Date: Tues, April 01, 2003, 11:02:43 ET
Posted by: Zim not on a limb, NYC

Zim is on target according to my sources

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 21:11:53 ET
Posted by: Zim, in follow-up to questions

Sorry to say it was just a general statement of "holding dates for a possible August show"-just enough to tease us long time fans. But I'll keep my ears open and drop a line when I hear more. It's a weekly radio show here in CT on Thursdays, so I stay tuned.

keeping my hopes up-

Zim

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 15:36:18 ET
Posted by: Gina, Morrisun Mountain

In sinc or Zim? :-)
Browsed thru my CD's and shame on me, found a Morrison CD ...
Nu Guru, no Method, no Teacher ...
Will lend it my ears now ...

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 14:59:08 ET
Posted by: Zim,

Greetings-

Our local concert gurus are talking about a August date here in Connecticut. They're usually pretty good at knowing what's up and coming, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Haven't missed a tour yet and don't plan to now!

Zim

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 14:45:33 ET
Posted by: µ,

John: Macca did that to the credits?? - my opinion of him as a person has sunk even lower if possible. It's funny, most of our view of the Beatles are but a creation and extension of the Richard Lester films Hard Day's Night and Help and those characters developed. But they reflect just part of each person, and not necessarily the reality. While we assume from the films, and extrapolate to their lives, that George was the quiet one...based on numerous conversations/interviews with his friends over the years, George was probably the funniest and most talkative - His friend Eric Idle quipped in a recent interview: "Quiet? He never shut up!" Supposedly John and George were most likely to clown around with everyday folks like playing card with a bellman on a train, whereas Paul and Ringo were fairly reclusive. While Paul was the best muisican, he was not the most easy going guy...yet he wants to liked and worshiped so much...

Becker/Fagen - I bet it's simply alphabetical order or how it sounds


Interesting discussion about VM...I'm afraid I've notr heard the large majority of his stuff from the mid 70s- 90s although many were well reviewed...the spiratual exploration I remember reading as a common theme...will have to check out...

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 12:58:42 ET
Posted by: Randy, Northern NJ / USA

Hoops: perspective is an interesting thing. I've been into Van for the past 28 years or so, and for me it's his seventies work that has the edge; I finally got to 'Inarticulate Speech of the Heart' (1983) fairly recently (I ordered the remastered CD version as an import), and I like 'Beautiful Vision' (1982), but he largely loses me after that until 1990's 'Enlightenment,' and of course I appreciate what he's done since then ('Hymns to the Silence' in 1991 was great, though I'd have dropped the two "hymn" type tunes, and I liked 'Days Like This' and his new one, 'Down the Road').

Morrison was always someone that many fans felt should do a straight blues album (much like Clapton delivered with 'From the Cradle'), but he probably came as close as he's going to with 'Too Long In Exile' or even the overlooked 'A Period of Transition' (admittedly more R&B). That suggestion is not meant to indicate covers; Van could certainly write his own tunes within the blues framework and have it work; point being, that's the stuff I appreciate the most from him, which is why 'Too Long In Exile' hit home. (Stephen Stills is another candidate for a straight blues album, preferably electric.)

I'd say overall his best may be 'Veedon Fleece' (1973), as it encompasses his blues, folk, jazz and Celtic influences in one truly hypnotic package, but it's all a matter of the aforementioned perspective (could be 'Common One' as well)...

Randy / NIGHTFLY62@aol.com

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 12:22:12 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Randy:
Most Van fans would agree that Scott Thomas' review of Too Long and other Van titles are jokes. For that matter, all four of the bios I have about Van are riddled with inaccuracies and many opinions presented as fact.

That said, for me and group of other Van list regulars, it's the 80s period albums that are the favorites; a few albums from the 70s are also on my short list. "Beautiful Vision," "Inarticulate Speech...," "Sense of Wonder," "No Guru, No Method, No Teacher," "Poetic Champions Compose," "Avalon Sunset" and "Enlightenment" are incredible, gorgeous albums that happen to be un-self-consciously spiritual albums. With perhaps the exception of a couple of tracks, it never throws itself in your face and the detailing is amazing. Most "Christian Music Artists" or other spiritual pop acts could learn so much from these albums with their grace and effortlessness. Some people meditate, some people read the bible, some engage in other spiritual activities, but for me these are it. Like the Steely Dan albums, I have multiple copies of these particular Van albums. I love the others too, but for me, the 80s Van albums are the most personal and cohesive set of albums, where Van is on a winding but very deliberate path. I do love the other albums as well, but for me, these are the albums that most consistently speak to me. (Lest you think I view Van as a god, I know for fact he is a huge asshole as well.)

My objection to reviewers like Scott Thomas is not that they hold opinions of Van that are different than mine, since I am still, after 15-20 years of being a fan, unearthing all sorts of things from all of his albums. Rather, I dislike these writers' attempts to promote their perspective as the definitive perspective or a perspective that is more valid. Randy, I'm glad that you are offering yet another perspective. I think what you write will be great if you approach the writing as yet another opinion or perspective. But, if you are writing to "set the record straight" then I think your piece will miss the mark. It's that kind of attitude that led me to discontinue my Van list in the mid-90s. It's that same attitude, IMHO, that Van mocks in "New Biography." (For non-Van fans, it's a song where he mocks those who write about him and those who chat about him on the internet.)

Earl, John, Jesse:
I'm pretty much with you. I despise "Rolling Stone" but there are always two or three issues a year (usually having Steely Dan in them) that make it cost-effective to keep up my discount subscription. I always know it's arrived because my mailbox smells like a cologne counter.

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 11:45:42 ET
Posted by: Randy, Northern NJ / USA

Not ALL Van Morrison fans think that ALL of his albums are great; much of his work in the 1980's is unfocused and what could be described as "spiritually preoccupied" (Morrison could hardly be described as preachy).

As for 'Too Long In Exile,' while some circles have praised that album, there is a coterie of fans/critics who deride it as redundant; I was simply indicating it was worthy of (re)review, as it's a favorite at my house. Scott Thomas, a knowledgeable critic of Morrison's work who is certainly a solid writer, missed the boat completely with '... Exile'; check out his review in the discography section at:

http://www.harbour.sfu.ca/~hayward/van/van.html

Randy / NIGHTFLY62@aol.com

P.S. The element which garners the highest anticipation concerning the new Steely Dan? The Becker-vocal "Slang of Ages."

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 08:31:16 ET
Posted by: Earl, Delaware

Rolling Stone wants to make money. So they're going to cover what the most people want to hear. One of the many outlets that are turning our music culture into a joke. There are a few good acts out there right now (I've been listening to John Mayer a lot; great musician IMO), but it's still the same old sex sells gig.

Lisa Marie sucks. Avril sucks. Bon Jovi sucks.

Earl

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 05:54:58 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, @work

Personal Van Faves "Tupelo Honey" & "Avalon Sunset"

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 04:24:20 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Rolling Stone is a dumbass, jive, piece of shit rag that used to be cool. They used to have Miles Davis and the Grateful Dead on the cover in the 70's. Now they have Lisa Marie Presley and Avril Lavigne. I remember reading a "what's cool" issue about a year ago, and was absolutely shocked that they made an argument for why Britney Spears is cool. It was so pathetic, because the writers obviously don't think this, and they tried to make some convincing argument about how even though she is a record company puppet that targets the 12-year old girl and 75-year old man crowd, she has made a transition into being cool. I'll never buy an issue of that rag again.

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 01:36:38 ET
Posted by: John,

Have to agree. All VM fans think all of his albums are great. But when it comes to discussing which are his best and why, it's like a drunken Irish fist fight. Shit! Van mocks everyone who writes about him.

The new Rolling Stone with Lisa Marie Presley has a great interview with Ringo Starr. He talks about George Harrison and not so kindly about Paul. Ringo is now my favorite living Beattle. Macca is somewhere between a wuss and dick. Ringo disses Paul for the way he switched song writing credits on his last album to McCartney/Lennon. He doesn't object per se. Just to the way he did it. Wonder if Fagen will ever switch song credits to Fagen/Becker on a Becker/Fagen song. Are there any Steely Dan songs creditted as Fagen/Becker?

Lisa Marie thought she was going to save Jacko. Right.

Ciao

Date: Mon, March 31, 2003, 00:18:08 ET
Posted by: Keyshawn, uptown baby

Yo tones!
Waaaaaz up dog?

Date: Sun, March 30, 2003, 23:04:03 ET
Posted by: tones,

Just wanted to mention The Philosopher's Stone... though it's a collection of rarities and outtakes from Van's classic period, I think it's the best album he released in the 90's...

Like 'em all though...

Date: Sun, March 30, 2003, 20:29:51 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Gina:
Van was raised as a Jehovah's Witness in Belfast on Hyndford Street.

Randy:
Some good choices, althought I disagree with the choice of "Too Long In Exile" since it gets a lot of rave reviews and consistently ranks up there in Van Fan album polls. Personally I'm not fond of it, but after "Rolling Stone" dissed it in its initial review, "Too Long In Exile" was named by RS as one of the best albums of the 90s Eddie Vedder, Bruce Hornsby have listed it as their desert island discs. But I always think how critics over rate it :-) Fascinating to realize that "Veedon Fleece" was the followup to "Astral Weeks"

Another facinating detail: "Astral Weeks" is his most critically and academically acclaimed album, but among his poorest sellers, having only recently gone gold a couple of years ago. It's a tough chestnut to crack.

Van fans can email Art (see below) to get on the Van Fan list.

Date: Sun, March 30, 2003, 18:17:25 ET
Posted by: Gina, Sun Mountain

Not sure, but is Van Morrisson from some part on the Great Britain Isle?
Listened to his music as well and liked it, they often had something mystical in it, a mellow kinda groove, laid-back ...

Clas, you kill me. Listening to the Catalyst CD's now and i picture both you and Hoops on stage, doing a More To Come routine, just the two of you ... with colored hats, no hooters in this fantasy :-)

Date: Sun, March 30, 2003, 13:25:25 ET
Posted by: Randy, Northern NJ / USA

I’m currently working on an article on Van Morrison, the root of which actually began when I posted the below info on Van here on this guestbook last month. Seeing as how Morrison’s name has again appeared here in light of his upcoming concert(s), I’m reposting the following, some of which has been rewritten and edited, as it is now also being drawn from the upcoming article. For those who are not interested and feel compelled to comment on the issue of topicality, there are two options: (a) scroll, and/or (b) write the site/guestbook webmaster (Hoops) who started the fucking thread to begin with. (I've certainly had to scroll through posts with less thought to them, so you can too[!]). Essentially what follows is an assessment of some of Van Morrison’s less critically revered or generally overlooked recordings:

1. 'A Period of Transition' (1977) - With co production work and keyboards from the illustrious Dr. John, this one's been very underrated by fans and critics for years; essentially Morrison’s most directly R&B related effort, it’s also his most back-to-basics approach (after a three-year hiatus), and only suffers from not being the Celtic meisterwork critics said it should be. The usual great horn arrangements and vocals are in place, with less emphasis on “spiritual” issues and standout tracks like “You Gotta Make It Through The World” (the tight, funky perfection of which recalls Steely Dan), “Flamingos Fly”, and “Cold Wind In August.”

2. 'Common One' (1980) - Long, meditative tracks suffused with jazz, improvisation, and a sense of calm; criticism has been lobbed at the line "Did you ever hear of Wordsworth and Coleridge, baby," but how else would such an exchange be put? (Check the lyrical context of "Summertime in England"); easily Morrison’s least accessible work, as well as one of his most experimental. Brilliant and unlike any other recording by anyone;

3. 'Veedon Fleece' (1973) - A searching, probing record which many consider Morrison’s finest effort, at a time when Morrison was trying to find direction in his muse, his music and his life; folk, jazz and blues meet in a truly beautiful combination; unlike any other recording by anyone;

4. 'Too Long In Exile' (1993) - Morrison "returns" to his blues roots (which he never abandoned to begin with), and recorded this strong collection of songs; while covers of earlier hits and old favorites usually suggest a drying up of ideas, this album signified a reassessment of Morrison’s influences and earlier work that was both bristling and engaging; guest appearance by the legendary John Lee Hooker. Coming on the heels of 1991's 'Hymns to the Silence,' this album showed Van the Man was (and is) still a force to be reckoned with.

Randy / NIGHTFLY62@aol.com

Date: Sun, March 30, 2003, 12:51:18 ET
Posted by: Clas,

Composing buildings? How do you do that?

Date: Sat, March 29, 2003, 17:27:15 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Jesse:

I made a mistake, the other Verve jazz album with Mose, et. al. was "Tell Me Somthing"

When I was 18 like you, I didn't care for most of Van's albums! So you are definitely ahead of me in the area of advanced listening. While "How Long Has..." has had the most critical acclaim and five-star ratings of his 90s album or that it was landmark in that Van and company simply made up the setlst for this Ronnie Scott gig on the fly with no rehearsal, or...

Another angle, most Van fans think "St Dominic's Preview " is one of his best albums and I think it is only good, but not amongst Van's greatest. Anyhow, very diverse perspectives on Van.

This illustrates the point that it's very rare for Van fans to even come close in agreeing what are his best albums or what his songs mean. If you saw the newsletter I used run or saw Art Siegal's you'd know what I mean. Van fans get so intense on insisting which albums are best or what the songs mean, that it gets really petty and nasty, etc. So I just hang out there to find out show dates and read reviews. The reviews are the same. Five fans might make a really great case why a show is great and another five will make equally legitimate cases why they thought it sucked. Not that I don't want to have my views challenged but after a while arguing Van gets to be like arguing religion. And hey, Van is a higer power as I understand him ;-)

jim

Date: Sat, March 29, 2003, 16:57:36 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Hoops, reread your post. You said there are two records he did on Verve, but I'm sure they both aren't called "How Long Has This Been Going On". That is the one I heard, and since I listen to so much jazz, and since this wasn't nearly up to par with even the most straight ahead stuff I listen to (Bill Charlap, for example), I didn't really dig the album. I found the arrangements kind of lame and predictable, and it just seemed like there wasn't as much effort put into it as Van's other records.

Date: Sat, March 29, 2003, 11:47:34 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Jesse:
Ya...Van is da Man. You know. I find that every Van Morrison album takes a while for me to crack and get into. Once I do, Wow! I mean, "Astral Weeks" I've been working on for years, a little bit at a time, and I appreciate it a little more each time. But I know I'm still missing so much more. Not sure which of Van's *two* Verve jazz albums he did that you are referring to, but I think the one with Georgie Fame, "How Long Has This Been Going On," is one of his best ever. His other, the Mose Allison tribute, "How Long Has This Been Going On," took me a bit longer to crack. But the first is fantastic. It actually was the late Maggi McCoy's favorite Van album.

The fascinating thing about Van's albums and his fans is that each fan's choice of a favorite album is so varied. One person might not especially care for "St Domnic's Preview" and love "Inarticulate Speech of the Heart" while another feels just the opposite. Van's recordings speak so personally to people and the interpretations are so personal I found that there's not much need for discussion or even interviews with Van. His music speaks for itself. I really feel satisfied just listening. I decided if I ever did a Van site again, it would be strictly images and paintings—few if any words.

Van often makes it to Toronto as well, although Seattle, Minneapolis and Chicago are less frequent stops. Maybe there's a chance SueDave!

HeyMike:
I think you hit the first night's show in 2001 which I heard was great. I hit the second and Van was in a shitty mood, played for just over an hours, basically left the venue and caught a flight even before his band (Linda Gail Lewis and the Red Hot Pokers) had stopped playing. It was my least favorite of the three shows I have seen him. The Rosemont Theatre, for better or worse, could be a venue for the Dan's next tour if SD ends up playing smaller venues as rumored. (The next Digest has another one of those rumors, in fact.)

Clas:
Jazz star? No. An accomplished composer would be great though. Of course, composing buildings is at the root of my work as well as what I teach these days.

Sorry about your friend's book tour, JM.

Laters

jim

Date: Sat, March 29, 2003, 04:42:58 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

VAN MORRISON!! Wow, that is exciting. If he doesn't come to Toronto, then I'll definitely make my way to the closest city to see him, because I've never seen him before, and I really, really dig his music, except the lame jazz record he did in the mid 90's.

Date: Sat, March 29, 2003, 00:28:47 ET
Posted by: suedave, here in the western world

Gina, great visual, hard to believe you aren't a bodisattva fan, but I've notice we are all a bit different. Guess SD has enough variety in their music to draw all sorts of fans. I notice we are all over the board when it comes to our top 10 cd's or just about anything else. Gotta love it.

Looking for the Bill Charlap trio's trip to seattle on the internet, all I could find was that he was here last October. Lesson learned, pay more attention to who's playing at local Jazz festivals.

Jesse, that's kind of hard to imagine - playing on an SD record but not being curious about hearing any of the music. I can imagine him not hearing the finished product, could that really be true? Not even knowing the release date? If so I'm with you, I'd hound 'em.

Hoops - I'll be tempted to go see Van the man if he comes around my way. Saw him once many years ago and it was a memorable show (and it was a long time ago from when I remember very little).

Put 2Vn on, the title track is just an amazing tune....

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 18:44:44 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, These Suburban Streets

Thanks for the great Van news hoopster. ( I think we we're at the same show - rosemont Theater 2001) Great news and I too hope he makes his way here. Its been either SFO or Boston as his favorite towns it seems.

Cheers

HeyMike

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 18:36:52 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" Smooth Jazz " ?!?!?!

" SMOOTH JAZZ " ?!?!?!

" Smooth Jazz " is akin to the off-yellow , sticky film of weeks old urine that collects under the toilet seat : Hardly ever seen and disturbing when discovered .


-- Thank You

{{{{{{{{{{ JOEY }}}}}}}}}}

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 17:24:54 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Hey Dan Fans;

Here's a plug for one of my huge passions, Van Morrison. As you know, about ten years ago, I also ran a Digest for Van Morrison fans. Today, the defacto mail list is based in the Netherlands by a great guy named Art Siegel. You can email Art at asiegel@nela.org for more info. Be forewarned, like Van, the list can be rather prickly in personality.

So today, GREAT NEWS!

After a couple of years hiatus (since 2001), Van hits the US again.

June 13, 2003
NYC
Theater at Madison Square Garden
http://www.radiocity.com/eventcalendar/eventprofile2?event_id=3208&category=2

June 14 & 15, 2003
Boston
Fleet Boston Pavillion
http://www.fleetbostonpavilion.com/calendar.asp

More shows to come...

Van's shows run hot or cold, but never the same set twice in a row. Definitely a great show to catch. Hope he gets to Chicago too.

As you read in those classic articles a few weeks ago, Becker and Fagen are fond of Van, and I am still trying to find that exact quote where Donald wishes he sang like, among others, Van Morrison.

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 17:04:16 ET
Posted by: DrJ,

SteelyDan People: I've received some distressing news from a friend who has had to cancel her book tour
unexpectedly for very personal reasons. This is her third novel, If Wishes Were Horses, published by
St.Martin's Press. Her friends are banding together to attempt to accomplish through word of mouth what is
usually the result of the book tour... that is, get people to read the book! [after they pay for it. This is not
Abbie Hoffman shtick].

Her first novel, Burning Down the House, was published when her name was Merry McInerney.

Right. That McInerney, whose husband wrote Bright Lights Big City.

The following statement is a most carefully worded one: the book, Burning Down the House, is fictitious.
The protagonist of this book, which is fictitious, essentially inspires, cowrites and edits someone else's great
hip novel while the someone else lives the fast lane sort of lifestyle not unlike that of certain characters in
BLBC [which is also fiction]. The someone else turns around and takes full credit... only to dump the
protagonist later. Interesting story.

sorry. where was I?

Her name is now Merry Whiteford! She is now very happily married to my former bandmate and friend.

www.merrywhiteford.com

Please check out If Wishes Were Horses. If your local bookstore does not stock it, please ask them to order
it and while they're at it, a few copies for the shelf wouldn't hurt. If you enjoy the book, why not pop over
to Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com and give it a favorable review! This is more important than you
might estimate. Editors and publishers follw these; it helps them determine whether to up a print run or start
running advertisements. Of course, if you enjoy the book, tell your friends!

thank you all for considering her situation
warmly
j

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 16:51:03 ET
Posted by: Firemop, Clean Kitchen

Jesse - I agree with your most of your "Smooth Jazz" comments. In fact, I opened the email this morning intending to unsubscribe because I had been automatically deleting emails that I have been getting since last year's Pat Metheny tour (I dont consider Pat Metheny to be "Smooth Jazz", by the way).

I am going to give this week's show a chance - a program featuring Steely Dan, Ray Charles and Chet Baker can't be that bad. I also think Jeff Lorber is better than most of the folks that wind up in the smooth jazz genre. So at least for this week, pass the robes and the lotion, but I will pass on the mustache.

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 16:09:14 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Smooth Jazz TV? Be careful, you might find yourself wanting to grow a mustache, buy all sorts of lotions, and wear velvet robes.

I hate when Steely Dan is put in the same category as shitty imitation jazz musicians like Dave Koz, Kenny G., and Kirk Whalum. Granted, some of the musicians that play on Steely Dan records are smooth jazz musicians. Ricky Lawson, who is a great drummer, participated in an act of musical necrophilia when he played on the Kenny G. session where they overdubbed themselves on the Louis Armstrong recording "What A Wonderful World". Also, Cornelius Bumpus plays some extremely smooth jazz on his own records.

I guess I'm just ranting.

From Jesse

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 15:14:23 ET
Posted by: Gina, Sun Mountain

Amerikaans Engels, de Franse taal en waarom niet even een Nederlandse duit in dit forum? Hallo Hans Krazenborg, leuk om een landgenoot te lezen, Leiden in last en Delft een paar kilometers verder, maar in het zuiden des lands, Maastricht is het ook niet slecht toeven!Ik zou zeggen, laat je Nederlandse stem vaker gelden hier, gewoon D O E N ...

To unite in the spirit of a decadious talk, i felt compelled to play the A Decade of Steely Dan CD i found in my friend's collection. Baby-sitting their two girls and the youngest age 5 climbed up the chair, started dancing or rather sway her hips and legs according to the rhythm of Bodhisattva, waving her arms while keeping her thumbs up and radiating this endearing smile on her tiny face.
Never really cared much for the song but turned around to it now an unspoiled and sincere response of a child made me realize there's gotto be something to the song that makes it worth the listen.

YGK mentioned a Zappa influence, a buzz which is on the main menu over at the Yellow. For those who care, check Nigey Lennon's site for info on release of her book and that of Candy Zappa. Nigey receives a lot of inquiring and appreciative emails from the Netherlands and she hooked up with a Dutch female guitarist, Corrie van Binsbergen. Corrie's work is also in the spirit of Frank Zappa, so who knows what the future will bring if these two ladies join forces :-)

A Banyan Tree Bow in Blue,
G.

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 12:55:36 ET
Posted by: Firemop, Clean Kitchen

Le Bar Bat is is AWESOME!
I always make a point to stop in whenever I am in the city. The music and libations are first rate, and I have enjoyed times that I couldn't forget, and a few that I couldn't remember. :) I was there one evening when I saw Pete and went up to introduce myself. I was stunned when he remembered that I was a Metal Leg subscriber, and the city where I lived! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


Also...Smooth Jazz TV
I was sifting through the spam this morning when an item for "Smooth Jazz TV" caught my attention. A new episode airing at 1:30AM Sunday morning in Dallas is featuring: Ray Charles with his classic rendition of "Georgia on my Mind", Jazz Legend Chet Baker, Backstage with Steely Dan and a special performance by Jeff Lorber.

Hmmm... Backstage with Steely Dan. My guess is that it is probably a 2vN-era promotional interview or a clip snagged from the "Plush TV" DVD. I will check it out and report my findings if there is anything new - stranger things have happened in Dandom. If you live in LA, Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, New Orleans, or Kansas City you can check it out for yourself. Here is the link:

http://www.smoothjazztv.com/theshow.html

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 11:07:19 ET
Posted by: LeBarBatman, Gotham

Le Bar Bat is located in Manhattan at 311 W. 57th between 8th and 9th. Its website is http://www.lebarbat.com

The place is significant because the guy who books the music there is Pete Fogel from the Plush video. Pete ran Metal Leg and is definitely the number one Steely Dan fan in the world.

Pete also has a great Steely Dan "photos and more" page at http://www.metalleg.com

Assuming the links are still there, check out http://www.dandom.com/halloffameweek and http://www.dandom.com/halloffameweek/photoalbum/ for more some samples of the Steely-related musicians who have played there, as well as photos of frolicking DanFans.

See you same bat time, same bat page

BM

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 10:23:17 ET
Posted by: Joey,

Hello My Steely Brothers and Sisters .......................


I have a question about " LE BAR BAT " !


Where is this place ???? Long Island ???? Oceanside ??????

I saw a special on Steely Dan years ago regarding this lounge/club
and I guess LE BAR BAT is a place where musicians from all over the world who have played on Steely Dan albums come together and jam ..........................YES ??????


eveloping ....................


Joey !

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 05:34:29 ET
Posted by: Willie, burrows

"And you've got to admire the chutzpah of the production designers. The terranauts go on their mission in a dirt-gobbling vehicle dubbed Virgil, although it could just as easily have been called Steely Dan. It's this huge, long metallic phallic...thing, and it just goes plunging away, burrowing deeper and deeper, thrusting into Mother Earth's hot molten center, setting off planet-shaking explosions...
You could almost describe "The Core" as the world's longest sex scene."

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/entertainment/5470711.htm

Setting off planet-shaking explosions is sexy, he said. No wonder.

So we should expect something ODP-wise by the weekend, Andy. I want me some liner notes.

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 05:12:54 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

I saw the Bill Charlap Trio tonight at the Top O' The Senator in Toronto. I got a chance to talk with Bill. I was hoping to get tons of juicy information about the new record, but he didn't know much about it. He did "a few afternoons" with them last summer. I asked if he could compare it to any other Steely Dan music, and he said he couldn't because all he did was play on a track without hearing the vocals or horns, and that it wasn't enough to make a valid comparison. I asked who else was on the session. At first he said he couldn't remember, but he did remember Hugh McCracken, as well as Don and Walt (on bass). It was funny, he didn't know until I told him that it was coming out in June. If I was on a Steely Dan session (my dream gig as a trumpet player, by the way), I would stick to them like white on rice after it was over. I would definitely keep in contact with them (if they let me).

Anyway, if you are in Toronto, go see this trio. The woman that runs the Senator has to pay out of her own pocket, and usually loses a few thousand whenever this group comes. The only reason she keeps bringing them back is because she loves the band.

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 02:10:31 ET
Posted by: Clas @ Work,

Hoops - you wanna be a jazz-star?

Date: Fri, March 28, 2003, 00:42:58 ET
Posted by: Horseshoe Creme and Godley,

I'm actually wearing a thong right now... over my head - painted to look like the helmet thing Peter Gabriel wore in concert...

LB: ...was that a promo single...on Your Uniform??!

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 22:16:12 ET
Posted by: oleander, good, not fast

Jesse--Maybe I'm just jealous because you are much more likely to wear a thong than I am. Really, I have gotten into this meditative not-waiting state which is actually quite pleasurable.

Andy--great find.

Ed, Hoops!--I'll be lookin' for you on the road!

Crabby--nice apodeme there, babe.

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 21:03:21 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Just breezing through...

FIRST:

Reminder:
TWO BIG DANFESTS!

SueDave is hosting a Seattle Danfest centering around a show by Larry Carlton. Go SueDave!
http://home.attbi.com/%7Esuedave/seattledanfest.html

Beerberian is also having a Danfest May 3
http://www.thedancollective.co.uk/gigs.html

BE CERTAIN TO SIGN UP for the SEATTLE and UK Danfest Mailing lists to get updates on these. Check out…

http://dandom.com/danfests

…for a complete listing of local Danfest/Dan Fan lists in your area.

Sean, Dennis, et al:
The Decade of Dandom CD sounds hot. And I really dig Dennis' solo on FM. Always a highlight of every Katy Lied gig. Hope it all comes together. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Jaco:
Could be a problem with your ISP's DNS.

Andy:
Great article. The reviews section should be fun. Nate (long time no see) is correct that we have a collection of reviews from those contests we had in the Digest circa 1997-2000. Some real doozies. Looking forward to your searchable data base

YGK:
Thanks for the preview of CoreNYC. I was driving around listening to it on break yesterday and when I get a chance I will make a video clip. You see, I had a camera in my car and thought why not a clip taken from the perspective that the viewer is riding shotgun with me while listen to CoreNYC's CD for the first time. Clas, you're right, YGK might not ever be a rock star but he has potential in the jazz scene, which where I, for one would much rather be. He's go that Mose thing going.

Horseshoe:
I didn't know so much about you.

Friend of J. Daly:
Count me amongst the elderly. Looks like we'll have to wait 15 months to hear PJ again. Let me know if anyone needs me to be a friend and send a copy. The PJ show is not to missed. Speaking of missed, PJ was premempted in Chicago this week by the Iraq War coverage

Oleander and Ed and everyone else:
Hey!

DJ:
I don't have cable and have never seen 6' under. Thanks for the Peg siting.

Thanks to Q and everyone else on the heads up about the State Fair info. I bet it doesn't happen, then again...

Thanks everyone for the thanks. Really thought, I should be thanking you. I'm side-lined with this big accreditation visit this weekend and early next at UIC, but will finally update dandom.com in the coming month. If you have suggestions, comments or contributions, please let me know.

Sorry if I missed responses to any other posts. Thanks!

jim

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 20:10:14 ET
Posted by: Jaco, Bemused

Dangnammit. Still not working on mine.




Confusedly



Jaco

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 19:42:21 ET
Posted by: Michelle, Princeton Jct, NJ

Hi everybody!

I wish steely dan.com was being update Jaco. But I just checked and it was back as usual. Same info. I reloaded just to be sure. Even flushed my browser's cache. :-(

I wish we would hear more.

Great article, Andy. Did you write it? If so, superb!

My hopes are hopeful!

See you!

Mich

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 19:36:31 ET
Posted by: Jaco, UK

Ye Gads!


www.steelydan.com is no longer!

Well, it asked if I wanted to do some gambling, online shopping or but something to make my penis bigger. But no soulful contempory post-rock pop-jazz.

Is the site down as it's currently being updated!


Please! Please! Please!



Regards



Jaco




Re. UK Danfest - not sure if I can make it, cheers for the headsup, I briefly looked before but it might be impossible to get there.

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 18:01:24 ET
Posted by: Sean, Quincy, MA

Hi Everyone

Just heard from Dennis of Katy Lied. They're going to do "FM" for "A Decade of Steely Dan" compilation. In case you missed my earlier post., the CD features dandom covering the songs that appear on A Decade of Steely Dan to celebrate 10 years of Dandom. So there are still lots of songs left to cover. If you are contemplating a cover track, better email me asap before the one you want is gone. SSAmbler@aol.com. Who knows, maybe some bonus tracks can be added too.

Email me!

Sean

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 16:52:20 ET
Posted by: Andy, DC

db-- The brackets are the work of whoever edited the original story. I don't edit any of the stuff I put in the archive. It's a simple cut and paste--always verbatim. Any misspellings, inaccuracies or (gasp!) slander is the work of the author and/or publication.

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 16:20:06 ET
Posted by: db,

Andy
the ''quotes'' in brackets... who put them in there ?

thanks for the wig anyhow

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 15:48:43 ET
Posted by: Andy, DC

A kind soul just e-mailed me a link to what apparently is the first EMG interview, apparently given to a classic rock web site or a classic rock radio station (?). I guess it offers a little more insight into the recording of EMG and confirms what we already knew/suspected.

There's a line where Donald says there's something vaguely apocalyptic about EMG. Nice to know they've got the zeitgeist down to a T. 2vN's tone certainly reflected what was going on the late 90s--sex, obsession with youth (well neither of those are exclusive to the 90s but I'd argue that they were especially prevalent then), self involvement...I'm really looking forward to hearing D&W's take on the state of the planet circa 2003. Anyway, check out the interview:

http://www.andymetzger.com/media/archive/030321rockdaily.htm (permanent archive)

http://www.rockdaily.com/rd_profile/1,1164,WTKW,00.html
(original interview - not sure if/when it'll be taken down)

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 14:53:55 ET
Posted by: King of the World, ONE LAST TIME

One more thing. Whatever happened to Brian Sweet?

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 14:51:31 ET
Posted by: King otw,

Me again. I fucked up.

The correct url for my Countdown to Ecstasy review is

http://www.dandom.com/albums/countdown/index.html

Yeah, I check it this time. Could you fix this Hoops?

Nate

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 14:49:24 ET
Posted by: King of The World,

Hey Rindy. The fair organizers admitted they were crack-cocaine addicts when the did the schedule. Admitting it was all made up, several Dan fans are now suing since they arlready chartered private jets for the event. I doubt it will come off now.

My album essay is up at Hoops. It was a hunk 'o burnin' Dan fun.

Check out http://www.dandom.com/albums/countdown.index.html for my BOOK REPORT! Scroll down a bit. I didn't win but what do expect? Hoops hates me. Just kidding, Hoops.

Nate Bassinga

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 14:10:25 ET
Posted by: Rindy, Big Apple

Sorry if this has already been posted but SD show at Mid-State Fair is no longer listed on their event calendar of entertainment

Anyone have any further insight into this?

Yours in waiting for the next one/tour,

-Rindy

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 13:14:57 ET
Posted by: John, Erie, PA

Andy. Maybe you should get together with Hoops on this. He ran an outstanding event where all of us wrote reviews for all the albums and we won prizes for the the reviews which were put out on the web. Even my pathetic essay got a prize.

Becker and Fagen are glad that there are Gen. Y Dan Fans like Jesse, even if he thinks they are rude :-p / ;-)

Laters

John

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 12:36:54 ET
Posted by: Bill, The Great Beyond

Horseshoe Crab,

Thanks so much for that research!
This fully explains the song "Rock Lobster" by the B52's.

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 11:53:18 ET
Posted by: Clas @ Work, Stocjholm

Andy - I could do that, but I want cash.

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 10:25:42 ET
Posted by: Horseshoe Crab,

Jesse: That's why we're old.


Breaking News: We now have evidence that tune sontaining the Horseshoe Crab line will be a HEAVY METAL song:

Authors
Burger J. Dixon C. Shukla T. Tsipoura N. Gochfeld M.

Institution
Nelson Biological Laboratory FAS, Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Alison Street, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA. burger@biology.rutgers.edu

Title
Metal levels in horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) from Maine to Florida.

Source
Environmental Research. 90(3):227-36, 2002 Nov.

Abstract
There is considerable concern for the health of spawning populations of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) along the east coast of North America because of an increase in the harvest, an apparent decrease in population levels, and the dependence of migrating shorebirds on a superabundant supply of horseshoe crab eggs during their migratory stopover on Delaware Bay. In addition to overfishing, population declines could be caused or recovery slowed, by pollution. In this paper, we examine the levels of **heavy metals** (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium) in the eggs, leg muscle, and apodeme of 100 horseshoe crabs collected at nine sites from Maine to Florida. Arsenic levels were the highest, followed by manganese and selenium, while levels for the other metals averaged below 100ppb for most tissues. Arsenic and mercury levels were highest in the leg muscle; cadmium, lead, manganese, and selenium levels were highest in eggs; and chromium levels were highest in the apodeme. There were significant geographical differences for all metals in all three tissues. No one geographical site had the highest levels of more than two metals. Arsenic, with the highest levels overall, was highest in Florida in all the three tissues. Manganese levels were highest in Massachusetts for eggs and apodeme, but not leg, which was highest in Port Jefferson, New York. Selenium was highest in apodeme from Florida, and in eggs and leg muscle from Prime Hook, Delaware. The patterns among locations and tissues were not as clear for the other metals because the levels generally averaged below 100ppb. The levels of contaminants found in horseshoe crabs, with the possible exceptions of arsenic in Florida, and mercury from Barnegat Bay and Prime Hook, were below those known to cause adverse effects in the crabs themselves or in organisms that consume them or their eggs. Our results indicate that site-specific data are essential for managers to evaluate the potential threat from contaminants to both the horseshoe crabs and those that consume them

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 02:03:26 ET
Posted by: Andy, Addendum

Check out this page for more information about my previous post: http://www.andymetzger.com/signup.htm

It has some more info and a chart indicating who's signed up for what. Hopefully this little project will prove to be slightly more popular than President Bush is over at the yellow...

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 01:27:56 ET
Posted by: Andy, Possible homework assignment

Yo--

I have a potential project for any volunteers who may want to take part. I've been working on totally overhauling my web site. One of the biggest and most labor intensive part has been getting information about the albums and musicians and credits, etc.

To go along with the credits and lyrics, I want each album's page to include a brief writeup--part review, part information, part history. I was going to do this myself but I realized that that would continuously convey my biases (a la Fox News--fair and balanced), naturally be shortsighted, and most importantly, take a hell of a long time.

So, if any of you are interested, I'm looking for volunteers to write 4-5 paragraph writeups about ANY of the albums, bootlegs, demos, etc. An example of what I'm after, go here: http://www.andymetzger.com/album/2vn.htm. You'll get a nice credit at the end of the review and the satisfaction of educating the greater Dandom.

If you're interested in this project, drop me an e-mail before you get started at andy@REMOVEbest-met.com. I wouldn't want 30 people sending me reviews of Alive in America and no writeups about Aja.

Also, if you're interested, a little status report on my site: look for a mid-April launch of the Media Archive, a big old
comprehensive discography, audio interviews, and other fun stuff.

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 01:10:24 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Are you talking about me? I am 18, and the wait is killing me, although I can't imagine the torture older fans went through in the 80's.

Date: Thurs, March 27, 2003, 00:16:35 ET
Posted by: Friend of J. Daly,

Hey ya

My apologies if I am wrong but I think Jessie is 18/early 20s, so needless to say a few months may seem like a long time for him but for elderly Danfans like Ed Again, Oleander and yours truly, the wait isn't so long. Most all of us are willing to wait since the sooner EMG comes out the longer the time until the followup. :-)

My pal J. Daly received this from the Piano Jazz people. Hoops, could you make me copy?

--------

From: <mailto:dlyon@scetv.org>David Lyon
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 4:52 PM
Subject: RE: Fagan and Becker Appearance

Dear Mr. Daly,

Thank you for your interest in Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz. Unfortunately, the program with Steely Dan is unavailable for distribution or purchase. We are unable to offer tapes, CDs, downloads or online archived versions  of most of our previous Piano Jazz shows. We do not have the commercial rights to these performances; only the broadcast rights which limits our use of the programs. Moreover, most if not all of our guests have recording contracts of their own placing further limits on the possibility of releasing and/or selling recordings of Piano Jazz.

We do however, have a partnership with Concord Records' Jazz Alliance series through which some of our past programs are available for sale. You can find a list of available Piano Jazz shows at the NPR website, <http://www.npr.org/>www.npr.org or at the Concord Records site, <http://www.concordrecords.com/>www.concordrecords.com. We hope to make more shows available through Concord Records soon, although we do not know yet which ones.

We do plan to rebroadcast this program in an upcoming season of Piano Jazz, although we do not have a specific date set. We will most likely rebroadcast this program in the summer of 2004. I will notify the Steely Dan web site when a rebroadcast date has been set.

I'm sorry I can not fulfill your request for a copy of the Steely Dan program at this time, but I want to thank you again for your interest in Piano Jazz.

Sincerely,

David Lyon

Production Assistant

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 21:53:01 ET
Posted by: ed again, @jume 10 or what ever date

June 10 if it is the release date should be a dandom holiday
Does the Dandom have Holidays?

Ed

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 21:51:55 ET
Posted by: ed again, @jume 10 or what ever date

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 21:50:51 ET
Posted by: edbeatty, @content with oleander

Ole,
I am with you,lets look at some facts

1983-1990 No dan music-no hope of dan music and only pete fogel knew who pete fogel was/is and he held the banner up for those wHo perservered and hoped i.e "metal leg"

2003 D&W back at it and fresh off a sucessful 10 yrs of touring,having on a website,dandom digest appears(thanks Hoops for intelligent discourse distracting us in the workplace)many other intelligent informative websites appears(thanks Oleander and Andy)D&W recieve 4 Grammmys and are honored at many a fine institution through the country
during the last few years. D&W consent to many an interview giving us some insight to the process and even take questions from some of us that inhabit these and other pages.
So I can wait and wait patiently,'good things come to those wait"

P.S I ENJOYED THE PIANO JAZZ SHOW TOO..
Ed (who doesn't care where they play-as long as they play) Beatty

p.p.s I will be glad to see all my dandom friends this summer even at the county fair.

...................

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 21:30:20 ET
Posted by: oleander, contentedly waiting

Hey, now why are all these people getting their thongs in a wad?

Jeez, how many decades was it between records for this band?

I mean, we know two things: there IS a new cd, which will be out in a couple of short months. And: there WILL BE a tour this summer.

SO WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE? Let's just all chill and watch the fireworks from here.

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 13:06:43 ET
Posted by: DJ, Chicago

So Sunday night I am over at a friend's house getting set to watch Six Feet Under and coming off a long weekend drugs, wine, booze, and general chaos. I usually consider Six Feet pretty boring but she loves the show and we are watching it and the Fishers are having this little party in the Mom's dining room. Everyone is gulping red wine, the gay bother is dancing with his partner, Nate's wife is conversing with the Mom and that knarly friend of her's. They speak of getting naked or something and "whoa" what do I hear in the back ground for their music. Peg! I got up danced a little drunken jig to the dismay of my friend as she simply tolerates Steely Dan; although she does admit to liking the sleazy element. Anyway, the scene ends with Nate asking his brother on a scale to 1 to 10 how weird is this party. The brother responds a 90 and you can still hear Peg bouncing away in the back ground.

Paso Robles fruit is dense and plummy...let's all get to the Fair.

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 11:49:24 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, @work just

Jaco You're in the UK ? doing anything May 3rd ? check out the Danfest registry or www.thedancollective.co.uk

Peace and Dan to all ...

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 11:33:37 ET
Posted by: Jaco, UK

I met a guitarist at the jazz bar I work in who plays extensively with Mark Knopfler, he told me the details of the accident. He also told me the silver resonator guitar on the "Brothers in Arms" album was his!



Different topic:

Whether this gig at the state fair goes ahead or not is academic to me, as I'm in the UK. But I WISH Messrs Fagen and Becker would have the decency to let us know - through the site, press releases etc. Okay, so they dont run the website, but it just strikes me as rude and a bit out of order to be so blase to their fans, eagerly awaiting any news. I love Steely Dan to death, but their site can really rile me when there's nothing new on there for months.


[/rant over]



Well, regards




Jaco

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 10:57:54 ET
Posted by: Clas ,

Knopfler wounded?

Was it during an air ride?

Date: Wed, March 26, 2003, 00:08:22 ET
Posted by: µ,

LB: more more more more

Speedy recovery for Mr. Knopfler...playing Communique in honor...


h: another decade more...

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 19:25:08 ET
Posted by: Q,

Clearly, in the Land of The Dan all things are possible...

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 17:23:39 ET
Posted by: Sean, Quincy, MA

I'd be a lot happier with a late summer and early fall USA tour. Late August to early October. All summer to look forward to, nice weather, without all that heat. Yeah, that's the ticket. Good work on the fair tickets story, Q. Sounds like someone is trying to cover their ass, especially if all the show info is yanked. Why doesn't Steely Dan.com say anything?

The Knopfler story was mentioned about a week ago, but wasn't aware he was on tour.

I saw Orleans is touring again. They are kinda like the Doobies crossed with the Oak Ridge Boys.

Hoops said I should post about my idea for a "A Decade of Dandom" cover CD. Cover bands of our fair fandom cover a track off "A Decade of Steely Dan" and then some. Email me if you are interested, SSAmbler@aol.com I'm coordindating or E me if you think you can do better. I mean it!

Sean

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 16:50:19 ET
Posted by: Andy,

I just got off the phone with someone at the state fair. For what it's worth, they remain convinced that the show is a 100% sure thing. I'd say it's likely this is a legit booking, but that's just because I don't think a state fair in California has anything to gain by pretending to book Steely Dan. The show could well go the way of Boise 2000 or the Aja tour 1977. Here's what I posted to my site:

California Mid-State Fair: July 24 show still a go

Last week the California Mid-State Fair announced that Steely Dan will play its 16,000 seat venue in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. on July 24. However, the listing was removed from the fair's web site today. According to a fair spokesperson, the show is still definite and confirmed. The spokesperson said a request was made by Steely Dan's booking agent to delay the sale of tickets past this weekend and that a new on-sale date should be announced sometime next week.

Keep in mind that Steely Dan has not made an official announcement about this or any other tour date. However, if a new on-sale date is indeed going to be announced next week, it would be a safe assumption that official word on a summer tour will be forthcoming very shortly.

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 15:37:43 ET
Posted by: YGK,

..............and then there's the Zappa influence on Rage Against the Machine................

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 15:24:24 ET
Posted by: Dennis, Earth

Big Fan I hope that was sarcasm. Loggins/Messina may be a SOMEWHAT reasonable comparison (not Highway to the Danger Zone or Footloose) but Alan Jackson and Toby Keith similar to the Dan in their musical selections? Whoa. They are everything the Dan is not!

Now that I think about it, I can kind of hear the Miles Davis influence in those Chevy commercials and their trite, bullshit country songs.

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 14:36:06 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, Waiting In line

Q, bummer dude,
The California Mid-State fair's slogan is "Vines, Wines and Western Times" Reminded me of that honky tonk from the Blues Brothers movie - "We play both kinds of music here, country and western." Glad I didn't book my plane tickets to stand in line and buy tickets. Still Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and Kenny Loggins are similar to the Dan in their musical selections. Also still could get tickets to the PRCA rodeo. OLN (Outdoor Life Network) carries this sporting event and I had to explain that unlike proffesional wrestling, when the guy gets hit by the bull he's actually lying there hurt - not faking it.

Can't wait to hear the next one ans see the actual tour schedule.

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 14:33:41 ET
Posted by: db,

LB:
was it ''mad'' or ''wiggy'' or both...did you love it ?

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 14:29:08 ET
Posted by: Bill, The Great Beyond

Sad news about Mark Knopfler...

Mark was involved in a motorcycle accident last week and broke
six ribs and his collarbone. He was hit by a car while riding
in Belgravia, London on March 18th.

His latest cd "The Ragpickers Dream" is definetly worth picking up.
Would just like to wish Mark a speedy recovery. I've always loved
his work.

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 14:28:49 ET
Posted by: Heads a Rollin',

It's true, no mention of Steely Dan whatsoever on the Mid-State Fair page. Last week I spoke to a guy at the Fair named RJ who told me the show was definitely on, and I should go ahead and make travel plans. Now that I've already purchased airline tickets for seven people, who do I sue?

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 13:44:47 ET
Posted by: gimme moore,

Lucky, can you elaborate? Why only 2 songs? What were they about? Any lyrics? How/where did you hear them? Better than Two Against Nature?

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 13:16:08 ET
Posted by: Chick,

Q- THANK GOD!

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 13:00:32 ET
Posted by: Q,

Also, the Dan slot/narrative on the line-up has been deleted from their site.

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 12:52:18 ET
Posted by: Q, Tampa

Official word JUST recvd by direct contact with the Mid-State Fair in CA - "ticket sales for the(supposed)Steely Dan show at the fair have been postponed".

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 10:25:48 ET
Posted by: YGK,

I rec'd this forwarded today:

"You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, The Swiss hold the
America's Cup, France is accusing the US of arrogance, and Germany doesn't want to go to war."

Stll crazy after just 10 years.......


ygk

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 09:21:27 ET
Posted by: Jabberwocky,

Looks like the Kamakiriad DVD Audio release was pushed back to April 22 on Rhino...

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 08:17:17 ET
Posted by: The Man in the Street, Draggin' His Feet ,

You ARE aptly titled, LB! Dare we ask how you came by those two unreleased tracks? :)

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 07:07:46 ET
Posted by: Lucky Bastard,

Heard 'The Last Mall' (classic Kamakiriad-type Fagen with 2VN-style Becker blues doodling) and 'Godwhacker' (funky bass/lead thing going on, sounds excellent) this morning. This is going to be fantastic.

Date: Tues, March 25, 2003, 00:40:38 ET
Posted by: Aussie, New York

Great work Jim! Here's to ten more years!

Aus

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 23:05:25 ET
Posted by: Andy, Washington, DC

hoops-- 10 years, that is quite a run. Thanks for starting this whole Steely Dan internet thing and giving people like us a place to discuss the Dan. Here's to another ten years, and hopefully another 10 years of SD to discuss.

Andy

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 21:58:05 ET
Posted by: oleander, a decade of hoops mckay

Hoops!

You ARE the man.

Felicitations, enormes etreintes and beaucoup de baisers.

eauleandre

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 21:30:31 ET
Posted by: Peg, , getting grape

Here's raising my cabernet glass to you, Hoopsie, for hanging in there for a whole decade. And here's to everybody else out there who shares the Dan spirit.
Cheers! (gulp)

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 21:19:09 ET
Posted by: Hans Krazenborg, Delft, Nederlands

A sloshed or stoned JK is the only person I can imagine mistyping his initials as -------- and -.--.--.- Maybe I should fly over to USA and help JK type and help his sense of laughter too. But, JK, it is so nice of you to celebrate 10 years of Dandom. Next time you come to Delft and we get sloshed and stoned together.

This State Fair thing must be a joke or mishap, even more with no word at Steely Dan site. On the other hands, here in Nederlands we have some great fairs, I should say.

Hoops, will you ever get out the videos of the Ahoy Danfest in Rotterdam? It was most excellent. I liked meeting Pete Fogle and his wife from the Plush video. What happened to him? He's the same in real life.

Thank you for 10 years, Mr. Hoops. Hope there are many, many more. You clearly love what you do and we all benefit. You are no phoney for the Dan!

Looking towards Everything Must Go!

Hans

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 20:57:16 ET
Posted by: ---,

to wicked librarian:

ever wonder why you're never asked to parties?


fox

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 20:52:15 ET
Posted by: --..--.-.--.--.-.-.-,

hello danny.

just got of the phone with your agent. we talked about our prep school days in connecticut - NO STRIKE THAT - I'M FROM TEXAS - YEHAW!!!

the USO show in kambala is a go. you'll be over there with other fine americans, dennis miller, shannon doherty, liza and sheky green.

sure you're going to have to show some leg for our boys, but you are patriotic sorts, eh?

you have to do that song snowbound. i've been there - wink wink!

we can pay you with plenty of that "don't ask don't tell" shower reward program you show-biz types like so much.

one thing. my daughters would like to sing with you. or if you'd like - leave jerome aniton home and they can do the boozy intro just fine.


onward to armaggedon,
g w b

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 20:38:37 ET
Posted by: …,

ah, hey guys.

dannie-walt! long time - no see.

say listen, i hear you guys are hot for a gig. for my kid's bar mitzva, i was going to use kenny vance and the blotones. but if yous guys are on hard times …


listen, i got the $73 bucks i owe you from the last gig you did for us. i could give ya that much anywho. i gotta hear that song - charlie freak. can you two sing like girls like the old days?

jay black - an American

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 20:29:25 ET
Posted by: Wicked Librarian, Berkeley, CA

Congratulations, Hoops, and all of Dandom! Indeed, the world is a more tolerable place with this place and all that is tangentially related especially for us smartasses in the back of the classroom.

Ahem...and speaking of tangentially related... The women in Iraq don't wear burkas; that would be Afghanistan. Women in Iraq are not required to wear head coverings; some do if they choose, such as a chador or head scarf. So it seems, the preceding disparaging remarks about our very own Walter and Donald and their lovely back up chorus by an unnamed beseiged Near Eastern despot were indeed made by an imposter. (Heh, heh, heh.)

The Wicked Librarian
(Head Fact Checker)

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 20:19:22 ET
Posted by: jk,

Hi Richie Furay here.

just a note to say - had we known that donald and walter were going to be tight with that saddam-lover hoops, we would have never performed their chart-topper, dallas.

come to think of it, ever since then, people mistakenly think we are a coutry rock band.

that's it. i reject them. i am going to rename my son dan, freedom furay!

by the way, we like our chicks to sing REALLY LOW! and we like to get paid in sacagewa dollars and 2 dollar bills just like our troops get paid.

if someone could get us in touch with the really cool booker for dan we would dig it. we'd like to offer them a great gig in new bedford, mass. that - um - we can't make.

ps. we love to fire great bass players who sing great too.

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 20:01:30 ET
Posted by: jk,

operation:kissass
(fox/bushecho network)
dateline - spain


ha ha ah ha ha ha ah haha ha ah haha ha ah haha ha ah haha ha ah haha ha ah haha ha ah haha ha ah haha ha ah ha


(please pardon the unprofessional outburst of this reporter but - spain - are they trying to be a player? who's ever heard of them in the last 30 years! leave it to the dim son to drag their sorry asses into this!)




SPAIN - "we love america - don't bomb us next," seems to be the message coming out of spain today.

in a brief speech at the palace, king pedro aznar, former berimbau player for the pat metheny group, said, "how can you have a crusade without spain? in solidarity, we are offering the american group, daniél steelé, el gig of a lifetime: the running of the bulls festival, this year dubbed, "See it Glisten 2003. we know that they are known for taking quality gigs."

"we will be happy to pay el groupo in queen olives, stuff stolen from the mayans and other plundered stuff from other crusades."

"as with everything, we got the ok from tony blair. he askes that the girls singers actually be men dressed as women and that they be of a peculiar sort, as it were.

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 19:12:30 ET
Posted by: jk,

REPORT: operation backlash
(fox/bushecho network)

in an apparent backlash to the american backlash regarding everything french, the french have taken to rejecting everything relating to hoops mccann, the american guru to saddam huesein.

"we reject, hoops, his gauchely colored board, hula hoops, fruit loops, basketball, rims, quims and anything american and having to do with hoops. and hey, get this - fuck jerry lewis," said jacques chirac, president of baguetteland.

however he maintained, "we wish to book dan steely at euro disney - tell the loser who is booking them that they must perform that voulez voulez voulez vous tune and the girls must mime - and have arm hair."

details of the contract remain undisclosed but is said to have included provisions for the band to be paid in francs.


(the above report is to be read with the voice-over voice from rocky and bullwinkle in mind - thank you)

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 18:25:58 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, These Suburban Streets

JK very funny! Hoops thanks for allowing us to make these connections over the years. Don't ever stop! Cheers!! HeyMike

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 15:55:46 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo, bye, bye dallas

jk, you're a nut. poco covers.

poc,
who's imaginging donald singing 'call it love'

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 15:50:13 ET
Posted by: YGK, NYC

Hoops-ter - congrats on 10 years! And many more to come.........

I need your digits for the package send........

lemme know

ygk

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 15:29:12 ET
Posted by: Eric,

Congratulations Hoops, on 10 wonderful years of service to the Steely Dan community. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Eric

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 15:12:12 ET
Posted by: Matt, Chattanooga, TN

Hoops! I love ya like the 3rd cousin twice removed I never had. Thanks for all your hard work over the years connecting fans to each other through this new fangled "internet". Also, thanks for being such a great guy and dependable all round person.

Dandom made it trough the hard times because of guys like you.
Matt

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 15:11:45 ET
Posted by: db,

All i can say about ''Hoops'' & the bluebook is
After a couple of dodgy posts you & everyone here made me feel at home.

If you're making ''strangers'' feel at home here & still enjoying it..Keep going !!!

( i took out some sentimental jibberish from here )

I'm Raising a glass to you ( a cheap hearty gulping wine )


Long may all this continue.

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 14:35:29 ET
Posted by: ed beatty, @pasorobles

Jim,
Your selfless contributions to the Greater Dandom are always appreciated.
Your friendship is valued and here's to 10 more years of DANDOM!


Ed

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 13:56:37 ET
Posted by: jk,

a while back many people on the CSNY chat board were complaining about the prices to see them in concert. crosby came on and said that the tour promoter, i believe it was the evil clear channel, gave them a lump sum for the entire tour and then just booked them wherever and charged whatever they wanted.

crosby was pissed too and told people not to go if they thought it was to high of a cost.

big money controls eveything you do and care about. welcome to usa inc. welcome to the sd tour 2003.

in related news, sd has hired skunk baxter for the upcoming tour to play pedal steel guitar on dallas, sail the waterway, and some poco covers to better serve the state fair crowd. skunk will also be in charge of security.

charlie daniels has been invited to play several dates along the tour to placate the certain pro-invasion crowds expected at such events.

fall of '92 was not on the setlist as of the deadline for this report.



this just in on the fox/bushecho network:

Saddam mocks Steely dan!

in a video tape released today saddam hussein ridiculed walter becker and donald fagen for giving in to "the music industry oppressors" when they agreed to perform at a "cow milking contest."

"i will inform my minister of happy times to book them at the bazaar in Umm Qasr once we defeat the infidels who are invading us," he said.

Saddam promised to pay the band with 50 barrels of oil, 72 virgins and 2 patriot missles. however, he warned, "you'd better make sure those american whore singers are wearing their burkas on stage!"

"i'd like to send a shout out to my comrade, hoops, and wish him ten more years of typing with one hand," saddam said.

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 13:07:27 ET
Posted by: Jaco, Congrats

Thanks for everything hoops. You're hard, tireless work is appreciated by all!


Regards




Jaco




Be part of the brotherhood
Yes it's hoops' Dandom
It feels so good

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 12:40:12 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo, already done busted out the hats and hooters!

congrats to hoops and to all!

danfans make the world go round!

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 09:01:00 ET
Posted by: Constant Reader, Break Out the Hats and Hooters

Hoops: A big thanks for all you have done for the General Dandom during the past ten years! You make being a Dan fan fun!

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 08:26:59 ET
Posted by: Bill, The Great Beyond

Aint2Late,

Yes I do, but first you'll have to post your email address so I
can email you my email address at which time we'll be able to
email each other via email.

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 05:28:57 ET
Posted by: aint2late, aint2late

bill, you have an emai address ?

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 04:15:10 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, @work

It must be Dan talk
Hoops will host discussions all
Congrats on ten more

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 03:38:01 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

I predict that the state fair gig will not happen, and the real tour will be announced the day the tickets for the state fair gig are supposed to go on sale.

Date: Mon, March 24, 2003, 00:00:53 ET
Posted by: Bill, The Great Beyond

We know that EMG will be released in June (hopefully...),
but are there any predictions concerning the next tour?
How long after the release will they start the next tour?

I'd like to see them start touring immediately after the release.
I love Jones Beach Amphitheater in the summer.

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 23:14:20 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, It started off good......

Big Fan - More heavyweight talent just booked for the Mid-State fair.
According to Pollstar - the comedy stylings of Carrot Top will grace the stage on Tuesday, July 30th, a mere 5 days after Donald and Walter. Will the livestock be able to handle it?

Mark in Boston

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 22:49:39 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, home at last

Here's a link to the Mid State fairgrounds lay of the land.

There is no one playing the second stage that night - bummer.
http://midstatefair.com/fair_map.htm

Check it out - the grandstand is right next to the Ferris wheel - the acoustics should be stellar.

Go to the fairs main page and check on entertainment - just above the Monster Trucks and arena cross. After eading about Don and Walt's disapointments with some of the venues they played in the 70's this is truly hard to imagine.

This years tour manager must have slipped a gear.

A fair is a veritable smorgasbord - orgasbaord
After the crowds have gone

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 22:39:43 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag,

Hoops - Congratulations on an amazing 10 years. Your unending drive and devotion to Steely Dan and their fans is truly remarkable. Thanks for the forum and service you provide for us - day in and day out! Here's to another 10!

Mark in Boston

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 21:37:24 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Anon:
Thank you for posting that link about Cynthia Calhoun and Paul Newman. What a touching story. What a woman! Thank you.

k.d.:
Looking forward to how the Danfest on the North Side went a couple of weeks ago, no pressure though.

Big Fan:
Thanks again for the link. Your story reminded me when I saw Van Morrison at the Guiness Fleadh at Chicago '99 which was held in the infield of a race track. It was the first time I had ever experienced Van singing through a harmonica mic.

Bill:
Maybe you and StAl could talk off line and work it out. I've never blocked anyone—too much fuss. When something ever comes down from here, I will definitely make an attempt to contact the poster, if at all possible, by email or phone as I sure don't want to take something down if it's going over my head and I'm just not catching on, regardless of my opinion. I find having phone discussions really relaxes things. (Earlier this week, I had to call UK to get one straightened out and I was incorrect.) Tangentially, I think the war is very important and needs to be discussed, but not at the expense of mostly ignoring Steely Dan. There are far more effective and appropriate forums other than this place, or the SIS GB for that matter, to discuss the War or world affairs and get political points across. I have students for and against the war as well as one Iraqi student—who is for the war—and two students out on military leave sent to Iraq. It's getting a lot of attention in my life; just it doesn't and shouldn't be the main focus here. There are many better places for that.

DANFESTS in SEATTLE and THE U.K.

SueDave and Beerberian are planning Danfests for Seattle and the U.K., respectively. Links are at http://www.dandom.com/danfests and be sure to sign up for the Danfest mail lists for each of those locales.

Everyone:

THANK YOU FOR TEN YEARS!

It was ten years ago today that I started a mail list for Steely Dan fans based at my work server at the NSF Science & Technology Center for Superconductivity. It was the very first resource on the internet dedicated to Steely Dan fans. Our email address was steelydan@stcs.mrl.uiuc.edu —long enough for you? It was an outgrowth of a group of us fans at rec.music.gdead with hopes of starting rec.music.steelydan. For the rec. music groups, often you had to start as a mail list to prove interest. I never though that the web or the internet would become as ubiquitous as it has. Some of you will remember that we used to have a Digest EVERY DAY, 365 days-a-year, when there wasn't anything else dedicated to Steely Dan on the net. (the alt group and Banyan Trees wouldn't be around for another 2-1/2 years). I think it was also about ten years ago this weekend that tickets for the 1993 tour went on sale. I remember getting them for Chicago, Detroit and Indy.

After ten years, it's been pretty amazing!

Thank you all for everything!!

Sincerely,

jim

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 21:13:18 ET
Posted by: Clark,

Why isn't Steely Dan trying to clear up all this confusion surrounding a tour? Supposedly, Steely Dan is playing a (cough) State Fair, and tickets go on sale in 6 days. According to steelydan.com, "First word on any future tours will appear on this page". Considering there is no word on the site, should we assume that this State Fair show is not happening? Why no word, either way? Pretty shitty if you ask me.

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 14:21:16 ET
Posted by: Steely Dan Rather, 3rd Place ain't bad..

Bill- You might have a point about "St. Al's Place"

In a Newsweek poll conducted last week, the top five news sources to get information on the U.S.-Iraq war were given . The results went as follows:

1 CNN
2 MSNBC
3 The Sign In Stranger Guestbook
4 Fox News
5 The New York Times

Congrats St.Al on a job well done.

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 06:13:35 ET
Posted by: KD, Chi

Bill, what part of that post was Steely Dan-related?

Had to deal with a pair of hippie/shitty bands tonight. The headliner played for four hours, terrible stuff, but they did cover 'Chain Lightning.' Just beat that beautiful song into ground, but it's worth mentioning that even shallow fuck-ups can enjoy the SD and what they represent.

Or, at least, the former.

Listen to Rockpile ...

Date: Sun, March 23, 2003, 04:16:40 ET
Posted by: Bill, The Great Beyond

Hoops,

Just wanted to say thanks for having a Steely Dan site that actually
contains Steely Dan related matierial.

Pat recently blocked my IP Adress over at Banyantrees.net for
disagreeing with his political viewpoints, but this was to be
expected I guess as his site is mainly dedicated to political
philosophy (His political philosophy...) rather than the artists
it is supposed to be dedicated to.

I guess what I'm saying is that I can see why you started this site
in the first place and I'm glad you did.

Thanks!

Date: Sat, March 22, 2003, 05:11:42 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, up late

St. Al just beat me trying to post the Pollstar link - we must be on the same mailing list. Ah state fairs - such fond memories. In 1976 I saw Billy Joel at the Allentown Fair - an Eastern Pa state fair - cost $4.50. There they play on the infield of the old horse track. It's first come first serve for seating when they open the gates. It's an old erector set enclosed in brick. I don't think the sound could be any worse. I saw George Thorogood there about ten years ago. His last stop on a year long tour. My step father is on the board of trustees and gets free tickets. I'll have to call and see if they have announced who is playing this year. It's always over Labor Day.

Locally we have the Big E or the Eastern States Exposition. It is the state fair for all of the New England states. I've gone every year for over 15 years. It's big - each state has a building there where their state laws are in effect - so you can buy their lottery tickets, etc. The rides are from Canada and it's the same company that provides the rides for the Calgary Stampede annually - so you know it's big. They have concerts - sometimes I'm even semi interested in them - but I've never seen a concert there. It's strictly grandstand - first come first serve. Your admission for the day includes the concert. They haven't announced their acts yet for this late September.

I say sure, I'm in - In fact I've always wanted to go to the Indiana State fair since it's been shown in so many movies. In fact my daughter watched Charlotte’s web the other night - and that has a state fair in it - so I'm pretty psyched.

Date: Sat, March 22, 2003, 05:05:52 ET
Posted by: ,

Some news concerning Cynthia Calhoun:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-locowens22032203,0,7272086.column?coll=orl-news-headlines

Date: Sat, March 22, 2003, 04:15:49 ET
Posted by: KD, Chi

Elvis is King.

Nick, Dave Edmunds (going to see him, with Marshall Crenshaw, in Chicago on 4-11), Terry W., Billy B., Graham P. and Brinsly S. are close.

Great work Mu, that's a top passage from EC's site, a solid page to move through.

Hoops, I'll get back to you when I get back to my computer.

Date: Sat, March 22, 2003, 02:58:28 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

I'm a fucking idiot! I got "Native Dancer" mixed up with "Joy Ryder". "Native Dancer" is a great, Brazillian-flavoured record from 1974. "Joy Ryder", like "Atlantis" is one of his 80's records. Anyway, I still mean what I said about getting his 80's stuff last. It's still good. It's just, by far, the least essential Wayne music.

Date: Sat, March 22, 2003, 02:54:27 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Whoa, back up, John L. Walters. "Native Dancer" and "Atlantis"?? Compared to the rest of Wayne Shorter's work, these records SUCK!! I have them because I love Wayne. You should only get these records once you have everything else he's done. Start with "Night Dreamer", "Speak No Evil", "Juju", "The All Seeing Eye", and basically any 60's Blue Note record. Then get his recent stuff like "Footprints Live", "High Life", and "1+1" (his duo record with Herbie Hancock). Then get his early pre-Blue Note records, and then his few 70's records, and then get his 80's stuff.

As for "Algeria", it comes out on Tuesday, but I heard part of an advance copy today (I have connections at Verve), and it is HEAVY!!! Wayne is still a motherfucker of a composer, and player, but this record really shows what a beautiful arranger he is. It basically sounds like 60's Blue Note Wayne mixed with Miles & Gil Evans-style arrangements. At 69, Wayne is still, in my opinion, the best living tenor player.

Date: Sat, March 22, 2003, 01:38:51 ET
Posted by: µ,

The EC, SD link/clash appears to be a little less straightforward than appeared

Clearly from the night of the R&RHOF induction Bruce Thomas and Elvis Costello have not gotten along for a long time. Don’t know what the row was about, but we’ve had chatter re Thomas, SD, and EC that was a result, I think, a reflection of the state of mind within Terry Lawson's article about the Clash re: Grammy night. In analysis, it appears that Mr. Lawson externalized his vitriol against Steely Dan more than EC did:

“…Of the original wave of punk bands, the Clash may not have been the musical best -- head and shoulders above the Sex Pistols, somewhere below the Buzzcocks. But the band was always the truest to punk's original ideals, which was to rescue rock from the studio-encrusted likes of Pink Floyd and Steely Dan.

When Costello was recruiting members for the Attractions -- who, with the Clash and the Police, will represent the first punk inductions in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday night -- he asked bass applicant Bruce Thomas what music he liked. When Thomas said Steely Dan, Costello turned him down on principle…”


http://www.freep.com/entertainment/music/lawcol9_20030309.htm


However, the Original interview is from 1978 Top of the Pops and provides a more complete context:

“BASSIST BRUCE Thomas was more of an outsider, though his credentials are arguably the strongest of all Attraction members. A former Quiver then Sutherland Bros / Quiver bassist, be became disillusioned with the Sutherlands connection and split in a none too amicable fashion.

After that came a doomed one-off affiliation, name of Moonrider which got nowhere fast, and plenty of session work. "I've always wanted to be a member of ... y'know ... the group, the greatest band."

He'd heard "Less Than Zero" when the Elvis gig came up via an ad in the trades calling for members of a "pop combo" to apply to Stiff. When he came on the phone, Costello himself asked what other bands Bruce was into. "I replied that I liked **Graham Parker (note: EC opened early in his career for the Rumour – Parker’s band) AND a couple of Steely Dan albums.** Elvis immediately said "Forget it." Someone else though, who'd heard of Thomas' reputation persisted and an audition was arranged. Thomas, meanwhile, had secured the "Aim" album and worked out all the songs in advance. That, plus the fact that drummer Pete Thomas had always rated him, clinched it.”

http://www.elviscostello.info/articles/n/nme.780325a.htm


Whatever. Bruce Thomas was essential made Chelsea, Pump It Up, and the album This Year’s Model classics...


Another Steely Dan reference from Elvis’ site. From a passage describing the making of “King of America”


Elvis immediately retired to the studio in Los Angeles with T-Bone Burnett to begin work on the first album since 1977 that would not exclusively feature the Attractions as Elvis’ band. The first task was to record solo versions of the songs as a kind of reference point. The plan was to then record approximately half the songs with the Attractions and half the songs with line ups drawn from a kind of "dream team" of American musicians; including such luminaries as Jim Keltner, T-Bone Wolk, and members of the other Elvis’ TCB (Taking Care of Business) stage band including the legendary guitar guru James Burton. As the sessions progressed and the different lineups tackled the various songs assigned to them it became increasingly apparent that the Attractions were not performing up to their usual standard. For one thing, the Attractions were hurt that they had not been asked to play all the songs, as per usual. However, T-Bone Burnett had convinced Elvis that although the Attractions were brilliant musicians, better results could be obtained by picking players who were already familiar with the styles required, rather than having to learn and adapt as the Attractions would have done. The other, less obvious point, is that the Attractions were English and therefore would approach the songs differently than American musicians. The common music industry prejudice is that English musicians "start" songs better (ie, more dramatically and excitingly) but American musicians "finish" songs better (they lock into a groove and build on it). In the end, the Attractions only played on one song ("Suit of Lights") out of the sixteen tracks on the finished album. Clearly, something had soured in the professional relationship between Costello and the Attractions, and it would be easy to believe that they were now effectively shooting themselves in their collective feet with their lacklustre studio efforts for this album. The rest of the album featured various lineups, and not always those originally envisaged by co-producers Costello and Burnett, who ended up playing a role not dissimilar to **Donald Fagen and Walter Becker of Steely Dan, who had realised that they could create any "band" or combination of players they wanted to fit each of their songs. However, Costello and Burnett managed to make the process sound a little more organic** than it might have by not relying on overdubs and insisting on maintaining a live "in the studio" feel. The result is Costello’s warmest and most open sounding album. The relatively laid back feel of the arrangements and the American musicians’ tendency to subtly underplay gave Costello room to move and he delivered some of his most affecting vocals ever.”

found in:

http://www.elviscostello.info/biography.html

This passage was not written by EC himself, but likely reflects his thoughts about hyper-produced stuff. Ironically the interesting "Imperial Bedroom" is more controted than anything SD produced and "Spike" has a Dan moment or two. Both Fagen and EC have long shared an endearment for the sneaky pop music of Burt Bacharach.

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 18:32:00 ET
Posted by: Michelle, Princeton Jct, NJ

Hey everybody!

Maybe Steely Dan have to play a State Fair as a tax break thing. You know, if they play one public, not-for-profit in California or something, they get reduced taxes or something on all their other gigs in that state or the whole U.S. or something.

Otherwise, still can't figure out the State Fair date. Since steelydan.com hasn't confirmed or denied it, I think it's a joke. Just my two pennies on this!

TGIF! Too bad our armed forces don't get happy hour today!

See you!

Mich

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 18:04:46 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, @fletchermemorialhome

In defence of Declan McManus - He did write the all time best put down lyric ... imho "I said I'm so happy I could die , She said drop dead, and left with another guy ..." You see how much trouble those red shoes can get you into Dorothy ... TTL

Mu; I think your metrics are a little astray ...LOL

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 16:25:46 ET
Posted by: tones, just like seeing my name in print...

just another aside - imagine what Elvis wouldv'e said about Paul McCartney back then...

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 16:12:27 ET
Posted by: tones,

I just wanted to throw a little perspective on Elvis' comment about the Dan - it was 25 years ago, when being angry was very much the style, and saying you liked Steely Dan was definitely out of fashion, the Dan righfully or not being another symbol of bloated late 70's excess, ala Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles. He also in the late 70's made a very nasty comment in a moment of anger towards a music journalist about Ray Charles, which he later recanted. If you listen to his music you can see he's very much soul and r&b influenced, so those remarks were definitely not heartfelt. Though we have no way of knowing how he feels about the Dan now, I don't think it's fair to hold him or any of us to comments we made when we were young and relatively stupid. I bet if you asked him then he probably wouldv'e said he hated Burt Bacharach too. I think we should cut him some slack.


That's my take on it...

t

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 15:41:41 ET
Posted by: µ, IgotyerEMGlyricsrighthere

Some say that we're reckless
We'll open for Monster Trucks
Our playing stops, when diesel exhaust we suck
Everything Must Go as we rake in the muck
Godwhacker, we don’t give a f*ck

While the world is spinning
We meet at The Last Mall
Ask about life, Things We’ve Missed and all
Try to make sense of Guestbook Green
Try to hang on Pixelene

Blues Beach City is like another world
A nice Freedom Cone..errr…Parfait
We’ll have Lunch with Gina
Her gown, shock and awe
But first get off this Iraqi highway

I think I need a Manhattan
And Slang of Ages pretends
Things I miss the most and Gore inventing the Internet again
One day I’ll have DSL, my Love, but 'til then
Try to hang on Pixelene

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 13:34:42 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, These Suburban Streets-March Madness here and abroad

This State Fair gig is still a forehead slapper. (The Wisconsin Fair being my personal fav!)Is it possible that someone in the band has a personal connect to this part of CA? Is someone from there or some other connection?

Just a thought!

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 12:55:11 ET
Posted by: YGK, NYC

sounds like a score..........

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 11:52:04 ET
Posted by: Beerberian , Leaving for Home

Also involved ; Terri Lyne Carrington, Alex Acuna, a Gil Evans-like, seven-piece brass section, & pianist Brad Mehldau.

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 11:38:10 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, STILL@work

Shorter's regular quartet (with bassist John Patitucci, drummer Brian Blade and Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez) Apparently ...

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 11:33:34 ET
Posted by: StAlphonzo, Seattle, WA

Yes indeed the yellow book is down. What do you want for $10 a month?

Steely Dan's Pasa Robles gig now listed on Pollstar

http://www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?Content=STEELY&Date_From=Today&Date_To=03-20-2005&By=Artist&PSKey=Y&StartSearch.x=18&StartSearch.y=13

StAl

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 11:10:26 ET
Posted by: YGK,

I saw Wayne at JazzFest last year with Brian Blades on drums - which was stil toooooooo memorable.
What's the lineup?

ygk

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 10:57:06 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, @work still

Anybody have this .... ?

Wayne Shorter: Alegria

(Verve)

John L Walters
Friday March 21, 2003
The Guardian

Saxophonist Wayne Shorter still towers over jazz. For the past four decades he has combined compositional flair with an original and masterly command of tenor and soprano sax improvisation, as the front-line junior in two great Miles Davis bands, as Joe Zawinul's equal partner in Weather Report and as a solo artist since his 1960s Blue Note records.
Solo albums such as Atlantis and Native Dancer are full of gems; his haiku-like contributions to platinum discs by Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan are moments to treasure.

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 08:40:51 ET
Posted by: Finally..., some info on the new one!

Beererian (aka webmaster to the stars)- Tell Jon Herington thanks for letting us in on what each new song is about on EMG! What other "inside info" did Jon tell you? Please let us know more!! You rule Beer!

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 07:42:17 ET
Posted by: philippe,

Hé, regardez ce que j'ai trouvé in the april Mojo magazine issue:
"With only 3 years since TvsN ' and 2 decade's silence before), the Dan seem to be on a roll. This time references include Pharaoh Sanders, Tommy James , William Gibson and Burmashave. "We went for live tracking this time and got great, in the pocket tracks, " commented Becker. "It's mad, it's wiggy, I love it " added Fagen.
Salut
Philippe

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 05:31:17 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, @work

Haiku Divorced

1. Things I Miss The Most
2. Pixeleen
3. Everything Must Go
4. Godwhacker
5. Blues Beach
6. The Last Mall
7. Slang of Ages
8. Green Book
9. Lunch With Gina

1.
Memory lapsed now
Perhaps of school day times
Evocative sense?


2.
Pixeleen is she
Cyber chick of Amazon
Dot co dot uk

3.
Everything must
Go until the end of sale
But no fear shop closed

4.
Bibles bashed with ire
Brimstone rains as if to fire
Bolts from heaven fall

6.
It is all gone now
Space where stood shouts for rebirth
Build another then

7.
Slang of ages tells
Jazz rhythm holds the true
Believer in all

8.
Blue meets Yellow now
Division forgot in time
United in Dan

9.
To dine with friends joy
Share in talk and wine devine
She is the one love

Date: Fri, March 21, 2003, 02:27:36 ET
Posted by: Andrea, Germany

Hi there, just man to say "hello". You bulit a great site - keep it up.
<font size="1"> <a href="http://www.kaufen-verkaufen.at/"> kaufen verkaufen </a> </font>
Many greetings

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 23:23:48 ET
Posted by: Chris, do they have horseshoe crabs at petting zoos?

You sure miss a lot if you don't stop in every day.

State fairs? I'll take 'em anywhere I can get 'em.

Chris

'Kid Clean'

Milk your big black cow and plow the field.....

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 20:52:59 ET
Posted by: Peg, After hours again

Okay so I am posting twice in one day but have just finally read Hoopsie's most recent newsletter, wherein Jeff B. reports that Elvis Costello dissed the Dan! Well. One would think that one of the best lyricists in rock would respect and admire two other guys who are even better. I've always admired ELvis Costello, always will. But if that story is true......

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 18:59:09 ET
Posted by: jk,

oleander - yes my contacts in the biz say that the rec company and steely are really holding this disc (promos, etc) closes to the vest before its release so croz must have heard word from an insider.

i keep bugging him to get his band cpr to cover a dan tune - they'd kick it out. i also suggested that they cover a joni tune for the tribute cd, say something off hissing or heijera. they'd be briliant.


peace,

jk




http://work.colum.edu/~amiller/pp012103.htm

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 17:07:54 ET
Posted by: Peg, After hours, Eastside Cincy

Of all places -- Paso Robles, the next Napa Valley, and one of the best places in California for wine snobs like me. Very nice people there, and a beautiful part of the state. However, it is oh so far from here. I hope we can assume that it will not be the only place they play. And hey, do NOT assume they will do nothing but fairs if they are playing in Paso Robles. That place is very popular amongst some very good acts.
So I just checked with the Webmaster at our local Clear Channel-owned concert venue, Riverbend, and was told that so far, they have no word about the Dan playing there.....
Hey, let's at least be glad they're setting up some tour dates!
As for the idea that it's kindof wierd we have not heard anything official from the PR machine, I agree. I think it's kindof wierd they changed the CD release date, too...who knows why? Could be a billion things.....
Gotta go hiking NOW! Feet are craving deep woods....
Ole, I loved that haiku. You are a better poet than me. ~Peg

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 16:46:51 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo, france

thanks for the link, db. seeing johnny perform his own eulogy certainly brings a tear to my eye.

"in the sky lord, in the sky,"
poc

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 15:52:45 ET
Posted by: db,

sorry i don't usually double post.. but this is a must for all music lovers

Go to this page
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/markandlard/
WATCH & LISTEN to the new Johnny Cash Single ''Hurt'' (c/o Trent Reznor)
I Challenge anybody not to be moved by the Words, Music & visuals.

I'm shaking now typing this...

I actually cried !!!!

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 15:33:58 ET
Posted by: Groovecake,

<I bet Donald wishes he was black. And in a lot of ways he is, if you really think about how he is a master of groove and jazz progressions. >

I want to take issue with that statement - I know plenty of black people who couldn't find their way through a blues chart with a flashlight and a pick-axe. It kind of reminds me of something Wynton Marsalis said. When guys like Louis Armstrong came along, all of a sudden the music was something "in their genes". In other words, black folk certainly couldn't be educated enough to be so skilled like white musicians or artists could, so it must be something else, something they were born with. Obviously that's ridiculous and that was Wyntons point. So, by the same token, to say that just because someone is black they have some sort of "soul-factor" advantage is misguided as well.

Steely Dan is a great example. They were heavily influenced by jazz and blues...yet they made a style of music previously unheard of. Is it "white jazz?" No. Is it "black soul?" No. It's Steely Dan. Stevie Wonder is Stevie Wonder. Some artists transcend labels.

Don't get the wrong idea...I am not saying that the person who made the statement I quoted was racist or anything like that. I am just tossing out another way to view the whole idea of "black music" vs. "white music."


I doubt Donald wishes he was black. As Chris Rock said, "None of you white people would change places with me...and I'm RICH!"

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 14:59:39 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Just passing through between meetings.

Lars:
I'm not at all saying that info and rumors aren't worth discussing unless they are in the Official Steely Dan Newlestter or at sd.com. To contrary... What I am saying is info from those two official sources are Becker and Fagen saying what they are going to do versus some some promoter or media source or even me. That's all.

Back in a bit, Sean, Randy, and Ian.

jim

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 14:50:07 ET
Posted by: Lars,

C'mon Hoops; that "official Steely Dan Newsletter" tells us yesterdays news all the time. And what's the problem with Dan as a vet' band? We're all more or less vet's ourselves.

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 13:10:32 ET
Posted by: Sean, Quincy, Mass.

Sounds like a great book Randy. Consider how much of white American music is based on that of African Americans. Louis Armstrong and Duke begat the white jazzers, Chuck Berry and Little Richard and the African American Blues greats like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker begat Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Stones. I bet Donald wishes he was black. And in a lot of ways he is, if you really think about how he is a master of groove and jazz progressions.

Since you bring it up, I don't read St Al's anymore because there's too much noise. On the other hand, this place really is what St Al's used to be 6 or 7 years ago. I don't mind some personal chatter, but even Pat doesn't seem to care about Steely Dan that much anymore. Last time I was at that Guestbook, I had to jump through two full screens/pages of posts before the words "Steely Dan" were mentioned. Haven't been back since.

Someone complained that this book complained too much about St Al's Guestbook. A lot of us would be there, but as someone else pointed out, it turned a left corner and lost me. Wish we were all back together again, but in a way, we are here.

Sean

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 11:21:51 ET
Posted by: Randy, Northern NJ / USA

For those who don't read the "Sign In Stranger Guestbook" in addition to this one:

In case anyone might be interested, there's a book (edited by 'Village Voice' writer Greg Tate) entitled 'Everything but the Burden: What White People Are Taking from Black Culture,' which includes a chapter on Steely Dan. The book is essentially a series of interviews and essays, with the chapter on Steely Dan being an interview between Tate and Vernon Reid of the band Living Color. Reid's admiration of Steely Dan is apparent, and he basically explains how much of Steely Dan's music and lyrics pay tribute to or parallel African-American culture and perspectives. Interesting reading-

Randy / NIGHTFLY62@aol.com

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 10:22:56 ET
Posted by: Lysistrata,

Fellow citizens...without any disrespect to everyone who's feeling jittery about the war...would you guys mind if we kept this a Steely Dan discussion board and sent all the dire prognostications, analysis of strategems, gallows humor, and other war-related minutiae over to the Yellow? Thank you.

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 9:52:31 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, on the brink

in the dark of war
think on the release of all
some die to free them

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 09:23:21 ET
Posted by: Meg Ryan,

Clas?

Date: Thurs, March 20, 2003, 06:50:38 ET
Posted by: Philippe,

Hello, France again, I know this has nothing to do with EMG and it's a subject that was talked about at least a month ago but Steve Lukather did play with Donald. It happened on the 14th of dec 92, during the Jeff Porcaro tribute concert in L.A. Donald and Dennis Dias joined Toto with Simon Philipps on drums on two songs : Chain lightning and Josie . The result was fine, although Simon Philips is very far from Jeff's sensibility but I guess Steve's sound is too "heavy" for D and W , just listen to the live album he recorded with Larry Carlton to hear the difference, but it was nice to hear it anyway.
A la prochaine.
Philippe

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 22:40:09 ET
Posted by: oleander, whoa no no no no

David--no, no; just a little spring haiku. Any wishful thinking is mine alone.

jk--your amazing story kind of got eclipsed by the tour scoop. Best ever, eh?

speculation runs
high and wild along the banks
must everything go?

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 21:39:34 ET
Posted by: David,

Oleander, babe!

You're killing us! Am I guessing right???? Are these are words from the new one? Or am I just lying to myself. I even checked ascap.com's database to no avail.

What's the story?

Was St Augustine right?

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 21:25:41 ET
Posted by: oleander, Dan content, I swear!

at the silent source
raindrops on forsythia
tremble and let go

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 20:03:58 ET
Posted by: Michelle, Princeton Jct, NJ

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to say that Boston Rag isn't too far from reality! Altho they never played a leper colony, The Moody Blues and the Alan Parsons Project played state fairs and NUDIST COLONIES on their recent tours!!!! I'm NOT KIDDING!

Maybe Steely Dan were willing to play a fair so that they got a chance to play at a nudist colony. By the way, the bands play clothed and, if you have ever been to an American nudist colony, you know most of the people are butt ugly. This could explain why there aren't nude Danfests.

If this state fair thing isn't going to happen, I wish at least they would announce the tour dates so my hubby and I can plan our vacation.

See you all later!

Mich

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 19:43:30 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag,

Hoops - One other 70's appearance on EMG will be - analog technology! It will be interesting how the sound of this CD will influence the recording industry. Will a lot of other bands jump back to analog?

I always thought the Doobies "Livin' On The Faultline" title track was a blatant attempt to groove like Steely Dan. I mean a big fat vibe solo on a Doobie album?


Also, I have no problem with State Fairs either. It's the idea that artists who typically play Fairs are at the end of the line. I remember in the summer of 1988 I was on vacation in Northern California and went to the Sonoma County Fair. The late John Entwistle was playing with his band in a side tent. There were about 70 people watching the show and John looked miserable. It was like he was saying, "It's come down to this?????". However the next year, in the summer of 1989, the Who reunited for the 20th anniversary of "Tommy". I saw them that summer with 60,000 people at Foxboro Stadium. I said to my ex-wife, "Jeesh, last summer John was playing next to bails of hay in a tent, now he's playing in a stadium on a million dollar stage".

Anyway, if Steely Dan played at a leper colony, I would be there.
I guess I can put up with some cow manure.

Mark in Boston

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 18:45:26 ET
Posted by: hoops, What Next?

People start posting in French to the bleu, Steely Dan caught up in a diabolical plot to coerce them into performing at a State Fair and now Al Gore is on Apple Computer's Board of Directors, not to mention the whole war starting in a sandstorm.

Which leads me to the radio show I was listening to today. (?) It played the Doobies' "It Keeps You Running." One of the first hits by the Doobies after Mike McD left Steely Dan, I was struck anew by how much it sounded like a Steely Dan song! Get DF singing vocals and voila! I wonder if Michael will make a cameo on EMG, just for old times sake. Hugh McCraken is back. so why not a reunion of the Mc's? Maggi McCoy used to do a great Mike McDonald impersonation. Imagine an 80-year-old woman—substituting Marion McPartland is pretty much like Maggi—singing like Mike McDonald. ROFL! BTW: Mike Mc. was also from St. Louis.

Aside from Hugh McCraken, it will be interesting to see if any other alums from the 70s and 80s make appearances on EMG. Or even the likes of Drew Zingg and John Beasley.

jim

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 17:30:20 ET
Posted by: Duncan,

LMAS...Like D&W are going to play a state fair.

(I'm hoping there going to headline Reading/v2003/t on the park)

In case you don't know what i'm on about...it's a UK thing !!!
www.virtualfestivals.co.uk


when ever, where ever, i'll be there

oct 2003's totally out though !!!!

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 16:41:05 ET
Posted by: Michelle, San Francisco, CA

Hi - Just to chime in here, I have had some really fun times at state fairs too. I saw Dylan at the state fair in Sacramento many years ago and the Police (in their heyday) many, many years before that. I think that there just aren't that many large open air venues in the summertime in Northern California and certainly other parts of the country too (if this booking is real). Sadly, the Bay Area's "Day on the Green" shows are long gone. Hopefully D&W will play Shoreline again, it was a beautiful night there. But, I will go to Sacramento in the dead of summer to see them, I don't care! A smaller venue would be wonderful, especially if we get advance ticket opportunities again. A sidenote: if that doesn't make you feel valued as a fan, what does?! Sign up for the official list if you haven't!

Michelle

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 14:35:43 ET
Posted by: Joey ,

" Only Steely Dan's hairdresser knows for sure when and if the tour will be officially announced. "

Hoops , You make Joey giggle !


" In the mean time, if you haven't already, and probably you already have, I'd sign up for the official Steely Dan Newsletter at http://www.steelydan.com/newsletter.html That's where folks will hear it first. "


Oh yeah , I have done THAT one already -- A MUST !!!!!!!

Thanks ,

Joey !

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 14:33:19 ET
Posted by: Blaise, unmasked

Not that the messenger's credentials matter much in this case, Hoops.
Great guess, although a bit startling at first.
Not too bad a job on the French either, btw.

Well, we're in it now. Let's see where that'll lead us. Nothing much we can do but cross our fingers and hope for the best, right?

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 14:02:50 ET
Posted by: , re: war

Looks like it's a go.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/til/jsp/modules/Article/print.jsp?itemId=3895393

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 13:47:47 ET
Posted by: little wild one, Bull Riding in H-ton

A comparable experience to a state fair is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which just ended a three week run at the new Reliant Stadium. The concert fare always includes some good acts, some country acts, some has-beens. I usually end up there for one or two performances and this year, courtesy of my pre-teen daughter's taste in music, one of them was Toby Keith, who allegedly is set to open the a-Fair in Paso Robles. I can't believe I'm admitting this in a public forum, but all in all, he was pretty entertaining.

One of the funniest Rodeo concerts was Barry Manilow. I'm not sure it was the best venue for him (and I know there are those who will say there IS no best venue for him), but it was amusing as he sang and waved to the cows in the middle of several songs. Ummm, he hasn't been back....

Like most who have expressed their opinion, I'm somewhat surprised if SD has signed up for this gig, but, echoing Matt, I could be game, although without knowing the set-up, I'm iffy on the internet ticket option.

Anyone in the PR area willing to go stand in line for the ticket lottery? If so, my recommendation is buy the max and we can fight over 'em later.

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 13:24:03 ET
Posted by: Touring page,

The Steely Dan touring page says:

"First word on any future tours
 will appear on this page (and in our Newsletter)"

Is this an update? Vera, does this mean Mr. Steely Dan has been bonged?

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 13:18:32 ET
Posted by: No Show, Las Rubles

There is NO State Fair show.

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 11:57:17 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Having attended as well as exhibited at the Illinois State Fair on more than a few occasions, I agree with Oleander that State Fairs can be fun. (In 2000, between the US and Euro Dan tours, I exhibited iMovie and made movie clips for the fairgoers on behalf of the University of Illinois. Funny Dan story connected with that but I will save it for another time.)

Sure some people have some stereo-types about what a State Fair is all about and there is that urban-hipster attitude some of us have. But it's based on my experiences at State Fairs, as well as what I've seen on the web about the fair in California, that makes me think this a really bad idea or a joke.

At the Illinois State Fair, I've seen Bob Dylan and, for some reason inexplicable reason, I end up there for the usual Beach Boys concert. I'll go a lot of places to see Dylan, but I can't explain why I've ended up three times at the Illinois State Fair on Beach Boys night, since, in the post-Brian Wilson era, they are an oldies act. But this illustrates my concern. At these shows, there are a lot of people who are there because that happens to be who is playing the day they attend the fair, not because they really care who's playing. At all these shows, there are people who talk and talk and talk and crack jokes about who's playing, etc. Now to balance that, I will have to agree that you would have to be a lot more interested in Steely Dan to pay $38 to see them. So that is a plus.

My other concert is the venue itself. At the Illinois State Fair, they have the grandstands and stage separted 150 feet apart by a track. Even when it was Dylan it sucked because of the distance, shitty sound they always have and the audience gabbing all while sitting on a bleacher. And part of the Steely Dan experience is great sound. Of course, all was not lost at the Dylan show because Moonflower baked the most potent brownies I've ever eaten and I felt it for three days.

I've never been to fairgrounds at Paso Roble so it might be an elegant show palace. But looking at the map page at the site, the illustration suggests that the venue is pretty similar to what I have experienced at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Put this in perspective. If it's not a joke, then I hardly imagine that the whole tour will be state fairgrounds—just go to a different SD show. Also, as I pointed out yesterday, there could be a lot more to this than we understand.

But I get this feeling it's a joke.

Hey Malcolm:
I'm 56 and still hoping to be a rock star! You go, Man!

jim

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 10:59:34 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Yo! Comment va-t-il P.O.C., Phillippe ?

Guillaume:
En réalité ma mère est la moitié du français et la moitié de l'irlandais. Ma Grand-mère est venue de Paris via Montréal. Elle était le seul grand-parent que je connaissais. (À propos, mon père n'est pas en réalité irlandais ou écossais du tout, mais l'allemand et le hongrois.)

Je sais que mon français est mauvais mais je sais assez pour lire vos écritures. Pas que je l'aurais pris en bas. J'ai démonté deux postes dans les six mois passés. Les gens mal comprennent. La chose principale que je fais comme l'aide est discutent Steely Dan. Il est d'être positif, ne s'abstenant pas de choses.

En parlant de zeppelins, où est le mien, Phillippe ? ;-)

jim

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 09:54:56 ET
Posted by: Ernst Hugo, Paris

Still 30 something? That make sense.

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 09:51:00 ET
Posted by: YGK, NYC

Ernst: still 30 something - Hey Kink, you gonna make it?

ygk

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 08:41:15 ET
Posted by: Guillaume Le Grand, Le Canajun

Philippe - You mean you're from France but refrain from using French so people won't bother you too much? I understand. I was the resident Frenchman for a few years out here in Dandom and it brought me all kinds of misery. People were stoning me left and right, as they lacked the basic principles of savoir-vivre. In short, it got unbearable.
How dared they treat me like that, after years of loyal services to the community. pfa!

Thanks to Steelydoubt's mom, by the way. Any other insight she may have on touring, recording or whatever Walter is up to over there, let us know, please.

Oh Princesse, je ne suis qu'un humble bâtard Canadien, un petit québécois oublié par la mère patrie, il ya longtemps déja. Alors je ne comprends pas bien ta référence géographique lâ. Mais c'est de la jolie petite musique que ce nom.♪♪♪

But seriously, I'm getting worried here. Like Andy said, we should have gotten something web-wise from Steely Dan by now. This realm of innuendo is peculiar to say the least, considering tickets for the Fair show go on sale, allegedly, in a week or so...
Oh I checked the ODP. I even made that jpeg my desktop wallpaper and everything.
What's goin' on now? Pete? Anyone?
I feel like that guy in the Kuwaiti desert, eating his shitload of sand, keeping an eye out, waiting.

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 08:17:40 ET
Posted by: Ernst Hugo, Paris

Kinky, you got to be kidding, Malc is 40 something.

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 06:56:39 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo, france

guillaume: très bonne description d'un state fair. peut-être steely dan viendraient jouer en charente-maritime...

moi, je porte les couleurs rouge, blanc, et bleu, dans cet ordre, aussi bien que l'inverse. :)

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 06:35:32 ET
Posted by: Philippe,

Hi Guillaume, thanks for your explanation, I understand better the Sate fair problem now! Maybe they read the little text I wrote for the Danny awards and they want to sell some SDan zeppelins this year.
If they need a State fair to come to France I can try to fix something here this summer!
Philippe

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 04:38:02 ET
Posted by: Guillaume, trait ta grosse vache noire et fout moi la paix

Une farce...
Une State Fair, c'est une foire agricole qui se passe habituellement durant un weekend. Il ya des manges, des concours pour determiner la vache la plus grosse de l'Etat et aussi des spectacles d'artistes mineurs, pour la plupart minables.
Mais cette fois, il semble bien que Steely Dan en fait partie. C'est bizarre. C'est pourquoi les gens ici ne le croient pas. Parce qu'une State Fair est généralement associée à un public "white trash", composé de fermiers et de gens modestes de la sorte.
Mais il semble bien que c'est vrai, puisque le site de la State Fair est tout à fait authentique.
C'est assez exceptionnel comme nouvelle, non?
Je ne crois pas qu'ils en feront une habitude.

Et Bonjour Princesse du Caire!
Mais c'est une invasion francaise preventive ou quoi?
Fantastique.

Hoops, if you edit this out, it means war.
It's Steely Dan-related through and through, believe you me.

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 04:03:09 ET
Posted by: Philippe ,

Hello there, a couple of weeks ago, I asked you a piece of advice about Zappa and Grateful dead cd's, I just wanted to hear some more SDan oriented music, that made me think it would fine if someone could take the time to start a web site dedicated to Steely influenced music. It could include everything the guys collaborated to ( appart from their own albums of course ), all Gary Katz productions, with or without them and all sort of music that sounds a little bit like the Dan; Prefab sprout, Danny Wilson, China crisis ... and a little commentary on each cd.
Ok, I know it would be a lot of work for the one who would do it, I could help a little bit but with three kids at home and a very absorbing job I won't find the time to do it.
I hope someone out there will appreciate the idea.
Take care
Peace
Philippe

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 01:37:59 ET
Posted by: oleander, after closing time at the guernsey fair

Hey, I like state fairs. You find the most unexpected things if you only look.

And I LOVE it when the Dan keeps me guessing.

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 01:13:22 ET
Posted by: Jesse,

Even the Stones sold out? Even? The Stones are the absolute biggest money-grubbing, penny-pinching bunch of sell outs I have ever heard of. I don't care how good you are, you shouldn't be charging an average of $150 at an arena show. I saw them at a large stadium last fall, I paid $70 for my seat, and what I got was the sight of a band that seemed like it was two miles from me, and the worst sound quality imaginable. I didn't even try to understand what Mick was saying between tunes. The Stones don't give two shits about their fans. They only care about making no less than 9 figures. Sorry about the rant.

From Jesse

Date: Wed, March 19, 2003, 01:09:27 ET
Posted by: required),

http://www.angelfire.com/wa/mescals/happenin.html

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 22:28:13 ET
Posted by: Hi, Jinx!,

Kinky, I laughed so hard at your post, I think I now have a hernia.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 22:04:40 ET
Posted by: Kinky, I thought April Fools was next month

Yeah... Steely Dan has about as much of a chance of playing this state fair as Malcolm has of becoming a rock star.

Howdy Ole

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 21:48:08 ET
Posted by: Andy, Hijinks heaven

I thought the whole thing was a or misunderstanding at first, but it seems to check out. My guess is that Donald and Walter don't have a lot of friends working at the fairgrounds in central California.

Could the booking have been a monumental fuck-up on behalf of SD's booker? Perhaps.

Could the show end up being canceled? Definitely.

According to the fair though, this is a done deal.

Also on the subject of somewhat tacky touring stuff--what's the deal with all these "fan clubs" popping up among bands with a certain "target demographic?" I know there was talk about the Eagles a few weeks ago, and I've seen that Fleetwood Mac is doing the same.

I remember reading an article recently (can't remember where, NY Times maybe) about this phenomenon. Not only does it give the band a nice infusion of cash (equal to or above the cost of the most expensive seats) but also allows them to sell tickets earlier, making money sooner.

Whatever the motivation, it's bullshit and I'm sure SD is being pressured by the powers that be to hop on the bandwagon. Most bands try to dress it up these something good (i.e. not a total rip off); I think Donald and Walter would avoid the fan club route just because it would make them look like jerks and there's no way to hide it.

To me it's simple: Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and even the Stones (who are great) totally sold out their fans. No way to dress it up or make it look pretty. It's a grab for cash at their biggest fans' expense.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 21:46:34 ET
Posted by: norm, close enough to Paso Robles

Playing a state fair (or even two or three) doesn't automatically make it a "state fair tour." And so what about the bands playing other nights? Even the snazzy places they play have crap bands on other nights, so same difference.

And it's always a nice drive on the 101 to get there. Four hours from both LA and SF. I might see them in LA, or Paso Robles, or both.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 21:23:23 ET
Posted by: Hi, Jinx!,

(Hoops, I screwed up my last post. Could you remove it?)

I bet Steely Dan made a little arrangement with a pal who works at the fair's booking office. This is all a prank, those jokers! Maybe they are playing with Clear Channel or maybe us or maybe who knows. But they can't be serious.

If not......

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 21:09:08 ET
Posted by: Hi, Jinx!,

SD booked it themselves? HAH!

I bet it's a gag!

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 20:53:58 ET
Posted by: Andy, DC

I actually spoke to someone at the press relations office of the California Mid-State Fair. According to her, the fair booked SD on its own--it's not a Clear Channel or other megaconglomerate situation. I posted what little information I found out at my site.

My guess--we'll be getting a flood of information about the new one via a newsletter around April 1. I checked back to the 2000 newsletters--we got Japanese tour dates on March 19 and US tour dates on April 9.

The silence from sd.com is uncharateristic. You'd expect some kind of update/promotion/hijinks.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 20:22:01 ET
Posted by: steelydoubt, needs someone to haul my prize boar to the fair

i heard a rumor that thay where gonna do smaller venues this time. incubus and alicia keys preformed last year so its not as small as one would think. besides last year at my local fair war did a free concert so yeah. althogh the stage thing is next to the horse stalls (bring noseplugs).

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 19:56:48 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo, france

1) re: core nyc, unfortunately, i can't make it, but 3 april is my birthday, so if you could drink one for me, i'd be happy. i'll be in amsterdam, tyring to defect, legally...

2) re: the state fair drama, i don't know if any of you realise, but we are a minority. which is to say that we are lucky to be seeing steely dan perform live at all. we're mighty and proud here in the world of dandom, but (even with recent grammy fame) i do believe 70% percent of people living still think steely dan is "a dude who sings that 'rikki number' song."

with all of the crap music that is reigning the airwaves and the clearchannel stadiums these days, i must say i would be honored to see the boys perform in a pile of cowshit in the middle of nowhere, during a hot, dry, southern california summer, and if i had to milk a goat to keep it quiet during the set, i would do so.

maybe it's because i'm a newbie (fan of only 20 years, or so). maybe it's because i see all of the greats dying off around me, or turning into record-company whores (does anyone remember the phil collins from the genesis foxtrot album?)...whatever the reason, i am going to appreciate what steely has left to offer. and nothing, not goats, not cows, not southern california county-fair hicks with mullets, is going to keep me from seeing the boys whenever i can.

and that's the truth, ruth. or ruby, if you prefer.

tell all your buddies that it ain't no drag,
poc

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 18:36:50 ET
Posted by: Lee, The Clear Channel State Fair

Here, down in Tampa, Clear Channel is getting ready to build a 20,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre at the Florid State Fairgrounds. Thus, the mentioned date at the California fair could just be part of a Clear Channel tie-in. So don't jump to conclusions. If, next year, a group were to play at the Florida State Fairgrounds, it would be an indication of nothing more than being booked at the area's only large outdoor venue and nothing more, regardless of whether or not the fair itself were to be in session.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 18:32:53 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Joey:
Only Steely Dan's hairdresser knows for sure when and if the tour will be officially announced. In the mean time, if you haven't already, and probably you already have, I'd sign up for the official Steely Dan Newsletter at http://www.steelydan.com/newsletter.html That's where folks will hear it first.

Before this State Fair date came up, the rumor mill was beginning to make me think it was going to be a late August through October tour (based strictly on gossip seen on the BlueBook).

Glad you posted.

jim

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 18:14:00 ET
Posted by: Joey,

Could someone from this very lovely board please tell me when we will receive " official " notice of a Steely Dan Tour this summer ?

I am dying out here and feeling quite frisky at the same time ..................

Joey !

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 17:51:07 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Requium For a Heavyweight Band

OK, I stand corrected, Bob Dylan DID play some State Fairs a couple of years ago (see story below).

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444600/20010619/story.jhtml

It's this quote from the story that sums up the way I feel about it:

"the state fair circuit is typically the vestige of country artists and has-been rockers"

I just don't see Donald and Walter having to go down this career path right now. They still got legs man! I'd rather see them play at small selected clubs around the country with a high ticket price instead of the state fair circuit. Hell, how about a week of shows at Le Bar Bat???

I keep seeing that scene in Spinal Tap when they were playing at the amusement park with about 20 people watching them.

Mark in Boston

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 17:37:44 ET
Posted by: Dennis, Chicago

MY WORST NIGHTMARE:

Being tied down and made to listen to a 2 hour Peter Frampton set.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 17:35:13 ET
Posted by: Dennis, Chicago

WALTER TO DONALD: "I thought the marquee was supposed to read: Steely Dan and THEN the petting zoo!"

Shit this looks bad.

"AND NOW, THE WORLD'S GREATEST TRIBUTE BAND, STEELY DAN!"

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 16:12:39 ET
Posted by: Time Out of Mind,

Dire Straits lead singer (and guitar Soloist on Steely Dan's "Time Out of Mind") Mark Knopfler broke six ribs and a collarbone in a motorcycle accident and will be unable to perform at a London concert later this month, his agent said Tuesday.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 15:53:45 ET
Posted by: Black Cow, How Now?

Black Cow is most appropo for a State Fair, dontcha think?

The Bare Utters could even sing back up.

Maybe Donald could milk a cow on stage for a visual.

Out To Pasture, call me

BLACK COW

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 15:15:59 ET
Posted by: ,

And they did play State Fairs (re: "SD Database") in the early seventies, right?
Nostalgia factor, perhaps?

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 15:02:38 ET
Posted by: just a reminder, again

The dummy files, as clearly pointed out time and again, were not an intiative of the band. It was the record company doing it and it didn't limit itself to Steely Dan but encompassed the entire Reprise catalog to come.

Thought that was established clearly enough. But what do I know?

This State Fair thing is likely just a cute gig along the road, much like a stop at an high school to receive a Songwriters Of the Century Award.
But I can't confirm that angle.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 14:35:49 ET
Posted by: Chain Yanker, yank, yank

- "Neohippus '77"

- MP3 files of static from their new album.

- A concert at a State Fair grandstands with Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Kenny Logins and Monster Trucks later in the week.

- Playing piano on a show hosted by an 85-year old lady who doesn't remember buying their albums.

O.K. The last one is no joke, but the rest go down as hijinks from Becker and Fagen.

Speaking of jokes, I saw a CD entitled "The Essential Kenny Loggins." Why would anyone pay all that money for a blank CD?

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 14:22:43 ET
Posted by: Clas @ Work,

CORE NYC - sorry, can't make it.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 14:12:26 ET
Posted by: Clem,

Donald in a cowboy shirt and Walter in overalls...hee haw!

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 13:35:14 ET
Posted by: Ellie May,

SD management has just announced the name of this years tour:

"Everything Must Go...Including Our Reputation"

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 13:32:41 ET
Posted by: Willy Nelson, Las Ruble

In the process the Mid State Fair seems to have stolen the pictures from Mr. Fogel without credit and, likely, remuneration.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 13:04:28 ET
Posted by: CORE NYC, NYC

......hope you can make it.........

New York City's New Soul Blues & Jazz Trio
CORE NYC
Invites you to join them in celebrating the release of their debut CD:
"Tryin' to Sort It All Out"
Thursday, April 3 - 5:30 to 8:30pm
at
CODA
34 East 34th Street between 5th & Madison Ave. NYC
http://www.coda34.com/
No Cover / No Minimum
Live performance featuring selections from the CD and special guests.
CORE NYC is: Bill Burtt (bass & vocals) Malcolm Hunter (keyboards & vocals) and Peter Ray Runnells (drums)

contact@corenyc.com

Thanx

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 13:01:44 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Amazing! This State Fair thing has generated a lot of response both here and in my email box.

Here's what I emailed someone earlier:

>>> hoops <hoops@dandom.com> 03/18 11:32 AM >>>
The thing to put in perspective is that it is just one date.
Now I would think it odd if they did all State Fairs. Maybe this is
the only venue in the area that they could play without caving to
Clear Channel venues or some goofy promoter or something like that.
Then again, there were those dummmy MP3
files and we all know they like to have a lot of fun with announcements. Then again it's pretty serious when you start listing prices and an on-sale date which is 11 days away. I also hear of some venues announcing too soon,
before the deal is consummated. And THEN AGAIN, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan have had Country and State Fair tours.

Ultimately though, I didn't see it on SD.com yet. Getting back to that elephant
analogy, this one date is like feeling just the toenail on the elephant So sd.com would be the real indicator for me.

I think we all agree that it's great to hear tour rumblings.

Thanks for emailing.

jim

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 12:39:01 ET
Posted by: tell all your buddies it ain't no drag,

Hey, all will be forgiven if Walter sings "Fall of '92" at the Paso Robles show...

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 12:37:19 ET
Posted by: Matt, Chattanooga, TN

State Fair, eh? Attending a State Fair wouldn't be the craziest thing I've done to see this band. In fact, comparativelly, it's quite sane.

So if gas is going to be $3, how am I gonna manage this (again)? Tim to start plotting, scrimping, saving and extorting...

Matt

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 12:28:54 ET
Posted by: Groovecake,

Do you honestly think that the State Fair folks would play along with a joke like that??

I'd say that this has to be on the level. I am also a bit surprised but hey...there is a little bit of state fair prejudice coming out here. Maybe we "hipsters" don't attend the state fair (but lets face it - we all jones for funnel cakes at one time or another), but obviously a LOT of people do and I can't imagine that they are all of the "white trash" vein that has been suggested on this board. That would probably mean that the state fairs have a lot of cash to toss around and maybe the offer was Corleone-esque. Unrefusable. Also, I know that the Nebraska State Fair has been working on upgrading it's image for the last couple years. Maybe other states are doing the same thing. This could be part of the booking strategy.

Some of the replies have had an attitude of betrayal, like, "How DARE they play a state fair?! Don't they realize what they are doing to me??" Let's all just take it easy, shall we?

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 12:25:50 ET
Posted by: all I could say was ow-ow-ouch ,

Demographic shift: I can hear it now..."Cousin Dupree" with fiddle and pedal steel...and the Dixie Chicks as the "midriff section".

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 12:12:06 ET
Posted by: double take ,

I still can't quite accept the State Fair booking as anything but a twisted joke. Maybe Don and Walt cooked it up in collusion with somebody in the State Fair's booking office to see how the faithful would react. And if their new management really did book them there, said management deserves to be pink slipped immediately.

That said...when were the tickets supposed to go on sale? :)

"Well the county fair is the place to go
If you want to have a good time
The county fair is the place to go
If you want to blow your mind..."
(Terence Boylan, "Alias Boona," c. 1969...featuring those other two Bard College cut-ups, Walt and Don)

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 11:49:12 ET
Posted by: The Jokes on them!,

Is The Joke On Us-- It was mentioned here a few weeks back that Steely Dan has new management. This makes sense after reading about the State Fair show. My guess is that it's the bands final tour and they're trying to make as much money as they can. Who would have ever thunk it???? Steely Dan- State Fair...: cheese, cheese and more cheese!

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 10:59:14 ET
Posted by: C & W,

State Fair? I bet this means the new album sounds Country and Western.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 10:39:21 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo,

steely dan in paso robles? sounds odd, but a steely dan show is a steely dan show. the weather will be great, i'm sure! wonder if they have a campground...

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 10:38:27 ET
Posted by: Is the joke on us?, in Denial

Somebody pinch me. What a nightmare. Some kind of joke? Here I was all pumped for intimate urban venues and this is what we get. Does this mean the boys are touring with REO Speedwagon and Styx? Maybe they will play Reelin' over and over again for 2 hrs while the smell of manure wafts from the near by barns.

"Delmar! Git a me corndawg and piggie in a blanket before Rikki comes on."

"Hey Vera, going to the pulled beef day at the fair? Should be a doozy. Who's playing? Oh Mr. Steely Dan is playing that night ? I had forgotten all about him. As long as we wil be there, what the heck. Hope it's not muddy and rainy like last year."

Waiting for the Steely Dan site to say this is a mistake or a joke or an isolated incident. They should fire their booking agent before it's too late. Maybe they could play Cousin Dupree over and over again.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 10:21:41 ET
Posted by: paso robles is where?, dude its steely

Dude,
Steely Dan is who?
and why is this guy coming here and why do they have two pictures on our fair web page?

Hey Hey,,

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 07:32:20 ET
Posted by: Howard,

Ran D. Russell - there may not be a lot of bass tablature on the web for SD songs, but there *are* quite a few bass transcriptions in standard music notation form. A quick google search reveals:

http://www.dd.chalmers.se/~f96tope/noter.html - has bass transcriptions for Aja, Gaucho, Glamour Profession and Maxine.

http://www.lucaspickford.com/transbass.htm - has bass transcriptions for "Green Flower Street", "New Frontier", "The Nighfly" and others.

Howard

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 04:42:10 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo,

re: the grant green discussion. check out his album, nigeria. i certainly enjoy his playing: clean and groovy. if you're into lou donaldson, lalo schiffrin, and/or the soundtrack from "guess who's coming to dinner," then you'll probably like grant green.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 02:22:50 ET
Posted by: Clas,

Kinky - he heard it from me.

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 02:08:04 ET
Posted by: suedave,

Wow, that's a tough one to follow, but here I am anyways. GREAT to see news about the tour - hope I can go. We have a state fair - the Puyallyup - a big deal in thems here parts...I saw Dylan there a few years ago and it was great - smaller audience than usual for him (its a ways out of the city and didn't even sell out). At some point later in the show the crowd got to their feet and filled up the aisleways to rush to closer to the stage - the security folks were mellow about it and it brought a huge smile to Dylan's face. It must have brought back memories - he rocked even harder after that.

For those of you in the Puyallup area - you know who you are - we're having a practice Danfest here on April 12th when Larry Carlton is coming to town - check out more here: http://home.attbi.com/~suedave/seattledanfest.html

Rumor has it he plays Dan tunes now and then - join us to find out!

Hope to see ya,
Susan

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 01:30:21 ET
Posted by: Valentine, stranger in a strange land

hang back, deke or zeke or whateva - wait to grok fullness. In the end all -or if not all, a nontrivial fraction of all that matters particularly to the discerning - will be as it should be. All well in the world, what's left of it, all things as they perforce must be. 'cept no Skunk

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 00:53:09 ET
Posted by: Deacon Blues,

First Cowboy Bush goes to war and now Steely Dan is playing STATE FAIRS???!!!! Pathetic!!

The world IS coming to an end!

Date: Tues, March 18, 2003, 00:00:44 ET
Posted by: Ran D. Russell,

Danners,

As a bassist and admirer of Becker's beautiful work with four strings, I'd like to see BASS TAB's of all his work. So far, only guitar, voice, and piano are showing up in searches.

If you know where BASS TABLATURE exists for any or all of the Steel D. catalogue, please let me know.

Thanks for any help.

-Ran D. Russell

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 23:35:22 ET
Posted by: O. Danny Boy!, with Green Earrings & a Green Book

Great news for us Dan Fans!

Any ideas about a pre-sale for us Dan Fans?

Yes, the time has come.

O. Danny Boy

P.S. Dylan did a State Fairs Tour in 2001

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 22:28:55 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag,

Hoops - I see this as a good news/bad news deal. It might be too soon to be judging but I hope they are not lumped in as a nostalgia act now. A State Fair and Peter Frampton the next night? I just think winning the big Grammy and the RRHOF puts them on a higher ground than most acts. Would Dylan or Joni play a State Fair? We'll have to see the complete tour schedule but I'm getting a little worried.


Mark in Boston

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 22:23:23 ET
Posted by: Curmudgeon,

Hmmm...Steely Dan play a State Fair?

Well, looks like one way or another we'll all be hearing from the steelydan.com and the webdrone with a newsletter soon. Can't imagine them NOT confirming this or denying it.

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 22:15:21 ET
Posted by: hoops, whoooooooaaaaaa!!!!

Wow! This is great news. So there WILL be a tour! ...of State Fairs! HEEE HAWWWW!!! I'm there!

Wonder if we will be hearing more from sd.com about this.

Yayyyyy. I was becoming paranoid that the might do another "Aja" tour--where they backed out.


THANK YOU VERY MUCH STEELY DOUBT & OLEANDER!

I'm less crabbier than I was earlier today!

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

Steely Dan inveigled themselves onto the soundtrack of the '70s with radio hits such as "Reeling in the Years", "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," "Peg", and "Hey Nineteen" culled from their seven platinum albums issued between 1972 and 1980 (including 1977's groundbreaking Aja). Both their sound and their notoriety survived the '80s despite Becker and Fagen's only occasional surfacing for a solo project. They reunited as Steely Dan in the early '90s, touring successfully throughout the decade and releasing a live album in 1995 (Alive In America).

In 2000 they released their multi-Grammy® winner Two Against Nature, and were awarded ASCAP's prestigious Founders Award. The year 2001 saw Steely Dan's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and 2003 are releasing a new album everything must go. This is one show classic rock fans won't want to miss!

Tickets for this show are $38 and go on sale 9am Saturday March 29th

Thursday July 24th 7:30pm

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 22:01:57 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Lower Forty

And the Steely Dan show is sandwiched between Toby Keith and the Rodeo/Monster Truck rally. Yeeeee Hawwwwww!

Mark in Boston

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 21:43:01 ET
Posted by: oleander, jaw about down to there

Can this be real????

Whoa, mista doubt!

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 21:30:11 ET
Posted by: steelydoubt,

http://midstatefair.com/steely.htm

im euphoric

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 19:20:29 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Jesse:
"George Bush and all those nazis down in Washington" is from "The Fall of '92." It was sung on the '93 tour by Walter and was also released on a promo single associated with "11 Tracks of Whack."

Grooveycake:
Very cool for being such a gentleman or gentlewoman (as the case or preference bewills) in your response to that dude.

jim

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 19:16:08 ET
Posted by: Groovecake,

Dave,

After I posted earlier, I gave further thought to what I had said. Your response was pretty much what I expected someone to say and I agree with you.

I am far from a Dan neophyte. I am probably one of the Midwest's biggest proselytizer for the Dan! One of the things you mentioned that I totally agree with is that each song is a story and should be taken as such. I mean...I doubt Becker and Fagen have ever actually gaslit anyone. (Then again...)

If I can be a little clearer on what I was getting at in my first post - The thing I like about Becker and Fagen is that their lyrics always seemed void of a singular point of view. They are all over the board and very lacking in sentimentality (which, to me, makes them the perfect band to run to after a break-up...no love-sick ballads that tear at your heart even if they never reminded you of your beloved before, just scotch whisky and somebody else's favorite song - know what I mean?). The only thread that seems to run through their stuff is a series of messed up and shady characters.

When I started thinking about it in that light, I suppose a song characterizing a religious shyster of some sort would pretty much fall in line with the rest of the cast of characters from Josie to Hoops McCann to Johnny in his playroom.

I think you can see, maybe, where I was coming from. I guarantee that the people on the Blue Book are all over the map politically and religiously. The beauty of the Dan's music and lyrics is that it appeals to all of us because most of it is very vague and open to interpretation.

Believe me...I'm not doubting B&F and their continuing ability to poke fun at things so subversively that only they know who the butt of the joke really is! I can't wait for the new one!!!

Hopefully this post makes a little more sense.

Counting the days until June 10,

M

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 19:12:32 ET
Posted by: h,

George:
Good example of that Steely Dan does fly above the radar rather than below, but I think SD is much better at sarcasm than your post. Then again, everyone else types better than me.

Here's a runner up to shore up your argument, George: "That right-wing hooey sure stunk up the joint " (or as sung by WB in '96, "That bogus haircut...") Not quite as blunt but moving up the scale in terms of overtness. Any others???

Still, I mostly agree with Dave that Steely Dan tends to fly under the radar. "Fire In The Hole" is a great example in my book. I think it's a double-entre about pleasing a woman and serving in the army. Other's disagree.

jim

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 19:09:28 ET
Posted by: oleander, slowly I turned

Kinky! Is it really you?

MWAH!

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 18:58:22 ET
Posted by: Jesse,

When did they say that?

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 18:58:22 ET
Posted by: Larry, Jamesburg NJ

Chris, Ive been wondering myself about the Joni Mitchell disc too.Ive heard nothing about it but the song Carey would surely be great by SD. Larry

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 17:58:08 ET
Posted by: George, D.C.

Dave...You're right, "Steely Dan never bashes anyone"

"George Bush and all those nazis down in Washington"

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 17:51:01 ET
Posted by: Dave,

Righto Andy, we chatted here about Roger saying in EQ that he was doing Kamakiriad last fall, but I'm in agreement that we still won't see this for months.

Not especially a Kamakiriad fan but looking forward to the bonus shit. Whack could be cool, if you ask me. The idea of Alive In America in DVD-A doesn't move me. Don't know why. What will they do when the run out of SD albums to remaster? Rosie Vela's Zazu!?

Laters

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 17:28:18 ET
Posted by: Andy, War capital

Just heard about the Kamakiriad DVD-A commotion. I called a few record stores but none of them have any info about Kama on DVD-A, so I doubt we'll be seeing it a week from tomorrow. However, it's definitely for real. Roger Nichols wrote about mixing it last October:

http://www.rogernichols.com/EQ/EQ_2002_10.html

Hoops- re: the 11TOW DVD-A. While it certainly would be cool to hear because folks like us want every Dan-related product, I don't know how good it would sound.

First off, it would have the same "shortcomings" as other rock DVDs: the arrangements are relatively sparce. On 11TOW the typical arrangement is drum machine/bass/guitar/synth/vocal and a sax solo. I talked about how this type of arrangement doesn't lend itself well to DVD-A last week.

Secondly, 11TOW is very mechanized--drum machines galore, lots of synths...stuff that won't benefit from the channel isolation you get from surround sound. Think of how warm the Nightfly DVD-A sounds, how well you can hear the hi-hat, the horn arrangements, how the vocal harmonies surround you, etc., etc. You won't get that with 11TOW. I think it might even make the recording sound sterile.

Not knocking 11TOW at all--I think it's one of the great underrated albums of all time--but I don't think it would translate well to the DVD-A format.

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 17:09:18 ET
Posted by: Dave,

Groove. Most Steely Dan lyrics are pretty neutral and don't bash anyone. They cover controversial subjects but it's up to the listener to decide if who is being whacked. Rarely overt, OK? Heck and hell, you could view this Godwhacker character as being made fun of for whacking God.

Take Cousin Dupree. It just tells a story. Some were upset that it was some guy wanting his cousin. I guess those listeners consider lust between cousinsg as Godwhacking. But you know, there more than a few cousins who are married. So what's with the doublestandard.

Still, if you listen to Steely Dan lyrics expecting them to be PC or polite to the religious, you better shop elsewhere. I mean do you tell your minister that your favorite band is named after a dildo? Maybe you should. That's the sorta reaction Becker and Fagen are looking for. If you are riding along with Steely Dan that's what you get. If you don't like it then you may have to go out and burn your Steely Dan records.

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 17:00:09 ET
Posted by: Groovecake,

Hey all. Regarding the "Godwhacker" track - I guess I am hoping that the guys aren't getting into Christian-bashing as some others on the bluebook have thought they might be.

I guess one of the things I have always liked about The Dan is that they stayed out of any side-taking or politics or religion. They have always seemed snide towards everything in an equal-opportunity way, ya know? : )

Thoughts?

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 16:16:53 ET
Posted by: h,

Thanks, Jabber! Appreciate it.

Seeing "Kamakiriad" in ICE reminds me of seeing the original listings for Kama and how many times the date would change.. Can't help but wonder if that date won't change, especially since steelydan.com hasn't said anything. March 25 is just eight days away.

"Kama" was great since it was the first full studio album of anything from Fagen, Becker or both in over ten years. Plus there was the excitement of the Steely Dan reunion tour. But also it's the only album that I have to be in the mood to listen to. It's a great album, but unlike any other DF, WB or SD album, I have to be in the mood for it. Sometimes 2vN is like that too.

I hope the DVD-A also includes the videos and European bonus tracks. There were several that came out around then and they were enough to make a decent custom CD of their own. It was actually the first home-made CD I every had, courtesy of hb Friedenberg. Funny to think of those days as being a while back.

jim

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 15:04:48 ET
Posted by: Jabberwocky,

hoops--

see icemagazine.com

j.

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 14:44:29 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Jabber W.
Hmmmmmm Thanks for the heads up. Where did you see that? I looked all over steelydan.com, rhino.com, wbr.com, Reprise's site and DVD-Audioworld and didn't see it. Of course, you didn't say what year...but since Mar 25 is a Tuesday this year. Thanks again.

I'd really love a DVD-A of "11 Tracks of Whack."

h

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 14:14:07 ET
Posted by: Jabberwocky,

Looks like Kamakiriad is now scheduled for DVD-Audio release by Warner Brothers on March 25

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 09:40:06 ET
Posted by: Pixelene, guitar jazz/sax jazz

Interesting discussion of Grant Green. While he may not be the most aggressive jazz guitarist, he's subtly inventive. The divergent, even acrimonious, opinions on his style kind of remind me of the flap that surrounded the late tenor player Warne Marsh, who was also a big hero of Becker and Fagen's (in fact they produced an album in 1978 on Warner's, "Apogee," which featured straight ahead tenor duets by Warne Marsh and Pete Christlieb...a highly recommended item, if you can find it...check out the cover while you're at it...a little design continuity, anyone?). Marsh's playing, like Green's, was often dissed as being quirky, non-directional, etc. Their influence on Becker's own guitar playing seems evident.

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 02:17:16 ET
Posted by: Kinky,

What?! You mean there's a new Steely Dan album coming out? I'd better go see if I can scrounge up a copy...

Fogel - Where do you think Crosby got that info?

Date: Mon, March 17, 2003, 01:30:16 ET
Posted by: jk,

ok kids, listen up.

i just went to the cpr show in town. one hell of a great band and players.

of course they are david crosby jeff pevar and james raymond.

i spoke with crosby after the show and i mentioned steely dan.

he said, " yeah they are my favorite band - after the beatles - of course."

i told him that the new CD was coming out and he said, " yeah,
i've heard that it is the best thing that they've ever done!"

yikes!

peace,

jk

ps. i never got the big deal about grant green either. but i wish someone would grant me some green SOON.









buzzflash.com

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 23:52:35 ET
Posted by: Chris, looking for horseshoe crabs...

Just got back from seeing King Crimson at the Modjeska Theater here in Milwaukee. It's an ancient 1500 cap. theater in a now not very nice part of town that must have been the cats ass back in the day. It was an incredible show. Adrian Belew was phenomenal. He seemed to be really enjoying playing. Robert Fripp was awesome. I'd never seen them live before and it was well worth it. Fripp was way out there on some of the stuff he played. If you get the chance, go see them.

See. There are some posts that don't make any mention of the Piano Jazz show with Marian McPartland. I only regret not have my crap together enough to get it recorded.

Any word, offical or not, if we'll be getting sound bytes like we did with 2vN? What about Tour? The Crimson show will hold me over for a little while but I need the GOOD STUFF man!!

Chris

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 23:24:33 ET
Posted by: chris mueller, providence,ri

a question . . .

does anyone know what happened with the sd-recorded cover of joni mitchell's 'carey' that was mentioned a year or so ago? was the tribute album ever released?

just curious . . . thx.

c


just listened to piano jazz, btw . . . i have to agree that it's up there with NYR&SR. would that it were longer!

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 22:42:41 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Grant Green did dozens of records for Blue Note in the 60's and early 70's. All of the ones I've heard are great, but everyone thinks differently. He did a few with the great b-3 organ player Larry Young and Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones. "I Want To Hold Your Hand" is probably the best of those. For more straight ahead stuff, get "The Complete Quartets With Sonny Clark" double CD. For some painfully funky stuff, get anything from the late 60's or early 70's, particularly "Alive" or "Carryin' On".

Charlie Christian had a tragically short life (he died in 1942, at 25, of tuberculosis), and he recorded very little. Everything he recorded officially was with Benny Goodman, but there are some low-quality bootleg recordings of jam sessions he participated in. A 4-CD compilation on Columbia was just released last year called "The Genius Of The Electric Guitar", which is essential. For something not so big, any compilation on a reputable label (Legacy, Columbia, Original Jazz, etc.) is a good purchase.

Many people think that it is an objective fact that Jim Hall is the best jazz guitar player of all time. I don't know if that's true, but I know he is definitely up there. He hasn't recorded a ton under his own name but as a sideman, he is probably one of the most recorded jazz guitarists. There are plenty of recordings by jazz masters like Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Ella Fitzgerald, Hampton Hawes (who has also employed as a guitarist Denny Dias!), Stan Getz, and Paul Desmond, that feature Jim Hall's work. There is a wonderful duo album with Bill Evans that was just reissued on Blue Note called "Undercurrent". Another incredible duo album is one with Ron Carter from the 70's called "Alone Together". More recently, Jim did a great live record at the Village Vanguard called "Panorama". Jim still tours all the time, and even at 72, is still a smokin' player.

From Jesse

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 22:31:26 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Regarding the "Piano Jazz," for every complement (thanks Jeff Blackie and others) there's bound to be as many naysayers, so I take it in stride. Clearly, EMG is the entrée and we are most eager for that but, as pointed out, the Piano Jazz show ranks along with the New York Rock and Soul CD in my book.

Regardless, bear with those who are just discovering Piano Jazz and scroll on by. We've all had to scroll by posts here and elsewhere at one time or another. I have a feeling that the PJ special will be discussed off and on for a long time as people discover it. Live and let live.

Horseshoe Crab;
While calling the SIS GB the "Piss Pages" wore out it's humor for me the the first time it was used, this place has hardly at all featured more discussion of the SIS GB than PJ, 'crab. St. Al and I had been discussing this last week, BTW. I think, self-included, it is wished there could be a bit of tightening of the fan boards but they really seem to have divergent personalities these days which makes it hard.

There are a couple of new things related to "Piano Jazz" coming up here so be warned that if that's not your scene you will be doing some scrolling.

Jesse:
Thanks for the information on McPartland. I was listening to here show this morning and it was tribute to her late husband who would have been about 100. I didn't realize that her husband started out at Austin High School here in Chicago. I go near it every morning on the way to work. Today, it's in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city.

Norm and Ben:
That Cathy Berberian thing is indeed pretty amusing. For the most surreal experience, I vote that she cover "Any Major Dude Will Tell You."

Was listening to "Here At The Western World" today and realized, 1) it would be great to hear on the next tour, and 2) Walter should sing it..

Have a great week everyone.

jim

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 19:52:53 ET
Posted by: Ann Sullivan, Warwick, NY

Hi everybody.

I just received the Piano Jazz CD this past weekend. Thanks Boston Rag and Hoops and Andy too. Excuse me for talking about the topic that some find passe.

John's right, it reminds me of New York Rock and Soul a lot. Limbo Jazz and Hesitation Blues are the best of the bunch. That Josie is hot too. Great stuff!

Based on Walter Becker's nod, I am intrigued at the idea of buying a CD by Grant Green and Charlie Christian each. Which do you you recommend? So you think Marion McPartland will really arrange for Jim Hall to play with Walter or if that is just show talk?

I agree it can take some getting used to surround recordings of albums I have heard before in stereo. But once I get used to it, it is a very rewarding listening experience.

SHAKE IT! <--------Listening to Babylon Sisters right now.

ANN

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 18:34:15 ET
Posted by: Peg, Back patio

I asked the guitar player in my band about Grant Green (mentioned by WB as a fave) and he said he was not all that impressed with him...that he played too hesitantly, whatever that means. He did own some Jim Hall recordings. I guess it proves again that art is subjective.

No surprise that at the top of Rolling Stone's list of top money makers in rock is Sir Paul McCartney, who made 72.1 million (what is that in pounds?) in 2002 alone. He is followed by the Stones, then DMB, then Celine Dion (doesn't that make you disgusted!), and #5: poor Emineum, with only $19.4 million last year. What's surprising to me is that Cher is #6. Then again it says that Clear Channel ran her shows last year...

There is so much money in touring that it makes up for relatively low (or no) album sales. So it goes. Considering that not enough people have the good taste to buy Steely Dan albums (compared to Celine or Eminem), at least D&W can make some $$ touring.

A heads up to all fellow Elvis Costello fans! Tonight he's on VH-1's R&R Hall induction ceremony.

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 18:03:40 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Chomping at the bit

Crab - actually it's 2 months, 24 days, 6 hours and 2 minutes. But who's counting?

Mark in Boston

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 17:13:29 ET
Posted by: Horseshoe Crab,

Less than 2 months until 6/10. Any sign of a single? or early radio play?...things are strangely quiet...

Seems to me that there is more bandwidth whining about another venue than even the discussion of Piano Jazz...now THAT's ironic...

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 15:40:09 ET
Posted by: John, Erie, PA

Hi Everyone. Just to chime in.

Moray Eel and Yes, if you've had enough of the discussion on Piano Jazz, maybe you should scroll by or view the unending, long-winded discusison of the war in Iraq at the piss pages. There was hardly any discussion about Piano Jazz there at all. No one's holding you hostage to read every post here, you know? And I ditto the UK guy's kudos on the transcripts.

Given a choice, I'd rather have Everything Must Go in my player than Piano Jazz . We all would rather have a full-flegded album of new Steely Dan songs. In the mean time, Piano Jazz is six new tracks from Steely Dan, straight and simple. It's on par with New York Rock and Soul Revue. I hope there's an official release. Looking forward to more talk on PIano Jazz and the next album. If you don't like reading it there are scroll bars.

Thank you, Hoops. I can only imagine the bullshit you get behind the scenes.

John

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 14:40:56 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Six feet under

Ok: I second your emotion.

I taped the show and listened to it a few times, but a month long celebration is more than I can carry.

Hopefully, we will get some sound clips from the next one in a few weeks.

m.e.

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 12:14:28 ET
Posted by: ok...., you think so?

Hey! Does anyone else here feel that this Marian McPartland thing is getting beaten into the ground? I mean, I know she's a nice old lady that plays piano and has her own talk show but...enough already.

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 07:53:43 ET
Posted by: ,

From the Laurel Canyon boot to the Laurel Canyon soundtrack, Do It Again:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008J2LG/qid%3D1047818815/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/103-6846287-6887060#product-details

Date: Sun, March 16, 2003, 05:48:45 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Marian McPartland was born in 1918, which would make her turn 85 this year. To clear up a few questions that have been asked, it is not unlikely that Donald asked her to play "Star Eyes" out of the blue. It is a very common jazz standard that she has probably played many times. I've seen her at clubs where she has asked if people had any requests. People would yell out tunes, and she would play them without any rehearsal. Also, the fact that she forgot the intro that Charlie Parker used is evidence that Donald wasn't told to "request" it. It astounded me the first time I ever attended a jam session at a jazz club, the fact that people were calling tunes and that everyone knew them, but there are many tunes that all professional jazz musicians should know.

Date: Sat, March 15, 2003, 23:13:51 ET
Posted by: Jaco, Dallasified

Hi guys


I do a Creative Music Tech course at uni, and as part of learning more about studio craft I was going to spend a week recording a few tracks, really well hopefully! Just wondering if anyone could mail me the chords of Dallas, as it's a nice pop song which would be suitable for a vocalist I have in mind.

[coughs]Me[/coughs]


Anyway - please email i_am_melissa84@hotmail.com if you can help.

Many thanks!



Regards



Jaco

Date: Sat, March 15, 2003, 20:59:31 ET
Posted by: Dan, Cleveland

How old is Marian McPartland?

With Fleetwood Mac announcing their tour and tickets on sale for later this summer, Steely Dan can't but be coming up next.

Date: Sat, March 15, 2003, 15:55:47 ET
Posted by: JEFF BLACKIE, WALES UK

THANX HOOP'S FOR GETTING IT DOWN "ON PAPER" VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

CHEERS JEFF BLACKIE WALES UK.

Date: Sat, March 15, 2003, 00:13:32 ET
Posted by: Michelle, Princeton Junction, New Jersey

Hi everyone!

Benjamin, that was hysterical. I think that was the same link that Norm referred to last week.

Less than three months until the new album is out! Can't wait!

Mich

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 21:45:08 ET
Posted by: steelydoubt,

yup i got it. next time you burn a cd burn at a lower speed because there were some blocks (rings) of data missing. but other than that its great.

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 21:21:43 ET
Posted by: Benjamin L.,

Cathy Berberian sings for you:

http://www.franklarosa.com/vinyl/AudioPlay.jsp?File=Berberian_Hand.rm

Quite a stitch.

Also see:

http://www.franklarosa.com/vinyl/Exhibit.jsp?AlbumID=73

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 20:17:55 ET
Posted by: Mr. LaPage, Pan-Frying the Big Ones

Hey, out there...

Anyone hear of a CD tribute to SD by the "Hip Replacements"? It was supposedly recorded and mixed between Sept-Dec '02. Track list: Black Cow, Don't Take Me Alive, Peg, FM, Bad Sneakers, Third World Man, Josie, Pretzel Logic and Rikki. Label is "Dirt Floor Records". Anyone heard of it, or heard it, or know of it, or like it, or hate it, or otherwise???

Hoops McCann CD on eBay is currently up to $22.52.........

J.LaP.

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 18:29:07 ET
Posted by: Efelee Bay Leaf,

Remember when Boston Rag posted that we should sign up for that class-action suit to get a CD refund? Here's the latest:

Compact disc buyers who applied for a share of a price-fixing settlement in a class-action lawsuit that accused major record companies and retailers of price-fixing will get about $12.60 apiece if a judge signs off on the deal.

About 3.5 million people who bought CDs between 1995 and 2000 went online and filed by last week's deadline to share in the settlement, which could have been as much as $20 per person if fewer people had filed claims.

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 16:46:49 ET
Posted by: h,

CLASSIC STEELY DAN ARTICLES SERIES

The "Possibly Classic Steely Dan Articles and Writings That Have Never Been On The Internet As Far As I Know" series takes a break away from the 1970s with Steve Clarke and NME to last month with Marian McPartland and "Piano Jazz." It's sure to be a classic.

I imagine that these will end up at Granatino’s and Metzger’s sites and elsewhere as well. Even if you have have recorded the show, I think you find it interesting to read and study what they said.

---

PIANO JAZZ With special guests
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with Jay Leonhart on bass and Keith Carlock on drums
Recorded Summer 2002
Aired on NPR, U.S. National Public Radio at various times from February 11-25, 2003
Transcriptions and errors with apologies from Jim McKay.

[ Begin ]

MARIAN McPARTLAND: "Piano Jazz" is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Baldwin Piano Company, Borders Books and Music, the Friends of "Piano Jazz" and NPR.

[ "Piano Jazz" Chord Progression is played. ]

MM: Hi, I'm Marian McPartland. Today on "Piano Jazz" our guests are the two master of irony and erudition, STEELY DAN, whose music encompasses the entire realm of hipness, as well as being melodic, swinging, sly, subtle, all of those things, a musical Rubix cube, and they're here today on "Piano Jazz" to sing and play everything from “Aja” to Ellington. And its just great to have Donald Fagen and Walter Becker here, and not only that, we have Keith Carlock on drums and Jay Leonhart on bass. How are you guys?

DONALD FAGEN: Hi.

WALTER BECKER: Hello there.

MM: Hi. It's great to have you here. Thank you for taking the time to come over and join us on "Piano Jazz."

WB: Well it's great to be here. Thank you.

MM: Well, I'm thinking of all kinds of things I want to ask you, but first, I guess we should do a little something so that people can hear how we're all managing to play together, and Donald or Walter, what do you think we should start out with?

DF: Well, we're thinking of starting with an Ellington tune that appeared on an album with Coleman Hawkins, kind of a Coleman Hawkins meets Ellington album and it's called "Limbo Jazz."

MM: That's wonderful, I've never heard of that…is it…is it…I mean did Duke actually wrote that?

DF: Ummm…yeah, I believe so.

MM: I don't know how I missed it, but I did. But anyway it will be nice to hear it now. "Limbo Jazz." O.K.

[ The Steely Dan Quartet plays "Limbo Jazz." ]

MM: You know I thought I knew so many Duke Ellington tunes and that's one that's escaped me. I'm really thankful to know that is there yet is another tune to add to our repertoire.

DF: Yeah that's a good one. I don't remember it being on any other album except that "Coleman Halwkins Meets Ellington" album. It's a good tune.

MM: Well you were very big at picking up albums, weren't you? When you were a teenager you must have heard a lot of stuff besides Duke…and Walter too.

WB: You know when Donald I met at College, we discovered that by looking at one another's record collections that we had been listening to the same jazz radio station which was-jazz radio show I should say-that was Mort Fega's show on WEVD that…

MM: Ohhhhh Mort Fega! Yeah, down in Florida…

WB: Yeah…that's right and we had the same basic repertoire as listeners and those were the days when you could get three albums for five dollars sometimes, you know, and we had a few of them.

MM: But it's so amazing…how did the actual writing of songs grow out of that? Or did you both learn to play? Did you take guitar lessons and piano lessons?

DF: I'm mostly self-taught. I took scattered piano lessons and then had some theory in College and so on, but…and in the summer at the Berkeley School in Boston. But I think both of us are pretty much self-taught.

MM: And you both went to Bard…did you?

WB: That's right Bard College in New York State. That was our Alma Mater. And when I got there, I discovered that there was …I figured that the place would be crawling with musicians, but it turned out there was only a handful and Donald was in all of the bands (MM starts laughing) of all the different styles of music.

DF: I would crawl between, from one band to another.

WB: He was crawling from one band to another and I figured I should join up with him, you know?

MM: (rather amused) You'd be playing Dixieland one day and Bee Bop the next…

DF: That sort of thing, although, more likely it would be some sort of avante garde, you know you know, "fake-it" type of a band.

WB: Yeah, you know actually the first time I think I saw you perform you were playing…was it "The Star Spangled Banner" or "God Bless America" on an alto saxophone…

DF: Yeah…

WB: …and you had on a leather jacket with black feathers attached to it…

DF: Yeah. And you know that was before Jimmy Hendrix was playing his version of the "Star Spangled Banner" so…

MM: (expressed with sincerity) Well that sounds like a good beginning…I hope there are some pictures of that. (Then everyone starts to laugh a bit.)

DF: Probably not…

WB: (holding back some laughter in his voice) Sadly. If there were, we would have bought them up long ago.

MM: You know what I would love to know is how did you to start to write songs and…where did that come from?

DF: Well, we met at school and realized that we had a lot of the same interests in jazz and also other things and literature…and humor…and we both had been science fiction fans and I think a lot of…sort of a package of things…of a certain subculture…we used to be interested in the early 60s.

WB: Yeah, we felt we were somewhere in the middle of the rich mainstream of the cultural zeitgeist. Of course, as time went on we were disabused of that notion, but there was a lot of stuff in the late 60s, a lot of cultural energy involving humor, and…sort of…

MM: Well, you certainly have plenty of that.

WB: Yeah…and we thought that why not combine all of these things, jazz, science fiction, humor, and…am I leaving anything out?

DF: Rhythm and blues.

WB: …rhythm and blues…

MM: (laughs )

WB: …really…and rock and roll in one package and then…

MM: Well, it certainly all came together, didn't it? Goodness.

WB: Eventually it did. We had a little problem in the beginning with our songs being sorta too funny for their own good. Our early efforts were sort of, as I recall…

DF: they were just too hilarious…

MM: You were just too hip…that's the problem…you were just too hip for the times.

WB: Too hip for the room…

DF: They were so funny…we were laughing so hard we couldn't even demonstrate them to anyone.

WB: That's right.

MM: Well, have those gone by…are you including them in your present…

DF: Most of them never made it to an actual professional recording. There's some demos floating around but…

MM: Boy, I'd love to hear those…

DF: Mmmmm…

MM: Meanwhile, what have we got up? I want to hear more…I'm dying to hear more of something.

WB: Yeah…what's…

MM: What's…Donald, you seem to be…

WB: …what's it gonna be?

DF: O.K. We're going to do a tune. This is off our album, "Aja." Were going to try to do it with a small band, but an excellent band, so we're going to give it a shot. It's called "Josie."

MM: o.k…

[ The Steely Dan Quartet performs "Josie." ]

MM: You know someone made the remark that all your lyrics are like poetry. I sorta go along with that. I mean some of the things you write…

DF: Well, thanks…

MM: …are…it's much more fun reading that than Edna Vincent Malay, I can tell you. ( WB starts laughing. )

DF: She also wrote dirty poems though.

MM: Oh, see? I didn't…

DF: That's one thing we have in common.

MM: I didn't put any of those to music…

WB: She just didn't have a rhythm section like we did.

DF: Yeah…

MM: Not like the one you have…WOW! And that tune, "Josie," the intro…I’ll just have to take that and copy it down because that is like a tune all in itself. I mean…

DF: Thanks.

MM: No…I'm interested in how does the writing go…does somebody write something and then the other person says, "Yeah that sounds good…"

DF: Pretty much. We get together in a room and start playing and when one of us will have an idea…usually for melody and lyrics or sometimes both.

MM: Yeah, that's what I wondered…like some of the songs…it seems like the melody had to kind of wriggle in there sometimes, like the words…

WB: Yeah.

MM: You know what I mean? It isn't like it's 4/4 time or anything, but it's amazing how everything works…everything…

DF: Well, I think that's true. That's one of the hardest things is to…you have to kind of pry the music open and shove the lyrics in sometimes… ( MM and then WB start laughing ).

WB: We sorta decided at some point that we were gonna try and write these little stories, little short story kind of things for the lyrics for these songs so as not to write the same kind of pop songs over and over again. And sometimes we'll have a great idea for the thing and then when you sit down to actually do it, there's very few syllables to do it in. So we occasionally end up with some things where there's a lot of words and a few notes…

DF: Sometimes we have to sacrifice the linear narrative just to get the idea. So sometimes it seems like a story with some pieces missing.

WB: But most of our fans have done the same analogous thing to their brains and psyches over the years so…

MM: You mean they just absorb the thing the way it is…

DF: Their receptors have been sculpted.

WB: That's right…

MM: Well, that's the best way if they are listening to your thing…(DF + WB start to laugh.)

MM: Well there's more to come with Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. And on bass, Jay Leonhart and on drums Keith Carlock. Our program is made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. I'm Marian McPatland and this is "Piano Jazz" from NPR.

[ "Piano Jazz" chord progression is played. ]

MM: Well, being that you like Duke Ellington so much, it wouldn't be a bad idea if we did a Duke tune together, What do you think?

DF: How about "Mood Indigo?"

MM: I just happen to love that tune (laughs slightly).

DF: Yeah, me too.

MM: So I think it would make a nice duet. And…shall I start it?

DF: Go ahead.

MM: o.k…

[ DF and MM perform "Mood Indigo." ]

MM: How do you learn those Ellington tunes--off a record? You don't bother with sheet music, I'm sure.

DF: Sometimes, but…I don't know…just off records mostly…the way I think most jazz musicians actually…probably get tunes off (records).

MM: That's funny I was lucky. I had a …Years ago in England, I had a boyfriend who started out with my sister, but she wasn't interested in jazz so he switched to me, and (WB starts laughing) that's how I got to learn all these Duke Ellington tunes…thousands of records, so…but you (or does MM say "Duke"?) picked a really good one with "Mood Indigo." I think it's a beautiful tune.

DF: Yeah, there's a version I really like by Charles Mingus…and The Mingus Dynasty album where John Handy plays it, the alto lead. It's really nice.

MM: Boy, you are into all of those things, aren't you. Are you still now buying more jazz records or…

DF: (I) just buy the same ones over and over (MM and WB start laughing).

MM: And Walter, who's your favorite guitar player?

WB: (with a touch of hesitancy) I don't if I really…most of the guitar players that…

MM: Well, SOME guitar player…

WB: Just name one huh? (laughing, and then speaking more quickly and with enthusiasm.) Well, my favorite guitar player I think is probably Grant Green, Charlie Christian. Grant Green, you know…certainly Jim Hall is a great, great player but there's something about Grant Green had that swinging single note style…(inaudible)

MM: And, well, you know Tom Farlowe. Of course I can't hear that anymore. I would love to hear you and Tom Farlowe play a duet.

WB: Wow. Yeah well…

MM: Or you and Jim Hall. That could happen.

WB: That's within the realm of the possible.

MM: Ohhh…I'll have to set that one up…have to set that up.

MM: Well, it has fallen to my lot to play a solo piece and I don't know if I can carry this off with you guys sitting around but maybe you have a tune you could suggest. That you would like to hear or

DF: Well…how about "Star Eyes?"

MM: That's a great tune. I haven't played that in a long time. I could probably…Yes! I don't know. There's something nice about…that makes me feel good about doing a tune somebody has requested. I don't know why that is. Why is that?

DF: Well one thing, just the fact that you can play a request is a great victory (MM starts laughing)

WB: That's right…

DF: …as far as I'm concerned…

MM: You know you're taking it for granted that I can actually play it. We'll find that out in a minute or two…

DF: (Inaudibles)

WB: That's right…

MM: OK.

[ MM performs "Star Eyes." ]

DF: "Star Eyes." Where did you learn that song?

MM: Oh…probably like you learned yours…off a record or sitting in with somebody.

DF: Mmm-Mm.

MM: You know, it's got that nice intro which I thought about afterwards [MM plays part of intro].

DF: Right.

MM: You know. I thought, "Well I can't put that in somehow. It's too late."

DF: Yeah, I remember that there’s a version…a famous Charlie Parker version…

MM: Sure…

DF: …that's the one I knew.

MM: That's probably the definitive version.

DF: Yeah.

WB: Every song that Charlie Parker ever played is pretty much the definitive version.

DF: Petty much, pretty much…

MM: Yeahhh…

WB: …tends to be how I…

MM: …I was pretty lucky to meet him during a few of his saner moments…

WB: Wow…

MM: …more…when he was playing really well. Yeah, it's nice to think about that.

MM: Well, there's more in a minute. My guests are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with Jay Leonhart on bass and Keith Carlock on drums. Our program is made possible in part by the Baldwin Piano Company, manufacturers of the pianos heard on "Piano Jazz." I'm Marian McPartland and this is "Piano Jazz" from NPR.

[ "Piano Jazz" chord progression is played. ]

MM: So many things to ask you. Some of those songs…like “Gaslighting Annie.” I have to ask…

DF: "Abbie."

MM: Yes.

DF: Yeah, right.

MM: I have to ask. What’s it mean? It’s terrible but…(MM laughs, WB starts to laugh)

DF: Well, to “gaslight…”

MM: Yeah, that’s the one…

DF: …is a verb that comes from the film, “Gaslight” where Charles Boyer tries to drive his wife crazy by doing little pranks like move her jewels from one place to another…

MM: …turn the lights down…

WB: The lights were always going down…

DF: So she would think she was going insane.

MM: I saw that film…

DF: Right so if you are gaslighting someone…I noticed in the 80s…if you go back to the 80s there was a lot of …someone’s girlfriend would say to their boyfriend, “Hey, you’re gaslighting me…”

MM: Oh…boy. There’s something new for my vocabulary.

DF: There it is.

MM: I thought it was kind of not hip to ask (WB starts laughing) but couldn’t help asking…

WB: The question has come up before.

DF: Yeah…

MM: I suppose it has…but now is that one of those songs where you had the idea. Did you start writing something and then you…I don’t know…

WB: You know, I’m thinking, I seem to remember that we had the music for that and we had this sort of icy sounding chorus and then we added a verse to it and it was sort of a infectious, funk type of verse free-form thing.

MM: It was…

WB: So somehow that lead us to the idea of “the gaslighting theme” (inaudible)

DF: Sometimes you get a cue from the music what the song is about…when you write…and the atmosphere that it creates…it will give you the idea as to what the actual story is going to be.

MM: Well you know I would love to keep asking you things, but I guess it would be nice to play something. What have you got up your sleeve this time…

DF: Well, we were thinking of doing a classic jazz piece which I’m familiar with the version by Louis Armstrong. It was on an album called “Satch Plays W.C. Handy" and it’s called “Hesitation Blues.”

MM: Oh Yeah. Yeah. OK. That would be great! Are you going to sing it…

DF: I’m going to try…

MM: …in a Satch-like banter….

DF: Oh definitely not…no…

MM: OK. I better bring out the handkerchief…

DF: Yeah.

MM: OK.

[ Steely Dan Quartet playes "Hesitation Blues." ]

MM: It’s funny. That is one tune by Louis, I’m not that familiar with it. It’s really good to hear it. He would have loved that.

DF: Oh…well…I don’t know about that, but…

MM: Oh, he would.

DF: He’s so great, I don’t really… you know it’s hard to put myself in the same business (inaudible) because I just think he’s fantastic.

MM: But you know it’s nice to hear that song done in this day and age. I mean usually, you don’t…you might hear a Louis record but doing it you don’t hear somebody else doing it which is kinda nice I think…

DF: Mmmmmm…yeah

WB: It’s a style of blues that’s been eclipsed by other styles.

DF: That’s true. It’s sort of more, I guess, Memphis area style of singing the blues, or Delta blues style. Probably dominates rock music, you know, more than sort of a jazz-style of singing the blues.

MM: That’s funny, I never really gone into it but to me that is like a classic blues…

DF: Uh huh

WB: Mmmmm

MM: …and um and just hearing it makes me think about him and what a what a joy he was.

DF: When did you first meet Louis Armstrong?

MM: When Jimmy…McPartland, my husband, he was showing me the delights of Broadway, I guess this was maybe ’45 when we got back from Europe. Louis was playing in a place called “The Aquarium” on Broadway and the door was open and Louis hollered out or something, “HEY, MAC-Partland!” He always called Jimmy “MAC-Partland.” So he says, “Come on in.” So we went in and so that’s how I met Louis and found friends ever since. Listen, don’t stop me or I could babble away forever…

DF: No, it’s great…

MM: Anyway, somebody asked me, How…you’ve made such a tremendous success with your music. I mean do you think it’s changed—the music at all…doing things differently from the way you did…Does it keep changing? Are you…

WB: I think that it’s all changed. It’s evolved a little bit. I mean I think we’re fundamentally we are still doing the same thing or trying to do the same thing that we were trying to do at the beginning and we’ve just refined our method a little bit, for better or worse, depending on how things come out on some particular day. But I think it’s pretty much the same idea that we had back in the 70s.

MM: Of course what’s wonderful, and I wish we could have done that here was to have all those people like Chris Potter and the back up singers. That is a big part of what you do. And the wonderful jazz interludes that come, either between verses or at the end of a tune.

WB: Yeah.

MM: Like “West Hollywood,” I forget the title…

WB: “West of Hollywood.”

DF: “West of Hollywood.”

MM: “West of Hollywood.” (At) the end of that there’s the most wonderful jazz with Chris Potter, a whole bunch.

DF + WB: Yeah… Uh huh…

MM: Oh! That is terrific! Anyway…

DF: Funny. The idea of structure like that. The way we structure the arrangements. I think more and more we’ve been going back to Ellington and even Jelly Roll Morton as far as…they had an interesting way of …it wasn’t just verse/chorus…they had little breaks…all kinds of little embellishments and they (had) written out sections that really made tunes better.

MM: (It’s) like having that Ellington piece, “East St Louis Toodle-OO.” (MM trips up a touch on the title.) I mean things like that, I think it’s great for the younger people to hear. They would probably never hear those otherwise.

DF: Yeah, right. Well, a lot of people think we wrote “East St. Louis Toodle-OO” and but it was Duke Ellington, of course, and we were just glad to get to play it.

MM: Well I hope you’ll do more. Meanwhile, you and I are going to play two pianos, aren’t we Donald.

DF: Yeah, and speaking of Ellington, we’re going to do a tune (called) “Things Aren’t What They Used to Be.”

MM: You know Mercer wrote this one.

DF: Oh, is that a Mercer song?

MM: Well, what happened , they were doing a record date—maybe you know this—and Duke called up Mercer and said,” We just need one more tune, quick, write something and come down here.

DF: I didn’t know that. That’s interesting.

MM: And he did. That’s what happened (chuckles).

DF: It’s a good one.

MM: Oh, Mercer had a lot of interesting things to say. And so, let’s do the tune.

[ MM & DF duet on the piano for “Things Aren’t What They Used to Be.” ]

MM: Well, I thought we did a great job with “Things Aren’t What They Used to Be,” don’t you?

DF: I liked it.

MM: I love that…

DF: It’s very inspiring…

MM: It’s funny, I never get tired of that thing. I sorta like to use it myself with the Trio as a sign-off tune. (DF saying something in the background). Duke always did this…you know, I always like to do what Duke did, including stick my foot out and use my left foot on the pedal. (Faint laughter from WB). That’s sounds silly but seemed good at the time. Well I should ask you…(inaudible) what’s new? What are the new things coming out? Is there something you are working on?

DF: Yes, we have been working on an album which at the time we’re speaking right now has no title yet, but…we’ve been recording it in Manhattan, through the summer.

MM: Well, if I know you, or either one of you, will come up with some outrageous title. (MM & WB start laughing.) Well, there’s more coming up. My guests are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with Jay Leonhart on bass and Keith Carlock on drums. Our program is made possible in part by the Friends of “Piano Jazz.” I’m Marian McPartland and this is “Piano Jazz” from NPR.

[ “Piano Jazz” chord progression is played. ]

MM: This next tune is to be “Chain Lightning?”

DF: That’s right. This was a tune from an album called “Katy Lied” which came out in about ’74 or ’75.

MM: I don’t think I have that one but I shall probably collect it. O.K. The idea of this one…I even get to play on this…don’t I?

WB: Yes, you do.

MM: That’s great.

[ The Steely Dan Quartet and MM perform “Chain Lightning.” ]

MM: You know that… “Chain Lightning. That’s just another way of doing the blues, isn’t it?

DF: Yes, it doesn’t go exactly where you think it’s going to go. But it’s basically a blues.

MM: But there are so many variations, it’s nice to hear another one.

DF: Yeah, blues is an amazing form in that you can…I think part of what makes it great is that you have certain expectations, that it’s going to do something fairly simple and then if you give it one little twist it makes it interesting…

MM: Yeah, you say “See, it didn’t go where you thought it was going to go…”

DF: Yeah, exactly. It’s kind of a “nyah, nyah” kind of thing.

MM: (with a little laughter in her voice) Yeah, exactly. You know, this is so wonderful, I hate to quit. Unfortunately, we only have time for one more tune. But I just LOVED having you guys on the show,

DF: Oh thanks …it’s great being here.

WB: Yes you’re a great hostess.

MM: Well…thank you…and you both are great guests, Walter and Donald. I guess you got something planned to wind up with.

DF: Yeah, we though in honor of the stock market which at the time of our recording (MM lets out a slight laugh) is going through some interesting thrills and chills…we’re going to do a tune called “Black Friday” which is of course the Friday that the stocks crashed in 1929.

MM: That sounds…it should be pretty interesting. Let’s play…or you will…I get to play an E?

DF: You can just hit an E once in a while.

MM: That’s fine. That suits me fine.

DF: It’ll work out.

MM: O.K.

DF: Or any note of your choice, really…

MM: (laughing) O.K. That’s what I like about this music. (WB laughing in background) Everything fits.

DF: Me too.

[ The Steely Dan Quartet and MM perform “Black Friday.” ]

MM: That was cool.

[ “Piano Jazz” chord progression is played and continues to play in an extended outro while MM begins to say the following: ]

MM: My guests today on “Piano Jazz” have been Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with Jay Leonhart on bass and Keith Carlock on drums. I’m Marian McPartland inviting you to join me again next week. “Piano Jazz” is recorded at Manhattan Beach Studios in New York and is a production of South Carolina Educational Radio. The Producer is Shari Hutchinson, Recording Engineer is Duke Marcus. Assistant Recording engineer is Dan Harpler. Mastering Engineer is Dave Mitchell. Production assistant is David Lyon. Executive producer is Elaine Freeman. (Note: Although I checked the PJ web site, I couldn’t verify the spelling of all the names that are credited.)

MM: We love to hear from you. Email us at pj@scetv.org and visit our new and improved web site. It’s at http://www.pianojazz.org

MM: Support for NPR comes from NPR stations; and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, seeking to improve people’s lives by supporting the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, and child abuse prevention; the National Endowment for the Arts; Borders featuring a 175 jazz recordings in the Borders Jazz Essentials Collection, information at 1-888-1-BOOKS or at http://www.borders.com; and “Jazz Times,” America’s jazz magazine providing a window on the jazz world since 1970 with artists’ features and reviews on the web at http://www.jazztimes.com .

MM: Select programs of “Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz” are available on compact disc at the Jazz Alliance. There’s information at 1-800-551-5299 or http://www.concordrecords.com .

MM: This is NPR where JAZZ LIVES!

[ End ]

Please note:
The Friends of Piano Jazz is an informal group of Marian McPartland's friends, dedicated to preserving her historic public radio series as a national treasure. The ETV Endowment mails a fundraising letter annually to Marian's mailing list of supporters, soliciting funds to assist the Piano Jazz budget. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Piano Jazz, call 864-585-0102, or write to:

Friends of Piano Jazz
c/o The ETV Endowment of SC
401 E. Kennedy Street, Suite B-1
Spartanburg, SC 29302

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 11:33:34 ET
Posted by: Lester, Radio Row

Was listening to this radio show on NPR where they talked about Radio Row. Radio Row was the collection of 200+ radio repair shops in lower Manhattan until the 1960s when 13 blocks were cleared to make way for the World Trade Center.

It's sort of a fascination for me as I remember as a teen going there and dealing with these surly characters who were the shop keepers when I wanted tubes, etc.

So I thought, now there's a topic that Donald might have experienced and written about for a track off "The Nightfly" or it could be some sort of back in time kinda thing for Donald and Walter. Maybe it could be a future Steely Dan song topic. Walter could have fun thinking back on it. I mean these shop keepers were insulting and funny and weird all at once. Definitely in the realm of Steely Dan characters.

Tangentially thinking, maybe it would be cool for Walter to do his own version of "The Nightfly" where looks back on growing up in Queens.

Thanks for the shots Amelia. Hope you are back in the States for this year's tour.

See ya!

Lester

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 10:21:12 ET
Posted by: µ, allthenewsthat'sprinttofit

Mortimer: that's no surprise

Date: Fri, March 14, 2003, 00:08:37 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, These Suburban Streets

Aray---I echo Hoops comments...a few familiar happy faces!! Great fun

try to make sense of the suburban sprawl...try to hang on Maxine!

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 22:58:46 ET
Posted by: Jaco, smooth jazz blunder

I think it's ok. Easy listening. Interesting hearing a jazz guitar instead of the flopanda intro to Rikki.

Well, it's another for the collection, isn't it?


Regards



Mike

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 17:48:08 ET
Posted by: ,

http://www.channel3000.com/entertainment/2038711/detail.html

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 17:17:56 ET
Posted by: h,

Jaco:
I do have the "Garden Party" CD. IMHO, it's rather muzakky but others like it. As Mµ mentions,Justin Morell's CD is really the best of the bunch.

Jesse:
I guess "Goodbye Look" works with those lyrics. Never thought of that!

The last time I remember someone going out of business in a Steely Dan song was "Kid Charlemagn." But now K.C. is obsolete as an exec.

"Just get it all out of here" / "Everything Must Go"

AMEN about the lack of stock when 2vN won. As I posted back then, the local Borders, Best Buy and B&N didn't have it the day before the Grammys and not for a while after.

Big Fan:
Yeah no commerically sold singles but Cuz, Janie, Jack of Speed and a mini 3-song sampler were all realeased as promos. Plus there was that Lexicon sampler, too. I was put off by Elvis Costello's Steely Dan comment, but he's right about radio.

Speaking of which, today's "New York Times" also has an article about Natalie Merchant deciding to leave Elecktra and sell records on her own, direct. She figured out that she needs to sell 50,000 copies to break even and if it sells 200,000 she will be overjoyed. That's enough for her. She then goes on to say that when one of her albums for Elecktra sold 1.5 million copies, everyone at Elecktra behaved as if the album had stiffed and was gloomy and sad, since stock holders would be disappointed. Curiously enough, the article was in the "Arts" section but was cross referenced in the "Business Digest" briefs.

It's a pretty sad mindset when you step back. Businesses are supposedly in trouble even if they just break even or make a consistent profit. Most record execs and bean counters only consider a something successful if the profits are increasing rather than just steadily profittable. It was the same thing witha a department store that was recently closed near where I lived. The store was making a modest and consistent profit, but the conglomerate that owned it closed the store since its profits weren't increasing, not that it was losing money or expected to lose money.

I wonder if Steely Dan will no longer work with a major label when their contract is over with Warners.

Someone asked when Carlin and Miller made nasty remarks about Steely Dan. In both cases they were jokes where they stereotyped Steely Dan fans as mindless, indulgent yuppie scum, if I remember correctly.

I finished the transcripts of the "Piano Jazz" show with Steely Dan. Will post when there is a lull or something. I'm sure Andy and John will add them to their archives projects.

jim

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 16:50:02 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Yo, Aray.

What a great collection of pics! WB, Elliott Randall, Chuck Rainey, Pete Fogel and all the rest ! Brought a huge grin to my face! Thanks and can't wait until next time!

h

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 16:15:38 ET
Posted by: princessofcairo, france

hey all, i finally posted my dandom page to my website. just some old party pics:
http://www.ameliaray.net/dandom/dandom.html

i'm still planning on being at the naked lunch show in dallas on 8 may. even without the new cd. :(

soon,
poc

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 15:56:30 ET
Posted by: Jimbo Lazz, db

Steelydoubt
Get your cd yet ?

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 15:18:25 ET
Posted by: µ, Danger Will Robinson!

Jaco: Just step back slooowwwwwly...now, before it's too late. You have a CD of Mass Destruction on your hands!!! Do NOT touch, and for the love of God, do not play!!! Otherwise, you'll find yourself smacked into a trance with hours of lost time unaccounted for, with the entire Kenny G discography in your arms!! Do NOT try to decontaminate - run to your local independent CD dealer and trade in for the Justin Morrell Quintet plays the Music of Steely Dan ASAP!...


SACD was developed by Sony/Phillips to challenge DVD-A. I've not been able to make a head to head comparison since I don't have a "universal" chip in my JVC DVD-A player. Universal bought Sony or Sony bought them or Michael Jackson bought them both - it's got my head spinning. It would not be surprising though to see a DVD-A simul-release of EMG on 6/10, despite EMG being AAD...

It was worth a few hundred bucks buying the player just to year the Nightfly on DVD-A stereo...a WORLD of difference compared to the CD version!! The piano alone on Maxine DVD-A is like another world...The drums on TvN are much 'wetter" sounding on DVD-A and the album has more of a live sound, although the Nightfly still sounds better on DVD-A...mastering DVD-As and SACDs will become better understood with likes of Scheiner trailblazing...

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 14:17:46 ET
Posted by: Jaco, Aka

Bought this on Amazon.co.uk for a mere £9.99, received today:

Aka - a smooth jazz tribute to Steely Dan

Track Listings
1. Do it again (Can't Buy a Thrill) - Garden Party
2. Peg (Aja) - Doc Powell
3. Fm (No static at all) (Gold/Best of) - Jeff Lorber
4. Rikki don't lose that number (Pretzel Logic) - Warren Hill
5. Black cow (Aja) - Norman Connors
6. Babylon sisters (Gaucho) - Kymaera
7. Deacon blues (Aja) - Richard Elliot
8. Bad sneakers (Katy Lied) - Roger Smith / Eddie M
9. Caves of Altamira (Royal Scam) - Michael Sims
10. Josie (Aja) - Dave Koz
11. Hey nineteen (Gaucho) - Tony Guerrero
12. Reelin' in the years (Can't Buy a Thrill) - Eddie M
13. Pearl of the quarter (Countdown to Ecstacy) - Steve Nieves / Jango

featuring some nice musicians, actually. Including Jango, well-known Dan fans [ "play my worn out Steely Dan" ]

Apologies if this has been covered before. Anyone got this CD?



Kind regards



Jaco


"Women, children and rhythm section first"

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 12:42:50 ET
Posted by: duncan,

Randy
my vote for best sound effect in film goes to the explosions in the asteroid field from ''Attack of the clones''

they where worth the price of the dvd on there own.

Come to think of it,Maybey it's the second of silence before that gives it the effect.

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 12:17:30 ET
Posted by: Randy, Northern NJ/USA

To many, surround sound is little more than an advanced equivalent of quadrophonic in the early seventies, about which Dave Marsh said this: "the most lasting element of quadrophonic was the title of The Who's seventh album, 'Quadrophenia' (1973)." While surround sound is a nice effect for film/DVD viewing, most miss the point that humans essentially have two ears (with some subversive exceptions), and thus hear in stereo, i.e. two channels, left and right.

While not everyone producing/writing/engineering records has the standard aesthetic of reproducing what would essentially be the "stereo" effect of a live performance (bass in left channel where bassist would be, etc.), other than Pink Floyd, no one I know likes their organ sound coming from somewhere behind one's cerebellum (unless of course one has a considerably unsightly organ player, in which case you might want to imagine he is somewhere out in the hall near the front-of-house mixing board.)

To each his own, but the only time I enjoy sounds coming from behind me are when the T-Rex is approaching ('Jurassic Park'), when Tom Skerritt is about to be tracelessly abducted ('Alien'), when Mr. Torrence the caretaker is shouting to his son Danny ('The Shining'), or when Ratzo Rizzo is shouting at motorists ("I'm walkin' here!"), in 'Midnight Cowboy.'

Randy/NIGHTFLY62@aol.com

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 11:45:05 ET
Posted by: h,

Even worse, I can never spell his name right. Thanks for the heads up, Mortimer.

Andy, others, thanks for the observations.

jim

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 11:42:03 ET
Posted by: Andy, District of Columbia

Interesting article about the surround sound formats. One of the shortcomings of both DVD-A and SACD is that most rock recordings don't translate very well to surround sound format. The typical guitar/drums/bass/keyboard arrangement just doesn't sound good in surround sound--there's too much empty space. With such sparce instrumentation, when you isolate each instrument to one channel it deadens the recording. That being said, surround sounds great for large arrangements (like SD), and choral and classical music, but not necessarily for where the record companies make their big bucks.

Another drawback: if the master tapes suck, so will the surround sound. I recently bought the DVD-A of Music From Big Pink (one of the best records of all time). The harmonies sounded great in surround, but the terrible quality of the tapes really stood out. I never noticed the hiss on the CD unless I really listened hard, but it jumps out on the DVD-A. I'm sure a lot of the "classic albums" the record companies hope to cash in on have similar sonic shortcomings.

I wonder when EMG will be released on DVD-A. You've got to imagine they're already thinking about/working on that release. And the SACDs of SD's 70s stuff--who knows what to think of it. Even if the NY Times did say that they're going to be released it could still be a crock of shit--they're just printing what they were told by some record company flunky. If that is indeed true, I bet Don and Walt will be involved with the mixing somehow. Although I'm pretty sure the SACD releases (if true) are not Don and Walt's idea, I'm sure they wouldn't let Universal just release the stuff on their own, giving them the green light to butcher a decade's worth of work.

Of course, there's the whole Aja masters issue, but that is another post for another time...

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 11:18:30 ET
Posted by: Mortimer,

Too bad the lofty NY Times couldn't spell Elliot Scheiner's last name correctly.

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 11:02:22 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Today's "Circuits" section of the "New York Times" features a cover story on DVD-Audio and SACD. Elliott Scheiner is interviewed discussing how DVD-A is ideally heard in car stereos. And I had that rush of excitement while simply reading that he is remastering surround-sound versions of Steely Dan:

"When I first heard surround sound, I said, the perfect environment is in the car," says Elliot Sheiner, a Grammy-winning mixing engineer who is currently at work on surround-sound versions of both the Steely Dan and REM catalogs. "You get DVD-Audio in the car, and people listen to surround sound for the first time, they will want it in their home."

But the other interesting detail is how, once again, an article says that Universal (which owns MCA and the rights to the 1970s Steely Dan catalog) will be releasing Steely Dan music on SACD. Because of the way it's worded, I'm not certain if MCA is releasing this on their own with or without SD's involvement, if Scheiner is going to dabble in SACD, although he is the No. 1 champion of DVD-A, if there will be several albums or just "Decade," or maybe, given how some of the masters to "Aja" are lost, SACD is the best possible surround sound solution for that particular album, or…

Here's a quote from the article:
"In May, Sony Music will be rolling out 15 classic Bob Dylan albums in hybrid format, remastered in stereo for both CD and SACD players. And by the end of the year, Universal Music Group will have released hybrid albums by the Police, Steely Dan, Johnny Cash and Peter Gabriel."

Overall, the article is a good read but it wusses out a bit and tries not say one format is better than the other. I thought it wimpy that the editor of HighFidelityReview.com, Stuart Robinson, said he believed that both formats were of equally quality:

"Both of them sound amazing," Mr. Robinson said. "Now what's important is the quality of music on the format, and not the format itself." High-resolution audio alone may not make much of a difference to the average consumer, however. "I'm not sure how many people are going to appreciate the differences between Dolby Digital and high-resolution DVD-Audio," he said, "but everybody can tell the difference between stereo and multichannel."

Hmmmm…

The whole article is at:
Amazon.co.uk

jim

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 10:24:03 ET
Posted by: Hank "Chinese music always sets me free" Silvers,

The Stones are still being told what to do with "Let's Spend the Night Together"? Mick had to sing "Let's some time together" when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show close to 40 years ago...

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 10:16:12 ET
Posted by: µ, I'm playing in Pittsburgh

Jesse: Dude, that was a Joke! "Supermarket" was a commerical, not spiritual, venture focused on 14-24 demographics featuring duets with folks the kidZ would know. It's not that bad, but... However, formulas like that don't stick for long. Note the reduced sales of the follow-up "Charmin"...err, I mean "Shaman"...

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 04:26:17 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Santana's record was "Supernatural", not that it matters.

I'm also hearing the "That's when she hopped the turnstile" lyric as kind of like a "Gaslighting Abbie" kind of tune. I have no idea about the "horseshoe crab" line.

As much respect as I lost for Elvis Costello, you've got to envy him just a little bit that he's currently boning Diana Krall!

Date: Thurs, March 13, 2003, 02:33:39 ET
Posted by: µ ,

Mark: The same wisdom that put Giant out of business. The kick that Santana's "Supermarket" received after its Grammys had those Arista stock optioners salivating...those were the days...

Jesse: Yes, I hear a Latin beat... 1 2 3 4 12345 4

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 23:59:05 ET
Posted by: Midnight Snack with Gina, in the kitchen

Isn't Elvis Costello an upcoming guest on "Piano Jazz?" I believe so and if he disses Steely Dan on that show, I hope Marion McPartlund beats the shit out of him. At least figuratively. WOW!, as Marion would say.

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 22:29:34 ET
Posted by: hmmm,

Went to elviscostello.com to see what Elvis exactly said about Steely Dan while dissing the Attractions' bass player, with whom he is still feauding. The EC Guestbook stated:

"Unfortunately, due to the uncontrolled offensive language and name calling of just a few people we've had to take this message board down. Sorry to all Elvis fans who were using this board as intended.

We hope to have a message board up with some revised rules shortly."

LOL!

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 20:24:32 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

"I move to dissolve to corporation in a pool of margaritas. Going out of business. Everything must go." Is anyone else singing this lyric to the tune of "The Goodbye Look"?

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 12:27:29 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag,

"A good Grammy winner brings new buyers into the stores in the otherwise slow post-holiday period. Two years ago, when 1970s band Steely Dan won best album honors, it "didn't do a lot for the business," said Robert Higgins, Trans World chairman and CEO, during a Feb. 28 conference call discussing the company's year-end results. But with Jones, who is still building an audience, the win is creating a bump in sales."

Higgins, you ignorant slut - If I recall, Giant Records really screwed that up because there was no product in the stores to meet the demand. Most bins were empty for a couple of weeks after the Grammys - so even if people wanted to buy 2vN they were out of luck.

Mark in Boston

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 12:08:53 ET
Posted by: Brown Sugar, Green Earrings

AP: The Chinese government has ordered the Rolling Stones to ax four of their best-known hits from their landmark mainland shows next month, a concert organizer said Wednesday.

The band, which is scheduled to perform in Shanghai April 1 and in Beijing April 4, will not be allowed to play "Brown Sugar," "Honky Tonk Women," "Beast of Burden," or "Let's Spend the Night Together," said Chen Jixin head of Beijing Time New Century Entertainment, a concert organizer behind the two China dates.

The four songs, all of which include sexual references, were originally cut from the mainland release of the band's "40 Licks" compilation album by China's culture ministry, Chen said. "Brown Sugar" refers to an interracial coupling.

If Steely Dan ever performed there, I'm sure the lyrics would all go over the Chinese Gov't's head.

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 11:17:53 ET
Posted by: µ ,

For those of you who don't know "Peace" (4 every 1) is a Horace Silver tune that was recorded by Norah Jones for the "Come Away With Me" seessions. It's a tremendous song and recording, just Norah and her piano and is my particular favorite (there are MP3s floating around). Norah played it on Piano Jazz for the Other Marianne, who did not know the song had lyrics - Norah confessed they had to dig them up.

I wouldn't be surprised to hear it on Jones' Next One. It's the closest thing to how she sounds Live in a small theater...

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 09:37:02 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, Still at work

I remember when 2VN was released. They made a big deal the NO singles would be released. Obviously this can help promote sales. Sometimes it's not all about the Benjamin's I guess.

I did download that Fleetwood Mac - more so to see how my new version of Winamp works and to check out the quality. Not a great song, but certainly a marketing bonus. It would be nice to see SD do something the same - a pre release. I'm not holding my breath.

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 09:25:55 ET
Posted by: paperbeui, got the news

Thanks for the heads up on spoofing, Andy. Reprise Records is a spoofin' right now. Explains everything.

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 09:20:05 ET
Posted by: pure pelvis , w/ eminem-style rap sheet

Daddy don't likin' that dude Costello no more
He can desecrate radio, piss out on the airwaves
more
Then he just needs to find his key
And sing that bridge he stole
For his Lisa Marie
Damn, I don't likin' that Elvis Junior
No more

There ain't no stopping that jiveass bozo
No more
He can't everyday write the book
Allison is now folklore
Missus Krall loves her cokehead bum
But she sleeps alone
'Cause her daddy can't come
And he don't repertoire in this era no more
No more

A croonin', cryin' fool at the RRHOF
Saving leftovers in a paper sack
He says I'll write a three-chord single
And I'll be right back

Daddy don't give a shit for Costello no more
No more
This uptight little shite
Passed out on his eighties laurels
Daddy can't give no flying fuck
I can see Hoops cringing
(Wherever you are)
Daddy don't really care for Costello no more

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 09:15:01 ET
Posted by: Andy, DC

Found an interesting article about the empty MP3s that popped up on the file sharing networks. The story mentions that up to 60% of the MP3s of the new Linkin Park single are decoys to deter piraters. Ditto with Madonna's new record.

The same users that had the bogus EMG files also had Madonna and Linkin Park files. The article says this is a tactic being used by "Linkin Park's label"--I don't know why they don't mention it by name (Warners, also home to SD and Madonna.) Apparently this is the wave of the future.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470464/20030310/linkin_park.jhtml?headlines=true

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 08:34:05 ET
Posted by: Earl, Delaware

Hmm, we've obviously got some really smart people working in the music biz.

Norah Jones wins Grammys = More Sales. Why??? Not cuz she won the Grammy, or even because her music is exceptionally good (which it for the most part is) but because of the way she looks. Her looks will sell albums. Not to mention that only recently (just before the Grams) did a lot of Top 40 stations start playing her music, so she's gotten more airplay on CHR and now people got the chance to see her at the Grammys. The overall result is a very marketable product.

Steely Dan on the other hand is not going to create a stir with their looks (sorry to any females that might find them remotely attractive; as the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder). I doubt people seeing Don and Walt would make them run out and buy their album, and their album got absolutely zero minutes of airplay on Top 40 where I am. So there is a great reason why their sales didn't get a boost.

Earl

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 08:13:13 ET
Posted by: Howard,

Philippe - Zappa has done so much, it's hard to choose a good starting point.

One thing worth trying - check out audio snippets from amazon.com (I've included a few links).

"Hot Rats" is one that I've heard many people say first got them into Zappa. It's mostly instrumental, good mix of rock/jazz/blues, some nice Zappa guitar solos. Worth checking out (see: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000009S3/qid=1047474647/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_2/002-2756767-1245626))

Another albums I love is "Make a Jazz Noise Here". It' a live album from the '88 tour when, by most accounts, Zappa had the best bunch of touring musicians ever. As with most of his live albums, you get a nice mix of material with some great soloing, plenty of fun and games, little stories - a great musical experience. see: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000009TK/qid=1047474729/sr=1-19/ref=sr_1_19/002-2756767-1245626?v=glance&s=music

"Joe's Garage" is another you might like. This has a lot of humour in it (plus some great music) and is basically a long story of this guy Joe ("... who use to cut the grass. He was such a nice boy...") who gradually gets into all kinds of trouble (girls, rock music, disease, heartbreak). see: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000009SY/qid=1047474647/sr=1-5/ref=sr_1_5/002-2756767-1245626?v=glance&s=music

Remember that zappa has many facets - from greasy doo-wop vocals, to heavy guitar solos over jazz chords in 13/8 time, to orchestral material, to modern-sounding synthesised/synclavier stuff (i.e not straight ahead tonal music), to regular rock songs with highly irregular lyrics. If you let us know what side interests you, you might get some more specific pointers.

Howard

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 07:18:34 ET
Posted by: paperbeui, dry and boring

So Steely Dan didn't do well for the business. It only went from Gold to Platinum status after all.
And it did not bring in the baggypants full of mommy's money into the store, as would have happened under a different scenario.
Shame, real shame...

But really, is Steely Dan going to be the next "AOL Artist Of the Month"? And wouldn't that be something? That whole "DF and WB of the Content Partners" bit comes to mind, ironically.
Are we going to be invited to use Paypal and forward our buck and a half to hear the first single in advance? Is this the business model now?
I figure the single is the one that Rolling Stone was served and thus, could actually quote an excerpt from.
Following this lead, the single would be the title track?

"I (here, Donald Fagen) move to dissolve the corporation (Steely Dan) in a pool of marguaritas (here's the signature drinks ref, often found in singles), going out of business (like now), everything must go (but not now, later)."

But of course, Fagen is merely playing a Ken Layish creature.

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 06:15:28 ET
Posted by: paperbeui, not my elvis

This, as per enchantment, brings up yet another edition of Steely Dan Hate Mail:

"A good Grammy winner brings new buyers into the stores in the otherwise slow post-holiday period. Two years ago, when 1970s band Steely Dan won best album honors, it "didn't do a lot for the business," said Robert Higgins, Trans World chairman and CEO, during a Feb. 28 conference call discussing the company's year-end results. But with Jones, who is still building an audience, the win is creating a bump in sales."

http://albany.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2003/03/10/story3.html

"There's a record I've been waiting for, but I never thought it could exist...until now. Here's the formula: Take Carole King and those cynical, mealymouthed technicians from Steely Dan, get them kinda slurry and queered up on medicated cough syrup (okay, nothing that reaches the gooey, nod-filled potency of the goodies Winona and Courtney got from Dr. Jules Lusman, but something simple that reminds rich kids of the projects and back surgery), sprinkle a smidge of Sade in the kiln, and take it to the studio."

http://www.citypages.com/databank/24/1162/article11117.asp

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 04:48:37 ET
Posted by: Let George Do It,

- Elvis Costello
- Dennis Miller
- George Carlin

What do they all have in common? All entertainers who I kinda liked until they made some stupid-ass comment about Steely Dan.

Piano Jazz was pretty good but I'm really jonesin' for EMG.

Ciao!

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 04:42:57 ET
Posted by: I know where I heard something like that before,

Hey Hey Now, you sound like Blaise. Now a lot of posts makes sense or actually not.

Date: Wed, March 12, 2003, 04:01:26 ET
Posted by: Hey Now!,

We're NOT going in on the musicians personal problems on this site.

Date: Tues, March 11, 2003, 17:41:57 ET
Posted by: ,

Elvis Costello is the guesthost of Letterman tomorrow (Wednesday) night. Becker and Fagen would make great hosts.

Date: Tues, March 11, 2003, 17:03:06 ET
Posted by: Dave,

For someone who had Elton John induct him, Elvis Costello makes some odd comments about Steely Dan. I can't imagine them being anything but planned by him.

One other quote he made was dead-on:

"Oh, you might as well just admit now that radio has nothing to do with music anymore -- it's in the advertising business. There's a real skill to programming in an intelligent way, but nobody does that anymore. It's all done by computer, by committee. Radio is absolutely the enemy of music. They are my sworn and mortal enemy, and I will have nothing to do with them."

Date: Tues, March 11, 2003, 16:47:43 ET
Posted by: J.B'er,

Seen in Poughkeepsie, NY Journal:

Front page of the Life section. I quote:

"When Costello was recruiting members for the Attractions -who, with the Clash represented the first punk inductions in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Monday night - he asked bass applicant Bruce Thomas what music he iked. When Thomas said Steely Dan, Costello turned him down on principle."

Date: Tues, March 11, 2003, 14:33:34 ET
Posted by: Jaco, UK

Steely Dan on a budget eh?

Wasn't 2vN the most expensive studio album to date - until Michael Jackson's "Invincible" ?

Regards


Jaco

Date: Tues, March 11, 2003, 13:31:33 ET
Posted by: hoops,

There's so much great stuff by Zappa, it's hard to choose. But I would say, "Have I Offended Someone?" is a great compilation of Zappa's most overtly funny stuff. Has worked for other Dan fans.

The Dead are a little harder since they are the anithesis of the Dan. That is their studio albums are OK but you don't get it unless you see them live. They are so opposite of Steely Dan that they are like a mirror image. I can't really say what album to listen to to understand what I mean by a Dead/Dan comparison. It's like the Dead and Dan come to the same point from completely opposite directions. They both do jazz but completely differently. They both have an affinity for perfection and technical craft but they come to that from a whole different direction. They both are counter culture but in different ways. They both pick up the Beat movement but from different directions.

Has to be experienced, methinks, to grok it.

jim

Date: Tues, March 11, 2003, 13:24:13 ET
Posted by: Philippe,

Hello there, lately I've read a few posts saying that there were some similarities between the Dan , Grateful dead and Frank Zappa.
I've never heard a note by those guys, (I mean the Dead and Zappa of course). Could you tell me by wich album I should start to have an idea of what they sound like ?
Thanks
Philippe
P.S: I've just read in Mojo magazine a line about a group called "The local rabbits", it said they sound like Steely Dan on a budget !

Date: Tues, March 11, 2003, 05:47:32 ET
Posted by: paperbeui, pay per steely?

"Fifteen Years Is Long Enough
Fleetwood Mac is officially back. They took a fifteen year vacation (wouldn't THAT be nice?), came back refreshed, relaxed, and ready to work. And work they have. Their new single, Peacekeeper, starts off exactly where they left off-at the top. Like the ideal boyfriend, it's smart, exciting, fun-and available now. Unlike that ideal boyfriend you can have it and hold it forever and ever starting right now, for just $1.49. Click here to order Peacekeeper as a Digital Single. And check them out on AOL to get your big Mac fix. They're the AOL artist of the month."

The price is right, everything must go.
A buck and a half for an ear.
Happy Hour is here.
Will Steely Dan be "AOL artist of the month" in May or June? Stay tuned.

Date: Mon, March 10, 2003, 12:54:46 ET
Posted by: Junkie Boy,

Chet Baker led a pretty pathetic life if you ask me

http://home.ica.net/~blooms/bakerbio.html

Date: Mon, March 10, 2003, 01:33:31 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

If you don't know about Chet's problems, consider yourself lucky. Man, that guy had problems. Here's just a few incidents. HUGE heroin addict throughout most of his adult life. Once spent six months in jail in Italy for drug posession. His pregnant girlfriend agreed to take some of the rap to reduce his sentence. When they both get out, he immediately dumps her for another woman. Once spent his band's entire paycheck on a Jaguar. Had his teeth knocked out by drug dealers to whom he owed money. Depending on what story you believe, he either accidentaly died, or commited suicide, by falling from a second storey hotel balcony. It was probably an accident, as he had a ton of speedball (heroin & morphine mix) in his blood. I'm sorry, as the next time you hear Chet sing a ballad, you won't like it as much, but just remember that most jazz heroes (Bird, Miles, Dexter Gordon, Bill Evans), had serious personal problems, and you should just try to distance them from the music.

Date: Sun, March 09, 2003, 22:39:53 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Peace:
I'm definitely NOT Sam the Bartender, although I think both of you mean well. There's really no absolute rules of black and white here such as "No religion" and "no politics;" but it is hoped that the primary focus be all things tangentially Steely Dan. It's pretty loose. The primary way things are "moderated" (not sure I like the term) is proactively discussing Dan or music when things run awry. Thanks for your kind words for the world today. As a personal preference, I think the Course in Miracles is a great spiritual teaching.

NPR's "Profiles In Jazz" with Nancy Wilson actually profiled Marian McPartland this week. It was great. Check out npr.org and see if you can't still catch it on the Internet.

Regarding this week's "Piano Jazz," the part I found curious was MP's comments on Chet Baker. I don't know much about him except his Paris CD and his name being dropped by Van Morrison on his "Back On Top" album. I also remember Chet Baker being on TV a lot in the 60s when I was little, him playing trumpet. So MP says something like, "despite his rep, Chet played or wrote this great song..." Did he have a lot of personal problems or was his music lacking some sort of integrity or am I misunderstanding something or... thanks in advance for your insights.

That's a great point about Carole King and the Brill demos. I have been listening to a lot of mid 70s through early 80s Stevie Wonder lately and I can't help but connect on a new level how Wonder and Fagen had a big connection on "The Nightfly." I feel a bit of Stevie Wonder there on that one. I know SW thinks it's a great album and of course there's that story where DF was supposed to have whispered in SW's ear at the Grammys about writing a song together. Well after my latest Wonder-binge, I think it would be great if they collaborated.

Maggi McCoy loved Blood, Sweat and Tears, early Chicago and Al Kooper.

IMHO, the Eagles—and mostly Don Henley—take themselves way too seriously.

This discussion of the likely titles on EMG is a lot of fun.

All for now...have a great week everyone.

jim

Date: Sun, March 09, 2003, 20:37:15 ET
Posted by: peace,

"Sam, The Bartender," I assume you must be Hoops McCann. I am sorry. I just thought it was such an important message that it was needed to break in. You don't have to believe in Jesus or be a Christian. Feel free to insert the higher power of your choice or none whatsoever. I was long dominated by those who felt that I should connect spiritually with what they saw, rather than my own direct connection. I understand how you might feel dis-ease at that. My sincere apologies.

I do wish to offer some thoughts more related to the music we know and love, that of Steely Dan. They are so funny and help me not to perceive the world so seriously which is paradoxically a seriously good thing! They are always pointing out faults without finger pointing at people.

I really liked the "Piano Jazz" special and enjoyed the transcripts that Hoops put in the last digest. They helped me to see the words said in a new way.

Yesterday, I decided to tune into "Piano Jazz" and liked what I heard. A woman was on with Marion and they were discussing Monk. They spoke of how varied his work could be. It was great and inspiring. It was inspiring because so many Jazz musicians connect with what they love. I aspire to that too. They aspire to quality. I do too. So does Steely Dan.

What I love about Steely Dan songs is that they express a great deal about what can go awry with relationships, and that it can be funny. Because really, everything in life seems so serious but it is really funny if you step back. Then there is the care they put into music as they play it.

I thought the "Piano Jazz" special was indeed special because Steely Dan got to homage and give thanks to all that was given them by those who inspired them. It was Steely Dan acknowledging those who had gone before them. Forgive me if this sounds too serious. I mean it's not as overt as some other specials or tributes. But then again, subtlety is what Steely Dan are so great at.

I will close for now. I don't mean to impose the way I view spirit on anyone else. Yet, I hope you will reflect with me so that we can look forward to happier joinings this summer, where we can share Steely Dan without all the fear that exists in the world today. Thank you for reading my post. Listening is so important.

Peace,

peace

Date: Sun, March 09, 2003, 19:06:29 ET
Posted by: Bartender, Behind the Peanuts

You're breaking the two major blue-book no-no's : NO religion and NO politics.

Take it to the yellow.

Sam the Bartender

Date: Sun, March 09, 2003, 18:46:31 ET
Posted by: Peace4Every1,

http://www.marianne.com

The United States appears to be heading for war. Let us turn the power of our consciousness in the direction of planetary healing, bearing witness with our mind's eye to a great light pouring onto the earth and dissolving the darkness of hatred and fear.

Please join with us every morning as you awaken, and every night before sleep, in closing your eyes, seeing the planet as from outer space, embracing it tenderly and placing it in the hands of God. Pray for Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein (In the book of Matthew, Jesus says we are to pray for our enemies and bless those who curse us), as well as George Bush. Ask God's Spirit to join the peoples of the world in love and peace, removing all the barriers that obstruct the natural flow of His love.

Pray for angels to surround this country and every country, as a mystical shield of protection and blessing. See angels around ever airport and airplane, every nuclear facility, the Golden Gate Bridge, etc. Say particular prayers for the blessing and protection of the community in which you live.

When it comes to world events today, what we need is a miracle. Let's pray for just that, knowing, in the words of A Course in Miracles, that "Miracles occur naturally as an expression of love." If each of us spend time in meditation every day, allowing love to flow from our hearts to all living things throughout the world, the energies of the planet will shift.

Please Pray:

Dear God,
Please bless this earth,
and the precious life that lives upon it.
Dismantle, dear God,
the anger in our hearts.
Miraculously reconnect us all,
that we might live as brothers,
for indeed we are.
Cast out all violence
from everyone,
everywhere.
Thank you, God.


Amen


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

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Since its inception in l998, the Global Renaissance Alliance (GRA) has been dedicated to a marriage of spiritual and political principle. We are devoted to the creation of a new political consciousness, based upon the non-violent principles articulated by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Fundamental change, in the words of Dr. King, involves a "qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives."

In the spirit of building more deeply non-violent social and political structures, we invite you join with us as we participate in a concerted, strategic grass-roots effort to support Congressman Dennis Kucinich's proposed legislation to establish a Cabinet-level Department of Peace within the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. Please visit our website at http://www.renaissancealliance.org to find out how you can get involved!

Date: Sun, March 09, 2003, 15:56:11 ET
Posted by: John, Dallas

To pick up on the Carole King-early SD sound-alikes: From time to time I am listening to older music and I hear echoes (harbingers?) of the demos. Most notably from The Band's "Music From Big Pink" (Ferdinand the Imposter and We Can Talk, esp.) and "Child is Father to the Man" by the Kooper-influenced Blood Sweat & Tears. Perhaps it's some sense of the ambiguousness of the times that link them? ("The time (of the song) is in the times," I heard Quincy Jones say once in a television interview.)

All best,
John

Date: Sat, March 08, 2003, 23:57:33 ET
Posted by: Married & Alone,

I was listening to Carole King circa 1970 and realized how much her playing sounds like those pre-Can't Buy A Thrill demos. Brill Building sound.

I'm married & alone.

Date: Sat, March 08, 2003, 16:26:24 ET
Posted by: Jesse, Toronto

Those producers should be ashamed of themselves. As an aspiring musician, who will one day, most likely, work in pit orchestras, I wish the absolute best of luck to the musicians' union. Apparently in Vegas right now, more and more musicians are out of work as producers play recorded back up music at live shows.

From Jesse

Date: Sat, March 08, 2003, 16:24:49 ET
Posted by: Johnny ,

i apologize for the rancor of my previous eagles post...i actually enjoy the music, i just think it's slightly disingenuous to market a "fan club" to a fan base that is primarily 40+ and paying quite heavily already to see their show. i mean, "fan club"...the beatles had those. from what i've heard, these "exclusives" usually end up being old news, particularly to the hardcore fans they're trying to solicit. if it's mp3/video they're offering, if it's worth having, it will already have been distributed through collector's circles. anyway, sorry to labor the point.

in a related topic, i'm interested to see if clear channel entertainment's idea of selling cdr copies of shows to concertgoers as they leave the venue will get off the ground. i can see some bands (steely dan immediately comes to mind) that would bristle at the idea of a "mix as we go" recording of every show on a tour being available on your way out the door. not to mention copyright/clearance issues...thoughts?

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 19:03:34 ET
Posted by: Johnny ,

the eagles tour...what a crock of shit. that fan club move is a shameless money grabber, following in the footsteps of the rolling stones. they unveiled a "fan club" prior to the sale of licks tour tickets. it was the same kind of deal, with a fee up front (i believe it was $60) for all of the same "perks". i heard loads of hard-done people complaining after that membership didn't live up to its promise to deliver "exclusive" seating, etc. there was quite a human cry, actually. sam goody was complicit in the whole thing. i can't speak for all of the "exclusive members only" downloads and things of that nature, but i'm guessing it was a crock.

in short, i'd steer clear of that deal. hopefully our guys will stay proudly independent of such schemes, when/if dates are announced. at the very least, they'll do it with some humor.

i certainly didn't intend to rile any eagles fans...i'm sure it wasn't _their_ idea.

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 16:08:59 ET
Posted by: norm,

Hi all. At http://www.aprilwinchell.com/multimedia can be found several Beatles covers ("because the originals were missing something"), including Cathy Berberian's rendition of I Want To Hold Your Hand.

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 15:27:31 ET
Posted by: Prof. Schneid, NYC

If they were working the shows, then they're taking a hiatus. Producers were trying to eliminate the required # of musicians at the various B'way houses. That idea would pave the way for canned music, or worse........

PS

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 12:48:57 ET
Posted by: On strike?,

The Broadway musicians union has declared a strike. Weren't Tom Barney and Ted Baker playing in the pit orchestras at shows? Does this mean they are on strike? Hope it goes well for them.

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 09:28:07 ET
Posted by: gottwhacker, stuck with this

That ASCAP lookup is a great idea. You get to see the extent of the catalog they draw royalties from as writers. Quite an impressive list of titles. And it includes all the samples rappers used over the years. Venturing deep in the 'hood. It makes for some odd couplings to say the least.

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 07:36:40 ET
Posted by: gutmorgen, joy of pixlen

No. Not from Norway. I'm but a netizen running with a Norwegian theme these days. But I'm glad it caught your attention.
Well, we know they have been to Oslo in '00 and I felt they could have gotten the inspiration to write something related to their experience over there, be it merely an aside or an underlying theme at work in the song.

The way you pronounce Pixelene is interesting. It changes the musical possibilities. It sounds like a contraction, much different from what we envision hearing. I say it's somewhat more kinky sounding.
"Pixlen"
This goes to show, of course, we really have no idea how it'll really go. There are countless possibilities.
We're just speculating, adding features to our little skeleton now and then. It'll be interesting to see how far off we were, when all is said and done, I think.

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 04:29:01 ET
Posted by: Mme Erzulie, a peaceful shore

Gutvacuum: Are you Norwegian? Cause it sure isn't easy to find fellow countrymen with such excellent taste in music. And by the way, PIXELENE is a determined plural form of the noun PIXEL

(PIXELENE (no) = THE PIXELS (eng))

Bearing this in mind, I think it unlikely that D&W are referring to this, they might not even be aware of these circumstances (gasp!).

For those with special interest, it could bear mentioning that the pronounciation of PIXELENE in Norwegian would be quite different from the English pronounciation. We (the Norwegians) would put emphasis on the first syllable, we would aspire the first P, we would swallow the first E and pronounce the other E's as in the English BEG, making the phonetic transcription something like this:

h
[p' icslene]

May the surf be easy on you all till we meet again

Mme Erzulie

Date: Fri, March 07, 2003, 01:39:43 ET
Posted by: steelydoubt,

dont trust em is by ice cube. it has a sample from green earrings on it.


im intrested in finding the songs thire bass did with sd samples on them. i think there are three.

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 15:40:58 ET
Posted by: Turn down the Eagles? Turn 'em up?,

EXCLUSIVE FAN CLUB PRESALE GOING ON NOW!

Yahoo! and the EAGLES have teamed up to bring you the Eagles Official Fan Club. By joining, you immediately get the first opportunity to purchase the best seats for the Eagles FAREWELL I Tour!

For a limited time only, these exclusive presale tickets will be available to EAGLES Official Fan Club members. Over the next few months, great new club features will be added, such as:

* Exclusive audio and video content

* Sweepstakes to win signed guitars

* Member-only downloads

* Exclusive community of Eagles fans

* How we bumped that superfluous guitar player from our last tour (Legal papers at site)

* Make Don and Glenn Rich!


Tickets will sell out so don't wait.

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 15:26:24 ET
Posted by: Turn up the Eagles,

Yahoo! is a sponsor of the Eagles tour so their official fan club is at Yahoo.

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 15:20:52 ET
Posted by: gwbushwhacker, shit edit

No, I'm alright. My mistake. Needed medication. Pay no mind. It comes and goes. I'm being cool. I'm flying low.
Peace. shhh
carry on...

But really if you go "Godwhacker blue", here's a googlewhack.

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 14:02:27 ET
Posted by: Andy, DC

Goldmember (is this godwhacker? these nicknames are confusing)--you are correct in assuming that I first found out about the song title MP3s floating around out there on the bluebook. I don't claim otherwise. If someone posts another rumor up on the bluebook that checks out, you can bet I'll put it up on my page. I'm not sure what you meant by the piranhas thing--am I the piranha? Are you the hand? Did I bite you?

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 11:53:17 ET
Posted by: googlewhacker, tested and true

Godwhacker is a googlewhack.

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 11:18:56 ET
Posted by: ,

Norah Jones CD has experienced a 331% increase in sales since the Grammys selling an additional 600,000+ copies.

Too bad there weren't enough copies of 2vN in stores to do the same when Steely Dan won.

Story:
http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/cst-ftr-norah06.html

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 10:47:11 ET
Posted by: gutvaccuum, by the way

Pixelene is also the Norwegian word for picture element:

Det er viktig å være klar over at de "punktene" - eller pixelene (fra, engelsk "picture element")..."

http://www.hf.uib.no/hfolk/edmmb/huminf/2000H/Skjerm.html

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 08:27:48 ET
Posted by: Earl, Delaware

Howard: Yeah, I just kinda got that impression that it was a chem or physics related term. I was unaware before the previous post about the term in relations to editing.

Earl

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 08:19:38 ET
Posted by: dawgwalker, dum de dum

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48739-2003Mar5.html

Steely Dan cameo in hip play Jump/Cut:

"Like Jimmy, Cliff and Alison in "Look Back in Anger", the classic John Osborne play that identified the disaffection in Britons coming of age in the 1950s, Paul, Dave and Karen are representative of a postmodern generation in America's urban centers. They're geek-hip, so fliply attuned to the culture that they can riff about anything. They live for irony, deftly shifting from commentary on the lyrics of Steely Dan to the whiny tendencies attributed to Jews."

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 08:00:56 ET
Posted by: Howard,

Earl - it's been a few years since I studied quantum mechanics, but I don't remember the term "zero-crossing" coming up in that context. Even if something has a zero-energy state, it wouldn't be able to cross that level, only reach it.

I think Hank was on the right lines when he said it relates to audio - i.e the point at which the ac audio signal crosses zero. If you're doing digital edits then selecting bits to cut/copy/paste based on zero-crossings is usually a good move (less chance of a nasty click), and I presume that's where Walter took the term from.

Howard

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 06:46:41 ET
Posted by: goldmember, you platinum mini me

I just hate to have to bring this up but...
I kinda got the feeling that my own ahem... investigative work had its importance in first digging up much of what now makes up your news and innuendo page, Andy.
So make it look good, yes, by all means.

Do Piranhas bite the hand that feeds? I kiknda got that feeling. Ouch

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 06:20:37 ET
Posted by: goofwhacker, EF Hutton's fish bowl

Ok, fine.
But I'd rather believe the man himself than you guys, no offense.
There will be a Fagen solo record this decade. There.
And allegedly, a Steely Dan record before 2005.
Break out the hats and hooters.

But that's prudent enough.
More prudent than some of you were, printing that May release date for EMG on your sites. Ha!
You guys should know better by now.

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 03:28:22 ET
Posted by: Clas , Stockholm

I've never heard the Grateful Dead, not what I know of. And I was surprised when I heard Garcia's guitar solo on Bruce Hornsby's "Cruise Control". Great solo.

Date: Thurs, March 06, 2003, 00:09:49 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, ASCAP

Hi Andy - Yes I know there are a few songs with samples that were credited by Coolio, All Saints, etc. However, the two titles I mentioned are the odd ones. "Don't Trust 'Em" has no other artist associated with the song. "Set in Motion" has Donald listed as the performer. I think the short animated film that was scored with Shanghai Confidential was actually called "Set In Motion".

Can't wait to see the new work you've done on your website!

Mark in Boston

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 23:58:17 ET
Posted by: Andy, DC

Watch This Space-- You're making a lot out of nothing. Donald mentioned a solo record exactly once in the last five years, and that wise idle speculation on a radio interview (KMTT, spring 2001). I got the distinct impression he was just thinking out loud--he certainly didn't say that it was anywhere close to certain. And the Asher thing--who knows what to make of that. We really have no idea what their relationship is other than a sentence printed in an old Variety.

Boston Rag-- About those ASCAP songs--the ones that look unfamiliar are almost all songs that use SD samples. If you click on the info you'll see that DF and WB are only a few of the songwriters. A lot of those rap tunes have 8 or 10 songwriters by the time they finish crediting samples, lyric writers and SOMETIMES even songwriters.

Married and lonely-- I thought the deal with Giant was that it was 50/50 ownership between Warners and Irving Azoff. Regardless, I'm curious what the deal is and has been with SD's record contracts. They've put out records on Reprise and Giant for the last 12 years. What's the deal jumping imprint to imprint or label to label?

Also--I wanted to let you guys know I've been doing a lot of work on my site. I think you guys will like what you see in 10 days or so.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 23:43:23 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, More ASCAP stuff

I was looking around on the ASCAP database tonight and learned a couple of new things. The full names of our heroes are Donald Jay Fagen and Walter Carl Becker. (They have songs registered under their complete names). I also noticed that Donald and Walter have a song registered call "Don't Trust 'Em" that nobody has recorded. I've never heard of it. Anybody have any info on it?
Donald has a tune called "Set In Motion" registered, which I think is actually "Shanghai Confidential". So far no EMG tunes are copyrighted on ASCAP.

Mark in Boston

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 23:38:05 ET
Posted by: Earl, Delaware

Let's see a link to the information regarding Fagen's purported solo release. Could it have been confused with the DVD-A release of "The Nightfly"?

So let's start hearing the rumors of a R&SR reunion tour...Maybe DF should sit in with Jimmy Vivino and the Conan O'Brian Show Band or something. Then we could start talking about him becoming musical director of the Tonight Show or kick Shaffer's sorry rear off of Letterman.

Rumors are fine...but I think there are a number of piranhas looking for any bit of meat that floats down the Rio de Steely Dan. Hey...here's a good one. I hear Walter Becker is going to participate in "Yo, I'm an Almost-Forgotten 70's Musician! Throw Me Overboard!" It's set in the Barents Sea, and the participants (KC, Daryl Dragon, Ann Wilson, Todd Rundgren, Debbie Harry, Walter Becker, Leif Garrett, Janis Ian, Linda Ronstadt, and Christine McVie) have to fend off Norwegian whale ships, Russian nuclear submarines, Swedish meatballs laces with Exlax, and a case of Linda Ronstadt's clap that she received from J.D. Souther back in 1975.

Anyway, hurry up 6/10/03.

Earl

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 21:58:30 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Donald & Martha

The other night at Rue B's was not the first time Donald was hanging with Martha Wainwright. I think Donald's wife Libby is good friends with Kate McGarrigle (Martha's mom).

Here's a link from an ASCAP event last year with a picture of Donald, Libby, Kate and Martha.


http://www.ascap.com/playback/2002/march/action2.html

Mark in Boston

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 20:25:42 ET
Posted by: Watch This Space , Say It Ain't So, Donald!

Now let me get it straight...Donald Fagen supposedly has a solo release in the works...he's being represented as a solo act by Peter Asher...and the name of the forthcoming Steely Dan CD is "Everything Must Go."

Sounds like The End, beautiful friend. The End.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 19:40:07 ET
Posted by: h,

There's a story in the NY Times today about Jimmy Herring, the new guitarist for The Dead, who is filling Jerry's shoes. I guess this is for those of us who get the Dead/Dan dichotomy. For those of you who don't—I understand, etc.

Maybe the Dead-to-Dan conversion could go like this:

THE DEAD:
Jimmy Herring

TRANSITION:
Vita Herring with creme sauce and onion

STEELY DAN
Jon Herington

Excerpt:
"I learned when I was real young that I didn't have the moves or the looks to be a pop star," Mr. Herring said. "So I got drawn into instrumental music and jazz. I was into pyrotechnical music: Charlie Parker, John McLaughlin and guys who played with that kind of wizardry. I always knew the Dead had something that was great, but I never really knew what they were about."

Garcia was more like him than he knew: a jazz enthusiast who was not born to be a pop star either. Mr. Herring was never a Deadhead, and his musical training was rooted in 1980's guitar-school pedagogy. (He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Guitar Institute of Technology in Los Angeles.) His introduction to Garcia's style has been almost academic, a careful processing of information.

"Jimmy has incredible attention to detail," said his friend Derek Trucks, the bandleader and a former guitarist with the Allman Brothers Band.

His fears were quelled at the audition, which convinced him that the band was about the music, not nostalgia. "With the Dead's stuff, the same thing can be played so many different ways," he said. "It was built into its design that you could do the same song in three-four, or in seven, or fast or slow, or as a waltz."

The rest of the story is at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/05/arts/music/05HERR.html

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 19:32:36 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Catching up.

Joey:
The latest Danfests will be posted at http://dandom.com/danfests In the mean time you can check out the list of mail lists and sign up for those that are in your area. Let me know if you need assistance.

As was suggested by someone, I think a solo effort from Donald would take a while. I think it's a ways off.

I happened to have missed the press release about Sanctuary and Peter Asher. Good find. Peter Asher was in "FM" if I'm not mistaken. At least Linda Ronstadt thanks him along with QSKY-FM, the ficticious radio station in the movie. Not that this would have anything to do with this more recent news.

Add "Greene Street" to your list of "green." Does the extra "e" disqualify it?

Oleander;
Thanks for the heads up on the PJ requests. I've already written (before it even aired actually). I think it's a ways off though.

Isn't funny how many casual/oldies fans of Steely Dan lump them in with Eagles and Fleetwood Mac? Must be because they all had their most popular albums out circa 1977.

Thanks for the heads up on Donald at Rue B. I would have missed that.

Will write more laters.

jim

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 18:45:20 ET
Posted by: Married & Lonely,

Regarding Andy's question, NY Rock and Soul Revue, 11 Tracks of Whack, Alive In America and Two Against Nature were all recorded for Giant, not Warner Brothers. Warner Brothers technically was just distributors in the U.S.A. Those albums were distributed by BMG elsewhere. Then Warner Brothers bought Giant two years ago. So what I am really saying is that it is even more confusing.

Any ideas if there will be another Warner Brothers Words and Music CD for Everything Must Go? Do they still make Words and Music CDs for other releases?

Saw a review where they referred to Norah Jones as Snorah Jones.

I'm married and lonely.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 18:00:18 ET
Posted by: Joey,

I have been hearing rumblings of a " Steely Dan Summer Tour " and I was just wondering if anyone could please provide me with some more information regarding possible " DanFests " all over the country ( World ??? ) this year ??????????

Saw the band at " Fiddler's Green " in Denver , CO three years ago and it was just spectacular .....................

Here's a hoping and a praying .

Joey !

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 17:49:03 ET
Posted by: george & ira goshwhacked,

yeah, and in 1983 he was working on kamakiriad.

curious that peter asher represents "donald fagen of steely dan" rather than simply "steely dan." they've always been represented by the same guy in the past, haven't they? maybe g'whacked is on to something. or we (geo and ira) are paranoid.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 17:34:46 ET
Posted by: goodiewhacked, for consistency in poor taste has a name

Still, he said he was workin' on it back then, in 2001. I heard it on the radio, I swear.
I got it from a good source, the man himself.
It sounded like him.

Yes the release date was pushed back, even in Norway.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 17:15:22 ET
Posted by: Joey,

Was the Release Date of the LP REALLY pushed back ?

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 16:11:26 ET
Posted by: Andy, DC

Re: Donald and Sanctuary Records: DF isn't signed to Sanctuary as a recording artist. Sanctuary also does management and according to what I've been able to dig up, he's got some kind of management deal with them. No record deal. If DF or WB released a solo record I would assume it would have to be with Warners.

BTW, does anyone know how many records Donald and Walter have left on their deal with Warners? Is this the same basic deal the signed after Aja...by my count Donald has released 5 records on Warners (Nightfly, NYR&SR, Kamakiriad, AIA, 2vN) and WB 3 (11TOW, AIA, 2vN). I'm not sure what the original deal with Warners was--how many records they had to deliver, etc. Anyone have any info?

Here's a link to the Variety article that GreatWhiter (what refined humor) mentioned...http://www.andymetzger.com/media/archive/020212variety.htm

Also, here's a little blurb I was able to google up:

Brit music indie Sanctuary Group named Peter Asherco-president artist management U.S. Industry vet Asher will be based in Sanctuary's L.A. office, and brings to the company Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, as wellas new acts Summer and Dani Mendez.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 14:59:26 ET
Posted by: weedwhacker, green earrings, green flowers, green acres of my good intentions

Mr Silvers - Interesting. And many Greens have written books too. They're Green Books.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 14:08:24 ET
Posted by: GreatWhiter , fire in the hole

Just wondering: "expressed the possibility"?
He says he was "working on" a solo record back in February '01, Grammy day.
It also has been established that he was under contract with Sanctuary Records as a solo artist. Do a Steely Dan query on the Variety site for confirmation.
But "all lined up", yes, that sounds a bit strong. That may be me wishful thinking.
Oh well...
Fagen in '04!
Late '04.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 14:06:32 ET
Posted by: Earl, Delaware

Hank: I always thought that "zero crossing" referred to a quantum physical term. Electrons that relax from excited states cross the zero point. I think it can also refer to the relaxation of magnetic states of electrons as well.

Earl

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 11:35:03 ET
Posted by: Just Wondering,

GW says, "Given (DF) has his own solo effort all lined up..."

I saw where Fagen expressed the possibility of a solo album in the past but when did he say he had one "all lined up"?

Just wondering.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 10:54:19 ET
Posted by: Hank Silvers, Living those SD Hesitation Blues

The term "green book" sounded familiar, so I Googled it and found this:

"CD-I (Green Book):

Released in 1986 to extend the definition of the Yellow Book. The architecture defined in the Green Book helped to improve the synchronization of data retrieval and audio information and established the Compact Disc Interactive format. For example, with the introduction of CD-I, sounds could be better synchronized with graphics than in the standards provided in Mode 2 Yellow Book."


http://www.padus.com/support/manuals/350/html/07_Advanced_concepts/03_CD_formats.htm


Not that this will have anything to do with the song -- Walter has used audio jargon before in a lyric ("zero crossing" in Book of Liars).

http://www.sagantech.biz/metro/help/Met00458.htm

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 10:23:39 ET
Posted by: Horseshoe Crab,

Peg: Reelin' in the Years and Don;'t Take Me Alive?


Goosewhacker: She's hot?

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 08:32:13 ET
Posted by: ,

Show Dem Kids
Oh yeah...

They got the House in their mire
With the thug inside
They got the boost they need
More than money can buy
They got the lunch with gina
They got the Steely Dan teasers
And this, the coup de grace
It's outrageous oh honey let me tell ya

while The Gore people sleepin
just a shade after nine
while the Gore people sleepin'
all the stars come out at night...

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 08:00:15 ET
Posted by: gorewhacked , i want my emg

To think the Gore clan most likely has an advance copy of EMG lying about the home... with a homemade Tipper sticker on it and everything. Says "Warning Al: lyrics contain mature themes, may not be suitable for the girls".

And all WE have is a piece of liner notes to chew on, if we're lucky.

Damn these political privileges of the elite.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 07:15:25 ET
Posted by: godwhacked, my karenna

In this case, it's a good thing the Steely files are useless. When I respect the artist, I want him/her/them to thrive and get as much as possible out of it.
Buy Steely Dan.
You can always give away the bullshit.
Make it a political thing. Serve them big fat Eminem files.

And that's Al Gore's daughter, Donald is hanging with, by the way.
Make of that what you will, Mu.

Date: Wed, March 05, 2003, 06:13:57 ET
Posted by: gawdwhacker, ruminating... hmm

Given that Scheiner describes the process of turning to analog as mostly a decision he made with Walter...
Given that Donald was sighted about town in rock and soul clothing...
Given that he hinted that everything had to go, as in everything...
Given he has his own solo effort all lined up...
Given that Roger Nichols is awful quiet about the process on his usual tribunes, this time around...
Given that Gina is quite the common name... huh... irrelevant. Strike that.
Given all that, one is likely left with the impression of a certain level of disagreement among the ranks of the interested in question, if one is easily swayed by paranoia.

Webdrone, I'm confident, will set this record straight... soon.

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 23:18:07 ET
Posted by: oleander, in my pianojamas

WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN: You can e Ms. McPartland at pj@scetv.org and urge her to release the Dan show on official cd.

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 22:47:55 ET
Posted by: Rob, Spokane

Didn't know about Fleetwood Mac coming out with a new one. That will be odd without Christine McVie. I wonder why she declined the dance. Paul Simon and The Eagles are coming out with one too. In fact, I saw on Access Hollywood that The Eagles are starting their "Farewell Tour" in May. Maybe it will be like all the farewell tours from The Who. I guess these acts will split next year's Grammy vote with EMG.

That's great that Donald is playing these little gigs again. Shows he's warming up. How long as it been since Donald played with Phoebe? Is this a precursor to a return of the Rock and Soul Revue???

Peg and Amy, thanks for the news items. I would have missed them. I didn't know about Larry Carlton's solo getting the Rolling Stone vote either. I wonder what issue that is in.

I'm not familiar with Fountains of Wayne. What are they known for?

Have a great evening. See yas.

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 20:25:32 ET
Posted by: Horseshoe Crab,

a goodwhacking: Another Tusk? Maybe they can use the River City Boys Band this time.

9 tracks - hmmmm.... look for another extended one like West of Hollywood or Aja?

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 19:51:59 ET
Posted by: Peg, in music theory hell, but that's another story

Larry Carlton is interviewed in the latest issue of Performing Songwriter. He does not talk about any SD songs but does reminisce on playing on Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark."...As for being a session player he says the key is to "Think like an arranger, play like an arranger." It's a short interview but it's neat.

The notes with the article say that "Rolling Stone voted his solo on 'Kid Charlemagne' one of the three best in rock history." Maybe all you other folks already knew that fact, but it was news to me. Wonder what the other two are?

Here's hoping the Dan does not roll back the release date any farther. Personally, with that being the 10th and Harry Potter being the 21st, plus Bonaroo being the 13th-15th, I think I better just take off the whole month of June. Right?

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 15:47:27 ET
Posted by: duncan,

I knew i'de heard the crashing drums before
Piano jazz, Josie
Do it again live record plant 74

well i think so

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 15:43:43 ET
Posted by: ,

http://www.pagesix.com/pagesix/31525.htm

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 13:43:38 ET
Posted by: Amy Danto, NYC

This from today's (3/4/03)PAGESIX in the New York Post, the Sightings column.

"KARENNA Gore at all-star jam session at Rue B in the East Village with Steely Dan's Donald Fagan on piano, and Phoebe Snow, Martha (sister of Rufus) Wainwright and Amy (daughter of Levon)) Helm singing along."

And I missed it!!!

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 08:02:17 ET
Posted by: goodwanker, everybody finds out

Well yeah... nine tracks, it looks like, given that they're repeated in the list in different filename wordings. That's the current state of affairs. Who knows why the release date delay?
And according to this same Reprise playlist, which still shows up now and then btw, the next studio album from Fleetwood Mac, for example, has eighteen tracks. Case in point: Bleed to love her, come, destiny rules, everybody finds out,goodbye baby, illume, miranda, murrow turning over in his grave, peacekeeper, red rover, running through the garden, say goodbye, say you will, silver girl, smile at you, steal your heart away, thrown down and what's the world coming to? Indeed.
That's 9 for Stevie, 8 for Lindsay and 1 for the other one there.

Date: Tues, March 04, 2003, 06:23:00 ET
Posted by: Mme Erzulie, West of Hollywood

Thanks, Andy.

Great site. I'm listening to Piano Jazz right now, it's working perfectly (Josie, too, by the way).

Sorry to hear about the postponed release.

Does anyone know for sure that the nine track titles we know now are the complete track list?

My take on some of the titles:

"Pixelene" - this could very well turn out to be a song about child pornography, I think.

"Green book" - Don't know why, but I'm getting a bitter, vindictive, pretty pathetic character trying to threaten everyone around him with his "green book".

"Slang of Ages" - I'm thinking a sad love song. Yeah, go ahead, laugh it up, waeva. But i think "Slang of Ages" is a metaphor for something, I don't think it refers solely to lingustic slang.

Musically, I'm hoping for a bit more edge and punch than in 2VN.

That's all, folks.

Peace
Mme Erzulie

Date: Mon, March 03, 2003, 23:45:41 ET
Posted by: Rob, Spokane, WA

First time posting here. Great site Hoops! Hope it continues like the Digest.

Will there be a Dannys award show for 2002? If so, I would like to nominate some of the best concert venues.

The piano on the Piano Jazz performance is strictly acoustic. Strictly my humble opinion. We should all write in to get it released.

See yas everyone.

Date: Mon, March 03, 2003, 22:41:36 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Life is Good!

Just found out the release date for the new Fountains of Wayne CD "Welcome Interstate Managers" is June 3. Then of course, 7 days later for the new SD. Woo Hoo! My #2 and #1 bands all within a week.
It don't get much better than that!

Mark in Boston

Date: Mon, March 03, 2003, 15:12:20 ET
Posted by: Paige, Santa Barbara

Andy...I really love your web site. Well done. I have it bookmarked as (yet) another SD site to visit.

-Paige

Date: Mon, March 03, 2003, 13:08:17 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Many thanks to Andy for providing a way to get this great PJ show to Danfans.

Boston Rag and I do have some complementary copies of PJ made up to disc for those of you who can't burn CDs. Just email me privately. These are not for sale/trade but simply just for the giving, provided you don't have a CD burner. Please try and and download first or I will go broke on postage. I hoped you will respond back here with your comments on the show. It's an awesome show.

jim

Date: Mon, March 03, 2003, 12:00:45 ET
Posted by: Dave,

Happy 03/03/03 everyone.

Nice work on the Piano Jazz sounds, Andy.

I downloaded a few. Are these the same ones that were offered by Bobo on the alt board last week? I also have Tape worm's artwork for the 17-track Piano Jazz package. Email me if you want it.

So many Gibson references, so little time to check them all out.

Got Hesitation Blues on right now.

Have a great time, KD. Wish I could come. I'll be doing some hash that night since it's Hash Wednesday.

Dave

Date: Mon, March 03, 2003, 11:30:55 ET
Posted by: DJ, Chicago

Yo Kelly, I am going to try and make this gig. I used to be a Martyr's regular back in the early days of DSO, speaking of cover bands. Should be a good time and hope to see ya.

later,
DJ

Date: Mon, March 03, 2003, 04:31:08 ET
Posted by: Kelly Dwyer, Chi

Hello one and all ...

Sorry I haven't been much to talk to over the last few months, something about too much fun co-habituating with broken computer(s).

I was online, at a friend's house, the night the 'EMG' news came out. One glorious hour, between the second the ODP was updated and the time the newsletter was sent out. Something like 3-4am, CST, I can't remember. Girls wearing too much denim and oppressive wristbands, eating brunch off a mirror, and I think the Talking Heads were somehow involved in there. Somehow. Something like that. Either way, May 6th (nine days before my 23rd b-day), June 10th, I'm giddy either way.

The real purpose of coming on here was to give a heads-up to all the Chi-area Dan freaks. Martyr's, a solid club on Lincoln, is having a bit of a Steely Fest this Wednesday.

Tributosaurus, a group made up of rotating local guys, come together once a month to play a night's worth of one band's cover material. This month, Steely Dan rings true. I've never seen the group, but my roommates vouch for certain members of the crew, and their other bands. Either way, I'm chuffed, and I'm there.

Martyr's is fun. Tasteful and airy for those of whom who can afford a hundred-buck night out -- and skeevy and tasty enough for cats like me who shudder when they order a 3-buck Schlitz. Here's some info:

http://www.metromix.com/top/1,1419,M-Metromix-Home-!PlaceDetail-19298,00.html

3855 N. Lincoln Ave (essentially, Lincoln and Damen), plenty of cabs, solid bus and El lines surrounding it, all that good news.

I've heard things about a three-dollar cover, or a five-dollar cover, it shouldn't matter. I'm broke, but I'd still be willing to lay down double figures on this group. And I've had some really nasty experiences with cover bands, and I haven't enjoyed what I've heard from other SD cover bands. These guys are younger, hipper, and they don't mind laying it down.

I'm there. My two roommates and hopefully another guest will be there, and hopefully a friend of ours named Turbo will be behind the bar. The drinks are cheap and the sound is solid. I go to this place once a month for their "Rockabilly Night," every four Thursdays. Good times. I've also seen Hot Tuna there twice. Plenty of seats, great sound, and plenty of room to boogie.

I was hoping to continue in Jim's glorious tradition by offering some SD discs as incentive for coming out, but Andy's beat me to the punch. I can say I am ready to burn a fair amount of Piano Jazz discs for whoever comes out.

The versions I have were recorded right off a high-powered antenna into a top-notch DAT player. Then broken up through his computer, divided into 24 tracks, and burned onto an expensive master disc. I'm in possession of said disc and am willing to burn as many as necessary, just shoot me an email at the above address (minus a few upper-case letters), come to the show, and it'll be yrs.

I'll be the cat with the pompadour, skinny tie, and grey sportcoat.

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 19:33:39 ET
Posted by: oleander, whacked out

Angel--Beats me. I don't even subscribe to the thing anymore. They just keep sending it to me. It's almost worth wading through the dreck to see the rare Dan tidbit.

My vote for Gibson ref on EMG: "Pixelene," because it does indeed sound like a virtual construct a la Rei Toei, the "Idoru." "Idoru" was the Gibson novel of '96 which also featured the band Lo/Rez, which seems modeled on the Dan.

Andy, you the man. I AM certain that when PJ makes the official cd available, everyone in Dandom will buy it as well.

And 'whacker, here's to you for that first pickup.

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 18:28:46 ET
Posted by: Alan,

Whoa!

The Piano Jazz recordings are incredible. It IS like have a new Steely Dan album. The tracks are great enough, but how about all that subtle humor? The funniest to me was when they start talking about that 19th century poet. And the Donald says she also wrote dirty poems. But then the bit about the rhythm section was hilarious.

Too bad about the wait for an extra month. Still, the wait is fun too since there are many good interviews.

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 15:19:47 ET
Posted by: Dave Boyer, N.B, Canada

Thanks for the Piano Jazz show Andy! Sounds great!

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 14:53:26 ET
Posted by: Keith, Owings Mills, MD

Andy...that is so great of you to the Marian McPartland tracks up there. Everyone needs to hear these. I was able to get all the tracks from another source, courtesy of our friend Bob at the alt group. The sound is in the 300+ kbps range, near CD quality and has all of Josie. Andy, feel free to email me if you need it. I can't host them like you can.

Thanks for the great forum, Hoops. Let's keep the faith!

Speaking of which Limbo Jazz is a great hymm for us religious.

Zappa and Green Earrings-RIGHT ON, BROTHAHS and SISTAHS!

Keith

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 14:00:39 ET
Posted by: Denton, Dav., IA

Yes, thanks Andy for all the old pre-Dan mp3's!
I was hooked on this tape I found in a bargain bin called "Becker & Fagan: founders of SD"
and I love hearing all those ancient demos!

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 13:25:30 ET
Posted by: jk,

a very entertaining show. watch the video

http://www.channel4.com/news/2003/special_reports/iraq_hard_place.html

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 09:15:44 ET
Posted by: Jaco, UK

Mr Metzger:

Many, many thanks for the mp3s. I've greatly enjoyed them. Chain Lightning sounds especially fantastic. However, Josie is only about 7 seconds long and finishes as they start to play. Just letting you know!


Kind regards



Jaco

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 07:11:44 ET
Posted by: godwhacker, friends and forwarders

Andy, my man. You got balls the size of your district.
I owe you one. Now I get to keep Hesitation Blues.

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 03:57:40 ET
Posted by: Minor Dude, scratching his horseshoe crabs

Lisa, strangely enough I was listening to GE just as I read your post.

I've mentioned in the past (on afsd) that I've always felt Green Earrings to be very Zappatistic, and indeed Fez and to a degree, even other RS tracks, as well (if to a lesser degree).

So I completely agree but would point out the intro and breaks are just as Zappastic as anything else in the song.

Date: Sun, March 02, 2003, 00:44:22 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag,

Andy - You're amazing! You even took the time to split the file up into 17 segments. Thanks and keep up the great work on your web site!

Mark in Boston

Date: Sat, March 01, 2003, 22:56:02 ET
Posted by: One of the Danfans,