20.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 21:45:53 ET
Posted by: Sheldon, CA

But if they hear those same old hits year after year it can get very tiresome even for fans of Steely Dan. It's just like going to an oldies act at a County Fair every Summer.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 20:41:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - I did not pick up the nostalgia quip, but was responding to Donald's special talent.

I would say in response to that treatise that the "typical" Steely Dan far, although not necessarily on this board, is extremely nostalgic. They would like to hear the hits and AOR cuts they remember from the 70s with marginal interest in the 21st Century Dan catalog.

There are a few reasons. Musci for most people reminds them of time, place, relationships etc. The 70s music resonated and has a place in the mind that probably realted to good times. Des;pite the subversive topics, 70s Dan is happy *sounding* music with beaucoup EAR CANDY.


In the 21st Century, there's not much airplay or a pre-packaged radio format

- the singles released from the 2 SD albums: Cousin Dupree, Last Mall, and Blues Beach are the weakest songs on the albums.

When 21st Century Dan is on: Janie Runaway Almost Gothic, Negative Girl, West of Hollywood, Greenbook, Pixeleen, Lunch with Gina, EMG title track it's really on.

There's also more sour and less sweet in 21st Century Dan, music wide. The hor chards on TvN title track, rhythm guitar on Gaslighting Abbie, keyboards on Negative Girl, Greenbook are more gin & tonic, vodka martini than the Boat Drinks (Caves of Altamira horn chart...which aren't Stevie Wonder cavity-causing sweetness with a twist, but a smooth pomegranate daiquiri with a bit of absynthe snuck into the lyrics.

The Cool Jazz and Hard Bop tendencies of TvN are polished and actually more sophisticated than even Aja or Gaucho. However, it relies on and integrative of multiple voices in the instruments, rather than mega studio studs laying down delicious solos. And if we're talking about solos, Potter is arguably better than any.


...and for those still stuck in the 70s, they are missing out on some remarkable tracks on Morph the Cat, Circus $, and Sunken Condos - real gems (Downtown Canon, Not the Same Without You, Miss Marlene, Night Belongs to Mona that should be heard in concert.


Good music is out there. It's just harder to find, and not on the radio. Sleuths slinking through the jazz-oriented tracks...so keep linking the good stuff:

State Cows. Ben Folds when he's on. Kenny Garrett - his masterpiece Songbook is less than 20 years old.

When in doubt, go New Orleans - jazz, R&M, pop...you can't go wrong.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 19:35:39 ET
Posted by: Al Bundy, Married with children

Oh no!! Please!! I really need those Radio Shack stores!!

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 18:30:37 ET
Posted by: Ned, C

What is the likelihood that Roger Nichols ever had to run out to get something at Radio Shack for an SD recording session?

Something to ponder on the day it is announced that they are all closing.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 12:27:41 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Michael, I don't think its novel to say that styles -- for everything, be it music, cars, fashion -- tends to run in circles. I'm not suggesting that people should be content with it, which seems to be what others are complaining about. I'm just saying that's the way it is, and has been, for some time.

As to the complaint that today's pop stars are undereducated and not nearly as talented or well-versed in their trade as those they are trying to build upon, I confess to struggling with that.

On the one hand, I too shake my head at what I perceive to be just God awful music, and worse yet voices manipulated by electronics to the point that they are not recognizable. I think what passes for melodic and pleasing these days is by and large just complete shit.

On the other hand, I know my parents thought the same about what I like. And their parents before then.

Now a lot of that is probably technical. I mean, there are successful musicians now who don't play instruments. They manipulate recordings of other instruments on a computer. One wonders how much "theory" they actually understand, versus happening on a beat or a gimmick that will sell in the short term.

I guess I just figure though that such artists are indeed short term. That producing more than one successful album/CD/MP3 is going to be necessary to have a sustained presence.

I would agree that modern media has made it possible for some of the lesser talented folks to stay in the public consciousness for a longer period of time. In Elvis' day, it was movies and magazines that bridged the period between producing good or inventive music. Now its publicists and TV and youtube.

I don't know. I guess they all just flame out eventually. Its just that the bad ones crash and burn earlier.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 12:27:26 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Michael, I don't think its novel to say that styles -- for everything, be it music, cars, fashion -- tends to run in circles. I'm not suggesting that people should be content with it, which seems to be what others are complaining about. I'm just saying that's the way it is, and has been, for some time.

As to the complaint that today's pop stars are undereducated and not nearly as talented or well-versed in their trade as those they are trying to build upon, I confess to struggling with that.

On the one hand, I too shake my head at what I perceive to be just God awful music, and worse yet voices manipulated by electronics to the point that they are not recognizable. I think what passes for melodic and pleasing these days is by and large just complete shit.

On the other hand, I know my parents thought the same about what I like. And their parents before then.

Now a lot of that is probably technical. I mean, there are successful musicians now who don't play instruments. They manipulate recordings of other instruments on a computer. One wonders how much "theory" they actually understand, versus happening on a beat or a gimmick that will sell in the short term.

I guess I just figure though that such artists are indeed short term. That producing more than one successful album/CD/MP3 is going to be necessary to have a sustained presence.

I would agree that modern media has made it possible for some of the lesser talented folks to stay in the public consciousness for a longer period of time. In Elvis' day, it was movies and magazines that bridged the period between producing good or inventive music. Now its publicists and TV and youtube.

I don't know. I guess they all just flame out eventually. Its just that the bad ones crash and burn earlier.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 12:00:17 ET
Posted by: NYB,

Artists like The Beatles and Dylan raised the consciousness of the average person on the street... raised their spiritual and intellectual level, enlightened them, brought the collective world UP to a higher level.


Who is doing that today? Rap stars? Katy Perry? Is today's mass culture bringing us up or bringing us down collectively?


There are a few enlightened people left, and when they die it'll be time for sticks n' stones again...

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 11:48:10 ET
Posted by: NYB,

In order to move on artistically you need to be at least as good as the people who came before you. How can I build on the theories of Albert Einstein if I myself don't know as much as Albert Einstein? To take the next step you have to be on the same step as those who came before you. The are very vapid and childish times, the culture worldwide simply isn't producing the kind of seriousminded people it's going to take to advance from here. Yes we are advancing technologically, based on electronic and radio technology that already existed, but we are no advancing spiritually nor are we advancing in any meaningful artistic way. Take a look at the entire millennial generation, raised on Rap and slasher films and kill-based video games, and tell me who the next Dylan is going to be? Who the next Kurt Vonnegut is going to be? It's not gonna happen... Kanye West isn't going to wake up as John Lennon tomorrow morning. Even if you could offer the same quality artform, there isn't a public out there with the discernment to appreciate it. These are the end of times for now...

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 11:39:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,

casual fan, what you said goes to the very root of the issue: the pervasive longing for nostalgia, i.e. things to which we've attached fond memories, hence the perpetual exhuming and repackaging of the not-so-distant past. Artists have become curators of museums dedicated to retaining their legacy, rather than attempting new, memorable works which forge ahead and help give this generation some form of identifying characteristic. Hence, culture is in a constant feedback loop and the old guard does everything in their power to maintain that loop.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 10:24:04 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

I'm not as critical of basing so much of music's conversation on nostalgia. For one thing, I think most of us tend to identify certain songs, or groups of songs or artists, with periods in our lives where we were particularly up or down, happy or sad, in love or heartbroken, etc. I got hooked on the Dan because Aja was the first gift I ever bought for a girl I had a crush on in the 7th grade. And at various times I have reconnected with a melody or a lyric at a time when I felt like it mirrored some sentiment peculiar to my own life. That's why they are so special: so many of their lyrics are far more than clever -- they are real and personal.

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 08:41:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Sammy & Doc Mu, I was referring our culture's fixation with its immediate past. It's to the point where music publications are still putting deceased musicians such as Hendrix and Lennon on their covers. At the very least, the music industry seems content to regurgitate older material to an audience content to relish in nostalgia. Hanson's comment is dripping with irony in this regard.

Where it concerns artists, everyone takes a certain degree of inspiration from their predecessors, but modern acts seem more like cheap knock-offs that never grow their wings to the point of individuality. It reminds me of the post-Bruce Lee HK martial arts films, when the trend was to impersonate and blatantly rip-off his moves and mannerisms. It wasn't as though HK was suffering from a shortage of talent so much as it was with their inability to let go and move on, which, to their credit, they eventually would. Can you honestly look at our culture, what with its obsession with antiquity, and say the same thing?

I don't presume to be some kind of armchair know-it-all pontificating from the soapbox, but this is a subject worthy of examination. Are we to live and die by The Beatles, Elvis, Miles Davis and the rest of the old guard year-in and year-out? I sure hope not. It suggests a culture phasing itself out...

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 02:41:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael - Donald's is the master at turning it upside down.


Beaver - the song is kinda OK. Joseph Williams vocals are good.

Carlock though is a freakin' MONSTER - destroying the 6/8 time signature. Fuse Porcaro and Copeland

Date: Mon, February 09, 2015, 01:02:27 ET
Posted by: Hanson, Pittsburgh

Did anybody watch last night's Grammy Awards? My favorite moment was when they showed Paul McCartney standing up and dancing by himself to ELO's "Evil Woman". It's amazing how Jeff Lynne never seems to age.

Date: Sun, February 08, 2015, 23:18:14 ET
Posted by: Sammy, Toledo, Ohio

Yes, it has. That's why I'm really hoping Elvis Costello becomes a part of the Steely Dan tour this Summer. Elvis doesn't like doing the same thing over and over. He dabbles in everything from classical, jazz, country, etc. Donald & Walt could really learn something from Costello. If the tour happens, I'd probably buy a ticket.

Date: Sun, February 08, 2015, 22:33:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I tend to wonder, has our culture become paralyzed with nostalgia?

Date: Sun, February 08, 2015, 21:47:16 ET
Posted by: Sammy, Toledo, Ohio

Lutz is wrong. EMG is the worst. Only standout tracks are Pixeleen, Godwhacker and Green Book. The rest is simple predictable filler.

Date: Sun, February 08, 2015, 19:55:15 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Jazzassin, I totally agree with your post from a week or so ago.
Listened to Katy Lied last night it was a treat as always.
Spinning CM and then SC really made it a hip evening and there is no looking back after blasting those.
The last 3, EMG,CM, SC are my absolute favorites out of the whole catalogue and that's not putting the classics down.
Sure, modern sound technology has something to do with it.
Musically though these 3 have so much, and there is a reason why Donald said how he loves EMG "it's wicked"
Tom Scott was fun on Black Cow, but he is no Chris Potter and he'll likely be the first one to admit that.
Door#2, Uncle Bob, Audrey, God's eye view, SC, Green Room, Gina, Negative Girl, Good stuff, Rhonda's planet just wasn't in the cards when FM, King of the World or Barrytown was conceived.
It reminds me a little bit of the so called curators of Zappa's heritage, as they claimed anything after Hot Rats or 200 Motels was not authentic, while Frank said he has a hard time to even listen to the old stuff and was proud of the 80's music he released. Then he became real creative before his death.
Walter was right, when he said a few years ago that we, the fans have become sculpted.
Anything they work on we gobble it up has to be great.
On the other hand it's a little sad that they, the creators also have become sculpted and given in to the white sneaker/ mommy jean crowd.
One has to understand though what makes a tour and ticket sales possible - it's not Selfish Gene or Slinky Thing as people want to hear stuff they recognize and go home with something they can humm in the bathroom the next morning.
However there is so much more juice in the "old" songs live on tour and the brass arrangements alone are worth it,
Just bought tickets for the first 2 shows.
Really hope they throw us a bone this time.
Geriatric or not...

Date: Sun, February 08, 2015, 14:50:16 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, 420

Thanks, Ray.

Looking forward to an hour with Burroughs' creaky voice!

Date: Sun, February 08, 2015, 10:59:59 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, SoBe Endless Summer

Mr. Steely Dan and Whatever

Billy Burroughs 101st Birthday

Amazing audio doc.

Hurry this free download will expire Monday I believe.

ENJOY!

http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcast.thisamericanlife.org/podcast/546.mp3

Date: Sat, February 07, 2015, 08:51:05 ET
Posted by: Michael, @Doc Mu

Donald and Warren were discussing Chain Lightning and towards the end Warren mentions how the conventional turnaround on the blues progression is reversed. It was characteristic of Donald's composing style to take a preexisting structure or harmonic device and modify it in some fashion in order to create an element of interest and surprise.

Date: Fri, February 06, 2015, 14:55:56 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Napoleon UK

re:

For those of you with jazzy leanings, go check out Esperanza Spaldings take on I Cant Help It. Very hip.


Thanks for that, logged on here for no reason in particular with a glass of Islay Malt, stumbled on your link then spent a very pleasant 15 mins or so checking out Ms Spalding on YouTube. The working week is now behind me and I'm chilled, ready for the weekend (with a little detour via Amazon first!)

she now ranks #2 in my hierarchy of female bass players, here's #1, granted she's just playing covers and not an artist like ES but hey.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRusbYIyRNI

Date: Fri, February 06, 2015, 14:07:27 ET
Posted by: Beaver, Oregon

Toto's new single "Orphan" is up on YouTube. The video is very good and shows Keith Carlock on drums. The song itself is typical Toto and probably won't appeal to Steely Dan fans.

Date: Fri, February 06, 2015, 12:24:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Whole lotta Brazil in I Can't Help It also - Esperanza flushes it out well.

Date: Fri, February 06, 2015, 11:56:48 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Mike - I think that's what Stevie was going for.

There is something on my mind that's in my heart written on my face
And it would behove me and my soul if I did [classic bossa nova rhythm and melody to here] state my case [soars into Wonder-land]

And so as truth is real and real is truth this truly must be told [descending Stevie jazz/blues chord progression]
That you've got to be the sweetest somebody I Know [chord progression up into bossa nova again]

REPEAT VERSE

[then tooth-decaying Wonder ear candy]

You are the sweetest somebody I know [bossa nova chords on guitar and fake keys repeated after this line - completely inappropriate, yet works]
And that is why I can't help but love you so [lush Ribbon in the Sky-like chords and into fake bossa nova]

Stevie will tak a minor key altered blues progress and inject straight sucrose right into a key chord or two or 3.

ex. "my case" "You've" in verse "I know" in chorus




I saw I think Aretha Franklin try to explain it on piano:

"Now that this point most people would have done THIS...but Stevie does this [laughs]"


If you go back to the Piano video with Fagen and Bernhardt - Bernhardt will say (something like) when Donald is breaking down Peg or Josie.

"That's most unusual. Most people would just do this - (more straight blues progression). Yet you do THAT."

Date: Fri, February 06, 2015, 04:54:29 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, could be right behind you

Nick, I have no idea. The article was for paying subscribers to TPN only, so I wasn't able to check.

Date: Fri, February 06, 2015, 04:39:48 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

Just a quick contribution to the Jacko/Stevie thing...

For those of you with jazzy leanings, go check out Esperanza Spaldings take on I Cant Help It. Very hip.


Esperanza Spalding - I Can't Help It: http://youtu.be/kNNVaMJJL9g

Date: Fri, February 06, 2015, 01:04:27 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

The(se) kids are alright!

Mike Rath And The Grapes Perform all of "Aja" by Steely Dan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Asg4Yf7sxv0

Vocalist not as terrible as most SD cover acts, & the (big) band swings

Date: Thurs, February 05, 2015, 17:22:54 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Jazzy - I suppose that it's too much to hope that you're part of the crew visiting my little town, or at least where I hang my hat when not whiling away my days on Phraxos.

http://theparisnews.com/news/article_064ca764-ad59-11e4-a2bd-2f2abcd7504c.html

Date: Thurs, February 05, 2015, 07:27:01 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, that's an apt description. More than likely the bossa rhythm was an afterthought, but nevertheless it's still a nice song with that trademark Stevie R&B feel, recalling his work from the 70's. I Can't Help It fit perfectly snug on MJ's Off The Wall album, alongside standout tracks like Rock With You and the title track, both incidentally composed by Rod Temperton.

Gaucho, I have to concur. Yes, we are fortunate that Don & Walt are still able-bodied to tour, but at this juncture I'd much rather have some new music to quench that inner thirst.

Speaking of new music, here's a new cut I polished off last night. It runs just shy of two minutes, a short little funky expedition, if you will. Hope you enjoy.

Voyage To A Funky Planet

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15016_KahfCIIKe9hWkxlX8hR6&board_id=1

Date: Thurs, February 05, 2015, 06:56:19 ET
Posted by: Gaucho, NY

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'd rather have our boys in the studio creating a new album instead of out on the road rehashing the same tour year after year after year.

...not excited about another summer tour...ugh...

Date: Wed, February 04, 2015, 15:51:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I Can't Help It sounds like the Secret Life of Plants era stuff it came from in the late 70s

The live in studio version with the Rhodes is remarkable:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNZRJB952b0

Date: Wed, February 04, 2015, 15:40:48 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Mike - Stevie can sneak in there some pretty sophisticated stuff that's enveloped by so much confection that it will put holes straight through the dentin.

Sweetest Someone I Know is faux bossa nova and "overproduced," but fantastic - 70s quality for him.

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

Date: Wed, February 04, 2015, 08:26:17 ET
Posted by: Michael, BTW

Rod Temperton wrote Mystery on Anita Baker's Rapture album. I was under the impression that he also wrote both Sweet Love and Caught Up In the Rapture (Anita's radio staples), but he didn't. Go figure.

Date: Wed, February 04, 2015, 08:20:32 ET
Posted by: Michael, @Doc Mu

You can hear the quality of the composition beneath the somewhat cheesy 80's veneer. Within Stevie's catalog, You Will Know reminds me the most of I Can't Help It, written for Michael Jackson. After awhile you pick up on the conventional structures being recycled, albeit in imaginative ways.

Sorry if I seem to be rambling.

P.S. Don't know if this has been posted yet but here you go.

Steely Dan - Midnite Cruiser 8bit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgIrH2XxGKM

Date: Tues, February 03, 2015, 23:18:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - yeah, I hear the Temperton/Anita Baker like stuff about 1:05 like Sweet Love (assume he wrote that)


I'll find a better Stevie Wonder example, but this does for now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU5Ri2vLjNQ&index=1&list=PLymM46aOVb8VMtr6D3pHCoB_6DqDEpSpH

semi-sappy mid 80s, but gorgeous tune, harmonies, and chords.

Date: Tues, February 03, 2015, 21:50:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just emailed and covers January 7-February 3, 2015. [The previous edition covered January 1-6, 2015.]

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within the next hour of this posting. If you don't see it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. Heck, if you want, email me privately that you DID get it. We had some issues last summer with it being delivered. If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter and its content is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.

As always, thank you for your support through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and espcially thinking of Mark and Bill, and purposely not to mention a couple of people who request anonymity.

Fly about as low, be so cool,

Jim

Date: Tues, February 03, 2015, 09:40:20 ET
Posted by: Dylynfan, Harrisburg, Pa

Nice air horn reference K.O.T.W., but as you said, you would not want
to be stuck in the seat in front of the blower. I am talking to whomever was the *sshole at the Baltimore Oriole game using it
every other FKING minute! RANT OVER

Date: Tues, February 03, 2015, 07:19:02 ET
Posted by: Michael, @Doc Mu

Thanks for listening. I honestly have no idea about the Stevie Wonder connection. If anything it reminds me of those songs Rod Temperton wrote for Anita Baker, something to that effect.

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 22:22:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

on Picture Without a Frame

1:19-1:24

Michael throws in a few Stevie Wonder chords. Nicely done!




Dallas 2003. That amphitheater nearly crippled my hearing! *** $#@ it was Loud.

The first set was spectacular. By the middle second set my ears were becoming flattened.

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 15:28:32 ET
Posted by: Gordon, San Francisco

Donald played at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa with The Dukes of September in 2012. In his Eminent Hipsters book, Donald said "the crowd looked so geriatric, I was tempted to start calling out bingo numbers".

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 15:25:23 ET
Posted by: oh no, !

Here comes moderated mode again.

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 14:42:36 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Tickets are $140 and $100 for the first 2 shows in Santa Rosa.
Not bad at all, it's a intimate venue (~ 1700) with great sound.
Likely, they will do some rehearsals there as well?
Not a bad place to park the buses for a few days...
Sure the band will love to have some time off in the scenic wine valleys nearby.

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 12:34:59 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

I have to say, I am not very enamored with the amphitheater in Tampa either. Was in Section 3, middle, half way back for Steely Dan with Michael McDonald concert. The sound there was very inconsistent. As I recall, for McDonald the vocals were poorly mixed. For SD the wind picked up and seemed to impact the sound dramatically...louder then softer depending on the direction and speed. Fortunately the heat was not too bad as there was rain around which at least made it more tolerable. The other thing is not all seats are covered. And the ones that are in some portions of the seating are still exposed to the rain. Have heard that the sweet spot is back on the lawn (no fixed seats, no cover) in the middle. I truly hope they stay with the smaller, indoor facilities like Ruth Eckerd Hall. But that is just me.

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 11:04:23 ET
Posted by: Tuth,

'Nuts' is giving him to much credit. How about just asshole. Because that's what he truly is.

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 02:14:48 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

I guess I was holding out hope that he was trying very hard to sound dumb.

You're right. This person is just nuts.

Date: Mon, February 02, 2015, 01:42:18 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Godwhacker -- Walter Becker can actually write.

Date: Sun, February 01, 2015, 07:58:08 ET
Posted by: Michael, elegance and function

The Last Decade (Short Version)

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15010_oUgQl5mfbKIy4NLIW1ys&board_id=1

=================================

I'm going with holographic Elvis for opening act.

Date: Sun, February 01, 2015, 01:23:10 ET
Posted by: Arnold, Kentucky

I think the Average White Band would be a good opener for Steely Dan. Jazz organist Tony Monaco would be another good choice.

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 23:35:11 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Indy, wonderin' if we'll be Snowbound

My vote for the opener this year is Sly and Robbie with the Taxi Gang. Our guys love reggae, Walt's a proud dub fan, and the vibes would set an amazing mood. No disrespect towards Sam, Deep Blue Organ Trio, nor Bobby B, and possibly Elvis C, but give another legendary duo a listen: Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 23:09:58 ET
Posted by: Arnold, Kentucky

First Steely Dan tour I've seen with the ominous "Schedule is subject to change" phrase on the press release.

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 20:13:34 ET
Posted by: Arnold, Kentucky

I guess the Steely Dan & Elvis Costello show was a flub.

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 11:40:50 ET
Posted by: Elvis, Tampa?

Seems the King is in Florida; 4 stops, March 14-18 with Jacksonville among them. Does he come back and play Tampa with our Boys a few months later? I doubt it.

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 08:51:42 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

The "sweet spot" at the Ampitheatre in Tampa is about 4th row left of stage.
We sat there for the "SD/Michael McDonald" show in '06 also in August and the sound was phenomenal.
...and Lee, my finances are better this year, I should be able to go with no problems. LOL

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 07:05:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,

"Is Picture Without A Frame a Billy Idol cover?"

No, it's original. Are you sure you're not confusing the song title for Eyes Without A Face? (Great song BTW.)

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 05:56:07 ET
Posted by: hoops, Zzzzzzzz

Thanks very much, Doc. It may be but a micormovement, but as we say in every Dandom Digest, we're all here "with nothing better to do but ... copiously follow every micromovement of the musical duo Steely Dan."

Jim

Date: Sat, January 31, 2015, 00:25:59 ET
Posted by: Hackensack, 65026

Hamp....that is the older promo photo of wb from circus money 2008. The only update on wb.com is the link added to the sd tour 2015

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 21:32:55 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, tower

walterbecker.com has been updated a little bit...very little...nothing earth-shattering, just links to the 2015 tour and a couple of other things.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 14:25:59 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I'd bet the show is happening but someone at the venue jumped the gun making the date public and SD's camp had it removed.

There are rumblings of this a) not being a one-off and b) even more interesting stuff planned for the tour this year from a few folks in the know on the Dandom Facebook page. No details yet. Maybe more unexpected collaborations? Some new special setlist nights? Who knows, but I'm excited for the prospect of a different show this year.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 13:38:57 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Lee, you're right, they took it off. Swear it was there an hour ago.

I concur with your comments about the amphitheatre. Its just not a great venue for SD, with sound coming from so many places, it just gets muddled there.

I'm sure there's a sweet spot. Don't know where it is.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 13:29:20 ET
Posted by: Lee, Tampa

I may be blind, but I don't see the concert listed on the page Casual Fan linked.

Regardless, I am significantly less than enthused about the concert being in the amphitheatre. The sound is not so great there for two reasons: 1. Like most amphitheatres, too much sound escapes from the open amphitheatre. and 2. Because the amphitheatre was built outside of the approved specifications, more than the usual sound escaped, causing a tidal wave of complaints. Modifications were made, which did not fully solve the problem, so music acts cannot play at their usual volume levels.

The result is a concert less impactful than one that is inside a building, even one with less than the best acoustics. I have heard Steely Dan at this amphitheatre and in the hockey arena in downtown Tampa (both venues can hold about 18-20,000 attendees), and the sound was much better in the hockey arena.

Plus.....having a concert outside in the Florida heat and humidity in August is uncomfortable, to say the least. In addition, almost every afternoon and evening in the west-central Florida area thunderstorms occur, and the dangerous lightning is obviously unsafe for the concert goers.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 12:57:21 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Jimmy, that is somewhat correct. If you try to get to an SD related page on the midflorida amphitheatre website you get an error.


But, the show still is on the calendar at bottom of this page:

http://www.midflorida.com/amphitheatre

I don't see how that can be an error. They've never appeared together in Tampa before, so its not like it snuck in from an old calendar.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 12:34:42 ET
Posted by: Jimmy Jam, Atlanta GA

Bad news: The Steely Dan/Elvis Costello show has been removed from www.midflorida.com's website.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 10:41:27 ET
Posted by: Hey Michael, US

Is Picture Without A Frame a Billy Idol cover?

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 09:34:27 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, Harrisburg, Pa

Here's hoping and praying (even though I am agnostic) that the Elvis
and The Boys Tampa show is not a one off!

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 08:31:13 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

Great news for us Floridians about a Dan-Costello show. The Tampa Amphitheater on a Tuesday in August is going to test my loyalty, I must admit. So hoping there's something a little more .... comfortable ... and acoustically halfway decent in our future here in Florida.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 08:18:55 ET
Posted by: Michael, with a couple of songs

Masami's Confections (Short Version)

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=14987_ydpNICt19ztbOK0iNWO5&board_id=1

Picture Without A Frame

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15008_nYEaLX0cgaG1dCSqw6XV&board_id=1

======================================

Re: The Steely Dan Rockabye Gollie Angel 2015 Tour, I'm really chomping at the bit waiting for some great new music to come out. Hopefully they're whipping up some studio magic.

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 05:38:40 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Re: Molde 2007

CJB,

It was two gigs at the same stage in Molde in 2007. First Elvis Costello w/ Allen Toussaint Horns & Orchestra, then, after app. an hour of re-rigging, Steely Dan came on. I was the one wearing a red fez standing right in front of Donald.

Oh, and thanks, kotw. :o)

Date: Fri, January 30, 2015, 01:49:08 ET
Posted by: king of the world, the penultimate mall, slightly less crowded

Jazzassin-- Well done. The last long post I mean, though the short one with just the URL was well typed. It's really preposterous for us to be dumping on them "for their own good" this much, yet I reserve the undeserved right to, once in awhile. I know I'm being an ass, but I have to get it out of my system. I actually try to avoid it, then find I didn't...

I like doe-eyes, earnest pupils Donald and Walter, looking at you intently and jotting notes, in two of those school chairs that come with little writing tables attached.

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 22:04:54 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, NYC

Now on the sd.com site, this little tidbit -
Schedule subject to change: Keep it here for CONFIRMED additions.

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 21:25:27 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, Tower

perhaps Elvis can convince the boys to use his Spinning Songbook gimmick!

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 20:43:33 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Elvis Costello web page says W&D "opened" for Elvis on 7/19/2007:

http://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php/Concert_2007-07-19_Molde

Always thought this jazz festival appearance was 2 totally separate sets on 2 different stages, but what do I know? Cool if true.

Nice photo of EC and Freddie Washington backstage!

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 20:32:12 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Wow. The only two acts that I pay to see every time they go out on tour, on the same bill.

EC usually has a very long set, so that's something to chew on ...

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 20:24:12 ET
Posted by: Jimmy Jam, Atlanta GA

Wow! Elvis Costello has covered Steely Dan songs before. Sounds like it's a dual headliner bill. Steely Dan will have to shorten their set.

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 20:08:45 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

thanks!

this is getting interesting

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 20:07:43 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, Tower

here's yo link

http://www.midflorida.com/events/steely-dan-2015

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 19:49:47 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, Tower

Midflorida.com/events

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 19:48:21 ET
Posted by: Steelydoc,

No, info is on a post on the Dandom facebook page, with a link there

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 19:37:33 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Doc, do you have a link?

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 19:13:12 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, Philly

Steely Dan with Elvis Costello in Tampa in August

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 18:53:33 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

This truly is excellent and worth a read and re-read:

http://www.stereogum.com/1732741/steely-dan-albums-from-worst-to-best/list/

It's hard for some of us of a certain age, who grew up with a punk/DIY ethos influencing our choices in how to appreciate music, to discuss Steely Dan without falling into tired tropes. I may like 2vN more than the author of this did, but by and large this piece is far better than some of the other hot takes I've seen over the last few years (that dumb 'Why Steely Dan Should Be At Coachella' bit and the AV Club's attempt from a while ago).

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 15:34:29 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Danny - That Pollstar article was quite good. Good writing. Pretty insightful.

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 15:07:47 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Jazz,

Much obliged. Thanks.

CF

P.S. I doubt they would post that up there if they weren't going to add more shows. Just my two cents.

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 14:40:46 ET
Posted by: Sugartooth McDan, West Coast

You can watch Steely Dan's April 2015 Coachella shows for free on YouTube's live streaming channels. There's a new article on www.stereogum.com about rating Steely Dan albums from worst to best. EMG gets the nod for worst Steely Dan album.

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 13:07:18 ET
Posted by: mr parker, socal

$204.40 per ticket for San Diego

I'll pass this time for the Peg & Josie show.

How about DanLive.com ala Phish and webcast some couch tour shows, eh?

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 12:41:36 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, search

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

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 12:33:31 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

"A note on the band’s website says, “Will that be it for 2015? Only one way to know.”"

I don't see said note ....

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 11:37:39 ET
Posted by: Danny, Pitt.

http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=816134

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 07:59:56 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, the office

"Some of the stuff we have the gall to say... imagine DonWalt reading this board!"

I know. With fans like us, who needs enemies? I think it was Dylynfan here who once explained the phenomenon as "tough love". I guess it can be sometimes. At least it's tough, unconditional love. And my headache was absolutely not caused by personal worries about former or upcoming setlists, just a little reflection and a sigh of heart, because I find it absolutely unfathomable that D&W can easily let go most of those more recent songs after having lived with them under their skin, thought, felt, dreamed and breathed those songs, for months and even years while they were in the melting pot.

It's probably just a waste of time speculating over such delicate and complex matters as D&W's personal feelings about their own creative processes, results and present position. But I can't help but wonder sometimes.
That's what fantastic music, lyrics with literary qualities and a tradition of almost non-communication outside the music itself does to us; we get curious about how the originators are constructed in the top floor. Might have to check my own one of these days actually, because I swear lately I've began to see rock stars where there used to be no rock stars.

As was mentioned, the most important part is they are still actually up there playing, of course.

But since they probably found out a long time ago this place is more than they can take, and since they would never be as stupid as to take any advice from yours truly whatsoever even if they read this, I'll take the liberty to play the role of their new, music loving manager in this fictive conversation:

J: Ok boys, it's like this: From now on there will be no more stadium size venues or greatest hits nights.

W: Chicks?

J: Shut up. Yes, of course there'll be chicks. We're not inhuman. But the point is, you are a club band now. 300-800, max 1000 people. The shacks will be filled up with your most loyal fans in the US and Europe, and you will play a fair mix of everything you did at your own discretion. Like, one set of hits, deep cuts and rarities alike from the '70s, and then one set of '90s and 21st century stuff and solo material.

D: Clubs? Sounds like we're going to get pretty close to the warm, uncontrollable juggernautic mass out there, waiting to eat us alive?

J: Sure. It'll be a bit of exposure therapy for you. You'll learn to love it. Oh, and also you'll do quite a lot of pure 2vN and EMG album nights, ok? I guess that's good news, or what?

W: Donald just fainted, but as his attorney I will ask in my client's absence; cash?

J: Not more than will cover expences and then some for the after party. But frankly, this isn't really an issue, is it? And should the arrangement actually lead to starvation after all, remember; nothing keeps one young and vital like a little struggling for one's life, does it! Did I say there will be occational jam sessions after gigs? This band you have ... they ... you know ... they need to strech out a little. You travel with some of the finest cats around. And many of your songs has a great groove and are undisputable jam candidates. Whaddaya say?

D:(back from la-la-land) But ...

J: No "but". I know you're afraid to sit eye to eye with an audience that are so into your work as they will be this time around, and then feel outplayed by your own hired musicians in a situation you can't control 100%. But relax, the hard core fans we're talking about values your style and touch more than anything, and they know that even if your band are able to make gold from a stone, much of the reason you guys sound so unique is your compositions. You start with pure gold, and THEN the magic comes in.
Hey? Where are you going? Back to Azoff's? Heeeeyyy!!!

Oh well, it was always worth a try.

No J., it wasn't, but anyway.

Date: Thurs, January 29, 2015, 05:03:13 ET
Posted by: king of the world, altamira

Thanks for all that, Jazzassin. I would think that a creative person would be driven crazy by repetition of the same songs live. Aren't their heroes the old jazz guys who played what was cool whether anyone was listening or not? The essence of true romance? Isn't there a good living to be made doing it their way.

Or are they already doing that? Who knows, maybe they just love playing those same sonbgs over and over...

I doubt it. You'd think "life is short" would enter into it, and it just wouldn't be worth it, fretting about ticket sales like dufuses...

Some of the stuff we have the gall to say... imagine DonWalt readinbg this board!

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 22:49:18 ET
Posted by: Doobie Dan, Vegas

Keith Carlock posted a message on his Facebook page about his upcoming tour with Steely Dan. Some people are confused if he's still a member of Toto.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 21:32:04 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Fezzy - dang it, I was already planning my summer around a July 23 show in Tulsa - as was a friend that I attend SD shows with - and then I saw the subsequent posts. Alas, hopes have been raised and I'll be hoping that I get to spend an evening with my faves this spring or summer.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 21:17:20 ET
Posted by: Master, Baiter

Is it just me, or is Rose Darling about self-gratification?

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 21:06:55 ET
Posted by: Lee, Tampa

I also hope they come to Florida this tour. Florida has been very good to Steely Dan. Of all the shows they have headlined, I believe (I know I will be corrected if I am wrong) that the show with the largest attendance in their career was at the Thunderdome (now Tropicana Field, home of the MLB Rays) in 1994, where approximately 29,000 people attended. I was there that night, and the vibe was electric.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 19:44:59 ET
Posted by: Alan, San Diego

You better ask Walter Becker about that. Everybody knows Walter can't stand hot weather. Florida in the Summer can get scorching hot.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 18:55:35 ET
Posted by: Dan Fan, The Sunshine State

Hope they book a gig in St. Augustine, Florida on the new tour. They sold out the amphitheatre the last two times they played there and I'm sure they will sell it out again this time. Come on guys, let's "do it again".

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 16:08:13 ET
Posted by: bored, @ work

Google street view goes right onto the stage of the County Bowl in Santa Barabra. Pretty nifty.

http://tinyurl.com/m6bujex

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 15:07:08 ET
Posted by: Brent, St. Paul MN

Mt. Belzoni mentioned something in his post about Donald Fagen having contempt for his audience. Like the more we asked for Dr. Wu, the less likely his was to perform it. If that's his attitude, than he can shove it up his ass. I'll go buy a ticket to see Rush instead.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 14:53:13 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Fez, no hard feelings but I seriously thought I was going to have three shows within an hour and a half of me again.

Hahaha!

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 13:15:32 ET
Posted by: tact, poise and reason, Dr. Squonk's office

When I order lunch today I'll simply say "I'll have whatever Jazzassin had". Wow, that's a fantastic and thoughtful post and I agree 100 percent. For me Two Against Nature is as good an album as has ever been recorded and the fact that it has been almost totally neglected on recent tours is baffling to me. That being said, can't wait to hear more details about this years tour.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 11:49:11 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Jazz - That was an excellent post.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 11:46:23 ET
Posted by: TheFez, Boston

PSSS. What I believe is the full Steely Dan 2015 tour dates are posted on Keith Carlock's site. See http://www.keithcarlock.com/gigs.htm

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 11:41:26 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Dr. Squonk

I hear you are singing a song of the past
I see no tears

Mingo, kotw et all: Here's a few worried thoughts about no new songs but old setlists with new names.

Living in Europe, like most other fans in rarely visited countries, I'd be more than happy if SD came across the pond, so I could get a chance to see them live again without travelling very far. Any setlist would be fantastic. This is actually the advantage of not being able to go to several shows every other year.

Reidar: Thanks for asking. The answer is I don't know. Most likely not, but not out of question. We'll see when the NYC dates and tickets pops up!

But even if I myself would be happy with any setlist, there's something about the repertoire that gives me a little headache:

I like to listen a lot to all New Testament albums by SD, and D & W's respective solo albums from 1993-2012. Guided by a kind of "always treat all the kids equally unfair"-principle, I try to shrink the gap between number of times I've listened to the afformentioned seven albums, and the number of time I've listened to the Old Testament Dan and The Nightfly. With an estimated personal life length of 20+ more years, it should be within reach to level it all up reasonably good before departure. ;o) What a collection of great, great music these seven post-nightfly albums make.

And this is where the headache sets in; how can Don & Walt make all these ridiculously good songs (roughly 70 album songs and then some), and then leave these babies to suffer and die from too little love and caring?
This is about 70 songs out of which all but a few have been played way too seldom live, many never at all.

Forget about the logical and economical explanations for stale setlists and the reasons behind this or that. I believe I understand how this works. But when the consequence is that they can/ will not challenge the mass audiences with a lot of presumably unknown material, and thus have to let most of those 70 masterpieces stay a sweet secret shared only by themselves and a few dozen hopeless cases like us here, I can't help thinking something's wrong here. It shouldn't have to be like this.

We're talking about Walter Becker and Donald Fagen's 70 newest released songs over a 20-year period, they've obviously put a lot of work into the making of these songs, and must've been just as deeply involved at the time of making them as any artist is when in the midst of something creative. They must've loved these songs and had certain hopes for their future life. And for some of the material, this is only a few years ago.

But no, here's to killing darlings. Too many of these songs have been left untouched since birth. How does the originators feel about this? Can they think about it at all without sadness? Would a setlist with a lot more songs from the newer albums really be THAT devastating for business? Would it harvest SO little response and SO much bad critics that it would mean the death of tours? Are none of the never played songs suitable for live performance by the SD orchestra at all? Not necessarily, but never change a winning team, huh? Or is really the massive positive audience response to the "diving into the deep deep '70s" project so numbing, anesthetic, there and then, that it more than compensates for the discomfort of not being able to play much the material they've spent all their composing and studio hours in the last 20 years making? Is it SO dangerous to admit and insist on one's pride of and love for what you have recently created, share it with some partially unprepared audiences and eventually watch some of them leave for a toilet break?
C'mon. These guys used to be professors in the art of giving a f**k. They always said their only goal was to make music that they liked, and could only hope that someone else would, too. They made themselves rather unavailable to press and public, and if they made an interview, they used to eat the journalist for lunch. They used to not play live, but preferred to exclusively work in the studio, because the creation of new material in safe surroundings seemed much more attractive (again, I know you can't make a living from selling records any more). And now they're so hooked on this drug named Standing Ovations that they don't even dare think about stirring up their cozy '70s after-party with say, 50/50 Old and New Testament songs, but rather just virtually stage dive into the comfort of Fulfilled Expectations and Cardboard Beer Cups night by night, or what? A strange left turn, for sure.

Fortunately, what they DO play is of course all first class music, they change and develop arrangements, it's likely very much fun and one of the coolest jobs you can have.

But take both the Old and the New out of all popular-cultural and generational contexts, and admit that the New is 100% up to par in a pure musical sense. Which should always be the primary perspective. Imagine Don and Michael Leonhart give eachother a hi five after a successful finishing touch on some vintage synth track on Sunken Condos. Or Walter and Larry Klein in deep concentration trying to make Walter's bass shine as much as it does on Circus Money. Imagine them writing Downtown Canon. No way these people weren't having a good time and didn't feel they were onto something good when they made these records.

And now tell me Surrender Without Resistance, Standing Ovations and Safe Cash aren't pretty strong, addictive drugs. Because if I'd written only ONE of those 70 post-nightfly songs in the last 20 years, and found myself stuck in an (at least partially self-inflicted) situation where I couldn't play it live after all, this could easily become a possible source of downright bitterness. I see no tears, though, but how it's not sad is beyond my understanding. Same goes for how these songs have managed to stay under the public radar at all. Insane quality is supposed to always make way for itself despite all obstacles, so sadly something must be out of order on a low level in the reality grid.

No, our boys should've stuck to jazz. A world where artists like Pat Metheny, Chris Potter or Snarky Puppy can play full house every night, and audiences are to the bone familiar with their yet not released new album, and will receive anything fresh, rare or surprising thrown at them from stage with greedy enthusiasm.

Btw, I'm actually going to see Chris Potter's Underground in Oslo on Feb 14th. Looking very much forward to it. Everything the man touches turns into gold these days.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 10:00:38 ET
Posted by: Reidar from Norway, oslo

Are you going this time Jazz??
I'm bound for US when they hit NYC.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 09:24:06 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

A 2015 tour, fantastic. They skipped Florida entirely last year. Here's hoping they come to their senses and do some Sunshine State dates this time around! Come on boys, you know you want to. I promise we won't complain about the set list, well at least I won't.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 07:34:30 ET
Posted by: Askin, Q

Anyone know if the Jay Collins introduced at the beginning of this video is the same one who tours with The Dukes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgekbjaLLxY

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 02:58:10 ET
Posted by: king of the world, some planet

I'm out of touch I realize. But I didn't think SD would be susceptible to doing hits-only tours for the mainstream. Fortunately, they don't have the lame hits a lot of bands have, who just play hits. They had hits with some awfully good songs. I mean, Deacon Blues, for Chrissakes... And they don't have nearly enough top 40 to fill a show anyway.

I'll have to see a typical setlist these days. In 2000 the variety seemed pretty good.

I wish someone had some insight into what circumstances generally need to come together, to nudge WaltDon into feeling like writing together.

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 00:52:14 ET
Posted by: G again, same

"Din" and Walt.

That cracks me up!

Date: Wed, January 28, 2015, 00:35:53 ET
Posted by: Gollie's angels, West of Boston

The Golem thing was a 4 part series.
Damn funny read in sequence
steelydan.com/golemtroubles.html

I'm hoping the title signals they will resurrect the poor bloke. Good news, if it means more website writing from Din and Walt!

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 22:32:44 ET
Posted by: NYB, Tour Management For The New Age!

Alright here's the setlist for the first six dates followed by a whole new setlist for the next six dates ans so one... And fuck them we're re-naming it the "Outerspace Twerking Tour" because that sounds really cool and Millennials will love it... Here's the setlist and THEY WILL DO IT, and any song Pre-Aja will be done without girl backup singers because they didn't record 'em that way so they ain't performing 'em on tour that way either! Ahem...



1) Turn The Heartbeat Over Again
2) Change Of The Guard
3) Fire In The Hole
4) Kings
5) The Boston Rag
6) Razor Boy
7) Through With Buzz
8) Night By Night
9) Charlie Freak
10) Rose Darling
11) Everyone's Gone To The Movies
12) Dr. Wu

Encore:

Everything You Did
Dont Take Me Alive
The Fez
The Royal Scam



DON'T MISS STEELY DAN AND THEIR "OUTERSPACE TWERKING TOUR"! BRING THE KIDS! BRING THE PETS! BRING EVERY FUCKING BODY BECAUSE THIS IS GONNA CHANGE LIFE AS WE KNOW IT!



Thank You,
Billy

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 22:26:14 ET
Posted by: Mingo, Nevada

But that's what Steely Dan does now. Instead of writing new songs, they think up absurd names for each tour.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 21:59:53 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Why do they torture us with these damnable tour names? No doubt there's some irony in Rockaby Gollie Angel that I'm missing, but I knew Art Crimes and Think Fast and you, sir, are no Art Crimes nor Think Fast.

Who cares about the tour name, though. Bring on the music!

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 18:00:27 ET
Posted by: ,

Wow, good memory. I haven't delved into those sd.com pages since the Clinton era.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 16:38:13 ET
Posted by: CJB, Sardis, Brrrrritish Colee-oh zumbiah!

Well, someone at tour HQ apparently remembers the older, somewhat more active incarnation SD.com:

http://www.steelydan.com/golem3.html

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 16:22:07 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

I think doing shows in April is a great idea. It moves them away from the summertime's heavy concert competition and into a time period where they'll stand out more. Sure hope they continue that trek up the West Coast and play Portland and Seattle in April too.

Yes, the unshakeable set list remains a mystery to me. By now, the boys must know that most of their concert audience has come to see them several times in the past 20 years. Their stubbornness about not expanding the set list a bit seems either like laziness, insane perfectionism, or contempt for their audience (along the lines that Donald expressed in his recent book, or by telling us years ago that the more we asked for Dr. Wu, the less likely he was to perform it. Seems to me a very different artist-audience dynamic is at work here than with most artists. Oh well . . . )

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 16:15:06 ET
Posted by: John H, Nottingham UK

Dates in Europe this time??

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 15:38:33 ET
Posted by: Shanks, In the house

The die-hard Steely Dans fans have to learn that Steely Dan are no longer an active recording band but have become a stable touring unit.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 14:47:53 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

oh joy... let the bitching about the setlist begin.

you're not gonna get tricked into buying tickets again?? do tell...!



YAWN

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 14:04:21 ET
Posted by: Dave from Acquisitions, The Service Elevator

Maybe a different background singer will sing Dirty Work this year? Or there will be a slightly different drum fill in Third World Man? Or maybe Walt will remember the name of the drink with the worm in the bottom and won't need the girls' help?

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:59:38 ET
Posted by: Curt, Toledo, OH

You are going to get more of the same, Dave. Don't look for any major shake ups on the setlists.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:56:38 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

From their FB page, they are posting today their "early run of select concerts...."


I'm hoping that means that at some point they will go further east than Las Vegas.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:44:32 ET
Posted by: Dave from Acquisitions, The Service Elevator

I know SOMEONE brings this up every year so I'll be the first to say it - every year I'm tricked into buying tour tickets and every year it's the same damn show. I know the reasons for it - I get it - I know they have to play the hits the geriatrics all want to hear - but it's the stuff in the middle I'd like them to switch up. I won't be buying tickets unless I see a few strong setlists out front. Seen variations on the same show 9 times, I don't need a 10th.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:37:34 ET
Posted by: Press, stuff

http://steelydan.com/tour15pr.html

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:27:30 ET
Posted by: Nik, I

What exactly does pre_sale mean? I'm with George Carlin on this.

http://youtu.be/46fOtLfYC4Q?t=1m36s

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:07:44 ET
Posted by: Whoops, california

"Don't expect a Steely Dan tour to be announced anytime soon. Previous tours were always announced in April or March. I expect the tour will start in July."

Whoops!

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:04:38 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, now

Early shows for Steely Dan's
ROCKABYE GOLLIE ANGEL TOUR 2015
have been announced

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

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 13:03:51 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Check the Steely Dan website......
Several more dates in CA and NV added to Coachella .......
? Gollie Angel ??

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 02:04:06 ET
Posted by: Mace, Boston

Don't expect a Steely Dan tour to be announced anytime soon. Previous tours were always announced in April or March. I expect the tour will start in July.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 01:50:05 ET
Posted by: LL, C

A DF solo tour was barely viable a decade ago. There's no way he's doing that again, at least not with the same band and the same sized venues as '06.

Date: Tues, January 27, 2015, 00:52:20 ET
Posted by: Mace, Boston

The Yes + Toto tour is supposed to begin in August. Anybody going?

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 23:47:21 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, Snowbound

Yes + Toto
Summer Tour 2015

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 21:25:39 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

If Walter Becker is going to brave the heat and dust off his chops for a date at freakin' Coachella, then I'm sure he'd certainly want to line up for any SD dates that are feasible.

I'm just worried about the build up to the festival. The band could do a bunch of corporate dates to get their act together, but this is a pretty high-profile gig that could turn quite a few eyes Don and Walt's way. Hell, it could even be the spark that leads to The Next Next One For Real This Time.

I don't want them rusty, y'know?

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 21:18:32 ET
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Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 21:16:42 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, reality zone

I vote there will be more tour dates after Coachella, if not full tour. I can't imagine them bringing together the band (albeit seasoned and totally able to play any song from their book on a dime) for rehearsals/performances and only doing two shows.

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 19:18:18 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Another DF solo tour would certainly be a treat. More tunes from Morph and Condos mixed with the classics? I'd be there.

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 19:01:31 ET
Posted by: Marv, C

I hovered over the Coachella site on Google Earth and searched on "casino" There's a smattering of casinos in the area, and when I went to their respective sites I saw that they book major musical acts. Maybe they will play one of them in between the two Coachella weekends.

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 18:35:09 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

I'm expecting to hear about a "Steely Dan" tour any day now.

If it ended up being a "Donald Fagen Tour" or a "Dukes" tour, I'd be quite surprised.

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 12:49:36 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Soooooo ...

What's the consensus? Coachella is the only gig? Will it be the start of a small tour this summer? Cram 20 dates into 30 days?

I admit to getting somewhat impatient here.

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 11:56:56 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

KD, I see.

I thought maybe he had encephalitis.

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 10:46:24 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Nothing is going on.

He thinks he's an interesting and funny writer. He is not.

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 00:30:36 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

What the hell is going on....
re:NYB

Date: Mon, January 26, 2015, 00:07:55 ET
Posted by: NYB, Professor Moriarty's Party!

Sherlock old chap! Stalking DF's wife? Ha! I believe it was quite the opposite according to NYC Metro Lore... THE GIRL LOVES ME! The late nights chatting about lingerie? The clandestine meetings at Autozone? The romantic interludes beside the BQE? ALL OF IT unknown to the masses... and yet ALL TRUE! AS SEEN ON TV! ALL OF IT! Imagine my guilt, accepting exotic gifts of 7-Eleven coffee and donuts from the wife of my idol! It simply couldn't go on! And Walter's facilitation of this affair didn't help either... standing outside our door at the Best Western wearing a Hawaiian grass skirt and police badge... NONE DARED ENTER! The multiple pregnancies were hidden of course, the children whisked away to be raised as "little Libby & Billy Becker".. they're out there now wondering who daddy is... because they know the man with the melodica can't be him.



I hope this clears up any misconceptions regarding the relationship of the Fagens and myself... I hope Amy does come home to me soon (as Libby promised)... I hope Carolyn still loves me and drops this hornplayer because no girl of that caliber should deprive herself of a guitarist and a God... I pray Walter will give his blessing to me and "The Little Pineapple" so we can live happily ever after on the beaches of a Hawaiian volcanic island... These things and so many more Dear Friends... This is my wish for me as it is your wish for me I'm sure...


Most Earnestly,
Billy

Date: Sun, January 25, 2015, 14:31:14 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Moranis was always my favorite part of Ghostbusters as a child. Then, I found out about Bob and Doug Mckenzie (Take Off!) and Tomorrow's Girls.

The guy is hilarious.

Date: Sun, January 25, 2015, 14:08:23 ET
Posted by: Mace, Boston

Videos of the Larry Carlton/Steve Lukather/Keith Carlock 2015 tour in Asia are up on YouTube.

Date: Sun, January 25, 2015, 12:12:33 ET
Posted by: Sherlock, I've got detectives on his case ....

What up NY Bill!? Hey! Did you ever get busted for stalking DF's wife?

Date: Sun, January 25, 2015, 01:22:31 ET
Posted by: Hosehead, The Great White North

Hey, Geddy. Can you please sing "Take Off" on your upcoming tour with Rush? It's that big hit single you had with Bob and Doug Mckenzie. It charted even higher than "Tom Sawyer". Thanks!

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 22:56:47 ET
Posted by: there's no way, in hell

No way - that's a very easy assumption for you to make regarding SD and Rush. And not necessarily not total bullshit.

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 22:24:08 ET
Posted by: Geddy, toronto, eh

A Farewell To Kings Of The World

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 06:29:21 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Peart Of The Quarter

Nightflybynightflybynightflybynight, etc.

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 06:05:10 ET
Posted by: NYB, When the wolves come out to play...

What's up? Can we talk? Listen I tried that Dr. Ukaka thing and it didn't work... the hell kind of a love solution website is this anyway? Furthermore I never could get this potion to work on Amy or Carolyn (only in the Steely Dan world does the horn player get the girl...). So do you guys think the Patriots let the air out of their balls? I never trusted Belichick to be honest, his name starts with "Bill". Also, in case you were wondering, Walter's daughter doesn't like being called "Little Pineapple" on facebook. I felt we had a connection till I asked for bikini pics, then things fell apart rapidly. Hey did you know Moe Howard died? I was surprised to know this, but we always have Donald I guess... Walter? Walter sent me a recently updated copy of his new book "Fans: Can't Kill 'Em (because they're Zombies)" and I must say the 3rd chapter goes into some detail as to how to rig a roadside bomb in the event of a mass "Hard Days Night" stampede at a Steely Dan show (NEVER CUT THE RED WIRE! NEVER!).


So in conclusion, I feel we've covered some important ground here, AND Dear Viewer, as you may have suspected the world did not end in 2011 as we had hoped BUT there is always tomorrow (until there isn't) so keep your chin up!


Love ya,
Billy

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 02:05:22 ET
Posted by: Cubby, Chicago

RIP Ernie Banks

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 01:12:34 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Used to listen to Rush and musically it was very likeable.
Also Lee's solo album, refined and well thought through.
One can tell they have a lot of time up there in the land of bears and don't rush - that was lame...
Geddy's high voice is hard to love after listening a while imo, plus it's all dudes all the time.
There are more chicks on stage at a SD show than in the whole audience at any given Rush show.
A little positive female energy always improves the vibe for most, I believe.

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 00:53:52 ET
Posted by: Billy Skyhawk, Ohio

I know Neil Peart is a fan of Steely Dan. He attended their "album night" concerts and convinced the band to play the Moving Pictures album on tour.

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 00:09:32 ET
Posted by: kotw, how's my little ooh la location

I wonder how far Rush would get, just sticking a few mu chords in there. Donald (?) said you could tell that sound a mile off. I wonder if we'd say, you know, they start to carry it off, just because of the one factor. Those of us who aren't actually musicians...

I do like how science-fiction-friendly Donald and Walter seem to be.

Date: Sat, January 24, 2015, 00:00:50 ET
Posted by: Billy Skyhawk, Ohio

R.I.P. Edgar Froese, founder of Tangerine Dream.

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 18:48:47 ET
Posted by: no way,

Sorry Steve, there is no way Rush could pull off the Steely Dan stuff, and this is coming from a former Rush fanatic (in my much younger days). As a drummer, I can comfortably say Neil would not be able to properly play the drum parts - they are not complicated per se, but they require a certain sophistication and feel that Neil just doesn't have. And Geddy and Alex just don't have the proper chops / feel / jazz theory to play whatever they'd have to. Not to mention 3 people is not enough for the Dan stuff.

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 18:46:02 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Both bands have songs called "Chain Lightning."

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 18:10:03 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Analogue Kid/Charlemagne??

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 17:39:03 ET
Posted by: They could do, a

Third/New World Man mashup.

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 16:35:01 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

That's a stunning concept.

Rush could easily pull of any of the Dan tracks mentioned, individually they really are that good (don't mock, honest they are!!) Donald and Walter attempting Temples of Syrinx or Xanadu however...???

I'd pay good money to see dem shows and will probably drift off to sleep tonight contemplating that particular (never to be fulfiled) fantasy.

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 14:25:58 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

kotw:

They could both pull it off, Donald might get a kick out of some of the science fiction pieces.

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 12:53:20 ET
Posted by: kotw, the other side of no tomorrow

As a really involved and expensive practical joke on audiences, bands should learn each other's repertoire, and tour as the other band. Rush could do Aja, Doctor Wu, Boddisatva, and Steely Dan could do... whatever songs Rush does.

Date: Fri, January 23, 2015, 09:49:06 ET
Posted by: Dylynfan, Harrisburg, Pa

While I am by no means a hater, the only Rush remotely comparable to
Steely Dan is the kind I used to sniff in High School. Wonder if
that is still around. ps: Before anyone gets "fake mad" that shit
was legal and may still be.

Date: Thurs, January 22, 2015, 21:06:29 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Haha.

They're two separate experiences with two wildly different bands. I don't think one wins out over the other. That being said, I am very happy that I only have to drive an hour and twenty minutes to see the first show of their tour in Tulsa.

Fun fact: Keith Carlock and Neil Peart share the same drum technician. https://twitter.com/Lornewheaton/status/513141740061331457/photo/1
https://twitter.com/Lornewheaton/status/360188536072306690/photo/1

Date: Thurs, January 22, 2015, 20:46:14 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Presto, thank you for pointing out that you like Rush better than Steely Dan on a message board for Steely Dan fans. What a valuable contribution!

Date: Thurs, January 22, 2015, 19:33:46 ET
Posted by: Presto, Chicago

The Rush R40 Live Tour has been announced! I love Steely Dan, but a Rush show always wins hands down!

Date: Thurs, January 22, 2015, 17:38:20 ET
Posted by: SJ, PA

Pablo - Go to Jon's site and "read between the lines".

Date: Thurs, January 22, 2015, 13:29:47 ET
Posted by: Pablo, NYC

Jon Herington posted a message on his Facebook page stating they are currently booking dates for 2015 with his own band. Still no mention of a Steely Dan tour.

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 21:58:52 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Pete Evans you are a winner. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery
of your prize, a home edition of Brain Strainer Steely Dan quizzes. Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 17:52:32 ET
Posted by: Pete Evans, Manchester UK

Dylynfan surely this is from Rhoda with the lovely Valerie Harper ? This was quite a successful comedy show in the UK in the 70s despite being from the US at a time when British TV comedy was enjoying a golden age ! Although MASH was also very popular.

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 13:54:16 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Casual Fan, those are hilarious. I really like this one:

Younger Coachella attendees will probably know Steely Dan best for their Wikipedia page, “Steely Dan”

***

Anyone have other Steely Dan related stuff that's actually funny? Here's a few of my favorites --

This one has probably been posted here before - it's from '04 - but a pretty funny Achewood comic regarding SD:

http://www.achewood.com/index.php?date=06112004

And, I've posted this dozens of times, but it's just so good -- and contains an eloquent explanation for why Steely Dan is a great band:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/donald-fagen-defends-steely-dan-to-friends,2601/

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 13:54:16 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Casual Fan, those are hilarious. I really like this one:

Younger Coachella attendees will probably know Steely Dan best for their Wikipedia page, “Steely Dan”

***

Anyone have other Steely Dan related stuff that's actually funny? Here's a few of my favorites --

This one has probably been posted here before - it's from '04 - but a pretty funny Achewood comic regarding SD:

http://www.achewood.com/index.php?date=06112004

And, I've posted this dozens of times, but it's just so good -- and contains an eloquent explanation for why Steely Dan is a great band:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/donald-fagen-defends-steely-dan-to-friends,2601/

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 13:14:33 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Apologies if this missive has already been posted. I found it hilarious.


The Young Coachella Attendee's Guide to Steely Dan

http://www.funnyordie.com/articles/bff027e209/the-young-coachella-attendee-s-guide-to-steely-dan


Some of my favorites:

“Steely” comes from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “of, or relating to, being pussies.”

Original vocalist David Palmer was forced to exit after the band caught him in his hotel room painstakingly untangling rock and jazz.

You can call your parents during Steely Dan’s set so they think you decided to skip Coachella and work your weekend shift at Walgreens after all.

If you’re looking for the quintessential Steely Dan song to start with, try “I’ll Supply the Love,” which may actually be by Toto. I’m not positive.

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 10:55:05 ET
Posted by: kotw, istanbul? constantinople?

I do remember Carlton the doorman, the show, and person who played him. But I'd rather say that I knoe Larry Carlton from the great Crusaders album "Chain Reaction". Great all thne way through, something I rarely say about albums.

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 09:27:51 ET
Posted by: Dylynfan, Harrisburg. Pa

It should have said: "this is Carlton, your doorman". Any Dandomites
know where that is from?

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 02:06:39 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

I wonder if you can include Lee Ritenour among the session players who got most of the work in the 70s.

Date: Wed, January 21, 2015, 00:31:58 ET
Posted by: JJ, Dynomite

From Jay's official site.

A few months ago I did an interview with Paul Rivera Jr. about his dad noting the details of how and when I met Paul and all that followed as to how amp Rivera modifications started and continued. It is educational information and I think you'll enjoy the details.
Kerstin mentioned I forgot to include Larry Carlton as one of the key studio guitarists of all time. Man, when I started noting details, I was surely thinking of Larry but spaced as to mention him, so since I spaced out let me say this. Before any amp mods started happening in the 70's, Larry already had an outstanding tone (the best sweet midrange tone of all of us studio guitarists) with his 335 and Fender Princeton amp! Also, on most of the Steely Dan records, he used a tweed Fender Deluxe, which also sounds incredible! - Jay

Date: Tues, January 20, 2015, 22:22:55 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

should say "Carlton would probably dominate a session..."

Date: Tues, January 20, 2015, 22:18:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

probably personalities.

Graydon became a producer and songwriter (After the Love is Gone, turn Your Love Around).

When he looked for guitarists and session players, he'd look for guys he was comfortable with. parks would probably dominate a session and clash with Graydon in his producer's hat,

All Jarreau's records, for example. Graydon would use Parks or even Lukather who could blend in. Carlton always stood out.

Graydon and Carlton were probably constantly competing for gigs in the 70s. Carlton was probably the only session artist who gigged more often. Two big egos.


There were a couple of famous scientists that studied free radicals a UC Berkeley years ago: Bruce Ames and Lester Packer. Between them, they published about 900 articles across the hall from each other. They collaborated on a single paper.

Date: Tues, January 20, 2015, 20:59:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

4:55 tasty

Billy Strayhorn meets a slowed down I Love Lucy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svdp-0uPS-c&list=PLsivMY0UPVaEvrFEPEgBpWLuLvZDD25F8

Date: Tues, January 20, 2015, 20:37:05 ET
Posted by: Billy Skyhawk, Ohio

Maybe he's just jealous of Larry Carlton. Some people don't know who Jay Graydon is. Larry Carlton went on to become a big name guitarist.

Date: Tues, January 20, 2015, 19:01:12 ET
Posted by: A. Bonalo,

RE Jay G.'s interview: Why doesn't he ever mention Larry C. as one of the great LA studio guys?

Date: Tues, January 20, 2015, 11:31:45 ET
Posted by: Phiippe, Pau France

Jay Graydon talking about the glorious days in the studio, including Aja of course:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMVaZqnfAqY

Date: Tues, January 20, 2015, 02:06:37 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

"Audrey," who you jivin' with that cosmic debris?

Date: Mon, January 19, 2015, 17:11:10 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Napoleon - Yes, and the addition of bass clarinet(Roger Rosenberg)on TvN is a nice touch. I dig that deep wooden sound. I played Bb clarinet in school before I was enticed by the demon guitar. I've always loved the woodwinds and Big Band arrangements.

Check out "Lenny Pickett and The Borneo Horns". Inventive, funky horn arrangements with nothing more than minimal drums for rhythm. Good stuff. You can find the whole album on UTube.

Cheers!

Date: Mon, January 19, 2015, 12:26:42 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

Thanks Hutch. Good recommendations I have to add, I think that's why I gravitate toward TvN as an album. Just the fleeting sprinkles of horn parts in things like the title track are sublime. They really shape, then reshape, the tune. Very crafty but keeps me returning for repeat listens.

Date: Mon, January 19, 2015, 08:43:09 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Napoleon - That little sax interlude is nice. I think, since they were just using three saxes in the horn section on that tour, Donald decided to have some fun polishing his arranging skills. He could have been inspired by listening to saxophone trios and quartets. You'll find similar motifs in their arrangements.

Here's an arrangement of Lush Life. Right about 3:45 there's a very similar idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz9Y2sVEQ3I

And this is fun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zjiEFIjQOc

Saxes in close harmony is truly a heavenly sound.

Date: Sun, January 18, 2015, 15:28:22 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

If perchance the good Dan is thinking about cribbing together some offbeat 2015 tour of selected venues across the US, this Flatbush lad would be remiss not to point out that the mighty Lowes Kings-- one of the biggest and grandest of those long-abandoned 1930s-vintage neighborhood movie palaces in the US (3300 seats)-- will be up and running in a matter of days as the spectacularly restored Kings Theater. Billed as Brooklyn's Apollo, it's already booked name acts like CS&N, Frankie Valli, Diana Ross, Sara McLaughlin, etc.

If Don & Walt, those two onetime denizens of ca-1970 President Street, don't think they can fill the Barclay Center, what better place to live-debut "Brooklyn" (and, hey, "Kings") than this roughly Beacon-scale venue. Trust me, folks, it's beautiful-- and the neighborhood today is a funky, lively matrix of West Indian with a daily-growing yuppie-bobo contingent.

Had to throw that out there.

Date: Sun, January 18, 2015, 15:24:17 ET
Posted by: ns,

I always just interpreted it as a very lush ballad-like big-band sax interlude.

Date: Sun, January 18, 2015, 14:29:47 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

On 'Alive In America' theres a wonderful little break in Sign In Stranger where the horn section play a little motif (no idea what to call it). Although the sounds are familiar to my ears, I can't pin down what style of music it might be referencing?

Anyone out there know what it might be and where to hear more? Kinda lounge, ballroom, T.V, Diamonds Are Forever jazz!

Date: Sun, January 18, 2015, 12:00:04 ET
Posted by: Wheels, Dallas TX

Jon Herington listed more gigs on his website.

Date: Sun, January 18, 2015, 00:49:43 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Or go pay a visit to Dr. Mu?

/Snare Roll,Flam

Crash

Date: Sat, January 17, 2015, 21:16:15 ET
Posted by: king of the world, In Chicago on location, saying "ooo la la" and "How's my little girl?" for some reason

"Stiletto", not so unnkownn... it got a lot of FM play at the time. Nice to know about Zanzibar having mu chords. Not having been an actual musician, but just someone who was making attempts on a cheap acoustic guitar from Sears, I decided the only way I was ever going to play any mu chords was to break my fingers and reset them so that I could...

Date: Sat, January 17, 2015, 13:48:37 ET
Posted by: Brad, NJ

I know there's a lot of hate for Billy Joel. Go see him live at Madison Square Garden. Pretty fucking good! And I love Steely Dan!

Date: Sat, January 17, 2015, 13:29:48 ET
Posted by: Earthbound, Laughalot, IN

Hey Danfans!

Last evening was the opening night of the
Purdue Jazz Festival. Coincidently, Chris
Potter's Underground Orchestra kicked off
their 2015 tour as well, supporting their recent
release, "Imaginary Cities".
After the amazing, 4-part title track was
complete, Chris said that that was the
first time they had performed it live. It was
superb. They played most, if not all, of the
new album.
Some highlights: For one tune, Chris laid
down some stirring reed work on bass
clarinet. He also produced a sampled intro
on a Bösendorfer piano for another tune.
His encore was "I Fall In Love Too Easily",
which he called an old standard. It was
anything but that.
His band: Adam Rogers...WTFO? Sublime
skeels. Total complement to Chris, especially
in their harmonic, note-for-note forays. Super-
phat shit. And then there's the rhythm section
of Fima Ephron and Nate Smith. So glad to
finally catch Ephron live! No wonder Walt gave
him the nod. Smith provided some ethereal
sounds with his cymbal work and the varity of
sticks, brushes and shakers. Whether free-
wheelin' or driving a back beat, these two
did not fail to impress. All four players made
occasional eye contact, always with smiles,
affirming that it was good to be touring again.
Please look these guys up and try to catch
them nearby on this tour. You will be so glad
you did.

Looking fwd to some more DanFests this
summer!

L-U-V,
Earthbound Keith

Date: Sat, January 17, 2015, 12:47:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Joel's best stuff weren't the hit singles: Billy the Kid, Los Angelenos, Summer Highland Falls, I Loved These Days, NY State of Mind, Vienna, Stiletto, Rosalinda's Eyes

Date: Sat, January 17, 2015, 01:39:05 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

Billy Joel was a stuffy lyricist and not much of a singer. He has talent and put out some OK radio fodder, but for me there was always something better to listen to.

Date: Sat, January 17, 2015, 00:11:23 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

Stiletto might be Billy Joel's best 'unknown' song.

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 23:24:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

There are definitely some mu chords in Zanzibar...and some mimicry of Aja. Joel when he was songwriting was a chameleon who could do any style and still maintain his character as Billy Joel. Zanzibar, Stiletto, and Rosalinda's Eyes are IMO the best recordings on the album, and arguably his career.

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 21:27:16 ET
Posted by: SS, Hong Kong

Hoops, there is nothing too fancy about SHM. Those discs play back on conventional CD players. I have PL, CTE, Aja, and KL - all done as SHM discs - and they all play back on my CD player, which btw, has no other function than being a CD player.

I use an Oppo BDP 95 to play back my SACD and DVD-A discs, and that includes my SHM-SACD discs. I have never had any trouble playing an SHM-SACD, but those will not play back on a CD-only player.

For what it's worth, I've always thought the SHM of Aja is better than the SHM-SACD. But that might be because I play it back through my CD player, which has a better DAC than my Oppo. And I think it just sounds warmer and more open than the SHM-SACD.

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 16:28:41 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

MODP - Thanks for the explanation re: security. I'm using a work computer today, and one I haven't used before i.e. the settings aren't mine. Turns out this one is set to prompt as you say, something I didn't know about prior. I assume that my regular laptop has those default settings you refer to. I still wonder why the official site suddenly requires even session cookies, though?

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 15:47:32 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Don and Walt want to give you a cookie and you are complaining?

Ingrates.

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 14:58:49 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto, with a preference for Salted Tops these days

EC, NY - When I visited steelydan.com today, I too got a Privacy Alert for the first time ever. I have been visiting the site for many years. My security settings are set to prompt (i.e. check with the user) for 1st party cookies every time, and to automatically block all 3rd party cookies. Note that if your security settings are set to default, you will not receive this alert as the cookie is automatically accepted. Here's what I get:

"The website "steelydan.com" has requested to save a file on your computer called a "cookie". This file may be used to track usage information. Do you want to allow this?".

I just blocked it like I do all other non log-in type sites since it appears not to be necessary for navigating the site.

I am by no means an expert on internet security, but I would refer to this as a "session cookie", like those you have to accept when using any website that requires basic authentication. Sites like Hotmail, eBay, Amazon, etc., all require that the user accept these cookies in order to access their site.

Although the sudden appearance of the prompt surprised me (and you obviously), I think you may be mistaken when you refer to the file as a "tracking cookie". Like I said, though, I'm not an expert and there are probably people here who can explain this in more detail.

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 13:55:20 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick

I do not get a cookie from SteelyDan.com either; Dandom.com does not use cookies, but, during my inquiry, I was surprised to find one of my other, non-Steely Dan-related sites did. So that was worth knowing about. I"ll have to look into that.

Thanks,

JIm

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 13:53:35 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick

I purchased the SHM-SACD of Aja a couple of years ago. My research is a little hazy on things, but the gist was that even though I had an SACD player and a 5.1 system that played typical SACDs, the Aja SHM-SACD did not play on it. Not all SACD players can play SHM-SACD and, moreover, you may have an SHM-SACD player but your system can't decode it or get optimal results.

If there's anyone out there who has an SHM-compatible system, please fill us on on specs, etc. Thank you.

Jim

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 12:39:50 ET
Posted by: Bannon, Tempe, AZ

Huh? What are you talking about? I dont't get a tracking cookie message when I go to www.steelydan.com

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 10:05:31 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

FYI steelydan.com is now requesting to "ad a file to your computer", in this case a tracking cookie. First time I've encountered this with the official website. I wonder, why the change?

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 09:43:43 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

You May be Right by Billy Joel sounds like This All Too Mobile Home. Zanzibar doesn't sound more SD like to me than most of his other stuff.

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 05:14:54 ET
Posted by: SS, Hong Kong

I'm being taunted at my local music shop. And I'm lucky, I know, to actually have a local music shop that carries quite a few specialty releases.

Anyway, the shop has an SHM-SACD of Pretzel Logic. I can just buy it and find out right away if this is the best version of this album on disc anywhere.

If I'm happy to part with about $US 60.00.

Has anyone out there bought this version of PL ?

Date: Fri, January 16, 2015, 00:32:09 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

There used to be a club called 'Zanzibar' struggling in the early 90's in the West Village or just above.
The local Rock and Soul revue was over, SD was happening on a national level.
Hiram Bullock played at Zanzibar quite a bit, when he showed up...
Went to check out Bill Evans (sax) with Adam Rodgers on guitar one snowy winter night and who walks in, Jim Beard.
These guys must have already known how good they are and 25 years later, their careers prove them to be right.

Date: Thurs, January 15, 2015, 22:57:43 ET
Posted by: king of the world, standing on zanzibar

I decided some time ago that "Zanzibar" was Billy Joel doing the song "Aja"... but so well and originally that there is no theft involved of any kind. It's my favorite song of his, starting years before the connection hit me. Billy Joel seemed to have this particular talent of copying a song without really copying... the "An Innocent Man" album was full of that.

And I didn't need no stinkin' critic to tell me...! Well, since I didn't notice for years, maybe I did...

Date: Thurs, January 15, 2015, 18:32:20 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

@ KD Agreed

I saw the 2004 show (just one day) for Primus. It was HOT and we felt as if we were melting (Les Claypool probably thought the audience was melting due to the magic mushrooms, oh well).

Date: Thurs, January 15, 2015, 16:09:54 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Also, as any Steely Dan fan that has been to Bonnaroo will tell you, Walter Becker will absolutely melt at Bonnaroo.

And that's a dude that lives in Hawaii.

Date: Thurs, January 15, 2015, 14:16:27 ET
Posted by: Hackensack, 65026

Steely Dan will not be added to Bonarroo. It's June 11-14 in Tennessee. The Jon Herington Band is playing on June 11 and 13 in Connecticut and New York. They aren't playing without him and i doubt he would travel so far in an off day to play with his band. A few other dates have appeared on JHB website.

Date: Thurs, January 15, 2015, 01:55:31 ET
Posted by: Hobo, New Jersey

Billy Joel's 52nd Street album still holds up, It's considered his jazz-rock album. Some critics claim the track "Zanzibar" is a direct homage to Donald Fagen.

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 16:56:33 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, FYI

Hmmm ... the Bonnaroo bill seems to be at least partly composed by fans of the festival via Facebook. Maybe it's time for facebooking Danfans to log in and vote for our boys? I don't facebook, so (fortunately) I have no idea how this stuff works, I just read it on the Bonnaroo page that a number of fans had created custom lineups, and the link for doing so loaded a FB connected login page:

http://lineup.bonnaroo.com/

It also says more to be announced and lineup is subject to change.

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 16:52:53 ET
Posted by: Hobo, New Jersey

Yes, that may happen. Right now Billy Joel is the big headliner at Bonnaroo. Seems like all these "youth" festivals are booking classic rock/pop acts now.

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 16:41:32 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Someone on Facebook said they'll be added to the bill after their tour dates are announced. Who knows? Lewis? :)

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 15:27:21 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

SD not on the Bonaroo bill. So much for my theory.

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 13:21:39 ET
Posted by: Boris Becker, Harrisburg, Pa

All I have is two turntables and a microphone?

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 12:15:13 ET
Posted by: audio snob, hmpf

I have 1000 turntables and the IGY 45.

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 10:28:08 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, a little picky, but not really audiophile

Compared to mp3s played from a standard pocket device/ smartphone, PONO will undoubtly be a huge improvement, of course. Unfortunately I just don't think it's something the mass market will care about. If it survives, it will probably be as a niche product for people that already are particulary picky about good sound quality. Just my two cents.

Re: The full Dan/Don catalog from PONO: Walter's 11ToW is available as well. :)

As a sidenote; the definition of a true audiophile is a person who, in stead of having one turntable and 500 albums, have 500 turntables and The Nightfly.

Date: Wed, January 14, 2015, 00:19:45 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Also, the testimonials of some of the musicians I have heard re: Pono (Tom Petty and Flea come to mind) are glowing.

However, I don't know about trusting glowing reviews from people who have spent 30 + years subjecting themselves to absurdly loud volumes.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 20:08:10 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, LoRes Reality. Time to sleep I guess.

Crosby will be one of the guest artists on Snarky Puppy's upcoming "Family Dinner Volume 2".

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 19:46:55 ET
Posted by: Zeb, Inglewood CA

There's an interesting interview with David Crosby talking about Pono and Steely Dan on www.digitaltrends.com. Crosby mentions that Steely Dan is his favorite band. He also mentions that Donald Fagen "can be weird as a pair of snake suspenders, but he's always been very nice to me. He's just brilliant. That's some of my favorite music in the world. I've listened to Aja at least a thousand times".

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 19:42:39 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, flac world

Re: PONO

Not all records are available to PONO in 24bit formats. Much of it was recorded before 24bit was the standard for studio technology, and the newer stuff is often expensive, hard or impossible to get from the companies in 24bit even if those masters exists. So, much of their sortiment is CD quality, which is like ... a CD. They talk about some enhancing magic in which I don't believe until I've heard it, at least. As a rule, you can't pump up the true quality by wrapping 16bit in a 24bit container.

This article and a follow-up (link in the article) sheds some light on a few obstacles.

http://evolver.fm/2013/08/09/neil-youngs-pono-music-faces-two-big-obstacles/

Personally I love 24bit, but never use portable devices. I can't listen properly while on the move anyway. Listening to great music requires my full attention, and I also prefer loudspeakers over headphones. The home stereo with a couple of stand-alone players for various disc formats and a good media pc with a 24bit compatible audio interface and software is still the thing for me. And on top of this, for convenient everyday listening, I use a subscription based Norwegian streaming sevice that offers lossless streaming in 16/44.1 (WiMP HiFi).

If the big news is supposed to be the player itself, it's unfortunately of no interest to me. I use the best audio formats I can find already, and also still buy a few vinyls every year. The mp3 hell was never mine, save some rare stuff I cannot find in better formats.

But if ol' Neil wants to save the rest of the world from crappy formats, cool. I wish him good luck. He may need it.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 18:55:05 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

BTW, from what I understand, Pono downloads are just Flacs. Not a new audio format by any means.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 18:50:36 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I think the selling point behind Pono is more the player itself. I'm not an audiophile so I can't tell you WHY the player is better. From what I understand it has a high-quality DAC. Whether or not WAV from an iPhone vs Flac from Pono can be distinguished in a blindfold test ... I don't know, but I"m far from the person to ask.

From a business standpoint, I think Pono as a "thing" is going to die out quickly. Not enough storage on the device. Still might prove to be a great personal DAC though.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 17:55:55 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Well, I have always ripped my CDs to FLAC on my computer, leaving me with about 600GB of music in a lossless format.

If I didn't have my Samsung note, I would probably consider the Pono. As it stands, I can already play the FLAC files in a portable manner.

I realize that most of the peers in my age range (I'm 32) don't care about sound quality and will resort to downloading crappy MP3s from Youtube. Hopefully, with another choice out there now that has a dedicated music store, the tide will begin to turn.

I am not qualified, nor have I experienced the ultra-high bitrates in order to pass any judgement on them.

I think I'll download the Pono versions of Kamikiriad and Gaucho next payday as a test, I'll A/B them with my CDs.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 17:34:09 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

What do you think of Neil Young's Pono?

I noticed that the full SD and Fagen catalogue is available from https://ponomusic.force.com/

Thanks in advance.

Jim

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 16:22:56 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Well, they could do a couple dates before Coachella, two or three between the weekends, two or so after and take a break. Come back from mid-June until early August for more shows followed by the Beacon in September.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 16:19:14 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Actually, the bigger festivals probably pay at least as much as they'd make headlining a theater, if not more. Actual headliners at Coachella and Bonnaroo get millions. SD won't get millions at Coachella but I bet they aren't taking a pay cut.

Also, Herington's artist in residence gig could very well take place during a break in the tour.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 15:58:51 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

"7-10" may mean seven to ten shows given the points others are making about commitments others have, i.e. Herington. I wonder if that might mean they are going to play mostly festivals. Coachella, Bonaroo, NO Jazzfest, things of that nature. Not so hectic, they can shorten the shows, other acts to carry some of the load, can still promote studio product and swag, etc.

On the other hand, I would guess those don't pay as well, typically, as headlining your own gigs.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 13:52:10 ET
Posted by: Zeb, ghh

Check out Jon Herington's website. He has gigs with his own band on May 8 & 9 and with Madeline Peyroux on May 28 & 29. Jon will also be an "artist in residence" and performer at the 2015 Crown Guitar Festival in Bigfork, Montana from August 30 - September 6.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 13:19:20 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

It would make sense to get in a couple of dates between the two Coachella gigs. I took 7-10 to mean 7 to 10 more US dates, but I questioned whether Carlock would spurn a world tour with *o*o for that. So hopefully it does mean July - Oct.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 11:40:34 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Chris, thanks. I hope that is correct, a full tour between July and October.

And this time come to Florida, Land of A Multitude of Eminent Hipsters.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 11:34:03 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Outside

Chris is right, and regulars here should know Lewis is always spot on. An insider.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 11:04:46 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Casual Fan, I took it as April in California (Coachella and maybe a few others?), July - Oct as the main US tour.

Lewis' "predictions" have always been spot on.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 10:15:12 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

What does this mean, 4 in Cali and 7-10 USA......

Does that mean they are doing 4 shows in California followed by between seven and ten other shows in the US? If so, suggests an overseas tour.

How reliable is that scuttlebutt? Assuming I am reading it even remotely correctly.

Date: Tues, January 13, 2015, 02:12:59 ET
Posted by: Bob,

I never noticed that there is a set of tweets at the top of this page. Good stuff!

Date: Mon, January 12, 2015, 22:44:36 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Thanks again, Jazzassassin and Joan, and, of course, Lewis.

Jim

Date: Mon, January 12, 2015, 14:51:23 ET
Posted by: Lewis, on the slopes

Ok Ok..What are we looking for again?
Oh yeah. 4 in cali then 7-10 usa

Date: Mon, January 12, 2015, 13:48:42 ET
Posted by: I'm now, Ckecking in here every day

...For that anticipated post from Lewis, because I need to organize my own Spring/Summer schedule.

Date: Mon, January 12, 2015, 13:45:23 ET
Posted by: I'm now, Checking in here every day

...Just waiting for that post from Lewis.

Date: Mon, January 12, 2015, 08:03:29 ET
Posted by: Phiippe, Pau France

A David Paich interview for Goldmine with a few Steely Dan references at the end:

http://www.goldminemag.com/article/toto-keyboardist-david-paich-content-get-last-laugh?et_mid=714621&rid=235749109

Date: Mon, January 12, 2015, 04:59:15 ET
Posted by: Monty, Detroit

Steely Dan will need to do rehearsals in March before the big 2015 tour takes off in April.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 19:10:49 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, NYC

Hmmmm.... The Allman Brothers retiring leaves all of March open at the Beacon Theatre. Hmmmmmm............

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 18:49:58 ET
Posted by: old, fart

I guess it says a lot about me that if not for SD's upcoming appearance, I'd still have never heard of Coachella.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 18:40:34 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

But on the other hand, the graphics and colors are appealing to the eye and look far more professional than the marketing from the last few tours.
I am ready to buy tickets..the announcements should be coming soon.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 12:58:12 ET
Posted by: Casual fan, Orlando

Live in One Five.


Well, we were close with the bad puns and alliteration.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 01:05:46 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Other dates are looking more likely. They updated their tour press page to reflect a tour-not just coachella in 2015.

As far as the playlist, who knows?

Maybe they will pull a 2008 and completely rework things.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 01:03:27 ET
Posted by: Bob Amos, Cedar Rapids,Iowa

Not going to Cochella because there are probably going to be too many young kids there that won't be there for music.
Does anyone know if they are touring with other dates and will it be the same boring songs they charge $100 for?
I don't meant to sound old and salty but the album shows with Royal Scam and Aja in particular were more intellectually stimulating and other artists soon followed.
Being close to 70 years old, I enjoy sitting in theatres but don't have the patience for the shows in sheds.
There was a standout Atlantic City show I saw years ago- 16 songs perhaps only 95 minutes but an excellent setlist.
Just read Donald's book and it is excellent- I met him a few years ago and we had an excellent discussion about Fender Rhodes pianos as I have a Mark IV myself

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 00:31:47 ET
Posted by: Capricorn lady, USA central

Perfect day for SD to be trending. Happy 67th to Donald from a fellow Capricorn pig (Chinese astrology in case you think it's an insult) born 12 years later. Long live Donald Fagen and Steely Dan!

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 00:27:21 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

Well, they made the right choice to play the festival.

Despite the fact that some people see them as "safe and easy listening" they are dangerous enough to "ruin" an entire festival.

Congrats guys, the subversion lives on.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 00:15:49 ET
Posted by: Zeb, Inglewood CA

www.funnyordie.com has The Young Coachella Attendee's Guide to Steely Dan.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 00:15:07 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

What kind of alternate universe have we stepped into where SD are trending on Yahoo?

I like it, whatever it is.

Lets all figure out a way to get Circus Money, Sunken Condos and F. Zappa to trend.

Date: Sun, January 11, 2015, 00:06:29 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Indy

Live In One Five-gonna be so sweet! What about having the band and family featured as the opener? Each member is so amazing, they need as many chances to shine as possible. If you've seen 20 Feet from Stardom ya know what I mean. Amy Helm and Jay Collins could open. They could go revue-style and open with a set of solo tunes; Walter comes out for Pagoda and Don swaggers in for Downtown Canon. It's also the 40th for Katy Lied-is album-nite a possibility?

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 23:46:21 ET
Posted by: Evan, C

If you go to the yahoo home page, Coachella and Steely Dan are trending.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 23:35:53 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

http://steelydan.com/tour15pr.html

They have a press page for a "tour" now, not just coachella.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 22:49:34 ET
Posted by: Zeb, Inglewood CA

Keith Carlock finally updated the gigs listing on his website. No shows with Steely Dan yet.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 22:12:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

http://www.laweekly.com/music/why-steely-dan-belongs-at-coachella-5325080

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 22:06:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

"If a bunch of millenials looking to see what Steely Dan is all about come to this board"

Certainly the place re: concerts and danfests

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 21:47:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jazz: Lowdown was certainly influenced by Atlantic Soul and the Thom Bell arranged Philly Soul sound but the melody doesn't really sound nearly the same as the Barry White tune. In fact, Trans-Island Skyway is considerably closer, from in Fagen's groovelicious Sci-Fi R&B/funk/jazz of Kamakiriad.

but then when most white kids were listening to Freebird and Boston in the 70s I was paying attention to R&B, soul, Carolina beach music, etc. there's a lot of nuance to the way those melodies intertwine with the group.


Here's some ultimate Barry White with El Debarge, James Ingram et al. from Qunicy Jones' album. White and deBarge absolutely kill it.


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

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 17:52:58 ET
Posted by: A special request, as a public service, really

Out of respect for Steely Dan - the band, its touring and recording members, its rich musical legacy, and for Donald & Walter in particular - and for those who may come here out of curiosity due to the Coachella connection -- PLEASE NO MORE TOTO. Ever again. For any reason.

Just stop.

Thanks in advance,
A consortium of 6 highly agitated Dan Fans
somewhere in The Great White North

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 17:12:31 ET
Posted by: T.J. Hooker, Hollywood

Sorry Trivia, but I got more important things to do rather than scrounge around the internet to answer your ambiguous questions.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 15:41:48 ET
Posted by: Trivia, Q

Nobody got the last question. It is searchable.

https://www.google.com/search?q=becker+fagen+room+service+plate&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Next one. Based on date patterns, if Steely Dan had a 3rd member, what might his birthday be?

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 15:25:01 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

How many years of your life would you give up to hear a Walter Becker solo over the top of 'The Great Pagoda of Funn?'

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 12:58:46 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Yes! And so... Happy Birthday Donald! Here's to many more years of incredible music.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 12:49:18 ET
Posted by: Yeah, especially

On Jan. 10 of all days...

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 11:27:18 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

If a bunch of millenials looking to see what Steely Dan is all about come to this board and see 32 posts about fucking Toto I'm going to hold the line to the neck of some random passerby.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 10:39:28 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, reptile cage

Weinberg bros: Ziegfeld (as in Florenz Ziegfeld, the great stage producer) is in fact pronounced "Zigfeld" and it's certainly what the line in Good Stuff refers to -- the Ziegfeld Follies was the most famous stage act of the Depression era, involving dance, comedy, and music acts noted for the elaborately costumed & choreographed chorus girls.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 10:39:21 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, reptile cage

Weinberg bros: Ziegfeld (as in Florenz Ziegfeld, the great stage producer) is in fact pronounced "Zigfeld" and it's certainly what the line in Good Stuff refers to -- the Ziegfeld Follies was the most famous stage act of the Depression era, involving dance, comedy, and music acts noted for the elaborately costumed & choreographed chorus girls.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 08:48:27 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, sorry, Ray

Please add Ray Parker Jr. to the personell list for Can't Get Enough.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 08:34:47 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, halfway down my coffee cup

Like I've already said; I used to like Roseanna, Africa and Hold The Line. I should probably add Mama as well. For the simple reason that they are catchy pop songs, no more or less. But I never listen to them anymore, because I'm quite simply tired of them. As a sidenote, I seemingly never get tired of anything the Dan has done.

Mu: I appreciate the historic run-through and your thoughts about Toto and how and why they became what they are. However, no background story can change their actual recorded music the least bit, and life's too short to be spent listening to things you don't really, really like more than a few times each, for evaluation purposes. I am fully aware that sometimes you have to listen multiple times to have the greatness of a given artist, song or album revealed, but I also have a musical compass pin that I trust 99%, and one or a hundred more listens to anything Toto or Boz for that matter will unfortunately not change how I feel about their music. To me it's ok, but that's it - and "ok" is not enough. I hope we can simply agree to disagree on this.

Lowdown/ Silk Degrees: I think it's an ok pop song, but in fact not so much a real composition as a very nice groove with a nice bridge. This particular vamp over two chords sounds a bit generic to my ears, allthough I like it. Also, unfortunately I'm not a big fan of Boz' vocal style. I suspect there's reasons why a lot of folks here seem to dig his work so much, other than/ in addition to the pure musical ones; he appears as a sympathetic guy, and he had his artistic momentum at the "right" time (a generation/ sub-cultural phenomenon).
Generic? Yes. The list of pop songs with a fairly similar structure is long, but I'll provide one example you all probably know. It's Barry White's Can't Get Enough from '74 - a few years before Lowdown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSeBZo361Oo

The legendary session drummer Ed Greene (I Got The News) sat behind the kit. Wilton Felder, Dean Parks, Wah Wah Watson and David T. Walker were other cats on this track. I'm not saying it's the 8. wonder of the world or anything, it's just an example of a different (and earlier) incarnation of the "same" song as Lowdown. Personally I dig Barry's disco hit more than Boz' cocktail lounge version.

Chris & fagenism: I've consciously tried to avoid mixing certain Toto members' personal characteristics into this. A lot of great artists and musicians (two different things!) are assholes too, and one should always judge them by their work rather than their personal characteristics. Else, most people's list of favorite music would have to be completely different ... So, I will of course never fall as low as to insinuate that one of them is probably the devil in disguise. ;o)

Re: Similarities between drumming for SD and Toto: From a drummer's professional point of view, ok. In a strictly pro view a job is a job is a job. I don't believe for a second Keith doesn't notice the abyss between the two band's respective repertoire. But he's a polite guy, and it's part of the professional attitude to talk about such matters in vague, diplomatic terms. What's the old saying again? The dog doesn't bite the hand that feeds it? Yeah, that was how it went. And Chris is probably right in pointing out that Toto songs are more fun to play than to listen to.

Today's malevolent drummer joke:
-How do you know the drum platform is perfectly leveled?
-?
-The drummer is drooling equally much on both sides of his mouth.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 06:05:45 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

My (hopefully somewhat nuanced) take on Toto:

Paich is a terrific composer and instrumentalist. Africa and Rosanna - in particular - are just perfectly crafted pop songs.

But Jesus Christ do these guys have a cringe-worthy image. Grandiose, self congratulatory, macho...

In many ways the polar opposite of my favorite duo.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 01:52:23 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Jazz, reading that article and how much thought, skill and knowledge was put into detail and how involved every single player is, was simply a pleasure.
To us, that is no surprise - that coupled with talent and genius is why this music is superior.
A lot of this unfortunately gets lost on the MP3 only consumer that is in a hurry.
If you scroll down on the same page, there is a interview with Larry Klein, and some brief Circus Money insights as well.

Date: Sat, January 10, 2015, 01:25:43 ET
Posted by: videos, yt

Carlock solo with Toto live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NZhsmhUo4k

With John Mayer

http://youtu.be/Fe87Ih-YOcU?t=59s

With SD

http://youtu.be/uqUq7oFIjRM?t=33s

Describing the similarities of the Toto and SD gigs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9qwegdNPao&feature=youtu.be&t=9m10s

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 23:24:19 ET
Posted by: Zeb, Eating dinner

Michael McDonald was asked to be the original singer in Toto, but he joined the Doobie Brothers instead. On another note, I really miss The Dukes of September. The shows I attended were so much fun and I loved all the songs they chose to perform.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 19:35:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jazz: I hear ya. One of the most consistent issues for the band Toto with critics and music lovers is quality control and Lack consistency with songwriting & producing. Not to mention revolving lead singers. A lack of identity. Perhaps because the core of the band are friends/buddies from the LA scene with parents in the business (Porcaros, Paich), they have been quite democratic in how duties and contributions to the songs and production went about, particularly after Hydra. Perhaps that ensured longevity at the cost of high creativity.

It may not have worked from a personality/ego standpoint, but David Paich was the guy capable of writing and producing at a high level. He picked up the skill set from his dad Marty Paich, West Coast jazz writer, musician, arranger, and producer. Maybe they sell 30M, 3M? 300k records? Patch didn't feel comfortable as a front man. Patch was also not prolific enough to write an albums' worth every 1-2 years, and compromises in production on many songs were made, particularly with Luke who had prog rock aspirations. It would have meant fewer albums - The Seventh One could have been the Fourth One. Such are the decisions in the business.


Case in point: Lowdown. Boz sang it but Paich wrote and produced it. That's Paich Jeff Porcaro, and Hungate holding down the rhythm section. That groove is special - one of the best rock era singles of then 70s IMO. Superb production.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3og8YojnybY


A few too many Georgy Porgies, but the quality of production and tunsesmithery by Paich is there from their first album:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-0qSlWQnYI

Mama from Hydra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acuAjDtofNQ&list=RDacuAjDtofNQ


The lyrics are a little light and yes a bit campy on Georgy Porgy, but far above Macca or Michael Jackson who they made Thriller with.




Once Toto began to crank out albums, note Boz took an extended vacation. In a better world, Toto and Boz never part.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 18:51:21 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker, 0

They've updated their logo on the official site.

Something is going one besides Coachella I bet.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 18:13:13 ET
Posted by: Slim, Idaho

I still always think of Roseanna Arquette whenever I hear Toto's Roseanna.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 16:11:04 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Jazzassin, the Mickey Mouse in Sorcerer's Apprentice comparison just nails it - I love that.

I can't stand listening to Roseanna but it's fun to play in a campy, self aware sort of way. I reckon they have fun playing most of their songs.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 16:03:21 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, heavy rollers

@Lutz: Thanks a lot. Nothing's like facts from primary sources.

Trivia A:

A long shot, but for some reason the first thing that came to mind was some sort of NOODLES. I've no idea if I actually read/heard this some time in the past, or if it's just my memory playing a trick on me. Stranger things have been known to happen.

Toto ... Doc Mu, to me the problem is absolutely not that they can read a chart and have practiced until perfection. But I think they are a bit like Mickey Mouse in The Sorcerer's Apprentice. They have the power, but do not know how to use it or what for when the sorcerer is away, so it ends in disaster. Meaning they don't have a good enough songwriter and arranger in their midst. Same goes for a lot of other great session players' attempt at an artist career. Then there's of course the lyrics, but they actually don't bother me that much, since save a few exceptions all pop lyrics are stupid, simple, romantic, sentimental BS anyway. Needless to say, SD is such an exception.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 15:04:15 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

This may have been posted before. Great insights thanks, ML!
'Glamour Profession: The Bassists of Donald Fagen's Sunken Condos'

http://cms.bassplayer.com/article.aspx?articleid=26889

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 13:00:01 ET
Posted by: Bert, San Diego

Doc Mu is right. Some people think Steely Dan is a Smooth Jazz pop/rock band. I remember years ago when Smooth Jazz radio stations were playing tracks from Gaucho, Aja, Donald's Nightfly album alongside with Kenny G., Dave Koz, Sade, Basia, etc. This really damaged Steely Dan's reputation.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 12:43:22 ET
Posted by: Trivia, Q

There's a post Aja release interview story that describes Fagen passing Becker a plate of room service food. What was it?

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 11:40:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Not to be picky about the Queen's English, but the commonality I expressed about being most hated was in present tense. Today.

And in the 80s revisionist history for Gaucho.

Is the commonality quality? No. But if you parse out Paich and occasionally Luke's better songs, in the 80s, it's not so bad.

Steely Dan's first 3 albums had universally consistent critical acclaim. Royal Scam had mixed reviews. For a number of reasons, Aja and Gaucho were downgraded by critics in the 80s as the band hit some backlash.

Steely Dan's music is widely misunderstood today by the young adults and many critics alike. Folks that grew up on grunge, rap, indy, Emo, etc. The Cure are elder statesman to these folks

Initial real time Gaucho reviews were actually good before the 80s downgrade. Rolling Stone gave Gaucho 4 1/2 stars, while they only gave Aja 3 (?!) stars when released. Stereo Review (remember them?) pronounced Gaucho as Record of the Month with the heading:

"Too Good for Common Folk?"

So there's your answer.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 10:23:26 ET
Posted by: Jake, Listening to Toto CDs

Keith Carlock has gigs lined up with Wayne Krantz from February 11 - April 4. It's listed on Wayne's website.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 09:34:13 ET
Posted by: PETER EVANS, MANCHESTER UK

Weinberg. That is true, one of these two bands is much respected and regarded as one of the all time great popular music recording acts. The other is Toto !

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 08:06:50 ET
Posted by: weinberg, bros.

One of my hobbies is visiting SD related places. New York has an historic Zigfeld Theater. I assume this is "Mr. Zigfield's stage" to which Good Stuff refers. Any idea why he may have changed the spelling/pronunciation? My guess would be that Zigfield just sounds better.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziegfeld_Theatre



As far as Toto Vs. SD, one thing they didn't have in common is critical acclaim. Not every critic liked SD, but they all hated Toto. As Dave Marsh wrote about them, "they grow more popular every year, and cockroaches are expected to outlive the human race."

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 02:56:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Coachella was once the haven for young, alternative fans...thus the spasm by the idiots at Pitchfork.

Grantland can churn out better narratives, and Molly Lambert's article is a fine example.

Luke became the spokesmodel for Toto when Paich went into semi retirement a decade ago.

The commonality between Toto and Steely Dan, besides 1/2 of Toto playing on SD albums is they are both probably the 2 most hated bands in the world.

Toto caught a lot of flack in the early 80s for many of the same reasons SD did. Too slick. Sounds like they've practiced and could read a chart.

To be fair, about 1/2 of the first album, Hydra, IV and the Seventh One is pretty decent. Lyrics are a bit light, but the key to me was Paich's viability as a songwriter and arranger. If you like Boz Scaggs' Silk Degrees, you like David Paich. Georgy Porgy could have been lifted off that album or Middle Man. Mama is kind of a tribute to Donald and Walter.

Paich brought an R&B, jazz, and classical sensibility to fusion/prog rock/rock sensibilities. When albums weren't centered around Paich and those dynamics (ex. Isolation) they were less successful. Paich gave it a real go with the Seventh One and it's not that bad. Drugs, Jeff's demise and the horrible Kingdom of Desire saw Paich out of Mojo. They limped along for another 15 years before disbanding. Their last album Falling in Between has a fe moments. Greg Phillanganes joined tot with Paich fading and his Let it Go has some power to it.

When Mike Porcaro was diagnosed with ALS, they put a tour together or two or three. The 2014 tours in Poland and Japan have the band sounding better than they have in decades.

Don't know if XIV will be good music or not, but they've seemed to have put fort their best effort since Seventh One.



To be fair, who the **** knew if SD would have another tour or another album. Nothing certain. D&W will thus have something going on this summer (I'm actually hoping for album rather than tour, but wishful thinking).

Luke is kind of a brah, but means well. He kicked a number of recreational substances away and cleaned up. I think he really wants to stick it to the reviewers and haters with their new one.

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 02:03:39 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Also

Re: All the Coachella brouhaha, I was delighted by Molly Lambert's intelligent, and unabashedly respectful, piece in Grantland.com (Dandomdotcom RTed it)... not only that article, but take a gander down through her comments on her @MollyLambert tweet stream. http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/steely-dan-coachella/

Date: Fri, January 09, 2015, 01:58:52 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Heftymart

@Chris I'm with you on the Lukather-as-loose-cannon theory.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 22:49:55 ET
Posted by: Lefty, Reno, NV

Keith Carlock posted on his Facebook page saying how he is so proud and honored to have played on Toto's new album. Makes me wonder if Keith really does want to join the Toto tour but can't because of some type of contractual obligation with Steely Dan he can't get out of.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 12:19:26 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, under the skin

Danfan, I can understand why you weren't able to find this out from reading on the Toto page, and thus had to make a qualified guess, since brains often implodes after just a few seconds of reading that horrible page ... but this is exactly what it says:

Quote:
Drums were performed by Keith Carlock who's commitments to Steely Dan prohibit him from participating in the 2015 World Tour. Shannon Forest will be behind the kit, who was a part of the band's 2014 North American run. Luke offers, "Shannon is a world class drummer and we are honored to have him back with us."

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 12:08:29 ET
Posted by: Danfan, Toronto.Can.

Chris if it's not going to be Keith... it more than likely will be Shannon Forrest.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 11:33:40 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Chris, thanks for the link to the comment about Carlock, the new album, and his unavailability to tour with Toto in 2015. Given the detail in that discussion, I tend to think the comment about Carlock there is correct, and that in fact he's going to be too busy with the Dan to go to Europe with Toto.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 11:26:08 ET
Posted by: TheFez, Boston

Harmolodic. We hope to visit Guatemala again over the next couple of years. Our son is nine now and he has expressed interest in going. You are correct, the music and the whole environment is great. It would be nice to see more 'haves' than the 'have nots'. It's unfortunate that its a tough life there for a good portion of the citizens.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 11:23:20 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, restitution hotel

Thanks, Chris! :o)

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 11:12:30 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Jazz - http://totoofficial.com/news/236983

Honestly? I wonder if Carlock ever committed to anything other than the session work and the Japan tour he did last year. Lukather seems like kind of a loose cannon.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 10:59:05 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, brain surgery clinic

@Chris:

It's probably just me, but I have looked and clicked all over the Toto website; http://totoofficial.com/, and so far I haven't found the quote you just posted. In fact, I find no such detailed info as e.g. a touring band lineup at all; it's all about venues, tickets and promoting the new album. Besides, the Toto webpage has a design that is obviously made to make my brain implode at first sight. If you'd care to provide a direct url to the exact page, it would be very much appreciated. Would be cool to be able to check for updates on this delicate matter, and SD usually don't contribute much to the information flow themselves, to say the least.

However, I DID find the exact quote on Steve Lukather's website here:

http://www.stevelukather.com/music/discography/2015/toto-xiv.aspx

And right there my brain imploded again, because how much is official info from the band's guitarist and spokesman worth when he don't even bother to correct earlier info he has given, info that contradicts the information that Carlock will not be in the 2015 touring band lineup? Because on the page I linked to some days ago, Carlock is still listed as the drummer for the upcoming tour:

http://www.stevelukather.com/tour/2015/toto-world-tour-2015.aspx

I prefer to assume that Lukather is actually right when he says Carlock has SD commitments and cannot go on tour with Toto in 2015, and as a hardcore anti-Totoist I am pleased to hear this. I know it's childish, but I really can't stand that band, and btw, to me they're as far from everything that makes SD great as it's possible to get.

Keith Carlock, what were you thinking?? This is way below your league. You have played with SD for over ten years, you've done fantastic things with Oz Noy, with Wayne Krantz and with Richard Bona, you've played with James Taylor, Sting, John Mayer, Grover Washington and a dozen others... And now Toto?? Regardless of their big name and numbers of sold records, I regard this as several (approximately a thousand) steps down, musically.

And don't say I didn't give them a second chance. I've listened to the promo video for the new album on youtube, but I really hated every single note and every single word - fear and loathing, they're worse than ever, so unfortunately my brain imploded for the third time today. Thanks a lot, Steve!

I apologize in advance to the Toto fans here. I like a lot of shitty music that you guys would probably despise just as much as I do with your heroes. ;o)

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 10:23:45 ET
Posted by: LJ, TX

Last year Lukather said Carlock had "one last tour" with Steely Dan.

Carlock ended that tour by tweeting "can't wait until next time" or something like that.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 09:06:32 ET
Posted by: hmm,

wow - i can't believe that about KC's commitments. seems like something that could have been foreseeable. maybe it was. just surprised Toto would be okay with it. does it mean they anticipate SD ending sooner than later? maybe it was contract stuff.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 08:29:30 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh

From Toto's website: "Drums were performed by Keith Carlock who's commitments to Steely Dan prohibit him from participating in the 2015 World Tour."

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 05:23:44 ET
Posted by: Jolly, Roger

Re: Washington Post article.Being from UK I don't know the journalist or the Coachella event, but booking SD being indicative of "a money grab for organizers" ? It has to be commercially viable or it can't exist, surely.

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 02:37:45 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Hmm . . . interesting story in tomorrow's Washington Post: "Coachella is Dead, and Steely Dan Killed It"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2015/01/07/the-day-they-killed-coachella/?hpid=z5

Date: Thurs, January 08, 2015, 01:17:42 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Great news about April. Hopefully some dates will be added during/before/after.
A week is a long time in Palm Desert if you don't golf.
In 2007, they played a couple of Casinos in CA in January that are not even listed on their Heavy Roller's tour archives.
Chumash was one, Table Mountain, outside Fresno another.
It's about 4 hours from LA and SF and some of us had a couple of drinks before showtime at the Texas Roadhouse down the street with a small group of fans.
Rajah and Gretchen showed up and I wish we all had more time.
Walter made fun of the place's name and location but the set was very tight and sound was superb in a 1500 capacity room. Don and Walt exited stage left back into the running Limo during the outro and got out of there quickly but you couldn't tell whether they played for 1500 or 15000. It was a treat.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 22:51:08 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

This isn't a shot at Carlock, who is brilliant, and I'm well aware of what Becker said about the dude in the intros and how expensive big name replacement drummers are, but ... drummers can be replaced.

If anyone taught us of as much, it was Becker and Fagen between 1974 and 2003. The sound will be different, sure, but it doesn't mean it has to be worse. And if the guys want to put up with the road again this year I doubt very much Carlock's absence will get in the way of that.

Fagen wasn't exactly throwing himself in front of a moving train when going out with the Carlock-less Dukes for two tours.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 21:59:40 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, the moon

casual fan: Strange. When I click the clickable bottom half of the Coachella label, their Facebook page loads, not the 2014 tour dates page. As expected, since the moon on the picture has "Details on Facebook" written in big caps around it. It's been that way since tuesday.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 20:39:25 ET
Posted by: Toto fan, Totoland

Hey Toto fans! If you go on Toto's Facebook page it mentions "Big News Coming Tomorrow".

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 17:56:19 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Adding to speculation, if you Google "Steely Dan Tour" the first thing that pops up is the SD website, and a label for Coachella 2015. If you then click it, it takes you to back to the 2014 dates.

So, hopefully, they are doing some form of a tour and are working on setting it up on the SD.com site.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 14:36:48 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Just because it's pro-Steely Dan doesn't mean it's not snobbish, dismissive, and at its' core completely and utterly incorrect.

It's reducing appreciation of art into stupid sports fandom.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 14:21:27 ET
Posted by: Huh, ?

Why is that Tweet dumb? It's pro SD as far as I can tell.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 14:15:39 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Dumb tweets like these:

https://twitter.com/JRehling/status/552541552762179585

... are the reason it stinks to be a Steely Dan fan sometimes. I understand it's hard to sit silently while some take pot shots, but I know quite a few 25-35 year olds in my set that absolute adore Steely Dan and some in California that have skipped the last two Coachellas that are going this year because of Steely Dan.

Don't be a snob. Jimmy Reed plunking an out of tune guitar while trashed off his ass, hitting the same three chords, can be great music too. Most of the modern music at Coachella that I've heard is actually *too* complex for me.

Defend the Dan all you want, but don't reinforce stereotypes while doing so.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 13:29:07 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, friolandia

thefez98--

Glad you enjoyed Guatemala. My wife is from there and her mother and sisters are all there so we visit a lot. Great country for music--musicians are respected and there's always some band playing somewhere. Marimba, rock, jazz, salsa, merengue...music is everywhere. Can't wait to go back.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 13:20:18 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

In 2007, they hit several Spring Festivals including the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Memphis in May. Jazz Fest announces its lineup soon, so we should know the drill shortly.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 10:31:31 ET
Posted by: thefez98, Boston

Harmolodic. Guatemala is a beautiful country. We were in Guatelmala City ("The City of Eternal Spring") a few times in 2005 when we adopted my son. Would be a great venue for a SD show, with the active volcanoes in the background. ;) Why were you down there?

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 10:23:32 ET
Posted by: Thefez, Boston

Godwhacker. Interesting comments regarding RUSH/Steely Dan and playing new material. Ironic, despite having very different styles, they are my two favorite bands. I heard that RUSH decided to do their 'Moving Pictures' shows based on Steely Dan doing album nights. When I go to a Steely Dan show, I am not opposed to them mixing in some tunes off the 2 new albums, though I prefer as many 'deep cuts' as possible. For RUSH, I primarily prefer their older stuff, say Power Windows back to the original 'Rush' album. Curious to see if Coachella will be the only shows they play in 2015 with Carlock going off and playing with Toto. I just can't see them being the same without him pounding away on the drum kit.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 09:50:43 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

I wonder if they will use this festival to test the waters with some band lineup changes and/or reductions. I think Fagen will want to keep performing longer than the current band will be viable.

Date: Wed, January 07, 2015, 08:21:10 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, not in Guatemala

Just back from Guatemala and thought I'd share two Dan-related happenings: an excellent jazz guitar duo in Panajachel playing an arrangement of Home at Last, and the Night Fly on the sound system at Cafe San Martin in Guatemala City. Fun!

Date: Tues, January 06, 2015, 21:50:42 ET
Posted by: Lee, Tampa

From LA WEEKLY: Why Steely Dan Belongs at Coachella

http://www.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2015/01/06/why-steely-dan-belongs-at-coachella

Should interest quite a few of you who read the Bluebook. The article addresses some of the negatives aimed at SD over the years, and pretty much pulverizes them.

Date: Tues, January 06, 2015, 20:45:56 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, NYC

SD site updated with Coachella info. "Live In One - Five".

Date: Tues, January 06, 2015, 20:35:34 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Thanks to all of you who posted in the past 48 hours. You wrote the most recent edition of the Dandom Digest. It was just emailed and covers January 1-6, 2015, but really just the past two days.

The content is simply news (taken from here) about the Coachilla shows and a sample of your funny tour name suggestions.

Now the rest of the usual...

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within the next hour of this posting. If you don't see it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. Heck, if you want, email me privately that you DID get it. We had some issues last summer with it being delivered.

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter and its content is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.

As always, thank you for your support through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and espcially thinking of Mark and Bill, and purposely not to mention a couple of people who request anonymity.

Fly about as low, be so cool,

Jim

Date: Tues, January 06, 2015, 17:38:57 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, NYC

The Coachella Festival has a streaming YouTube site.
Excuse me as I need to get that new 60" television.