July, August, & September 2016 Posts

Date: Fri, September 30, 2016, 00:19:17 ET
Posted by: Abu, In Chicago with Don & Bob

I guess I'm on a Don B kick of late. Besides the 'House of Monkeys', Don is also a member of a (mostly) Chicago tribute band called Brass Transit. I was just listening to some of their stuff on the Tube. I discovered that Bob McAlpine is their lead guitarist (very good, btw). Bob came out with an entire album of SD covers in 2009 called Only A Fool Would Play That. Don, of course, plays keys and sings backup vocals. However, I caught him singing a little lead on Wake Up Sunshine, a great tune from Chicago II, followed by Make Me Smile, which has a nice Bob McAlpine solo (see the link below). These guys have a great horn trio going on, and both of these tunes showcase them well. Now that Don resides on the Left coast, perhaps these guys will make a tour stop out here in my neck of the woods.

Date: Thurs, September 29, 2016, 20:32:56 ET
Posted by: Rosemarie, UK

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Date: Thurs, September 29, 2016, 19:40:26 ET
Posted by: Abu, A Single Thought

I think Don Breithaupt needs a break. What I mean is, he needs to have a single that gets heard on the radio. But everything has changed so much now. There are more so-called music genres now then when SD first hit the radio late in 1972. I believe it was Gary Katz that had the connections to launch SD's career, their debut famous tune first heard on AM radio. Back in the day, singles were released as 45-RPM records, which the new generation doesn't even know about, much less ever seen or heard one played on a record player, or stereo. They used to cost 50 cents back when I started buying them in early '72. I remember buying five 45's at the same time: Heart of Gold by Neil Young, Roundabout by Yes, Everything I Own by Bread, Joy by Apollo 100, and Precious & Few by Climax (the name sake of Don & Jeff's first 70's book). But now, how does a single get put on the radio? I would think there still has to be some kind of connection that could make it happen. It could be that the people involved don't necessarily want that, perhaps. I would think that more airplay on what has replaced "AM radio" today would be a good thing. More airplay = more exposure = more sales (or downloads). I'm just sayin'.

Date: Thurs, September 29, 2016, 10:50:06 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, 135 E 46th St, NYC

For those here who still remember what "books" are, the two that Abu mentions are well worth reading and both "Precious and Few" (early '70s) and "Night Moves" (late '70s) are available at really fair prices from a number of sellers on AbeBooks.com.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=20309548337&searchurl=sts%3Dt%26sortby%3D17%26an%3Ddon%2BBreithaupt

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=19887384611&searchurl=sts%3Dt%26sortby%3D17%26an%3Ddon%2BBreithaupt

Or Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Precious-Few-Pop-Music-Early/dp/031214704X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1475160081&sr=1-4&keywords=don+breithaupt

https://www.amazon.com/Night-Moves-Pop-Music-Late-ebook/dp/0312198213/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1475160081&sr=1-3&keywords=don+breithaupt

Good stuff, and a nice break from staring at a computer screen or a tiny mobile phone.

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 22:20:00 ET
Posted by: Abu, 1971-79 Street

I have just completed Don Breithaupt's two 70's books about the music of that time frame, the first from 71-75, the second from 76-79. The books were co-written by Don's brother Jeff. They are well-written and informative. I grew up with the music of the 70's (I was born in '59) so I could relate to much of it. It brings back quite a few memories. I learned some interesting stuff about some of the artists and songs. Of course, Steely Dan is discussed, especially in the second book, where there is six-page chapter all about the dynamic duo. "Becker and Fagen brought an engaging, detached swagger to rock and roll, injecting the then floundering genre with fresh harmonic information (including the infamous "µ Major" chord), unprecedented studio smarts, and a precocious, format-straddling bravado. Their seamy, vaguely apocalyptic lyrical scenarios probed the dustiest corners of the American consciousness, exuding a cynicism appropriate to an era in which a disgraced ex-president could command $600,000 plus 10 percent of the profits for a television special (David Frost's "Interviews with Nixon")", to quote from the book. Well-chosen words that describe quite nicely the group we all have grown to love. Interesting also is the next statement in the book: "That Becker and Fagen have not spawned as many imitators as their contemporaries is a testament to the complexity of their pristine be-bob pop; it's music that requires real technical facility to reproduce." It seems to me that one half of the author(s) has taken the reins himself, to a degree, of course. Monkey House falls into that similar category, IMHO. Back when Monkey House was formed, Don B said "Everyone said I sounded like Steely Dan then. I thought, well, if Becker and Fagen are not doing anything right now — they were on hiatus — then I’ll do it" (http://somethingelsereviews.com/2016/06/12/don-briethaupt-monkey-house-interview).......Well, WB and DF are once again not doing anything right now, so Mr. B is doing it again, and quite well, I might add.

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 18:45:35 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Thank you for making my point even better than I did - which probably isn't hard to do. The idea that someone couldn't enjoy hearing Only A Fool Would Say That because he was jonesing for Reelin' In The Years is even more absurd. In fact, I would guess that most serious SD fans would enjoy hearing Fool more than Reelin'. Casual fans wouldn't know what order the songs are in on the album anyway, so it would be hard to mess with their mojo by playing them in order. So everybody wins on album nights.

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 14:26:19 ET
Posted by: Right, Z

Fool/Reelin' would be the equivalent.

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 14:16:54 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Good point. Sign in Stranger is certainly no Born to Run in the USA.

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 12:45:44 ET
Posted by: wrong, X

That's not the analogy at all. Sign in Stranger is not the climax (if there's one at all) of an SD show.

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 10:05:24 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Kyle, Chris Richards main point seems to be that playing albums removes the element of anticipation and spontaneity from the concert experience. SD doesn't play album nights for the entire tour. They play plenty of other songs besides those on the featured album, after the album is complete. At least with SD, you know in advance that it's an album night, so you don't get it sprung on you. Using his Springsteen analogy, he would say that you couldn't enjoy Don't Take Me Alive because you can't wait for Sign in Stranger. That's absurd. I suppose that he would also want the movements mixed up a little if he went to a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 08:30:36 ET
Posted by: NYB, Romulan Bird of Prey

I kind of agree with Stephen Hawking's evaluation of the search or advanced alien lifeforms... What happened when the Conquistadors discovered South America?



This song kind of reminds me of Walter.

Lotus: "Sunrain" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAc-B5eDKmI



This song kind of reminds me of Donald with his melodica.

Lotus: "Bubonic Tonic" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx4Pbl7_w9M

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 08:22:04 ET
Posted by: Kyle, SW

This is the problem with album shows.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/12/AR2009111211648.html

Date: Wed, September 28, 2016, 00:04:40 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Agree with you Dean,
while Aja might not be a bigger draw with many songs being part of the routine shows,
Royal Scam night was a sold out show (8500) in Berkeley at the Greek in 09.
Hadn't seen that many people at a SD show since perhaps '96 if ever.
More than half of the songs I had never experienced live after 20+ shows.
Would love to attend Gaucho night just for GP, Gaucho, or TWM or Countdown and am still on the fence as we are also moving around that time.

Date: Tues, September 27, 2016, 22:49:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Again, the "Craigslist guy", is a buddy of mine. He called me earlier today, but didn't leave a message. And I've been too tied up to give him a buzz back (with enough time for a civil conversation). Now I wonder if it was to tell me an hilarious story about dudes answering his ad.

I want to get his go-ahead before I share more about his quest for someone to go with him to the show. Now that I've been alerted to this change in his ad, I will definately try to contact him tomorrow. I'm already laughing in anticipation on what is sure to be an outrageous story.

Moving on, I don't think album nights have done ANYTHING to reduce demand for SD concerts. The very idea of it seems preposterous to me. They are price exactly the same as any other night. So, if the song selection is the same, a Vernon suggests, how would they deter people from seeing multiple shows? First of all, the vast majority of concert goers don't go to multiple shows. Then, when you consider most Dan concerts have the same setlist (with possibly one or two songs changed from night-to-night) why would someone be MORE inclined to go to generic multiple shows? At least if you go to an album night, you are GUARANTEED to hear some songs you didn't hear the night before---and in exact album order (with the original arrangements, for those who are concerned about that).

I will give Vernon some credit for using a user name and not being anonymous. BTW, just curious, is the sound at the Beacon mixed differently from night-to-night? I hadn't heard that.

Date: Tues, September 27, 2016, 21:27:03 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Terribly weak left leg on account of my club foot

KD - Sure, the music of the band "Queen" may be lame - as you subtly suggest - and, yes, I do in fact hail from the great state of Florida, as you presume. Although, you know what they say about "presuming", don't you KD?

"Every time you presume, you make a 'pres' out of 'u' and 'me'. That IS how it goes, right?

All seriousness aside, I actually don't know anyone in Florida - or elsewhere, for that matter - who will, in 2016, publicly admit to voluntarily, willingly listening to and enjoying even one "Queen" song. I'm not saying there aren't any such people out there. I just said I haven't met them yet. And it's pretty clear that those individuals, whom I cannot stress enough I haven't met, are the ones that caused the Craigslist guy to edit/clarify his ad to emphasize that he wasn't at all interested in dating other guys.

Not that there's, y'know, anything wrong with that, especially if one is a diehard "Queen" fan.

Date: Tues, September 27, 2016, 18:47:44 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

SD: The two chords at 2:06-2:07 maybe the best ever in recorded music. There's a hint in Jon Herington's commentary.

Doc Mu - can you elaborate? I assume that you're talking about the Book of Liars link in suedave's post, and I hear the two chords at that point - which are then repeated. The music theory will probably go over my head, but I'll try.

Danke.

Date: Tues, September 27, 2016, 18:15:40 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

After that lame "Queen" joke, I'm assuming Gino F is from Florida.

Date: Tues, September 27, 2016, 18:11:03 ET
Posted by: Vernon, CT

Forget themed shows. Just get a reputation for mixing up the set from night to night if you want to do a 10 night stand.

Date: Tues, September 27, 2016, 17:11:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Vernon: 21st Century Dan/solo/hits/whatever


Let's mix it up, amirite?

Date: Tues, September 27, 2016, 16:38:43 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Craigslist Update

Looks like the SD Free Show/Date Night guy from Craigslist had to edit his ad due to too much love coming at him from all the wrong places.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/stp/5795127029.html

Who knew there were so many "Queen" fans who also wouldn't mind seeing Steely Dan for free in NYC, as long as the guy paying the freight is cute enough?

From the "Careful What You Ask For" Department...

Date: Mon, September 26, 2016, 10:51:09 ET
Posted by: Vernon, CT

Aja/Gaucho/Royal Scam night was anticlimactic when it was introduced in 2009 since their sets drew so heavily from them anyway. At this point I think they are more of a deterrent than a way of getting people to see multiple shows.

Date: Sun, September 25, 2016, 19:53:44 ET
Posted by: box office, nyc

Beacon ticket alert. Sales for some shows are "soft". Look for discounted seats for some shows (don[t know which, sorry.). Pass it on to all sd fans - Let's fill those seats and get them asked back next year!!

Date: Sat, September 24, 2016, 00:15:02 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

@The Dean; That night should be great! Hoping to meet many 'Bbookers!
Can only encourage those considering, to follow through and go. Missed
too many folks last time. Gonna be a blast!
Peace

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 23:29:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

SD: The two chords at 2:06-2:07 maybe the best ever in recorded music. There's a hint in Jon Herington's commentary.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 23:26:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

suedave: Erskine and Bernhardt are gifted listeners. That's where a great conversation starts.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 23:00:34 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

I'll assume KD was making a sly reference to Walter's "controversial" comment at a recent Florida show. And, let's face it, Florida has more than it's bizarre stories. Anyone read News of the Weird?

No time for details, right now. Been a long day of driving. But you should know the crazy motherfucker in the Craigslist ad is a buddy of mine, and yes, he is very amusing in person. Bright guy. Bigger than life in just about all respects, including personality. Real piece of work. But a great, and generous soul. Can be a bit tough to handle when he's had too much to drink (as many people are). If you happen to run into me at a pre/post concert on that Friday night in NYC, you are likely to meet him. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I'd never do something like that, but so what? He told me he did it, but I never saw the listing until it was posted here. I laughed my ass off. Thanks for the link, Chris.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 22:41:28 ET
Posted by: Uh, No

Gino,

You missed his point.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 22:28:02 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Under a Palm Tree

Chris, NH - Nothing wrong with posting that Craigslist thing here. I thought it was pretty funny. Personally, I would never submit myself to this kind of promotion, but to each his own. The guy sounds like he might be a real laugh in person. I said, "might".

KD - Are you Floridaphobic? Or is that kind of flippant comment just your default setting? What if the advertiser had been from another region of the country you might happen to look down on, say "The Ozarks", or "Arkansas" or "New Jersey" or whatever other location you've condescendingly decided to disparage? Or are you just pretending to be a dick, for entertainment/self-amusement purposes?

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 17:29:51 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

@chrisnh, totally Dangential. And yes, funny. At least he picked CTE.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 16:42:21 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Detective, if you're alluding to a Almost Gothic, I prefer the Aimee Semple McPherson theory. If not, in the words of Emily Litella, never mind.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 16:03:49 ET
Posted by: O. Magellan,

Detective -

Was she also a cokehead?

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 15:32:54 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh

Mitch, I thought it was funny.

Craigslist is public, it's not like I went looking for dirt. Google sent it to my inbox.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 14:12:54 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

The guy in the Craigslist ad didn't really need to point out that he lives in Florida.

We just assumed as much.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 12:57:11 ET
Posted by: Mitch, TX

That was douche to post.

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 12:21:05 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh

Just got this in a google alert ... http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/stp/5795127029.html

Date: Fri, September 23, 2016, 10:47:55 ET
Posted by: Detective, R

Libby Titus has been described as having sloe eyes with an alabaster complexion (skin like milk)

https://books.google.com/books?id=xz_ZCwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA244&dq=libby%20titus&pg=PA244#v=onepage&q&f=false

And the ex husband she left for Gramercy Park does in fact live in Tampa.

Date: Thurs, September 22, 2016, 15:50:04 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Happy Autumnal Equinox to all! Fall is here!
So psyched for Beacon Nights!!

Date: Thurs, September 22, 2016, 14:21:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Nice find, BK's Son. Interesting. I'm wondering if he did that as a nod to "original" member Dias? (Or at least in the spirit of Denny being there.) I was actually at that show, and didn't notice (or at least recall) the change in solos. I think I was too focused on what Denny might contribute.

I also wondered what Donald thought. But clearly this was an usual situation, and perhaps he got the pass from Donald as it was the last show of the tour.

Date: Thurs, September 22, 2016, 12:37:03 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Dean:
Not exactly rough duty watching videos of Kid C! Except for wading past a bunch of people showing their guitar chops bygetting their Larry Carlton on.

Finally found one of them. I know there are others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyfoIMgP-Nc

Enjoy!!

Date: Thurs, September 22, 2016, 12:18:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Bookkeeper's Son,

At least the search will be fun. I hope you find it, actually. Any chance it is a video of just Jon demonstrating the solo, and not a live performance by Steely Dan?

Date: Thurs, September 22, 2016, 10:20:50 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

I love what Jon Herington brings to Steely Dan. He is one of the primary reasons I see them at least once on every tour. Have posted before here about how I enjoy what he does with these legendary guitar solos. Have read as many interviews given by Jon as I can find and am familiar with what Dean copied into his post. That being said I believe those interviews predate his note for note recreation. Heck, maybe I dreamed it...but I certainly don't think so. My search for the smoking guitar video continues.

Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 19:48:55 ET
Posted by: Gino F., The Dean gets it, too

QUOTE: "Jon gets it."

You bet he does. As talented and amazing and interesting as the various SD guitarists of the New Testament period have been - and they have been - Jon Herington is far & away the one I want to see and hear with the band live. There's a reason he's still there. He makes it look almost effortless, but he's connected to the music every night and it shows.

I'm already starting to feel a bit of late October in the air.

Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 18:43:58 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Bookeeper's Son, I can only take your word for it. I've seen Jon play Kid C on numerous occasions, and heard countless others, but never heard him play a note-for-note copy of the Carlton solo. That doesn't mean it didn't happen, though.

Here's a quote from Jon on how he handles the iconic stuff from the SD Albums:

“Donald and Walter have a reputation for being very fussy when it comes to recording in the studio,” replies Herington, on the phone from his home in New York. “It may therefore surprise people that they don’t give me any directions and almost never comment on what I play. This offers me amazing freedom. My starting point is what’s on the record. I love the recorded music, and I’ll take something from that and then run with it. It may be the sound of the guitar or a signature line that was improvised in the studio but has become so well known that it has become a hook in the music. These lines have become part of the arrangement and it would be wrong not to play them.

“I strike a balance between honouring the original stuff and finding room for me to take it somewhere else. In cases where I do not trust myself to improvise at the same level as the recorded music, I prepare a solo at home. But I often find during the course of a tour that my approach will change and the solo needs no scripting, and in the end I’ll just go for it. In other cases, with solos that I decided not to script, I find things on the job that are really effective and I do them again the next night. So some solos that were completely open-ended at the beginning of a tour might have some kind of predetermined shape by the end. For me, it’s all about finding out what the songs need. I do my best to make the big picture feel right, and not to get lost in guitar world.

“Donald and Walter are big jazz fans and they want you to improvise. They don’t want to just recreate the studio recordings; they want their live band to add something compelling and fresh to each live performance. Improvising is a wonderful thing and if I didn’t do it I would feel like I’d really be missing out on something. But at other times, it’s best for the music to simply play your part as best as you can. In that case, the skill is to be able to play as compelling as possible so that it sounds as if you’re improvising, or like it’s the first time you’re playing the part, or perhaps the last time you’ll ever play it! It’s the big challenge in live performance and it’s made easier in Steely Dan, because we’re talking about a really precise rhythmic machine and real attention to detail in terms of timing, tension, feel, groove and what makes the music beautiful to play into. The music can sound deceptively simple, but there’s usually a curve coming at you [laughs]. And it’s such a great hybrid! If you’re not familiar with jazz, you’re not going to be able to negotiate these harmonies, so you have to have jazz training and jazz sensibility. Yet at the same time, I’m almost always using rock and blues guitar sounds.”

http://steelydanreader.com/2009/03/01/becker-herington-playing-guitar-for-steely-dan/

Jon gets it.

Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 14:50:39 ET
Posted by: Randy, Texas

Libby Titus discussing the early days. "Bleecker Street" and "Gramercy Park" figure into it.

http://tinyurl.com/zma22sp

Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 11:38:28 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Jon Herington has on occasion played the Larry Carlton Kid C solo verbatim from the original recording. At one time there was a Youtube video of Kid C with Herington playing the original solo. Unfortunately I could not find the video in a quick search of Youtube before making this post. I will post it if I locate it.

Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 11:38:27 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Jon Herington has on occasion played the Larry Carlton Kid C solo verbatim from the original recording. At one time there was a Youtube video of Kid C with Herington playing the original solo. Unfortunately I could not find the video in a quick search of Youtube before making this post. I will post it if I locate it.

Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 02:02:15 ET
Posted by: Steve,

I don't hear no dirge in there. Actually, I think it's kind of funny.

Last Tango? Makes me think of butter. Is that gentle?

Reminds me. What's the difference between erotic and kinky? Erotic is when you use a feather and kinky is when you use a whole chicken, maybe with a stick of butter.

Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 01:26:35 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

A post on the weekend mentioned the term "dirge". Which made me think, is there anyone else (besides me) who would like to see the Untouchables outro swapped out?
Talk about a dirge. So harsh, almost like "shows over, hit the road", whereas Last Tango was more gentle, kind of like a lullaby. Just wonderin', not that it matters.

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 20:57:56 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, My ears just perked up!

Did somebody just say, "Springsteen"?

I distinctly heard the word "Springsteen". I'm pretty sure I did.

Here's hoping I was mistaken. I mean, look what happened the last time somebody thought that was OK. Nicholas Urfe dubbed it, post facto, the "Springsteen Dustup" in an accurate, enjoyable post that is sadly now missing in action. That was then, however, and this is now. Personally, me, I would never use the word "Springsteen" in a post here, for the same reason nobody should be permitted to use the short phrase, "Pearl Jam" here. It's just common decency to keep such unpleasantries to oneself...

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 19:41:55 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Belzoni, I think you are missing the point. It doesn't matter how you feel about Springsteen or Steely Dan. The point is, they are very different artists, with very different sensibilities and priorities.

Obviously Don and Walt know they could record their concerts and likely make an easy profit by selling the recording to the public. And on the off chance they don't know that, certainly Azoff knows it. So why don't they do it?

While none of us can be sure, I think it's fairly clear the live recordings don't pass Don's and/or Walt's standards. Period. Don overdubbed a bunch of stuff from AiA, and it wasn't released for over a year after the last live show was performed. And, to me anyway, it doesn't sound great--it's OK. But would you use it to test a new stereo system? And this is after Don got to play with it. Clearly he wasn't going to release it with minimal mixing. What makes you think his standards would change for a little extra cash?

I think an economic explanation here is completely off base. This is an ARTISTIC decision. (Again, IMO, based on what I know of SD.)

I'm also sure Walt and Don know there are bootlegs of their concerts out there. For those who want to hear the concerts, there are ways of getting them. Don and Walt don't profit from them, don't endorse them officially, but they are out there. There's no need for them to lower their standards to get the music to the fans.

From a totally personal point of view, I have heard a lot of these quickly released live recordings. I think they are, mostly, subpar. The sound quality is nothing like a well produced studio album. And certainly not something you would test speakers, or headphones, etc, with. For some of these bands, that's no big deal, because their studio albums aren't all that well produced, either. But I like to think I can do that with any "official" SD album---and is one reason AiA is my least favorite of them all.

Don't get me wrong, live albums have their place. And sometimes I will choose to listen to a live version of a performance for a change of pace, to listen to a particular solo, arrangement, etc. But only in an extremely few instances to I find live recordings to be the equal of (or superior to) a well produced/mixed/performed studio album.

A live concert is an enveloping experience, involving many senses, and can't be replicated by a simple recording---no matter how good the recording. Sure, you can listen to a concert you attended and think back to when you experienced it---that's nice. But it ain't the same as being at the concert. And I can tell you, I've attended concerts that sounded GREAT---then listened to the recordings of those very concerts and been a bit disappointed.

So that's me. We all have different views of stuff like this. Perhaps Don's is more like mine, and he doesn't want to put an official stamp, or profit, from a recording he isn't 100% proud of. We know he says he can't listen to some of the stuff he released in the past. I wonder if'd even release Katy Lied (after the recording problems) today. Remember, this is the guy that didn't end up re-recording The Second Arrangement, because he was so heart broken by the failed experience. Certainly it would have made financial sense to just re-record it, since it was a favorite of his, right?

So, my point is, instead of thinking like a fan, or a marketer, try putting yourself in the SD mindset and imagine why they might not want to go the route of releasing lightly produced live recordings.

And I think I should get a bit of credit for not freaking out over the mention of Pearl Jam on a Steely Dan forum. Pearl Jam? Seriously?

Sorry for the rant. I need another shot. (Not proof read, sorry.)

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 17:42:14 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Let me recommend that you visit nugs.net, the download site where you'll find over 10,000 live concert recordings from a few hundred different bands and performers ranging from the obscure (at least to me) to the well-known (Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Gov't Mule).

This isn't a situation of "Springsteen is famous and rich, so it makes sense only for him." Lots of big and small acts seem to have made this model work for them. True, none have exactly the same outlook, fan base, audiophile standards or idiosyncrasies as D&W, but it's hardly a bad, far-fetched or unrealistic way of profitably sharing music with fans.

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 16:33:27 ET
Posted by: Opt, A

Springsteen is one of the biggest concert draws of all time. Maybe he's rich enough that he just wants to give somebody a job to take care of releasing these live shows digitally and he does so at a loss. Who knows his motivation for doing it? I agree with The Dean. What makes sense for him has nothing to do with the price of tea in China as far as SD is concerned.

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 15:59:20 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

I'm surely not looking to debate Springsteen in these pages again. I merely wanted to show that reviewing, mixing and then quickly releasing a high-quality live performance can be done on a large scale these days, and quite well.

Putting aside the merits of Springsteen's songs and performances thereof (about which we clearly differ), I've bought downloads of his shows within 2-3 weeks that offer great sound quality.

And Donald's perfectionism aside, SD's shows are pretty flawless to begin with, at least to my ears. And I believe that audiences are a bit more tolerant of imperfections in live performances, as they communicate a stronger sense of the authentic live experience.

SD could thus put a few great live performances in the hands of its eager fans, and provide D&W with an income stream likely larger than any other (short of a concert tour) - especially when the band is off the road. Pick a representative performance from a few of the tours since '93 (we'd be happy to suggest several), and let us purchase downloads.

If D&W think that having such recordings to listen to would make us any less eager to turn out for their live performances, then they're missing the fact that lots of us have them already. D&W: enjoy the revenue, let us enjoy the music. Where's the downside?

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 15:49:17 ET
Posted by: Stevie Dan, Philly

This isn't really Dan related, but some of you might be interested in knowing.
There's a new, very cool exhibit about legendary concert
producer Bill Graham in Philly at the Museum of American Jewish History thru January.

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 11:11:05 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Belzoni, not to turn this into a Springsteen discussion again---But how is Bruce's "operation" relevant to Steely Dan?

If you are simply saying the technology exists to quickly produce a recording of a live show, then fine. Jefferson Starship (or whatever they called themselves back then) made CDs of the show you JUST ATTENDED available for purchase at the end of the performance, way back in 2002. (Sounded like crap, BTW. Didn't see the show, so can't say if it was an accurate recording of the performance.)

But why use Springsteen to make your point? Do you honestly think Walt or Don spend any amount of time thinking about what Springsteen does? Obviously the live recordings Bruce releases sound "good enough" to his ears, or he wouldn't release them, right? (Another argument might be, he doesn't care how they sound, as long as they make a profit. For the record, I'm not saying that--well, not necessarily.) But if you think Donald would allow any recording of Steely Dan to be released without his obsessing over it for some time, well---you might be thinking about the wrong Donald.

Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 02:04:36 ET
Posted by: suedave, sublimeville

Doc Mu is also 100% correct about this:

The interaction between Erskine and Bernhardt on Book of Liars is sublime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg7SiroBKJI

Thanks for the reminder

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 23:38:19 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Agreed that Waldenius should have followed Donald's instructions.

But I also agree with Waldenius that Carlton's Kid C solo is exceptional and such an essential part of the song that it should be included whenever the song is played (as is also true of the "Reelin" solo, whether on guitar or saxes). And as much as I've enjoyed their guitar work, I've never heard Krantz, Zing, Herrington or anyone else do a comparably effective solo in that spot.

Not sure who is "clamoring" for any music these days, given how fragmented the music market has become. But a full, live SD show would surely have its share of happy buyers, so the downside is hard to figure.

I hate to mention him again here, but Springsteen's operation offers live downloads of shows within about 2 weeks, and sells an impressive number for each show. Is there really so much cost to simply have someone mix the tapes and send it over to nugs.net? I don't think the SD shows I've seen in recent years require much post-production work. They could pick a single representative show from each tour, perhaps including some of the rarely played songs. This would give SD fans new performances to enjoy, and put Jacksons in D&W's coffers. What's the problem?

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 18:02:55 ET
Posted by: The Dean , Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

I'm with you,CF. I'd welcome ANY new release, with open arms. And I'm not sure how anyone "clamoring" for a new live album is relevant.

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 16:12:40 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

I'd like a new album, studio or live. With the current band and these shows in NYC, sure seems like they could get enough material to put one together that did not require as much studio effort as AIA did.

I wouldn't call it "clamoring," but I'd buy it, certainly.

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 14:57:59 ET
Posted by: My, $.02

There hasn't been another live album because after AIA it was been there, done that. Who's clamoring for one?

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 13:17:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Chris, excellent question. But one I doubt anyone here is likely qualified to answer. I suspect it might be because, no matter how much work they do on the post production/overdubs, the live recordings never come up to Fagen's perfectionist standards.

IMO, the best approach for a SD live album (and one that might come close to satisfying Don and Walt) is the "live in studio" approach. Yes, "Plush TV" is one example (and a pretty good one, I think---minus the horrible camera work). But I think doing another with the current band, and recording an entire show, with a bit larger of an audience, would make for a more "live" (but still tight) experience. After all, the band in 2000 had limited time together. This band would absolutely smoke, IMO.

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 13:00:57 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Anonymous poster,

I disagree. Jon plays the INTRO straight from the Carlton original. After that he plays a solo that is nowhere near a note-for-note recreation, but rather is his own, played in the spirit of the original. Herington has addressed this in interviews. Here's an example from a recent show, in case your memory needs refreshing:

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

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 12:55:47 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Do the learned folks here think that THE reason there has not been an SD live album since AIA is that it was such a pain in the ass to call people back in to do solos, or re-do parts to the high standards of DF and WB, that they just don't want to deal with the hassle again?

Especially given that album sales just don't generate the dough they used to?

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 12:45:51 ET
Posted by: ,

>Oh, and I think it's pretty clear why Wadenius did't stick for too long with The Dan. Seriously, Don asks you specifically to not play a note-for-note recreation of another guitarists solo, and you basically say "fuck off" and do it anyway. "But the crowd LOVED it!" Don's opinion is far more important than the audiences'---on several levels.

I guess, but it's possible he realized he was wrong. Herington plays the solos even more straight than Wadenius did. I think that's generally the right way to go.

The original solos are a part of the songs at this point.

Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 11:18:50 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

That's good enough for me, Chris. Thanks for the link.

And I agree some of the underground recordings sound truer to the live performance, than AiA. A bit of sprucing up in the studio (not studio overdubs but some mixing work and the like) and I could see a couple of those being used to produce a killer live record of those early 90's concerts.

Oh, and I think it's pretty clear why Wadenius did't stick for too long with The Dan. Seriously, Don asks you specifically to not play a note-for-note recreation of another guitarists solo, and you basically say "fuck off" and do it anyway. "But the crowd LOVED it!" Don's opinion is far more important than the audiences'---on several levels.

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 22:04:07 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

sorry for the triple post - here's the Wadenius interview:

"Donald would ask me repeatedly not to play Larry Carlton's solo on 'Kid Charlemagne', but I defied him every night and got standing ovations from the audiences for it. I just couldn't imagine myself being in the audience and see some guy up there playing another solo on that song. I would have been disappointed. Later on he had me come in and play a new solo on it for the live record."

http://www.writingaffairs.com/mizar5/gw.html

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 22:01:31 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

and I agree, I like AiA as a document of the 93 and 94 bands + new arrangements of songs, but it's fairly lifeless. There are certain bootlegs I come back to a hell of a lot more than AiA when I want to hear live Steely Dan.

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 21:56:09 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Dean - for the Aja analysis, the source is my ears and a bootleg of the Irvine show. The Wadenius solo starts off the same but is patched about 1/3 of the through the first bit. The Becker solo, 2nd Wadenius solo and Potter solo are either all or mostly re-done. The Chambers drum solo is the same. I didn't study the other parts too closely as any changes are going to be much more subtle than solos, but some lead vocals were definitely re-done.

For the Kid C bit, there's an interview with Wadenius out there somewhere where he talks about it.

I don't know the exact method of how the parts were replaced but it seems to me that if Wadenius came in to re-do his Kid C solo they probably had him re-do some other things as well. So, I do think Fagen and Becker had band members in the studio to re-record some stuff.

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 19:34:36 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Agreeable

QUOTE: "Either way, Alive in America is the only SD album I don't absolutely love."

Agreed. 100%.

So much of the live stuff from that period bristles with intensity and immediacy. AIA absolutely does not. I can't remember the last time I deliberately listened to it. It's not that it's "bad"...it just sounds dead to me.

More currently, Steely Dan live is an electrifying experience, always excellent (but even better on the best night), and the upcoming Beacon shows promise to be an outstanding musical experience every night. But especially Friday the 28th.

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 19:22:38 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach. Big Sunday Bash!

Bill Potter, I notice a definite Dylan influence, but an "intentional nod"? Perhaps, but how can we know?

Chris, I'm all ears. Where does your info come from? I know Chambers claims all his stuff is live---but much of the other stuff is overdubbed (or something along those lines), but I'm a bit suspicious about that claim. And are you saying Don used studio overdubs for the live stuff, or just mixed various live takes? I'd be far more inclined to believe the later. Either way, Alive in America is the only SD album I don't absolutely love.

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 16:46:24 ET
Posted by: Kurt , Ooo

A review of Katy Lied compared DFs vocals to pre motorcycle wreck Dylan.

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 14:23:54 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

The Georg Wadenius solo on Kid C is an overdub. He played the original Larry Calrton solo live, against Fagen's specific instructions.

The only song I've A/B'd is Aja and every solo besides Chambers' is either extensively or completely replaced. Some of Fagen's vocals were definitely touched up. Bass and drums sounds more or less untouched, hard to tell with keys, BG vox and rhythm guitar parts but they sound about the same.

So Fagen is stretching the truth when he says it's "essentially the real thing." But they were replacing existing parts with new parts played by the same musicians, not adding additional parts to fill out the sound. That would feel sneaky, to me.

Date: Sun, September 18, 2016, 12:41:32 ET
Posted by: Bill Potter,

Does anyone else notice the nod to Dylan in DF's singing in Rose Darling"?

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

Date: Sat, September 17, 2016, 15:59:09 ET
Posted by: DocMu,

There are some '93 boots that are the real thing out there (allegedly)

Date: Sat, September 17, 2016, 15:42:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The bones of AIA are of course live.

The interaction between Erskine and Bernhardt on Book of Liars is sublime.

2:53

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg7SiroBKJI


Can't fake that.


All saxophones, ladies and gentlemen for Reelin. I kinda dig Third World Man as a dirge. Erskine rules again.

Date: Sat, September 17, 2016, 15:33:34 ET
Posted by: Chad, TX

Oh yeah, Fagen gives an interview on the day of a live album's release and is asked about overdubs. What else would you expect him to say?

Date: Sat, September 17, 2016, 14:57:22 ET
Posted by: Milt, space

Fagen said here that for all intents, AIA is the real thing.

http://steelydanreader.com/1995/10/17/interview-with-becker-and-fagen-on-prodigy/

Date: Sat, September 17, 2016, 13:42:52 ET
Posted by: Barney Beacon, NJ

KD- It was well known at the time of the release that D&W took the live recordings for AIA into the studio and did some (studio) re-dubs. They weren't trying to hide it from anybody.

Date: Sat, September 17, 2016, 12:04:39 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Those who are more familiar with the unofficial records of the shows on Alive in America than me have been pointing this out for years on this board and the last one -- and not in a "ha ha, gotcha!" sort of way, either. That there are obvious differences between the "8/13/94, Detroit" (or whatever) bootlegs and the performances included on the CD.

The recording/release of the album straddles an odd time in boomer rock live album history, one that would lend itself to some digital add-ins that weren't as obvious as on, say, KISS Alive or this weird Ventures "live" album I have that has canned noise apparently taken from Herlihy-narrated baseball highlights from the 1950s.

(The worst/best is "Blues Deluxe" off of Jeff Beck's 'Truth.' Nicky Hopkins gets polite canned applause after a killer solo, while Beck gets rapturous applause for merely STARTING his (just as killer) solo.)

The "Donald Fagen would do something like that"-idea also has merits, too. Especially considering both he and Walter had their own damn personal studios back then.

Either way, great album. Going to listen to it today.

Date: Sat, September 17, 2016, 00:28:44 ET
Posted by: Updraught, Philly Area

Doc Mu is 100% correct, this has been confirmed in various written articles over the past 20 years, just need to run a search.

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 20:00:47 ET
Posted by: Abu, Confirmation?

Alive in America was certainly recorded live, without a doubt. Is there some confirmation of the overdubbing at the level mentioned in the previous post? Or is just knowing the way DF is, and that there is a good possibility this was actually the case?

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 18:33:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Plush is the only live multimedia production.


Fagen overdubbed the hell out of Alive. Ergo the zombies. It's undead.

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 09:47:10 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Santa Monica has been definitely set on fire!

A live version of Bodhisattva was officially released (twice) in addition to the two full-blown releases "Alive in America and the "Plush" DVD. Sure, its only one song, but this one makes up for its lack of volume with a bucketload of sheer brilliance. Not the recording quality...the drunken introduction!

Anyone who's new to the whole SD live thing really needs to check out Jerome Aniton's classic rambling bit at the beginning of the song. I wish we had more from this show.

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 09:41:08 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Harold:

No. The October dates are considered the third leg of the Dan Who Knew Too Much tour. They are also playing October shows in western New York State (maybe they will fly home, maybe they will overnight, whatever). Just saying since you seem to be picky.

Best to you,

Jim

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 09:04:20 ET
Posted by: ,

There's a new novel by Carl Hussein called Razor Girl. Gotta be a Dan reference, right?

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 06:45:39 ET
Posted by: Harold, N. Am.

Bob, this tour ended in Pittsburgh. I'm pretty sure it shut down after that and they have not been staying in hotels since July 17 awaiting the October dates.

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 01:59:18 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

Alive in America and the Plush dvd are the only official live releases, correct? damn shame.

Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 01:22:50 ET
Posted by: Abu, Alive in the US of A

KidCharlemagne .. there is a live Steely Dan CD called Alive in America that is live recordings made during 1993/4. Not sure why it was not mentioned yet here.

Date: Thurs, September 15, 2016, 19:49:44 ET
Posted by: Bob, New Haven

Looking forward to next month's shows. I like that they end the tour on their home turf.

Date: Thurs, September 15, 2016, 10:36:39 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest went out last night. It covers August 1 - September 14, 2016. The previous edition covered July & August 2016.

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

- 9/14: Michael Leonhart Show Streams
- 9/14 & 9/28: Michael Leonhart Shows
- OUT NOW! Catherine Russell, Harlem On My Mind
- Catherine Russell Tour Dates, News, More
- REDUX: DL Media and Jazz Village on Catherine Russell's New One
- REDUX: From New Catherine Russell Album - Swing! Brother, Swing!
- Breithaupt on Fagen
- Welcome To Monkey House
- A View of Oh Whitney
- Irving Azoff vs Stub Hub
- Shorter + Hancock + Miller + Santana X 2 = Mega Nova
- RIP, Rudy Van Gelder

If you are a subscriber, you should already have received it. If you don't see it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. Heck, if you want, email me privately that you did get it. WIth email filters and spam what they are today, there can be some issues beyond our control. For example, many work-place email servers reject email that it scans as having a naughty word.

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

Also, if you wrote something for this most recent Dandom Digest and it didn't appear, please email me as well. It's been ages since something could not be included.

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

---

Thanks to all who contributed to the latest edition of the Dandom Digest, be it through the emailing digest AT dandom DOT com or through posting to our BlueBook guestbook or Facebook page; or tweeting @dandomdotcom. Special thanks to Luke, Ben, and Gus.

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

Fly about as low, be so cool,

Jim

Date: Thurs, September 15, 2016, 10:27:53 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Allow me to clarify

What I meant when I said "Amazon.com notwithstanding" is "despite what the folks at Amazon.com will tell you". In other words, Amazon.com does indeed sell bootlegs - unauthorized recordings of varying (and often poor) quality produced by people who have no connection to Steely Dan, meaning the band likely receives no money from the sale of these recordings. I say "likely" because some of the fly-by-nighters who put these CDs out claim to pay mechanical/songwriting royalties, but because they are, as mentioned earlier, sleazy carpetbaggers for the most part, this claim is likely spurious.

Personally, I tend to give the really old vinyl "unauthorized" material an exception, because (a) it was produced in comparatively small numbers in the mid 1970s, and (b) there are only two titles (Rotoscope Down and Bent Over Backwards). These discs are legitimate collectibles, and, I would say, a real part of the original 1970s SD experience. And I have always been in favor of fans who record live concerts for historical/documentation purposes (as opposed to recording for profit) - after all, without these types of recordings, popular music in general would be missing a lot of important stuff. Look at the famous Charlie Parker fan tapes, among other important unauthorized material.

Like my pal Don Patrol says, there are ways to hear amazing live Steely Dan, and all of the fans I know are generous when it comes to the live stuff. Sometimes all it takes is meeting someone at a Steely Dan show or hitting someone's email...

Date: Thurs, September 15, 2016, 01:33:18 ET
Posted by: Don a Patrol, Mtl

@Philly Kid, if you want to hear live stuff go to shows. I know that's easier said than done, but truly it is worth it. And you may run into folks who can help you out with offpage stuff. 12 shows next month, so live stuff is out there.
Peace

Date: Thurs, September 15, 2016, 00:31:06 ET
Posted by: KidCharlemagne, Philly

"To be clear, there isn't much official live SD. "

Ahhh, I see that now. Makes sense, really. They only have one up on the paid streaming service I use, no wonder I never bothered diving in.

Will have to get some of that stuff on Amazon. Thanks for the info man

Date: Thurs, September 15, 2016, 00:03:26 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Here, There, and Everywhere

A good starting point for live "vintage" SD would be the "Rotoscope Down" small press/"bootleg" LP (TAKRL1924), i.e. the 1974 Record Plant show/broadcast that's since been re-distributed in many (also unauthorized) forms. Essential, if only for "This All Too Mobile Home" aka "Mobile Heart" aka whatever other wrong title some dumbass has attributed to this killer ("unreleased") song.

To be clear, there isn't much official live SD. And most of the recent gray market stuff - "Amazon.com" notwithstanding - is opportunistic garbage, distributed by carpetbaggers seeking to make an easy/sleazy buck off something they had nothing to do with in the first place. Dicks.

Let me put it this way - there's a huge difference between an obsessed fan who is dedicated to recording/documenting his/her favorite band's every live move and some "PRC" CD manufacturer churning out one copyright violation after another.

Having said that, Jim ("HOOPS") has a strict rule against promoting bootleg material here. I hope I haven't just broken that rule.

Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 23:14:36 ET
Posted by: KidCharlemagne, Philly

Hey everyone.

My first time here on the forum. Thanks to the creators of this site for making it for us.

Been a big Steely Dan fan since the early 2000's.

I grew up hearing them though. And I kinda HATED them. Being 7 years old in the early 80s, all I heard was "Reelin in the Years" and "FM" over and over on the radio, and I just didn't get it. Creeped me out actually. Felt so dirty 70's And kinda wrong.

Dumb kid! They're probably my favorite band now. Ha. I find them endlessly fascinating these days and a real dichotomy.

Anywhoo. I am a fan of the studio work. That's partly why I am obsessed. I love their production style that they spend so long getting to be just perfect.

But I'd like to delve into live stuff. Can anyone tell me where I should start? Tired of listening to just the studio albums.

Maybe stuff off Katy Lied or Countdown to Ecstasy

THanks so much. Take care all

Zach

Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 22:34:26 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I have to say, for the tenth year in a row (save for The Summer of Circus Money), that Samuel Purdey album was the album of the summer for me.

Considering a 180 gram vinyl purchase of it, should they ship stateside.

Have also noticed, after yet another summer going through the used LP racks, that there just aren't many old Steely Dan albums to buy. Certainly not as many as there were 10 or 15 years ago. The kids have snatched them all up.

Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 21:32:18 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Don, in fact it was an Amazon order by way of another Country, I got it today and am pumped to the gills. Thanks for inquiring,

Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 20:01:59 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

DYLYNFAN — That's ain't right! Is it an Amazon order? &%$#@!! My third-hand apologies... Gino F. + M/O/D/P, Monkey House aims to please (read: Monkey House aims to please Dan fans with cultivated harmonic and rhythmic tastes). I'm extremely gratified by all the five-star fuss over Left, especially here at dandom.com. My two fave quotes so far are:

“Don Breithaupt is one of a very few guys that really get the melodic pop thing: Randy Goodrum, David Foster, Michael Omartian... It’s a very special category.” Jay Graydon

“Total dynamite! The new Monkey House is akin to the finest of Steely Dan — great music, lyrics and playing.” Elliott Randall

Obligatory iTunes link:
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/left/id1114820961?mt=1&app=music

Thanks, guys, from the bottom of my heart. DB

Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 15:22:47 ET
Posted by: Gino F., An amazing resemblance/"You are obsolete"

@ Don Patrol - You and me and most of us here, to one degree or another, with the exception of fit, healthy young posters like Chris/NH, KD, EC/NY, Apostrophe, and a handful of other young'uns we haven't heard from for awhile...

Although, to be fair, I can state with certainty than I have never, ever paid $17 for a concert beer (just can't bring myself to do it), and I'm not balding. Yet. But the rest...sure, guilty as charged.

Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 11:55:00 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

aging/balding/greying/ponytailing has-beens? I resemble that remark!!

Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 10:22:23 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, There's always "hope"...

Abu, I agree that an SD or DF cover by the MLO, especially big band style, would be a real treat, but when I see that the "for immediate release" promotional blurb posted below mentions stuff ML did when he was 17, and his recent involvement with Bruno Mars, and his various projects with more obscure acts, but makes no mention of his two decades of work with Steely Dan, I have to wonder...

Was it a deliberate omission? Is ML perhaps looking to court a different audience than the SD crowd, which many perceive to be composed mostly of "Classic Rock"-concert-going/$17 beer-swilling/aging/balding/greying/ponytailing has-beens?

Or is it that the MLO is a smaller, more focused entity that has more in common with "art" than it does with a bigger name, summer shed-type act like SD?

Or, more likely, the "press release" was simply kept as short as possible for readability reasons. In all fairness, Leonhart has worked with a ton of artists & performers over his career, including Henry Mancini, David Byrne, Brian Eno, Todd Rundgren, Wynton Marsalis, Levon Helm, James Brown...and the list goes on and on...

On the other hand, his list of credits also includes sessions with "Slash" (from the truly appalling "Guns n Roses" [sic]), someone who deliberately chose to call himself "Q-Tip" (maybe his ears are/were chronically clogged?), Steven Tyler (probably the most ridiculous-looking woman in all of rock music), and Yoko Ono (the less said here, the better, I think).

In conclusion, Michael Leonhart is a city of contrasts.

Date: Tues, September 13, 2016, 23:42:01 ET
Posted by: Abu, Cover?

It would be so sweet for the MLO to do a SD or DF cover, maybe even big band style. One can hope.

Date: Tues, September 13, 2016, 19:48:10 ET
Posted by: Jim McKay, Chicago, but wishing I was in NYC

From Michael Leonart Orchestra

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*****************
The Michael Leonhart Orchestra is a powerhouse and eclectic live ensemble in the spirit of Frank Zappa, Charles Mingus and Gil Evans. The orchestra features a magical blend of unique improvisers and world class ensemble players from bands such as Sharon Jones & the Dap-kings, the Mingus Big Band, Maria Schneider’s Orchestra, the Tonight Show Band (Roots) and other musicians from the NY/Brooklyn jazz/soul/studio scene.

At age 17, Michael was honored as the youngest Grammy recipient in history, cited as the most outstanding musician in a U.S. high school. That same year ABC World News named him "Person of the Week." As a solo artist Michael has released seven albums and is sought throughout the music and entertainment world as a trumpeter, producer, songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and film composer. Most recently, Michael performed on Mark Ronson’s smash hit “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars. He composed music for and directed Meryl Streep for the recent Decca soundtrack album “Songs of Lahore,” and was a producer on “Many A New Day: Karrin Allyson Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein,” which was nominated for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year at the 2016 Grammys.

Nels Cline’s “Lovers” (arranged & conducted by Michael Leonhart) was released on the legendary Blue Note records in August 2016 to rave reviews.

Michael is currently finishing up the debut album by the MLO (Michael Leonhart Orchestra) to be released in 2017.


*****************
to purchase tickets
Sept 14:https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1292055?utm_medium=bks
Sept 28:https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1292057?utm_medium=bks

*****************
HUFFINGTON POST ARTICLE ON MLO'S "RONALD RUMP" POLITICAL SATIRE PIECE


"Ronald Rump" featuring Nels Cline on guitar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhKKvJde234

Date: Tues, September 13, 2016, 10:16:17 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, Harrisburg, PA

Well I ordered "Left" over two weeks ago and still haven't gotten the
FKINF thing! # kant wait

Date: Tues, September 13, 2016, 00:23:05 ET
Posted by: Gino F., on second thought...

Monkey House's "Left" is the best thing I've heard since Sunken Condos. 2012, that was - in case anyone here's lost track of time...

Date: Mon, September 12, 2016, 23:35:15 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Important update!

I forgot to add that getting to hear "It's Already Dark In New York" by Monkey House, driving home after a particularly distasteful day today was pure bliss for me.

Seriously, "Left" is a great. It's not a replacement for noo "Steely Dan" - it's just a really, really good thing to listen to. Trust me.

Date: Mon, September 12, 2016, 23:35:05 ET
Posted by: Abu, Is there gas in the car? Is there gas in the car? higher, higher

Vulpeck be jammin' on the Kid C. I like the next night better, cuz the vid shows Pretty Purdie playin'. And, the double-almost-note-for-note-Larry Carlton-guitar-solo is pretty damn good. One guy harmonizes with the other. The crowd was pumped, too. The vocals were basically alright, even the higher notes. At the end the guy says, "He's on that record". Yup. Bernard was there. Us SD fans love that.

Date: Mon, September 12, 2016, 23:09:40 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P , Saying, "Wow"

Abu - Of course it's always interesting to see what others have made of the music we all know & love here. Some of it ends up being good, some of it, well, not so good. But these two marching band videos are damn cool, and for me far more compelling & worthwhile than most of the slavish, note-for-note, well-intentioned covers that clog up the Yoo-Toob. Good stuff. Nothing wrong with covers, mind you, even the most earnest/goofy ones, it's just that they're rarely to my taste, and, for what it's worth, I'm often repugnated by these fanboy things because of the counterfeit (but trying oh-so-hard) vocals. Maybe it's just me, we understand - to each his/her own, and all that.

In other words - keep 'em coming, Abu!

On another note, today as I was driving homeward after a particularly crappy and frustrating day, I happened to tune in to Toronto's JazzFM91 to find the day wasn't a complete waste after all. I turned on the music - which I rarely do when I'm driving - only to hear Lee Morgan doing A Night in Tunisia, followed by the traffic nooze on another station...followed by It's Already Dark in New York, from the latest Monkey House offering "Left". Killer track - maybe not the best one on the CD, but probably. Followed by something by my late pal Gene Harris, followed a bit later by Wes Montgomery doing...wait for it...Willow Weep For Me. Or Pretzel Logic. I can't remember.

So, it's been a good day, on balance. So far.

Date: Mon, September 12, 2016, 22:14:59 ET
Posted by: Abu, BIGGG Bands

Continuing with the Big Band thing... I found a couple of bands that would certainly fall into that category. Well, at least by size. First, here is band with about 68 members playing a medley of Dan tunes. That's bigger than a Jazz Big Band, which is usually somewhere between 12 to 25 members.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpCVcV801jM

But, you ain't seen nothin' yet. The following band has about 280 members. That is my estimated count. The band is complete with about ten marimba/xylophone players. The first tune has a crazy (and really quite good) solo sax. Check it out:

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

The latter is the Arizona State University Sun Devils Marching Band, who are widely recognized as one of the top marching bands in the US of A. They have even played at a couple of Super Bowls.

So if you like big bands, then they don't get much bigger than this.

Well, it seems to be another slow day in Dandom, prior to the Beacon shows. So, I thought this make a couple people say Wow!, but maybe several others to say Ow!

Date: Sun, September 11, 2016, 11:52:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

KD: My initial impression of Oh Whitney is sometimes they go for altered blues/R&B structures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWrBHHN3jhs

like the David Ruffin/Temptations classic (covered by Jackson 5) written by Smokey Robinson

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


Sometimes like a more Enlivened version of Norah Jones interesting roots/Austin City Limits but slumber-inducing second album Feels like Home. Good stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaH_xbVT08Q



Heavy on organic - a good and ironic thing as being associated with Donald...a sound Donald would secretly like to make (and they kinda do live), but obsessive compulsive tendencies get in the way when making albums, at least since Aja..

Date: Sun, September 11, 2016, 09:11:55 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Countdown to October 28th

Anyone want a quadraphonic safety master?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Steely-Dan-Coundown-To-Ecstasy-Quadraphonic-safety-master-reel-tape-/122127079211?ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:CA:3160

Date: Sat, September 10, 2016, 15:53:47 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Very much enjoyed watching a brief live show from Oh, Whitney on some random Direct TV channel last night. Donald produced their last album.

Not very Dan/Don-sounding, the only thing they really had in common I heard was the great playing from the band members. All manner of North American influences, and I will check out the album eventually. Lead singer is a spitting image of Keith Knudsen, as just about every guy my age seems to be these days.

Date: Sat, September 10, 2016, 13:00:31 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Highly recommend checking out Vulfpeck's stuff.

Date: Sat, September 10, 2016, 11:31:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Doc Mu, kzkzkz,

Thanks for those links. Good stuff.

Your articles provided me with good information.

;#)

Date: Sat, September 10, 2016, 04:15:53 ET
Posted by: Johnk198, USA

I like the helpful information you provide for your articles. Ill bookmark your blog and check again right here frequently. I am quite certain Ill be informed many new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next! eebcadedcebf

Date: Fri, September 09, 2016, 22:33:27 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, Just about a month to go

The next night in Brooklyn. Hey, that's last night!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCj_tjFXX2U
Bernie still gots it.

Date: Fri, September 09, 2016, 21:11:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Pretty Purdie + Vulfpeck do Kid Charlemagne in the Biiiig City.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb6yZ9r5isU

Date: Wed, September 07, 2016, 03:37:53 ET
Posted by: SABRINA, USA

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Date: Wed, September 07, 2016, 00:03:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Thinking Carlock is much happier with SD, and able to do his side projects (and play world class music, to boot). Prove me wrong, Gabe.

I know, I should refrain from feeding trolls. But sometimes you just have to.

Date: Tues, September 06, 2016, 20:25:39 ET
Posted by: Gabe, Los Angeles CA

Best tour of the Summer? Without a doubt, Peter Gabriel/Sting. Expensive, but well worth it. Keith Carlock would have LOVED to be on that tour.

Date: Mon, September 05, 2016, 15:49:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Don, terrific story. It isn't surprising Fagen gave you a good, cordial interview. When dealing with intelligent. knowledgeable, respectful interviewers (such as you and Joan Smith) he seems to relax and just have good conversations. I'm sure it helped that you are an also an excellent musician. He seems to be at his prickliest when dealing with clueless morons, just going through the motions. I can understand that.

And, like Abu, I'm also interested if you talked to Walter. I confess I haven't read your book yet. Why? I can't answer that. But after giving Left a few listens, I'm all in. I'll be ordering Aja this week.


Oh, Dev, I would have gotten the joke if I knew even one person who thought Lido was by Elton. But I don't. I guess I'm lucky, that way.

Date: Sun, September 04, 2016, 20:56:36 ET
Posted by: Abu, Through the 70s

Don B, interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing it. Did you interview Walter as well? Maybe not, as likely you would have mentioned it.

Listening to "Left" as I type this (Tango by Yourself.. then Anyone). Great album! BTW, I just ordered both 70s music books by you and your brother Jeff. Looking forward to it. Like some of us old SD fans, we're old enough to remember all those great 70s tunes on the radio, when they came out. I still remember hearing Do It Again for the first time in November 1972.

Date: Sun, September 04, 2016, 13:13:05 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Very cool, Don, thanks for sharing.

I gave the book my yearly read a few months ago. You did fantastic work.

Date: Sun, September 04, 2016, 13:00:23 ET
Posted by: lovethisgig, Atlanta

Very cool DonB.

Date: Sat, September 03, 2016, 21:34:31 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

Hey Jeremy, DF was extremely welcoming and chilled out, especially in light of his reputation as a prickly interview. I was in a state of mild disbelief as I made my way over to his writing studio, as any musical disciple would be, but Donald quickly established a casual atmo, calling down, "Hey, Don! Come on in! Can I make you a cup of tea?" DONALD FAGEN IS MAKING ME A CUP OF TEA, I thought, as I looked around. On the upright piano was an unfinished lyric; I resisted the temptation to peruse it. Donald and I sat down in the main room, and, as soon as he figured out I wasn't a knucklehead and had legit questions, we got down to chatting about Aja. The appointment (arranged by Azoff's office) was for one hour, "max," but we went for ~2.5. Most of what followed is in my book. Donald knew about the 33-1/3 series — he mentioned the Dusty Springfield book and the Miles book. And, it turned out, he remembered me from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in '01 (I was in the press corps that night) and my 1992 cover of "Lazy Nina." The minute I emerged out onto Madison Avenue again, an epic downpour started, maybe the heaviest rain I'd ever been caught in for any length of time... Perfect for a day of heightened reality. Still have the complete interview on my digital recorder. Still can't quite believe it happened.

Date: Sat, September 03, 2016, 10:49:19 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Only too happy to explain for someone else

"M/D/O/P: Why is your post with apologies to hoops?"

Billy Bob - Hoops is a major EJ fan/EJ scholar. Since the tone of the post in question is (at least in part) pretty insulting, an acknowledgement of this fact via a brief introductory disclaimer was probably the respectful thing to do.

Of course Elton was never the smartest girl in the room! Just watching that interview shows that. Like some others here, I have a soft spot for earlier EJ, and I too would take nothing but Elton John music for the rest of my listening days before I would agree to sit through one of those 4 hour long "record breaking" Springsteen exercises that we've been hearing about again lately.

Date: Sat, September 03, 2016, 10:19:46 ET
Posted by: Dev, o

That was a joke (I thought) since a lot of people thought it was Elton John.

Date: Sat, September 03, 2016, 09:41:29 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Dev, what does Lido Shuffle have to do with Elton John?

Date: Sat, September 03, 2016, 07:28:37 ET
Posted by: Smithf996, USA

Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I want to put in writing like this moreover taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article but what can I say I procrastinate alot and not at all seem to get something done. eebeddkgeedbdfee

Date: Sat, September 03, 2016, 07:10:31 ET
Posted by: Dev, on location

But Elton is entitled to his opinion, regardless of the crap he was putting out. He's a music fan, and used to go to Tower Records and buy three copies of albums so he could have one at each of his homes.

And the Dukes did cover Lido Shuffle.

Date: Fri, September 02, 2016, 23:38:11 ET
Posted by: Billy Bob,

M/D/O/P:

Why is your post with apologies to hoops?

Date: Fri, September 02, 2016, 22:50:07 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

M/O/D/P,

I posted my last comment right before leaving for the day. I have to admit, I felt a tad uncomfortable with it, for not acknowledging Elton made some pretty good music in the early 70's--particularly Tumbleweed Connection. But soon after there was a serious break from taste and subtlety. But this isn't the place to dwell on that, as there is nothing to gain from it (other than some personal enjoyment---which is something, right?).

I was listening to the fabulous new Monkey House, "Left" in my car the past couple days, and all I could think about is, "I wonder what Sir Elton thinks about this album?" Uh, sure.

Date: Fri, September 02, 2016, 21:35:54 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, With apologies to Hoops, in advance

Re: Billy Bob's post - I'll take the esteemed Ms. Mitchell's opinion over the opinion of the person who, in a popular backstage video, once responded to an off-camera "Steely Dan" reference by saying, "Yeah...some guy named Brecker, right?" or similarly dismissive words to that effect.

Poor old Reginald Dwight. Sure, he recorded some Really Key Stuff back in the '70s - a lot of it not exactly to my particular taste, to be sure, but some of it (I have to admit) sure does bring back a load of great memories. So, on the positivity side, there's that. For perspective, I'd take nothing but EJ for several years straight before I'd take four "record-setting" hours (!) of live Springsteen*.

Anyways, Elton never was the brightest girl in the room. And Joni almost always was. Put that in your "Candle in the Wind '97" and smoke it...

M/O/D/P
ps - * - As reported, incredibly, like it was "news", in popular media this past week.
pps - "Brecker"
ppps - "Babylon Sisters" or "Little Jeannie"? You decide!

Date: Fri, September 02, 2016, 17:09:23 ET
Posted by: Illuminati, Everywhere

Riddum, I'm not, but I have an adblocker. As you probably know Google and others target ads to you depending on a number of factors including browsing history, search history and location ...

Date: Fri, September 02, 2016, 16:12:38 ET
Posted by: Riddum, NY

Anyone besides me in the NY area seeing a lot of online ads for the SD Beacon showsas they surf?

Date: Fri, September 02, 2016, 13:23:14 ET
Posted by: Artie, 31°45'42.76"N 106°29'6.08"W

He would have responded that at least his albums didn't cost a million dollars to make, like Gaucho.

Now if the record company had footed the bill for his cocaine..

Date: Fri, September 02, 2016, 12:56:39 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Billy Bob, you got that right. Elton is dissing other artists (or at least some albums from artists) at the same time he was putting out one retched piece of shit after another. Look at the albums he released in the late 70's and early 80's. It would have been great if the interviewer asked him "What about your last album? It sucked, right?"

Date: Thurs, September 01, 2016, 23:58:28 ET
Posted by: Billy Bob, -

ChrisCT, I wouldn't take EJ's opinion seriously at all. At the time, 35 years ago, he had made three of his worst albums; he was drugged up beyond belief saying all sorts of crazy ass dumb shit about everybody--he still does say crazy shit just without the drugs; and then he was using Steely Dan players on his albums including Michael McDonald and Jeff Porcaro. On top of that, he had just parted ways with MCA including that he thought his albums weren't suffiently supported. So why not be pissed at MCA since Gaucho was considered MCA's top album at the time? These days I'd say that EJ thinks Steely Dan passed him by from the days they opened for him circa 1973 in 1974. Anybody who likes Steely Dan today and is under the age of 35 didn't like Gaucho in 1980 either.

Now who matters? Not EJ. Joni Mitchell says that Gaucho is Steely Dan's best album.pretty damn cool.

Date: Thurs, September 01, 2016, 23:50:25 ET
Posted by: Abu, I used to like Elton John, until now

To each his own, Elton. After his opinion, he tells the interviewer to "drop dead". Nice.

Date: Thurs, September 01, 2016, 23:25:18 ET
Posted by: Dev, on location

While he was on the radio at the time with the godawful Little Jeannie. Ok.

Date: Thurs, September 01, 2016, 22:55:46 ET
Posted by: ChrisCT, CT

Elton's thoughts on Gaucho, go to 10:39

https://youtu.be/FKoE2taEnqA

Date: Thurs, September 01, 2016, 07:23:19 ET
Posted by: Jeremy, TX

Hey Don, since we all bought your Aja book, how about some anecdotes from your interview with Fagen. Like, was he wolfing down a cheeseburger while answering your questions?

Date: Thurs, September 01, 2016, 05:03:16 ET
Posted by: Tim, New York

Bruce Springsteen brought out Rickie Lee Jones to sing a few songs with him at his record-breaking 4 hour show in New Jersey on Tuesday night. I guess even Rickie Lee is a fan of "The Boss".

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 21:23:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Excellent catch, Nit (from Picker, I presume). Good to see another asshole checking in.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 21:21:59 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, No happier about it than the rest of you

The Dean - It's not just you. And I don't think whether or not you, or DYLYNFAN, or Gino F., or myself for that matter, are assholes is the issue here. It's not so much that the writer is "wrong", it's just that his writing style is irritating - like he's the only one, or maybe the first one, to figure this song out. The main problem is that it's mostly obvious stuff, and as a result a bit tiresome to plow through, despite its relative shortness. “Chinese music in the banyan trees” (0:38) --?? Oh, come on. I bailed out right there. Maybe the writer is a Millennial who really does mean well - his heart is in the right place, and so on - and if that's the case, I suppose that makes me (and my pal The Dean) a couple of, well...you know...

As an aside, sincere thanks to Abu for the link that started this discussion, and even more thanks for all the detective work digging up all those Big Band SD covers. Keep 'em coming!

If anyone here wants to read some excellent commentary on Aja - both the song and the album, here's a suggestion that I've made more than a few times previously:

https://www.amazon.com/Steely-Dans-Aja-33/dp/B008P73M8C

It's a really, really good read, even for us non-musicians, and should be mandatory reading for all Bluebook posters/readers.

My favourite part is actually in the Amazon comments section - a post by the author himself in response to some fairly asinine criticism. A May 29 2007 review essentially slags the book as "music theory" that "isn't very interesting". The fact that the reviewer starts out by saying that "If your [sic] not a Steely Dan nut..." pretty much sets the tone of his review. Author Don Breithaupt's polite response?

"No advanced musical knowledge is required to understand and enjoy this book. An enthusiasm for Steely Dan and a working knowledge of English should do the trick."

I wish I had written that.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 20:19:00 ET
Posted by: Nit, Picker

As of June 5, 1999 Mel Torme was, not is.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 19:16:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who had an issue with the JOS cover vocals. But for the record, I just want to point out my problem wasn't with her "English as a second language" singing---honestly. It was more her vocal style, and particularly her cheesy mannerisms.

I could have pointed out her vocals and style might work very well, for other types of music. They just don't work for Steely Dan (at least for me). I COULD have pointed that out. Maybe I SHOULD have pointed that out. But I didn't---perhaps because I'm an asshole. But in general, I'm not a fan of that sort of singing. I know many think Mel Tormé is a great singer. Maybe he is---but he's not for me. Total lack of soul, IMO.

And while I'm publicly admitting to being an asshole (sometimes, on some issues), I probably should also say something I've been holding back. While I agree with the basic sentiment in this article, and while I really appreciate Abu bringing it to our attention (honest, no bullshit here), I have issues with Scott Freiman's article on Aja (http://culturesonar.com/steely-dans-aja-eight-minutes-genius/). I don't want to get too nit-picky, but putting incorrect lyrics in quotes bothers me, a bit. But that isn't all. I'm just not sure I can fully explain exactly why I have a problem with the piece, I just do. Asshole? Perhaps.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 16:54:38 ET
Posted by: Abu, Back, Jack

Additionally, nice pick in particular for JoS to be given big band treatment. Donald, of course, wrote the horn charts on the original. He used three saxes, instead of two, for one thing: alto, tenor, and baritone, and trumpet and trombone. Likely he could have had a BB in mind, which I'm sure he does to a degree when he writes many of his horn arrangements. I have always enjoyed the three low notes in this tune (played behind the lyrics "movin on metal", "sittin' in the kitchen" and "move now little darlin'"), played to good effect (or is it affect? lol) here by the baritone sax, and trombones.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 16:10:54 ET
Posted by: Abu, Slovenia?

The Dean, Gino, and any others.. Nice find, Dean. The big band arrangement is very sweet. Kudos to the arranger Primoz Grasic, who is credited as one of the writers of the tune besides DF and WB (which is politically correct, I believe). Excellent alto sax solo as well. The vocals: well, mixed emotions. Mostly on the down side of the mix however, similar to the previous comments. For one thing, the Slovenic accent comes through at times, but that is to be understood. Her style and mannerisms don't fit, however. It would have been far better to do it Woody Herman, or Fred Sturm-style, namely, without vocals. Of course, we have all heard some vocalists sing SD material in a less objectionable way, a few even quite good. Not so good on this one. Although, just to hear the horns and the rest of the band, I can sit though it from time to time. A new big band arrangement of anything by the dynamic duo is more or less welcome in my book anytime, if the overall quality is good. Band: A, Vocals: C-.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 15:10:24 ET
Posted by: Gino F. , Thoroughly Repugnated

@The Dean - Thanks for that Jack of Speed big band cover - I think.

The singer is awful, just wretched, and her obnoxious stage mannerisms really mar what is otherwise a decent effort by the rest of the actual musicians on stage. The ESL singing style certainly doesn't help either. I realize that last comment is probably a cheap shot, but I don't care. Does that make me an asshole too? Probably...

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 14:58:05 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Regarding the versions of Jack of Speed (or as Donald has introduced it in French a few times, <<Jacques de la Vélocité>>, there was a version I was fortunate enough to be present for on the last show of the "Two Against Nature" tour on September 19, 2000 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Unlke the other 2000 performances, this one was sped up at the same tempo as the 1996 version featuring Walter. The difference was that they used the 2vN/Tour 2000 lyrics and Donald sang lead. I could be wrong, but it seemed from where I was at that Donald was not expecting the sped up tempo as led by Ricky Lawson and, going further out on a limb here, maybe it was an end of tour, "in" joke. At any rate, Donald sang Jack of Speed fast that night. Perhaps that was the only time. Or not.

Best,

Jim

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 13:27:21 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, Harrisburg, PA

Seeing as I am a longtime member of Assoholics Anonymous, I would say you have it just about right Dean.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 11:47:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Since we're talking about The Jack of Speed, here's an "interesting" (I suppose) cover. I imagine it has been posted here in the past, but I have no recollection of ever having seen it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfvJ-8y5DQg

Terrific big-band arrangement. The vocals? Well, I'll let you be the judge. Personally, I find her style and vocals completely wrong for an SD song. I find her rather repugnant. But I'm a bit of an assholish snob, when it comes to stuff like this.

Assholish? Assholeish? Asshole-ish? Hopefully some asshole here can help me out with this.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 10:10:01 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Was listening to a replay of a Gene Wilder interview on NPR yesterday when they played a clip from Young Frankenstein. It was Wilder's introduction of the "monster" before the singing of "Puttin' on the Ritz." At one point in Wilder's introduction of the monster, Wilder refers to him as a "man about town." WB's use of that description every time I've heard him introduce DF immediately came to mind. Then, on reflection, WB's entire introduction of DF has a resemblance to the Wilder introduction. I wonder if he's playing off of that?

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 09:41:54 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Interesting article Abu....thanks for sharing.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 01:31:51 ET
Posted by: DocMu,

Damn, I love what Krantz was doing with the solo in '96, particularly jaggedly appropriate with Walter in an acid jazzy sense. I appreciate the angles he takes a lot more than I did 20 years ago.

Date: Wed, August 31, 2016, 01:28:55 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I think Walter's vocals on Slang of Ages and Circus Money are more expressive, phrased, comfortable within himself than on 11 ToW, although you could argue his vocals melded with the them of the album.

Although difficult to hear above the prostate engorged rushes to the restrooms, but he sang better live with a band on the '94 tour that on the album IMO. The Book of Liars performance from the kind of live Alive in America is well delivered. The Manasses JoS recording is pretty in sync. Walt is a gifted listener, and it makes a difference playing with a world class band.


Speaking of young, Walt and David Palmer provide nice harmonies with Donald on Turn That Heartbeat Over Again.

Date: Tues, August 30, 2016, 18:26:45 ET
Posted by: Abu, Eight Minutes of Genius

I could not find where this article had been posted already here on the Blue. Some nice breakdown of the title track from SD's classic album of 1977. Most of us likely would agree that this tune is near the top of the list as far as it's "sophisticated structure" as the writer of the article states. I don't think anyone here ever gets tired of hearing it, again and again. Even Donald calls it "sweet", as some have termed it as like a "suite".

http://culturesonar.com/steely-dans-aja-eight-minutes-genius/

Date: Tues, August 30, 2016, 16:10:46 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

I love the '96 version of JoS with the different intro melody on the horns. I did it live with Monkey House in the nineties a few times.

Date: Tues, August 30, 2016, 12:55:30 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Walter's voice was also in better shape in 1996. He had just spent a year and a half on an album, he was singing two or three songs a night during the shows back then, and he was younger.

He really hasn't put down any tracks vocally (that we know of, us kids can hope) since late 2007, and his lone singing entries into the Dan set these days aren't really all that challenging. Not as much as JoS is.

Both have their merits, two different songs in ways that go far beyond Don or Walt's vocals, as others have mentioned.

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 23:13:10 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Apostrophe, I'm right there with you on wavering on my favorite version of Jack of Speed. It really depends on which version I'm listening to, at the time. The crux of the biscuit is, they are both great.

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 22:56:50 ET
Posted by: Abu, Likin' the Horns

Shark and Dean, and others I'm sure: I'm upset that I didn't even know about that concert last October, but at least three or four of us are glad they filmed it, and filmed it well at that. I live only about 90 minutes away. I'll have to keep my eyes and ears open to that kinda stuff in the future. It was good to see 'ol Pete still crankin'. If only DF and WB would write their own BB charts. I am sure they would be awesome.

As for the Pepe Milan cover of Gaucho.. yes, I discovered that one about three years ago and posted it on the FB SD covers page, and likely I shared it here on the Blue (confirmed: posted here on 7-29-13, not that I looked it up or anything like that lol). Quite unique, and well done.

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 22:50:38 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

My fave JofS was at the Beacon in '11. Sometimes referred to as a train wreck. Never saw a ytube of that performance.
Peace

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 22:14:22 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I like Walter's version,but love Donald's. Why? I still find WB;'s
singing an " acquired taste". Voting for Donald. # flame away

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 22:04:23 ET
Posted by: Veruca Salt, Wonkaville

RIP Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka)

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 21:37:04 ET
Posted by: Steed, OH

I like the 1996 shuffle version better. It's more funkier. Walter's vocals sure beats Donald's on that song.

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 20:46:32 ET
Posted by: Apostrophe, Not Here

I have been going back and forth over the past few days regarding Jack of Speed. Half of me prefers the shuffle version played on the 96 tour with Walter's great vocals. The other half likes the more laid-back version with the "Right-Wing Hooey" line in place.

Which version do you guys prefer? And why?

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 19:50:18 ET
Posted by: lovethisgig, Atlanta

Great find Abu! Especially 2vN. Nuke the itty bitty ones. Right. Where. They. Lay!

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 19:34:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Shark D, I've never heard that version of Gaucho before. A tour de force. Thanks

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 14:21:01 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

great find Abu! as always, thanks for sharing

here's another great rendition of Gaucho that you probably hipped us to a few years ago

https://youtu.be/6RxeXqX65fk?list=FLpck5UFRvOQ_K2QGAYippTA

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 12:10:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Thanks, Abu. I've heard some CSUN stuff in the past, but not all of these.

I agree the guitarist (Victor San Pedro) on 2vN plays some stuff that isn't very Dan-ish (particularly the solo mid-way through the song). But nonetheless he's a terrific player, IMO.

And, as always, Christlieb is a monster.

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 01:47:58 ET
Posted by: Abu, CSUN & Pete C !!!

Now that is what I'm talking about! I stumbled across three outstanding Big Band arrangements of SD material, performed by the CSUN (California State University at Northridge) Jazz "A" Band, recorded live on October 14, 2015. All three arrangements are by the late Fred Sturm from the HR Big Band from Germany. Fred and the HR released a whole album of Big Band covers of SD tunes back in 2004. The album is not bad, but, in my opinion, it is somewhat marred by a "fuzzy", almost 60s or 70s sounding guitar thrown in on many of the tunes. A couple tunes managed to escape the fuzzy sound, especially Negative Girl, which is outstandingly arranged and performed. However, these three recent performances by a bunch of college kids sounds better than the album. The three covers (Two Against Nature, Gaucho, and Do It Again) also very nicely benefit from guest artist Pete Christlieb playing some outstanding solo tenor work. The first two tunes feature two young guitarists, who, thankfully do not do the fuzzy thing, although the kid on TAN does have a slight un-SD sound (IMHO) to his guitar, but he makes up for it with some really good soloing. Crank up the volume and hear them horns. You won't believe what the boys are blowin'!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT7hrSurGJQ (Two Against Nature)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzMpuuv6l94 (Gaucho)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdMnA9cL2k0 (Do It Again)

Date: Mon, August 29, 2016, 00:04:31 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

Many thanks to Hoops, Doc Mu, M/O/D/P, The Dean, Lutz, DYLYNFAN, Steve M, Chris and others extolling the virtues of the new Monkey House album. If you guys didn't like it, I did it wrong! Very happy to be using the Dan's vocab to craft new stuff...

https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/left/id1114820961?mt=1&app=music

Date: Sun, August 28, 2016, 22:27:15 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Count me among those blown away by Left, I will be ordering it and Headquarters manana. Thanks to all who helped bring this to my attention.

Date: Sun, August 28, 2016, 19:49:23 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Very much agree with M/O/D/P,
big compliments to Don Breithaupt.
For me also the best album this year so far, it has been spinning for weeks now.
It makes the dreaded, inevitable likelihood of no more new Steely Dan albums a little easier to take.
As big as these shoes are to fill, Monkey House is worthy of carrying on the torch imo.

Date: Sun, August 28, 2016, 13:08:55 ET
Posted by: Gino F., on the case as well

That DF promo pic was definitely taken at the World Trade Center. I was there on that observation deck many times and took lots of photos over the years.

This pic isn't mine, but it should provide the necessary verification:

http://philip.greenspun.com/images/pcd4554/world-trade-center-eve-79.tcl

Date: Sun, August 28, 2016, 12:04:58 ET
Posted by: NY, Detective.

I think the question was where the picture was taken, not where it was used.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center_(1973–2001)#/media/File:Two_World_Trade_Center_Observation_Deck.jpg

If you look on the support pole of the binoculars in both pictures, there's some kind of white rectangular sign about belt high. The fences also appear to be the same.

Date: Sun, August 28, 2016, 11:41:51 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.Sunday Stomp!

Don, I think you are right about the picture Jimmy inquired about. I initially guessed it was a Nightfly era photo. And I'm sure it was in a piano music book. It has also been used (with various color filters/effects) for the cover of some singles/EPs--all from the Nightfly era. Just a few examples:

https://images.rapgenius.com/53ed74f6bc3fa000d3237bd6b7fc3b0e.280x276x1.jpg

https://img.discogs.com/wvQRmdcr_PNxvLlP9OUSofU4890=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-1821994-1280973893.jpeg.jpg

http://eil.com/images/main/Donald+Fagen+New+Frontier+127057.jpg


Oh, and Left FINALLY ordered. Sorry for dragging my feet.

Date: Sat, August 27, 2016, 23:51:07 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, It's already dark in Toronto as well

For those here who may not know, I'd like to point out that the new album "Left" by Monkey House is really a superb bit of work. Not a weak track on it, and several songs are as good as anything I've heard in a very long time. I highly recommend it, and you should too.

Date: Sat, August 27, 2016, 22:57:55 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

Jimmie, that pic appeared in the piano music book for The Nightfly.

Date: Sat, August 27, 2016, 20:16:51 ET
Posted by: Don Breithaupt,

Best surprise in Al Jarreau's set in Newport Beach last night: a pno/voc rendition of Donald's "Maxine"!

Date: Fri, August 26, 2016, 06:51:32 ET
Posted by: not, very funny

I think Through With Buzz was written as a jingle for a guy who had a beehive removal service. That's why it's so short.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 23:58:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

RIP Rudy Van Gelder. For those who don't know:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/arts/music/rudy-van-gelder-audio-engineer-who-helped-define-sound-of-jazz-on-record-dies-at-91.html?_r=0

He was one of Don and Walt's big influences when it comes to recording.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 23:41:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Jim, I had no idea. I have to say, that sucks balls! Anyway, feel free to remove the post. Butt you know I was just joshing, anyway. I KNOW you know how to spell Don's name.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 22:57:36 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Not sure about post show parties, but I'm counting on a few pre show parties!
The anticipation grows!

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 22:46:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Hoops, I can't agree more. The lyrics are essential to a full appreciation of Steely Dan, IMO and I have to believe Joe Jackson knows that. Their lyrics are hysterical, especially when paired with the music.

But I have to point out---"Fagan"? SHAME!!

Just teasing. Looking forward to seeing you in NYC this October. Any post show activities planned yet?

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 22:41:57 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Lifeguard: you don't have to enjoy lyrics to really appreciate Steely Dan. In fact something like 20 years ago, a survey of some sort indicated that Steely Dan was the third most popular elevator Muzak, behind The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac, Behind Steely Dan was Billy Joel and Elton John.

That said, to fully appreciate all facets of Steely Dan, you must consider the lyrics. The lyrics and the way they tie in with the music that is being played is hilarious! Maybe I misunderstood Joe Jackson's comment about lyrics and Steely Dan from a couple months ago, but at face value my opinion of JJ went down two or three notches when he said that. Steely Dan lyrics are just incredible, witty, and amazingly crafted, and, like I said, the music and lyrics work together. Because of that, I've always wish that Donald and especially Walter could be given for Mark Twain Prize or something like it because they are top-notch humorists through both lyrics, music, and the combination of both. (When I researched the nomination process for the Mark Twain Prize, there was little to find out however it seemed that Lorne Michaels of Saturday Night Live and current Tonight Show frame and Lincoln Center are mostly behind who receives it. Not so sure that Michaels and Becker and Fagan are on the same page.)

Jim

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 20:02:45 ET
Posted by: Gino F., disgusted, frankly

I thought that Boston Rag ad idea was rather distasteful.

And that's why I laughed until it (almost) hurt.

"Funny's funny", as they say!

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 19:41:29 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, ...and the winner IS...

Thanks for the laughs, Alkali. Those off-the-top-of-your-head ideas were pretty damn good. Hopefully you are already gainfully employed at a major ad agency, or will be soon. I'd be happy to provide a glowing reference if needed, if only because the whole "advertising scene" is in desperate need a shakeup.

And someone really should send that Boston Rag suggestion to the folks at Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - I mean, I know Don & Walt don't normally license their music for advertising, but I think in a case like this an exception could and should be made. I'm not talking about one of those "only shown in Japan" commercials, either. I'm talkin' "Superbowl 51"!

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 18:50:10 ET
Posted by: Greg, Dunedin

Re lyric quiz:

Always thought the line from Second Arrangement "Stashed in the yellow Jag
I've got my life and laundry in a Gladstone bag" was referring to a Jaguar.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 18:25:27 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Akaili in NYC, you may think those were low hanging fruit, I thought they were terrific and the best laugh I have had today. Well done Sir.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 18:22:20 ET
Posted by: Lee Iococca, Lyric quiz

> Glamour Profession mentions the make Chrysler. Another song names a model.

Is that a Dodge Aries? From Surf and/or Die:
Because as it stands now your beloved White aires/Is fair game for the vandals up on Makapuu Street

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 18:22:15 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Jimmie, I'm not entirely sure, but that looks to be a Nightfly era picture. Possibly in support of New Frontier?

And, Akali, that's some funny shit right there. I tend to agree with M/O/D/P and some others. There are any number of SD songs suitable for commercial use. I'm just thankful the boys have refused to sellout to pimping products. I have about zero respect for most artists who let their music be used for commercials.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 16:39:25 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, ERJIEISDF

Anyone know where this picture of DF was taken?

http://gq-images.condecdn.net/image/ma243JqGXry/crop/810

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 16:10:18 ET
Posted by: Lifeguard, at the beach

I'm not a lyrics man. Like Joe Jackson said in his review of Donald's Sunken Condos album: "Lyrics! Who needs 'em?!"

People are talking about Bruce Springsteen performing for nearly 4 hours on Tuesday in New Jersey. Not a Springsteen fan so there's no way I would have been able to sit/stand through it. Still, you have to admire the man's endurance and stamina.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 15:31:16 ET
Posted by: Alkali, NYC

Honorable mention: Kamakiri (the new models; the “Prayer” & the “Mantra” run on spring-water steam, rag weed and hope)

And yes of course the boys would file right in product promotion via their songs for that green if they decide to, jeez, just off the top of my head I can think of a handful of songs to sell product: “Fire in the hole”- Preparation H, “Boston rag”- Kotex, “Bad Sneakers”- Keds, “, “Don, take me alive”- Bushmaster, “Babylon Sisters”- WNBA and that’s without even trying!
But alas, I’m warmed by the fact that the boys don’t sell out.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 07:40:12 ET
Posted by: Lyric, Quiz

I was actually thinking of the Eldorado for GM. Nice catch on Blazer.

There's also Studebaker.

Glamour Profession mentions the make Chrysler. Another song names a model.

Chris, I believe that was the liner notes to the DVD-A.

Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 02:51:10 ET
Posted by: Lee Iococca, Lyric quiz

Re lyric quiz: These are the first that came to mind. I'm sure there are more:

Ford:
"In a fleet of Lincoln Town Cars they rolled into our town" - Mary Shut the Garden Door

GM:
"Throw your luggage in that Chevrolet" - Jack of Speed (as performed live in '96)
"We'll take big red, the Blazer, it's nice inside" - Janie Runaway

Chrysler:
"I drove the Chrysler/Watched from the darkness while they danced" - Glamour Profession

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 18:57:52 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

IIRC, some company did want to use IGY for a campaign at some point (80s?)

There's a quote from Fagen out there somewhere saying "I guess they didn't realize they lyrics are supposed to be ironic" or something to that effect.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 16:26:22 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

@Steve, still have the visor(and mug), still drive a '91 GM.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 16:06:37 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Nuclear bomb manufacturers have a good selection of SD and DF tunes to choose from for apocalyptic promos.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 16:00:55 ET
Posted by: lyrics, quiz

Name their songs that reference cars of the big 3 automakers.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 15:37:32 ET
Posted by: Steve,

In 2003 they had those General Motors MasterCard booths at the shows. If you signed up, you received a sunvisor with Steely Dan and the General Motors logo embroidered on it. That was pretty low-key, but it sucked to have such a great band associated with what was then a pretty shitty maker of cars.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 15:28:32 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Politely agreeing while disagreeing at the same time

"Only song I can see as having potential advertising appeal, lyrically anyway, is IGY."

You're probably right, lyrically anyways. Much of the current advertising that uses popular music to make its point has little or nothing to do with actual song lyrics, though, just as a significant number of ads no longer even talk about the product or service prominently at all - just the "brand". It's mostly lifestyle identification/brand positioning stuff or nostalgic connection stuff, as opposed to the old "presenting helpful information about our product/service" approach. As an aside, a lot of these ads may be memorable, but in many cases the viewer remembers the ad but can't quite remember what product or company the ad was for. So much for "brand positioning".

Having said that, I can easily see some mobile phone company or service provider wanting to use "Rikki", or some company trying to encourage repeat business wanting "Do It Again". When time travel becomes available to everyone (not just a select few), those time travel guys will want to use "Reelin' In The Years" for sure. And so on.

And those companies that sell the things you pound into the ground to hold your tent down with when you're camping? Those guys will definitely want to use a Steely Dan tune in their TV & radio ads.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 15:27:06 ET
Posted by: on the subject..., www.

Windows 95 was released 21 years ago today. The Rolling Stones were paid millions for the use of Start Me Up in the TV commercials.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 14:03:28 ET
Posted by: Jake, Manhattan

But it lessens the impact of the song. Wouldn't you be annoyed if "Aja" was used as a theme song for a TV series? Pete Townshend of The Who let his music become used for TV shows and commercials so he could rake in big money. I didn't like it.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 12:12:26 ET
Posted by: Johnny, A

Only song I can see as having potential advertising appeal, lyrically anyway, is IGY.

It would not bother me in the least at this point if they went the route of John Cougar and Bob Seger and Steve Miller and allowed their material to be used in a TV commercial.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 10:25:19 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Better late than never? You be the judge.

The Dean - Late last night, I emailed a friend who works at the CBC, and I got a response a few minutes ago. She can't find any evidence of any CBC connection to Atomic Rooster (song rights paid, music licensed, etc.) in their archives. I wasn't much of a CFL Football watcher back then, but I'm pretty sure some games were also broadcast by the CTV Network. Maybe the Rooster track was used by the national broadcaster that isn't funded by tax dollars, who knows?

The Steely Dan connection? How's this: While so many acts over the years have permitted or even encouraged the use (or in some cases, abuse) of their music in advertising or other secondary purposes, Don & Walt have steadfastly refused to allow any of their material to be used in such promotional situations, even though there is no doubt the requests have been made and there is no doubt the demand is there. And, of course, turning down such requests equals turning down (in some cases) large amounts of money. I'm not counting the use/re-use of songs on movie soundtracks or other similar "artistically valid" uses.

Interestingly, D & W have allowed a number of Rap/Hip Hop acts to butcher & deform some great songs, and of course they have been very well compensated for this. I won't list the "artists" [sic] or their "hits" [sic], since it's getting close to lunchtime and I don't want anyone reading this to have to skip an important mid-day meal, or cough the last three up.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 09:55:01 ET
Posted by: Negative Gurlfriend,

Thank you, Dean.

Because some of you need this explained.

From Urban Dictionary.

"TOP DEFINITION

milf

"Mother I'd Like (to) Fuck"

mothers, whether married, separated or divorced, that a male individual sees as physical attractive enough to want to have sexual intercourse with them. Just cuz their moms doesn't mean that they don't need a spark in their love life."

You can read the rest of the more explicit details at http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=milf

First there was MILF and DILF naturally came out of that.

Donald and Walter would never write blatantly and overtly about doing a MILF, but given songs like Haitian Divorce, Janie Runaway, and Everyone's Gone To The Movie, it's within the realm of possibility they'd hint or suggest such a MILF or even a DILF in one of their songs. That's if they ever write another. Some guys would go all wink-wink and gleefully snark at a nod to a MILF.

So I, a Danfan belle, puts the shoe on other foot--or is it condom on the other partner? That's all.

Yes, gay men probably adopted MILF and made it DILF. But can't women have fantasies that are in the same realm of possibility that Donald and Walter might engage? I'm sure most of you guys would agree, but I explain for the minority who go, "Ewwwwww!" I'm not going as far to say some of you have a madonna-whore complex, although that concept could also be part of a Steely Dan song character profile.

So yes, Mike, Don, and Walt are all DILFs in my book of fantasies. Ask any lady Danfan at the next Danfest and I bet they'd say the same. And so deep inside it will remain a fantasy to have Mike, Don or Walt...... I'll stop.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 09:12:00 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Don, thanks for the effort. After further review (and a text to a buddy I grew up with), the conclusion is the song was The Rock--the instrumental in the first link I provided. Pretty sure it was used for Canadian Football, back in the day.

Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 02:13:31 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Sorry Dean, ran through a bunch of Rooster, and nothing jogged the old memory. Not that it's very reliable for that decade!

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 23:30:50 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

great hour-long interview with Dean Parks here, starts with some Steely Dan discussion then gets back into the Dan about halfway through. worth listening to the whole thing just to hear Dean's history and perspective, and his friendship with Larry Carlton among others. some other great interviews available here as well, conducted by Nashville steel guitar stalwart Bruce Bouton. enjoy:

http://acmeradiolive.com/programs/the-side-men/

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 22:34:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

OK, my Canadian Dan fans, I'm looking to you for this one. (Though some in Western New York might be of help, too.) Do you remember which Atomic Rooster song was used on some Canadian Television sports broadcasts (CBC, I think, but could have been CTV), back in the 70's?

I thought it was an instrumental, which would make this the likely suspect:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWvjLc79eQ4

But for some reason, I don't think that's it. Could it be they just used some of the instrumental parts from this one?

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

I think I'm missing something here.

Don Patrol? M/O/P/D? Others?

(Yes, this is a Steely Dan free post. Hoops feel free to delete this, but if you can wait for me to get an answer, I'd appreciate it.)

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 21:36:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Stan, you are entailed to your opinion. But please, there is no reason to shame Negative Gurlfriend for having a bit of fun. I actually think Mike and Don are more GILF material, if they were actually grandfathers. They'd be perfect for Krieger's GILF Cam. (Random Archer reference):

http://archer.wikia.com/wiki/GILF_cam

Like many here, I think Michael is a great background vocalist. Too much MM, however, is hard to take, for me. Particularly as a lead vocalist. That isn't to say I don't like him, I really do. But I can't imagine him singing lead on many SD tunes, without them sounding schmaltzy. Look what he did to the Doobie Brothers!! His voice is clearly better than Simmons or Johnston, but the band sounds better with either Simmons or Johnson signing lead, IMO.

Van Morrison is in a league of his own, when it comes to White rock/pop singers. I'd rank Lowell George right there with him, but not too many others. (James Dewar, perhaps, if your looking for one from out of the blue.) But, hey, that's me. I understand others having their own (stupid) opinions. :#)

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 21:13:46 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Definitely not "bashing" anyone who doesn't richly deserve it

For what it's worth, I love most of Michael McDonald's work with SD, whether it's live or on any of those great studio albums. I'm not as much of a fan of a lot of his Doobie Brothers stuff (although I don't hate it like I once did), and some of his solo stuff (those gawdawful duets, for instance) still really grates on me.

I'd love to see him tour with Steely Dan as a band member. I'd even enjoy hearing him do lead vocals on a couple of songs. KD's suggestion of Third World Man is an interesting one for sure.

Oh, and when I posted recently about those silly SD vocalist rumors, I wasn't actually comparing McMike to Full Colons or that one guy from "Foreigner". I was just mocking the goofy-and-seemingly-endless stories about all those reputed alternate Dan lead singers. Or maybe I was simply being an ass, who knows?

Anyways, a good rule of thumb is to never allow oneself to get too upset/genuinely offended at something posted here, and definitely never take anything posted on an Internet Rock Band Fan Board too seriously. We've seen recently what can happen when someone does just that, and it isn't pretty.

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 20:35:06 ET
Posted by: Stan, listening to Michael McDonald

Your comment about Michael McDonald is inappropriate, Negative Gurlfriend. You sure have a filthy mind.

Michael is one of the best vocalists in the rock genre. I rank him right up there with Van Morrison. It was Jeff "Skunk" Baxter who brought Michael McDonald into the The Doobie Brothers and the rest is history. Michael is no Donald Fagen when it comes to songwriting, but he did have a knack for writing catchy pop melodies. I really hope Steely Dan & Mike do another tour together. They should have Michael sing the songs Donald hates to sing like Doctor Wu, Rikki, etc.

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 19:38:03 ET
Posted by: Umm, not that i ever gave it much thought but

Don doesn't qualify as a DILF, as far as we know anyway.

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 18:01:38 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Have to admit I had to look up the acronym DILF, and I must say, I did not see that coming. That's all I got folks.

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 17:31:10 ET
Posted by: Negative Gurlfriend,

Michael McDonald is a DILF! But he's not the DILF I want singing lead on most Steely Dan records. Donald is my Steely DILF.

Please don't be hurt. Just an opinion. Doesn't mean it's not nor is it a Mike McDonald safe space here. That's just the way it is.

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 14:44:33 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Alkali, I intended no offense. Michael McDonald just fell victim to the assertion that Donald wanted him to become to voice of SD. That kind of thing is bound to elicit a response. But unless DF logs in and states it plain, we're all just spitballing here aren't we?

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 11:52:14 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Alkali -- no bashing here. I love Mike. This former SST-obsessed punk has paid to see him live several times, and I've listened to his first solo album over the last 14 months as much as any Steely Dan (not including solo stuff) LP over that time.

While I'd like to hear (actually, would LOVE to hear) a version of 'Third World Man' with him on lead vocals, I'm just very happy Donald Fagen's version is the version of record.

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 10:03:50 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Hypersensitivity Land

How is it that a handful of posters write about how they prefer to take their Michael McDonald in small(er) doses - backing vocals, as opposed to permanent lead vocals - and this is perceived as "bashing" McDonald??

It's nothing more or less than a few people stating their opinions. Some folks love Mike, some folks are unreceptive to the suggestion that he should have replaced Don as lead singer back in he mid '70s. Nobody, as far as I can see, has "bashed" him or denigrated his valuable contribution to the SD sound on all those great Old Testament Dan albums.

There's just no need for anyone to be "offended" here.

Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 09:44:06 ET
Posted by: Alkali, NYC

Though I hear some sporadic praise, the overall feeling I'm getting here on this site is McDonald bashing, after all of his contributions to SD and even after his extra ordinary work on Ween’s "boys club"
anywho, RIP Toots, the closing scene of Midnight cowboy will forever be etched in my ear thanks to you.

Date: Mon, August 22, 2016, 13:34:34 ET
Posted by: The Guardian , U.K.

Significant Steely Dan fan Joni Mitchell appeared in public last night for the first time since she suffered her aneurysm in the spring of 2015. She attended a Chick Corea concert.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/22/joni-mitchell-gig-recovery-aneurysm-la-chick-corea-concert?CMP=share_btn_fb

Date: Mon, August 22, 2016, 06:31:57 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

The great Toots Thielemans passed away today. He used to say that musically the place were he tried to be was between a tear and a smile. He never played for Don and Walt but was all over what is considered as the most Steely Danish Michael Franks album: Passion fruit, produced by Rob Mounsey : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l_AKC8A1Mk
I both played "Bluesette" at my father's funeral and for our wedding !

Date: Mon, August 22, 2016, 00:14:28 ET
Posted by: Sam Estes, San Rafael

Interesting discussions here. Hoping to attend one of the shows in New York City in October. Thank you for sharing the things you know in love with me, one of your kind.

Date: Sun, August 21, 2016, 11:55:33 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach. Big Sunday Bash!

I found it interesting that Artie rejected Jango, without a listen. because he SAW they did a cover of a lame song. I can be an unbearable snob, on occasion, but even I wouldn't judge a band's music without listening to their music. I've actually heard covers of cheesy songs that were pretty damn good. Sometimes you just have to get the material in the right hands. Here's an example of that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAS4ltt7DzI

Would you reject Richard Thompson out of hand, if you glanced at a YouTube page and noticed he covered this song? That would be a mistake, IMO.

With that said, I thought City Of The 2nd Chance was nice enough. Not sure I'd consider anything in the song to be in the same league as "Don and Walt at their late 70's best" (or any period of theirs, at any level of their output). But ignoring the obvious hyperbole, I thought it was pleasant, for "smooth jazz".

Date: Sun, August 21, 2016, 11:28:32 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Artie

Re: Jango

I have to agree about the cheese factor in some of their output, especially the ' How Long' cover. Some other stuff even veers into the dreaded Kenny G territory. There are some gems in there however if you're willing to sift though the 3 albums they did.

Date: Sun, August 21, 2016, 10:21:42 ET
Posted by: Artie, R

I went to the Jango youtube link, and they lost me when I looked to the right and saw their cover of a cheesy Paul Carrack song that doesn't need a cover.

Date: Sat, August 20, 2016, 20:43:31 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Watchin the Hip

Just having a Canuck moment!

Date: Sat, August 20, 2016, 18:27:33 ET
Posted by: random, u tube

This is hilarious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Pg_6T3ioc

Date: Sat, August 20, 2016, 13:16:17 ET
Posted by: Apostrophe, Not There

Maybe Don and Walt can write a song simply titled "Nice Site!" about internet scammers?

"Attention all posters

It's illuminati day

Yes, the big life-changing moment

is just a few clicks away

It's last call for cheap Viagra

Nice Site!"

Date: Sat, August 20, 2016, 05:40:30 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Y'know, periodically this forum gets really hard to take when various egos get out of control and the whole shebang just degenerates into a serious waste of bandwidth.

However!

That is more than compensated for by the wonderful links and suggestions for other music (some directly dangential, some not so much) posted by regulars on here, which over the years I've followed up on and learned to love and now form a large part of my music collection.

Recent links to those Mitch Dalton tracks and the 1957 Tail-Fin doodah, to years back being introduced to Bruce Cockburn (who knew?), Pugwash, State Cows, Norwegian Fjords, Toy Matinee, CPR, Eye to Eye, MONKEY HOUSE!! etc etc etc

There's nowhere else on the web where I can get exposure to such a quality and diversity of music so likely to click with me so thanks guys. I suppose what I'm trying to say is...."Nice Site!"

ps: in case anyone has forgotten about or never heard Jango please take a listed to this, the chorus especially is worthy of Don and Walt at their late 70's best...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62ZFD1N3zoE

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 16:39:46 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Another Tequila Sunset

KD - That lengthy, partially-possibly apocryphal SD lead singer list of yours looks a lot like the one I just added to earlier today. The roll call could be even longer, I bet, if only some dedicated "internet music journalist" out there could take the time to "report" more "stories".

Thanks also for the Yacht Rock link. It's been a while since I've watched that one, so I stayed with it all the way through today. If anyone here knows of a better documentary about the infamous, bitter Eagles/Steely Dan feud, I'd like to know about it. It had better contain a scene funnier than the one where Henley and Frey rough up D & W and take their lunch money, though, or I will instantly reject it as being historically inaccurate. Truth be told, I used to think of Henley and Frey as a couple of bland, way-too-laid-back Soft Rock hacks until the first time I viewed Yacht Rock episode 10. After that I thought of them as a couple of bland, way-too-laid-back Soft Rock hacks who were also mean bullies!

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 14:06:51 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

David, I have enjoyed Scenes from a Fell Running Year since you first issued it. The music is great, and it caused me learn what fell running and the BGR are, so it's a twofer.

I grabbed that tiger by the tail...

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 13:06:05 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

If McDonald had taken the lead vocal role in SD think of the possibilities.....Yah Mo Be There might have been on Gaucho. The counter to Godwhacker on EMG? Gold pure gold!!

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 12:57:16 ET
Posted by: David, London

Hello there,

David here from The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco. We thought you might enjoy this.
http://youtu.be/7GClAcBTVi0

'Scenes From A Fell Running Year'

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 11:38:46 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Jesus -- I just assumed they were Carlos Castaneda quotes.

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 11:35:58 ET
Posted by: Jesus, Is just all right

So Ted and Mike liked to recite lines from the Bible at closing time. I can respect that.

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 11:20:11 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Yes, at times, Fagen wanted to hand over the lead vocals to McDonald in 1974, for good. They also apparently wanted Loudon No. 3, and Gerry Rafferty. And maybe Sammy Hagar. Later on, Gary Cherone. Shalamar. "Walter, can you take this one?"

The point is that Fagen was always goofy about his voice, and you could bet that 15 times a week during the recording of every album his self-loathing about it drove him to throw his hands up and tell anyone in the room that he was the worst singer for that particular song before storming off to take his frustration out on the ping-pong table. It happens, or happened, with him.

There wasn't much of a choice, either. McDonald sang pronounced backup on the majority of songs on albums 4-through-6 and a fair amount on 'Gaucho.'

And, yes, he sat in for a goodly chunk of the 2006 tour, and it was great. You couldn't hear him try to hit the high notes in 'Peg' in the mix, though, because he can't really hit those notes anymore.

Why?

1). View the 10th installment of 'Yacht Rock,' which has a clip of the Eagles throwing a brick at his larynx:

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

2). CTRL-F "Ted Templeman" on this link:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/lifestyle/walk-this-way/

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 11:07:48 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Down at the Old Rumor Mill

Speaking of the time Steely Dan tragically missed out on hiring Michael McDonald to be the band's lead vocalist, another one of those awesome Classic Rock vebsytes also reports that Becker & Fagen were very, very close to signing Classic Rock legend Phil Collins to man the microphone for them just after the singer/drummer left Genesis as an unrestricted free agent in 1996. Just thinking of all the great songs Mr. Collins could have brought to SD makes my head explode. Sussudio! And that song where he walks around with his pants pulled down in the video while he sings about how he can't dance! And that other song from "The Lion King"!! But sadly, it wasn't to be.

There is also a rumor floating around that Don & Walt tried to get that one guy from "Foreigner" - the one who sings about how Miller Genuine Draft is "Cold As Ice" - to front the 2000 "Walking Distance" tour, but I don't believe that one for a second. I didn't just fall off the back of a turnip truck, ya know.

Date: Fri, August 19, 2016, 10:06:16 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

I am very happy Michael McDonald never took over the lead vocals in SD. His tenure with the Doobie Brothers, was not what I would consider to be their best years. In my humble opinion, his vocal style would not have been a good fit for lead vocals with SD. Cannot imagine enjoying Steely Dan songs without Donald manning the mic.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 20:54:51 ET
Posted by: Hey Cas, North of Orl

FYI

Single seats remain for 10/29 including front row side loges and back orch's.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 20:28:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Yes, I guess Pogo DID reel me in. I blame it on a relative lack of booze, today. HA! :#)

BTW, Very nice site!

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 20:20:32 ET
Posted by: Ha, Ha

You sure reeled in The Dean, Pogo.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 19:42:32 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Pogo, you don't seriously think Don and Walt would be interested in recording soft, lame crap like "Takin' It To The Streets, It Keeps You Running, What A Fool Believes, etc"? Do those songs have any of the edge of an SD song? Are the lyrics even tangentially related to those of Don and Walt?

I'm among the group who thinks the Doobies were far less interesting with Mike, than before him. But he did add a layer to the Doobies' music. But there is NOTHING, other than his backup vocals, he could add to Steely Dan's music.

You obviously are thinking about "hits" and "money". Try thinking about "Art", "Music", "Quality", instead.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 19:17:39 ET
Posted by: Pogo, Los Angeles

From Setlist.fm: Steely Dan July 14, 2006 in Texas. They let Michael McDonald sing on the last 7 songs of the set: Show Biz Kids, Do It Again, Peg, Don't Take Me Alive, Kid Charlemagne, My Old School and FM.

Donald Fagen was right. They should have made Michael McDonald an official member before The Doobie Brothers grabbed him. Michael would have made a great contribution to Steely Dan on the songwriting and vocals. SD could have gained additional hits from Michael like Takin' It To The Streets, It Keeps You Running, What A Fool Believes, etc. Steely Dan missed the boat on that one.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 18:42:53 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

For what its worth, Michael McDonald sang a duet with Donald on "Show Biz Kids" during the '06 Steely Dan tour.
He may have done a little backup on "Peg" or even on "Kid Charlemagne" but that was about it for what he did on that tour.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 18:34:21 ET
Posted by: Kurt, LD

There was an interview a while back where Walter, when asked what differentiated SD from other groups, said something to the effect that they had all good songs vs. most bands just focusing on two or three singles each album. Anyone know if it's on youtube?

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 17:08:00 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Apostrophe - thanks. Don't Take Me Alive is such a fantastic song live. I wish they would add it back to the set.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 16:56:01 ET
Posted by: Apostrophe , Not here

He did sing lead on the first two verses of Do it Again. He also joined in for Kid C, Don't Take Me Alive and a few others.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 15:52:29 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Thanks hoops. I'm a little anxious about it just because it is last show and on a Saturday night, and greatest hits. All factors likely to goose demand, it seems.

I'll keep looking online, particularly mid-Sept to early October when my plans solidifiy.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 15:45:30 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Casual Fan: They often release good tickets a few days before. You have to check in a lot to follow. These can be in the first few rows. I also had an eigth row center ticket to sell four or five years ago. Had a hard time selling in front of the Beacon the day of the show.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 15:22:26 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Hey all, quick question on a Beacon Show. I have friends going up form Central Fla for the 10/29 show, the last in the bunch. I may be going up for it, too, but have to juggle timing a bit as to when to commit.

Right now on the ticketmaster site there are no tickets available (other than resale) for that show. But the show is 2 and a half months away and in my experience tickets tend to get released as the event draws near.

Is my experience likely to be repeated for this show? I hate to pay a premium now for mediocre seats on stubhub, only to see a bunch of better seats pop up on ticketmaster for less as we get into October.

Thanks in advance,

CF

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 15:16:43 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

I think that I remember Michael McDonald singing lead vocals on one of the songs that he sat in on during the Sugartooth McDan tour - Do It Again, possibly? Or maybe it was Peg - IMO the best backup vocals song he did for SD. Maybe it was in lieu of WB singing lead on anything that tour. Anyway, running through any SD song and imagining McMike singing lead quickly demonstrates the folly if the idea, again IMO.

If anyone has a better memory or better notes about the 2006 tour, please fill us in.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 11:55:41 ET
Posted by: Barney Beacon, NJ

Chuck, I can pretty much guarantee that Gary Katz had absolutely no say on who the band used on their tour(s)in those days.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 10:43:37 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

McMike is a fabulous background singer, and does a fair job with his "blue eyed soul" stuff. That said, Michael McDonald would be a TERRIBLE lead singer for SD.

And, I don't for one minute believe there was serious consideration to make Mike the exclusive lead singer for SD. I'm pretty sure even Don realized having someone else sing their songs was a mistake, after the Palmer experience. I have no problem believing they brought in Mike with the idea he would take some of the vocals, particularly on tour, which they hadn't totally abandoned yet--at least not officially.

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 09:02:05 ET
Posted by: tact, poise and reason, way deep into nothing special

Chuck- There is not another human being on the planet more appropriate to deliver the vocals for SD songs than DF. Now, is DF the finest vocalist on the planet? Hell no. Not even close. With regard to providing the attitude which is so vital to the unique stories told in SD songs, he is the best. Which is why he reluctantly agreed to do it in the first place. Do I like David Palmer's vocals on the songs he sang? I do, I like those songs a lot. Not sure he would have done as well on all SD material,however. Can't see him, or anyone else, singing Barrytown or Gaucho or Jack of Speed the way DF does. My two cents. :-)

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 01:28:51 ET
Posted by: Chuck, VT

I guess Walter Becker and maybe Gary Katz didn't want Michael McDonald as the lead vocalist so they blocked Donald's vote. Booo!

Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 00:06:22 ET
Posted by: Chuck, VT

It's from "20 Facts you probably didn't know about Steely Dan" on ultimateclassicrock.com

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 23:46:22 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Chuck. Link?

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 22:13:53 ET
Posted by: Chuck, VT

Donald Fagen wanted Michael McDonald to become the lead singer of Steely Dan when Michael first joined. Unfortunately, Donald's vote was vetoed. Michael McDonald would have been a good lead singer for Steely Dan. Even better than Donald.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 20:59:31 ET
Posted by: Harold, D

Fagen's been going back to Bard for a long time. In the 80's they presented him with a doctorate of the arts. The '06 story wasn't his first time back.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 19:57:16 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Abu, thanks for the Fagen It link. I'm going to check out more Mitch Dalton stuff over the next couple days.

BTW, Fagen DID return to Bard, and did an interview while there. No link (too tired), but it is probably easily found.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 19:34:52 ET
Posted by: Gino F., I Got The Link

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-17/steely-dan-s-old-school-downgraded-further-into-junk-by-moody-s

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 18:48:42 ET
Posted by: Steve,

New Jazz Supergroup Mega Nova features Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller and Cindy and Carlos Santana.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/inside-carlos-santanas-new-jazz-rock-supergroup-w434803?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=daily&utm_campaign=081716_16

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 17:12:11 ET
Posted by: Cook, in the kitchen

New Bloomberg article has appeared online about Steely Dan's My Old School turned into junk. Don & Walt were arrested as students. Donald said he will never return there.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 15:58:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach. Heading to the Manatee

RIP Bobby Hutcherson, vibraphonist extraordinare. 75 years young.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 12:58:26 ET
Posted by: Abu, Fagen It

Yes, this is a very nice site.. and on the subject of guitarists..The other day I stumbled upon a very nice tune on the Tube entitled "Fagen It". It is by Mitch Dalton & The Studio Kings. Professionally done vid, and the music is top notch. Mitch Dalton is called by one "Britain's answer to LA guitar tsars". He is one of the top session guitarists across the Atlantic. Among many others, he has played with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Ella Fitzgerald, to name a few. His bandmates include bass player Steve Pearce, who has toured with Van Morrison (Hoops take notice), Al Jarreau and Elton John. On drums: Ian Thomas, who was formerly with Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood. Lots of talent in the mix... Back to this tune: With a title like that, I figured it has to be a tribute to Donald. I could find nothing online about it, though. Mitch released an excellent CD back in 2012, but this song was not included. So, I sent a few messages and posted in a couple of places. In a few days, Mr. Dalton himself answered and confirmed that "Fagen It" is indeed a tribute, as he says, "to the great Donald". Very good guitarist, who plays sitting down like the Skunk. Another tune is a tribute to Wes Montgomery. See what you guys think, but I think it is very cool to have and hear this homage to DF. Link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DRDhvZfX7g

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 12:00:27 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

I agree with those who say Jon and Wayne sounded great together. I think what others might be saying is, if you have to have one "lead" guitarist for SD, Krantz may not be the best choice, despite his talent. "He only sounds like himself" is a good way to put it, I think. SD has always favored musicians who let their talent show, but blend well into the gestalt of Steely Dan. IMO, sometimes what Wayne plays doesn't blend in, all that well, with the SD oeuvre--or not as well as Jon and Drew Zingg. That's not really a shot at Wayne. I think there have been a few drummers who fit that same pattern. You have to be a bit "all purpose" and 'stylistically flexible" to be able to sound good on all the various SD styles (that always sound like SD despite their differences). Capisce?

M/O/D/P, it must have been something REALLY important to skip seeing Larry. Then again, I'm sure you've seen him in the past (and plan to see him again, given the chance). I've seen Larry play electric jazz fusion, and been to live shows where he plays his acoustic "smooth jazz". He was terrific in both settings, but I typically prefer his electric playing.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 10:50:33 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

and the JH/Krantz combo is damn near perfect. Two virtuosos with very different styles and great taste. They compliment each other very well.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 10:47:54 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Krantz only ever sounds like himself, which I really dig when I go back and listen to 96 and DF shows.

He doesn't tour with KC as much as he used to, but it's a great show if you can catch it. Some next level telepathy shit happening between those guys. The show I caught 5 or 6 years back ranks among my all-time favorites.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 05:56:13 ET
Posted by: Still Sparkin', Hong Kong

Wayne Krantz worked very well with Herington during the three shows I saw on DF's 2006 tour.

With Krantz, my take is that when he hits it right it's pretty rewarding. He's not trying to do what Jon H does, and maybe that's why I thought they worked well together.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 03:52:48 ET
Posted by: Dad, Insomnia

A lot of Larry Carlton's solo albums fall into the smooth jazz type catagory. When I see him play at his shows, he goes more in a blues-rock-jazz direction.

Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 01:45:12 ET
Posted by: Robby, Seattle WA

That happens to me too. You never know what's gonna happen. Sometimes I get really sick and I can't make it to the show. But Larry Carlton tours a lot so you'll have another chance to see him again.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 23:57:08 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto

Due to a "professional conflict", I missed seeing Larry Carlton, who was performing just a few minutes from my front door this past weekend. I paid for tickets, but never got to use them, sadly.

http://www.ontarioslakecountry.com/event/jazz-mountain

Was anyone here, there? Just curious...

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 22:59:12 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Drew's work on Pretzel in the RocknSoul years has been one of my faves.
Krantz was always a little too flashy for my taste.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 21:07:55 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

M (in the kitchen), very nice job by your Dad. On my second listen, now. But if I might offer one piece of advice, he (or you) should amend the Youtube title to note it as a COVER. When you first click on, all you see is "The Second Arrangement" with a picture of Walt and Don. That's a bit misleading.

KD, I tend to agree with some of what you say about Krantz. I actually like him quite a bit, and enjoyed what he played on the SD and Fagen tours. But, he isn't the quintessential SD guitarist. His soloing doesn't fit in as naturally as Jon's (or even Drew Zingg's).

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 20:09:34 ET
Posted by: Abu, Third Arrangement of the Second

Thanks "M" for the link to the Second Arrangement. Has Jeremy Shaw done any other SD covers? Nicely done cover, with some tasty guitar work in the middle. No doubt WB or Steve Khan or someone else might have added some guitar stuff on the original. One wonders what the completed version had before it got mostly erased. Beast w/o A Name posted a nicely done cover by Twelve Against Nature, with some added horn charts. Maybe the infamous completed SD version had some horn action as well. We'll never know, sadly. Good to hear some imaginative arrangements of this classic tune.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 19:16:52 ET
Posted by: M, still in the kitchen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z231VlNUSE4

i posted the wrong link. although john tobacco's version is good too. this is the correct link.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 19:03:00 ET
Posted by: M, kitchen

My dad just finished his cover of The Second Arrangement!!! check it out......you won't be disappointed -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueft748EdwM

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 17:55:38 ET
Posted by: DeSoto, Boston

Comedian/actress Amy Schumer picked Steely Dan's "Dirty Work" as her profile song for a dating app on her phone.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 16:55:02 ET
Posted by: Chicago, attendee

I attended the DF show at the Chicago theatre in '06. Best sounding concert I've been to, period. A Chicago newspaper reviewer lauded Herington and dissed Krantz.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 16:36:28 ET
Posted by: Sushi Dan, NYC

Don't forget! Carolyn Leonhart will be playing at the Cornelia Street Cafe in NY on August 18. $20 will get you in. Arrive early to get a good table. This place can get very cramped.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 14:22:46 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Those two were the guitarists, and it was a great show (though Donald's ongoing early-spring cold was a bit of a bummer).

And again, not to keep ripping on Krantz (who I genuinely dig), but I wish Herington had been around to tee off on his "Weather In My Head" solo when Donald was on Letterman. Just not Krantz's style, especially with the gear he was going through.

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 13:51:42 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Did't Fagen's 2006 solo tour have both Krantz and Herington? Was there a third guitarist?

Date: Tues, August 16, 2016, 13:25:08 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

The only thing I wish I could do for the 1996 run was go back and De-Wank-O-Fy Krantz's gear a little bit.

The guy is a great player and I appreciate his technique and unorthodox approach (especially with Walter taking a lot more leads back then), but he ran a little too close to being Mr. Guitar World at the time.

Actually, at the time (1996) Guitar World was full of ex-shredders who'd shaved their heads or grown goatees while wearing flannel, so that might not entirely accurate, either.

Herrington is obviously the best choice for them, but there are still cool bits Krantz throws in here and there that you'd prefer (which might not be the right word, but still) over Jon's usual Mr. Everything approach.

Date: Mon, August 15, 2016, 17:40:52 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Ah yes; two sets, I remember them well.

Date: Mon, August 15, 2016, 16:45:00 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

agreed.
'96 is my favorite of all the tours I've heard. great song selection including several deeper cuts, stellar new material (some of it superior to what eventually got recorded and released, imo), and the absolute monster chops of Ambrose, Krantz, Beasley, Bumpus, etc.

not to mention they were still playing two sets. it was a very good year.

Date: Mon, August 15, 2016, 16:37:45 ET
Posted by: Steve,

23 years ago was the opening nights of the 1993 tour.

http://www.steelydan.nl/concerts.jsp?SearchTour=1993

Date: Mon, August 15, 2016, 12:19:59 ET
Posted by: Apostrophe, Not There

The Art Crimes Tour was great. I was just listening to a recording from the Gorge show this morning. Everyone's Gone to the Movies had one of the greatest reinventions in their live history. Along with the Walter-helmed version of Jack of Speed (and the other new material) it was a truly great and vibrant experience (at least on video and audio recordings it is).

I didn't see it, I was only 13 at the time.

Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 20:35:12 ET
Posted by: Sam,

20 years ago this Wednesday: Steely Dan ended their 1996 Art Crimes Tour at The Gorge. How time flies! What a night!

Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 19:32:09 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Toto has interesting set lists but relatively short. I take it that's because they are often sharing the bill with another act.

Aside from Jeff on drums and Keith's appearance on a recent Toto album, what other Toto players later went on to play with Steely Dan?

Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 06:22:05 ET
Posted by: Kasey K, Top 40

I looked on setlist.fm and they appear to play all their top 10 hits at every show. No reason to think if they had had more hits they wouldn't be playing those too.

Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 05:31:09 ET
Posted by: Crane, CO

Hey, guys! Go take a look at Toto's recent setlists at Setlist.fm. It's very good. More emphasis on album tracks instead of hits. I'm sold. Now I need to buy a ticket for the show. Keith Carlock should really be on tour with Toto.

Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 00:56:03 ET
Posted by: Mojo, Cleveland

I love Steve Gadd's drum solo on Aja.

Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 00:51:00 ET
Posted by: Chino, tired

Best version of Aja is on the Alive in America album.

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 23:16:15 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Heatwave by Moonlight

It looks like the theory that "Aja" is a very unconventional pop song is really gaining some traction here on The Blue. For what it's worth, I couldn't agree more with that line of thinking, and I firmly believe it's about time the concept got a good airing-out here.

Put me on the list as well, then!

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 22:36:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

"It used to be that whenever I heard the song or casually ruminated about its structure, chords, lyrics, et cetera, the first word out of my mouth was 'conventional'."

Nicely done, Captain.

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 22:06:54 ET
Posted by: Hash, Irving, CA

Aja wasn't played when Steely Dan began the tours in 1993. Later on it became part of an instrumental medley with Bad Sneakers & The Royal Scam played at the beginning of the show.

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 21:11:32 ET
Posted by: Captain Obvious, emphatically re-stating the readily apparent, again

I also do not think of "Aja" as a conventional "pop" song.

It wasn't always like that, though. It used to be that whenever I heard the song or casually ruminated about its structure, chords, lyrics, et cetera, the first word out of my mouth was "conventional". How wrong I was. I realize that now.

These days, you can add me to the list of people who think of the Steely Dan "pop" song "Aja" as "unconventional".

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 20:02:39 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

No doubt, Steve.

And it is about as far as you can get from a conventional 'pop' song. I don't think I've ever met anyone who would even consider it as such.

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 16:45:31 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Hearing "Aja" live in concert...it is such an epic song. It takes you on a roller coaster ride and if you're not moved by it...you're probably dead.

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 14:49:44 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, den

I would consider the song Aja a very unconventional "pop" song. Especially in view of what was popular at the time. Think about it.

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 11:19:17 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Chris and Dean:

Somehow, the open letter reminded me of an online chat with D+W where they discussed potential names for the album that eventually was named Two Against Nature. The one fan suggestion that seemed to make them laugh the most was:

"Steely Dan: Our Bodies, Ourselves"

Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 09:46:02 ET
Posted by: Ernie, CT

I still play SD CDs in my car, but cherry pick the tracks I feel like hearing. Sometimes the thought of spinning Aja sounds fresh (still have my 1988 MFSL 24K gold version), then realize that I seldom want to play anything other than Black Cow anymore. I think they made too many concessions to conventional pop (or at least to make it sound conventional to the untrained ear) and while I can still appreciate it, most of its songs hold my attention less than anything else in their discography. Gaucho, Royal Scam and Nightfly have had more staying power.

Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 22:33:05 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Now that's an interesting piece, Chris. Yes, the premise is a joke, but not a bad one, really.

And while, on some days I might agree with his conclusion (my favorite Dan album changes on an almost daily basis), you have to give the guy credit for his approach. (Though one might question recommending a song that makes heroin sound fun, to his unborn daughter---I guess that's part of the fun. Anyway, I digress.)

One thing I will say is, Gaucho is probably the most unfairly trashed album in the collection--even by Don and Walt. When you start to consider the material that was left off---WOW, what an album that would have been. And perhaps it's just me, but Third World Man lyrics work quite a bit better with the music than those of Were You Blind That Day---which is something since the "Blind" lyrics are pretty damn good.

What's this? Back to discussing Steely Dan on The Blue? What a fucking concept!

Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 19:15:11 ET
Posted by: Chris , Nh

The premise is a joke but I unironically agree with the content: http://thecuck.gawker.com/an-open-letter-to-my-future-daughter-1785229631

Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 18:39:16 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Steelydoc, thanks for the article. I don't know what he has up his sleeve, but I did notice this year for the SD concert in Dallas, pdf tickets were not an option. I had to access them through my Ticketbastard app (paper tickets may have been an option, too, I can't remember, but if so, it would require an additional fee). If I had wanted to sell them, it wouldn't have been as easy as uploading the pdf tix to Stubhub. In fact, I'm not sure how I would have gone about it.

Ticketbastard does offer a resale system, but they won't let you price tickets below a certain amount and they won't let you specify that if, for example, you have four tickets, a buyer must buy two or four. You have to sell however the buyer wants to buy. Classic Ticketbastard. I wish they would just jack up the ticket prices so I don't have to see the outrageous fee that I'm paying them.

Anyhoo, it sounded like he was working on a way for the artists - not the resellers, including Ticketbastard - to profit from the higher prices that fans are willing to pay. Perhaps we'll all be getting our tickets via online auction soon. Or maybe prices will fluctuate on the initial purchase based on overall demand and time remaining until the show. For the artists to get a cut, it seems like it has to happen on the original transaction. One thing that we can know is that if Ticketbastard is involved, we the consumers will get screwed, at least a little.

Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 17:27:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, M.

Thank you, Doc!

Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 16:12:34 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the tower

http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7468545/new-pioneers-irving-azoff-stubhub-live-music-business?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Touring%20Update&utm_term=biz_touring


Billboard article on Irving Azoff and his plan to defeat the "Stub Hub Factor" in ticketing

Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 03:26:23 ET
Posted by: , Ohio

I always loved Paul Shaffer's deadpan impression of Don Kirshner during the early Saturday Night Live years.

Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 02:03:45 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Nice to see the great Laura Nyro's name pop up here - I believe that Donald has noted on a few occasions his admiration for her work and its influence on him (among other things, all of those chords with the 2d or 4th in the base, and perhaps even a few Mu majors in there too).

Alas, little video exists of Ms. Nyro's (relatively rare) performances, but those in Dandom seeking a taste of her work most akin to the Dan might check out her Nested album from '78, or her Live at the Bottom Line from the late eighties. Those braver souls seeking her rawer earlier recordings (from which folks like BS&T, 3 Dog Night and the 5th Dimension created more popularly-palatable covers) should look for Eli & the 13th Confession, or her posthumously-released Filmore East concert.

Nyro wrote some of her best stuff between 16-18, spent most of her twenties in (temporary) retirement, and was really the first female singer/songwriter to make a mark, slightly ahead of Joni and Carole King (who became a singer well into her songwriting career). She passed way too early in the early 1990s in her late 40s, but I'll never forget this line from one of her obits: "Hundreds of singer/songwriters have since been compared to Ms. Nyro. Ms. Nyro herself was never compared to anyone."

Happy listening!

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 17:10:44 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Found another, more complete list of artists appearing on DK Rock Concert shows at TV.com and Steely Dan does not appear on this one either.

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 16:41:38 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

DK Rock Concert was great if you could get past his dead pan delivery for band introductions!

Ranker.com has a list which is supposed to cover every Rock Concert show that aired. Steeleye Span appears on the list, but no Steely Dan. Several of the episodes listed only the date and episode number of the show,, no artists. Others only show two artists, which would have been a low number. They could very well have been on one of those dates.

I watched both Midnight Special and DK Rock Concert religiously. If I
were to guess, I would say SD was on Rock Concert but it would be only a guess. Maybe someone else out there knows more.

Midnight Special has a DVD set out for all shows. Anyone know of DVDs for DK Rock Concert?

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 15:42:54 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, den

I have an early Soundstage performance by Three Dog Night on laserdisc at the height of their hit making peak when the initial Soundstage on public television was launched. You don't realize how many good tunes they sang until you see them all sung in one show. Hilarious polyester pants suit clothing too.

Wish the Dan had done one of those early 70s Soundstage shows. Have to settle for their 2 Midnight Special tunes that are on the Midnight Special set, which I just rewatched last night.

Speaking of 70s music shows, does anyone know whether SD ever played on Don Kirshners Rock Concert in the 70s, a better, diverse and more eclectic show? I loved watching those shows as a teenager.

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 14:49:25 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

Three Dog Night was my fave band (or "group," as we said then) when I was a little kid. Even then, though, I was aware they were covering other people's songs — Traffic, The Band, Elton John, Randy Newman, Laura Nyro, Harry Nilsson, etc. Everything else I liked (McCartney, Chicago, Paul Simon) seemed to be written by the artist. It wasn't long until Can't Buy a Thrill appeared, and, well, you know the rest...

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 12:36:01 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I still don't get why my long post, one I took some time on, all about Steely Dan and its prospects for getting on TV during the TvN-through-Hall of Fame media cycle was deleted. Didn't address trolls, was a direct response to someone who asked me a question.

Outside of its mention of Irving Azoff. One that was corroborated by a member of the touring band that year.

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 11:32:39 ET
Posted by: Kent Brockman, C

Three Dog Night had a perceived credibility issue because they didn't write their own songs. I imagine they sifted through some early Becker/Fagen compositions during the time with ABC Dunhill.

Toto wrote their own stuff, but proved they were much better when they were playing someone else's... on albums not labeled Toto.

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 02:04:07 ET
Posted by: Bernie, San Francisco CA

I saw Toto open for Three Dog Night some years back at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga CA. It was a really good show. Both bands don't get the respect they deserve.

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 00:52:47 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

I wouldn't exactly call it a policy. However, it is one of the three or four principal reasons/ motivations why the bluebook was started 15 years ago. Some other Steely Dan forums that's so much nine steely Dan musical content, it was necessary to sift through find Steely Dan content. There are many Steely Dan forums out there--find one that suits your style. for some of you, I understand--this SD forum sucks. You should post a different forum that you like better instead of this one.

Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 00:32:16 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, doghouse

Who let the dogs out?

I saw Three Dog Night and PitBull open for Toto.

Toto>>Porcaro>>Steely Dan

sorry, couldn't resist

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 22:47:03 ET
Posted by: Slang Me , Same as it ever was

I don't get where people are laying into Hoops. This is been the same policy the entire time the Blue Book has existed. Now Dr. Mu just notices? Yeah, A professor lets people talk about whatever the hell they want in the class and anonymously so.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 21:00:42 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, The Clutter house

LMFAO.

wow.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 20:24:40 ET
Posted by: Toad, San Diego, CA

One progressive rock band I really hate is Kansas. I saw them open for 3 Dog Night at a show here several years ago. They really stunk. I hated them when I was growing up. Pretentious schlock.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 20:17:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

It's your party, hoops. As an academician, I default to open expression and congenial criticism.

See ya 'round the block!

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 20:06:26 ET
Posted by: Toad, San Diego

I don't think Walter Becker likes progressive rock. He gave Emerson, Lake & Palmer only one star in a blindfold test. Walter said it's "not his cup of tea".

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 18:13:20 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

LaPage:

It's all good and my sincere apologies about remembering who said what first, etc. The truth is that I can't even keep the names of younger family members straight let alone who posted what when. It's not so important. I do love music of all sorts and do participate heavily in music forums of all focusses, but getting too far off topic here gets less and less worthwhile, as I've experienced over the past 15 years here and the 23 years of the Dandom Digest, (which is really the flagship forum of Dandom--not the Blue which is still just an experiment. I could write all day here about Van Morrison, Grateful Dead, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Elton John, Brian Wilson and on and on and on....but it just doesn't work so well when it gets too many hops away from SD. It's like when I invite my great aunts and uncles to dinner with my college smoking buddies.

Of course, there's some flexibility. More than people realize, etc. as I implied in my first post this morning with the Van Morrison example.

BTW: it's OK if there are lulls in posts/discussions here when there are no SD shows, SD-related recordings.

It's all good, best, Jim

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 17:50:25 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, den

I fully understand and get the desire to keep the focus of this forum on Steely Dan. I have no problem with that. I thought that included "Steely Dan related music" and "music that other Steely Dan fans might be interested in". Apparently I was mistaken. I posted a few posts about bands that I would think other SD fans would be interested in, ie UK, Ambrosia and most recently Brand X. Ambrosia is a vocal group that has some progressive jazz/pop leanings, is instrumentally and lyrically eclectic. Brand X's original lineup is reuniting for the first time in decades to tour. They are top notch instrumental jazz fusion pioneers I would think a Dan fan would take some interest in. If not, people can ignore something they are not interested in.
It's your forum and you can run it anyway you want. The very nature of music discussion involves comparisons, contrasts, evaluations and influences. If you can literally never discuss any band except SD, then inevitably it devolves into a lot of endless posting about setlist complaints. I wouldn't think something that restrictive would be that desirable, but it's your site. I thought those bands were "Dan related". Apologize if those few posts were that off topic.
And just to be clear, I was NOT the one here who injected Springsteen into this forum. That was someone who was ragging on and insulting The Boss and his fans for pages before I ever posted anything about him. Funny how things get twisted when they are deleted.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 17:20:34 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

"You want more straight Dan talk, hoops, you better light a fire under Walter! ;) "

It's not like we have to meet a daily minimum.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 16:50:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - it could be interesting. Some of their stuff is as close or closer to SD in structure as Monkey House, Gary Clark, Paddy McAloon...

F#majors, FMaj7, C#majs litter this tune

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOrA4usDKSE

fuses SD and Laura Nyro/5th Dimension sounds together...IMO more successfully than SD themselves in Blues Beach!



Next features more of the accoutrements (horn charts, guitar solos, musicianship) of SD adorning Don's unique songwriting structure stylings...the melodies less so (arguably more like Rupert Holmes which is not a bad thing) I can't say enough about Death by Improvement (sweet/sour perfection), Already Dark in New York, Works for Me, Tango By Yourself, When the Kid Comes Home. What Is it Exactly That You do All Day is a real grower...amusing in a little less stealth fashion of an unwelcome become welcome guest...the Fountains of Wayne quip is pretty damn amusing.




I just don't hear a lot of SD like tricks in Van Morrison - great artist with Jazz and celtic leanings, and continues to make great music. Some elements overlap with Little Feat...whose opus Representing the Mambo is criminally overlooked - there are a couple of clunkers but about the half the album is as good as the regional lineup (sacrilege!)..and a tip of the fez towards W&D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU0v7mbKRpQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f93O2rlvWOY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-MepOGSIE

Texas Twister and Rad Gumbo are fantastic as well.


You want more straight Dan talk, hoops, you better light a fire under Walter! ;)

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 13:38:33 ET
Posted by: Abu, Covering the Covers

Here is an instrumental cover of Almost Gothic. Not bad, IMHO. Kudos for the first cover of this tune on CD, to my knowledge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMVPOvBA2fw

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 13:09:50 ET
Posted by: Kid Dupree, Philadelphia

Eeew. Jamiroquai. From what I know, Keith Carlock has never missed a Steely Dan gig since he took over the drum chair in 2003. Who would they get if Keith got sick?

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 12:22:05 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Since Keith Carlock took over the drum throne for Steely Dan in 2003, has there ever been a Steely Dan performance where someone has filled in for him? I know Keith did not perform with the Dukes.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 11:56:51 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

@AllBuzz: I agree with Don Breithaupt about the latest Monkey House album:

"...as close as I’m going to get to hearing a new Steely Dan album..." The latest Monkey House album, Left, has had a fantastic reception, but this article is the one that made me the happiest, for obvious Dangential reasons. You write songs, you make records, you dream that what you do is going to compare favorably with your influences and/or fill someone with a "profound sense of joy." Wow! Here's the review, from Andrew Goodwin's music blog, Calling Captain Autumn: "I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been misled by quotes claiming that a new artist or album was evoking the spirit of Steely Dan. I’ve never been sure whether other acts were unwilling or unable to aspire to the standards set down by Becker and Fagen, but the plain fact is nobody ever has. Until now. Don Breithaupt is a Canadian pianist and composer whose project Monkey House is a conscious, deliberate homage to Steely Dan. Audacious doesn’t begin to cover it. And yet, incredibly, with the new album Left he’s managed to create music which both wears its influence on its sleeve and yet retains its own artistic integrity. This is no mean achievement – the risk of falling into loving pastiche must have been ever-present. That he avoids doing so is testament to the calibre of these eleven songs in their own right. It has to be said, I’ve only just discovered this album, and this blog is therefore very much a rash declaration of love akin to that which might be made by a teenager about his first girlfriend. But that’s reason enough to write it – how often does music evoke that rush of passion that makes you want to shout from the rooftops? This is glorious, spine-tingling stuff, as close as I’m going to get to hearing a new Steely Dan album, and it fills me with a profound sense of joy." https://callingcaptainautumn.wordpress.com [feat. Jay Graydon, Elliott Randall, Drew Zingg, Michael Leonhart, Marc Jordan, Lucy Woodward + more]

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 11:36:44 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Star Plaza, a northwest Indiana venue where Steely Dan last played in 2009, will close next year and be demolished. It opened as the Holiday Star Plaza in 1979 with a concert by Donna Summer. Others who have played there include, Sammy Davis, Jr., Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, ZZ Top, Alice Cooper, Diana Ross, Garth Brooks, Jamie Foxx, Luther Vandross, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Tina Turner, Miles Davis, Patti LaBelle, Phil Collins, Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Tony Bennett, BB King, Night Ranger, Kenny Chesney and Aretha Franklin, just to name a few.

I miss Poplar Creek northwest of Chicago which is where the NY Rock and Soul Revue and the modern Steely Dan Orchestra first played in 1992 and 1993, respectively. SD played it's 15th and final season in 1994. Donald made some weak joke about it being a "Popular Creek," as I recall. The shows were awesome.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 11:30:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

THanks, Phil, Mitch, others...

"...put the cursor"

It's not about rules but about discretion. Again, focus on the spirit of why I don't, for example, post extensively about Van Morrison. It's in that spirit of what's collectively best for the BlueBook as well as communicating with an audience that appreciates Van Morrison (Hint: The bluebook isn't exactly the best audience.)

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 11:10:53 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

"...as close as I’m going to get to hearing a new Steely Dan album..." The latest Monkey House album, Left, has had a fantastic reception, but this article is the one that made me the happiest, for obvious Dangential reasons. You write songs, you make records, you dream that what you do is going to compare favorably with your influences and/or fill someone with a "profound sense of joy." Wow! Here's the review, from Andrew Goodwin's music blog, Calling Captain Autumn: "I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been misled by quotes claiming that a new artist or album was evoking the spirit of Steely Dan. I’ve never been sure whether other acts were unwilling or unable to aspire to the standards set down by Becker and Fagen, but the plain fact is nobody ever has. Until now. Don Breithaupt is a Canadian pianist and composer whose project Monkey House is a conscious, deliberate homage to Steely Dan. Audacious doesn’t begin to cover it. And yet, incredibly, with the new album Left he’s managed to create music which both wears its influence on its sleeve and yet retains its own artistic integrity. This is no mean achievement – the risk of falling into loving pastiche must have been ever-present. That he avoids doing so is testament to the calibre of these eleven songs in their own right. It has to be said, I’ve only just discovered this album, and this blog is therefore very much a rash declaration of love akin to that which might be made by a teenager about his first girlfriend. But that’s reason enough to write it – how often does music evoke that rush of passion that makes you want to shout from the rooftops? This is glorious, spine-tingling stuff, as close as I’m going to get to hearing a new Steely Dan album, and it fills me with a profound sense of joy." https://callingcaptainautumn.wordpress.com [feat. Jay Graydon, Elliott Randall, Drew Zingg, Michael Leonhart, Marc Jordan, Lucy Woodward + more]

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 10:38:22 ET
Posted by: Mitch, TX

I understand the spirit of hoops's guidelines, and agree with them. Yet we still get "Word is Jamiroquai has a new album set for November."

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 09:08:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Ed Motta is heavily influenced by Steely Dan. He's mentioned several times how Aja is his favorite album. Some of his work is great, very much AOR fused with R&B-funk, while some of it is really 'out there'.

I hope Donald's cooking up some new stuff. Aside from the last leg of the '16 tour, I don't know what other SD-related news there is. Kind of a bummer.

P.S. Word is Jamiroquai has a new album set for November, for anyone interested.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 07:54:54 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Hi Hoops, I understand well what you mean but where do you put the cursor ?
For example, are Julian Marshall and Gary Clark Steely Dan connected enough to mention them ? I would say yes but the Bluebook is yours so only you can say it.
Anyway, have a nice day and thanks again for creating this page years ago.
BTW, sunday evening I've had the pleasure to see and hear Ed Motta live at the Marciac jazz festival, 2 hours of heavily Dan influenced music and some hilarious speeches between songs

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 07:14:15 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

(Sorry if this has some typos. For various reasons I have to dictate this rather than type it. That usually means there's some unintended errors that I can't see.)

An important aspect of this board is to stay focused on the topic of Steely Dan. Other topics are welcome as long as the discussion primarily relates to helping us further appreciate Steely Dan. In fact, that's One of two or three reasons this board was started. One or two other forums we're becoming diluted with discussion of Dave Matthews with little relevancy to Steely Dan. (On top of that, the host started mocking us for discussing Steely Dan--which is what kicked us in overdrive in creating the blue book.)

I could easily come on and talk in depth about other artists who have little or no connection to Steely Dan. I do not. It dilutes the quality of the posts in the focus of this forum.

For example, I'm a huge Van Morrison fan to the point that I consulted with PolygGram when they did some work on some re-releases back almost 20 years ago. I also have performed off and on and off in a Van Morrison cover band. In collaboration with two facilitators in Europe (whom I have actually never met in person), I am the cement for an active Van Morrison email discussion list.) As you probably gather, I'm a little more than an average fan of Van Morrison. Donald Fagen has made one or two comments that he appreciates something here and there about Van Morrison. And it's not unusual to discuss that Rickie Lee Jones has been compared and someways to him, as having been influenced.

I could also take what I've said in the paragraph before about Van Morrison and recycle two thirds of that information by swapping out the van Morrison with another artist name.

That said, I don't come on here and discuss Van Morrison (or the other artists) unless there's a pretty reasonable and substantial connection to Steely Dan. I don't talk about his latest record. I don't talk about seeing him in concert recently. I don't talk about when the cover band I have worked with reforms and performs. I don't contort myself to find a connection with Steely Dan and Van Morrison. The same is expected of everyone else here. I don't mean to be rigid--I think there should be a some leeway and space while posters develop an organic connection to Steely Dan so that we can appreciate Steely Dan better. However, when things are quieter-I from when there's no current concerts, or new records from Steely Dan or their associates, or no news items, then there's no need to force discussion on other artists that only have a minimal or forced connection. As I am plied above, I could fill these pages up during the "downtime" with all sorts of forced discussion about Van Morrison or others of which I consider myself a student.

That said, one might write in passing about Van Morrison if there is some sort of influence or the construct leads to discussing Steely Dan. These extended discussions in the recent weeks and months about the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, and even Ambrosia just go on and on and on. The quantity of discussion your little relative to my appreciation of Steely Dan. Moreover, for those of you who like to write about those topics, for example, would have your writing much more appreciated that forms on those topics rather then and this venue. It's understandable when steely Dan fans get irritated about such third topic ratings. That's part of the reason I do not discuss Van Morrison on this forum. For example, I could write pages about Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. The album. The new expanded edition. His live performances. The reappearance of topics, characters, and poetry from that album and other van Morrison songs and albums. Even his influence on other artists. Connections to Steely Dan? There are very few direct connections from Astral Weeks to Steely Dan, as far as I can ever tell. Maybe sometime I might hear some bass or some drum playing on the Steely Dan record occurred to me that it's similar to something on say, Astral Weeks. On the other hand, Van also perform some legendary shows at Hollywood Bowl about seven or eight years ago related to the album. Yet, when Steely Dan play the Hollywood bowl, there really wasn't any connection worth mentioning between the two artists that might heightened appreciation of Steely Dan. So I didn't mention Van Morrison, Astral Weeks, and the Hollywood Bowl together in the context of our Steely Dan forum.

There's a lot of exclamations that the Internet is all about having freedom of speech. But with the freedom of speech comes this responsibility for what one says. Part of that responsibility is to be respectful of who your audience is and whether what you have to say is appropriate for the context. Here in this form, a primary purpose is to stay focused mostly on Steely Dan and experience a heightened appreciation of the Steely Dan connected music.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 05:47:54 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Sorry I forgot the link:

https://www.facebook.com/GaryClarkMusic?fref=ts

BTW, Julian "Eye to eye" Marshall is also on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/julian.marshall.39?fref=ts

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 05:44:00 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Talking about the great Gary Clark, he has a facebook page where you can follow him. Lately he's been involved in a movie called: Sing street

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 03:30:56 ET
Posted by: Mr. LaPage, den

You must have missed the 2007 Genesis reunion tour where about 70% of the setlist was the longer and more progressive stuff from the 70s and early 80s, with huge swaths of instrumental playing with Phil on drums. In fact, at the shows I was at, I was highly amused by complaining from some younger people around me who had no clue what Ripples, Los Endos, In the Cage, Firth of Fifth, the Duke suite, Home by the Sea etc even were, and were moaning that they DIDN'T play enough hits, ie Misunderstanding, No Reply at All, Abacab, That's All, In Too Deep etc.

I will never bitch and moan about one of the greatest and most versatile and influential drummers in rock history who manned the drumkits for 2 of the greatest progressive rock bands ever.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 02:07:19 ET
Posted by: Ron, Los Angeles CA

Ambrosia plays tons of shows out here on the West Coast. Must have seen them at least eight times. Michael McDonald appears with them a lot.

Phil Collins probably wouldn't play with Brand X even if could play the drums again. Phil has no interest in progressive rock anymore. He prefers his drippy solo love ballads, pop hits & Disney soundtracks.

Date: Wed, August 10, 2016, 01:16:54 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, den

Referencing back to the earlier UK discussion before it was so rudely interrupted, turns out that another great progressive jazz fusion band is reuniting and touring this fall--the great Brand X, sans Phil Collins. Definitely going to see them play at least once. Too bad Collins doesn't play drums anymore due to medical issues--his drumming on those early Brand X albums is killer instrumental prog.
And incredibly, after earlier saying that I wish Ambrosia would tour in the Midwest more often, found put they are also touring this fall with a bunch of midwest stops, some with other bands but some as a sole headliner! This is shaping up to be a good fall for concerts.

Date: Tues, August 09, 2016, 22:11:29 ET
Posted by: horny husband, NYC

Rickie Lee Jones is finishing up her autobiography and will be doing a "storytellers" type tour next year. Rickie said in a recent interview on YouTube that she doesn't even kill bugs anymore because of her beliefs.

Date: Tues, August 09, 2016, 18:19:35 ET
Posted by: Abu, No Stranger Signing In Here

Interesting cover by a 12 year old boy here. This kid has covered a few Dan tunes, on solo piano. One that I would really like to see done by a really good jazz piano player, like Paul Griffin, who was the soloist on this one on Scam. Someone needs to record it, as a tribute to the late Mr. Griffin, who passed back in 2000. This kid has the right idea, but does not always play cleanly. One can only hope that when he gets older he will come back and Do It Again. Any pianists out there to tackle it?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2OP4ms7cr4

Date: Tues, August 09, 2016, 15:31:17 ET
Posted by: Ward, FL

Some guy named Cousin Dupree posted on Keith Carlock's twitter page about the Doobie Brothers having two drummers onstage. The Moody Blues and other bands perform with two drummers also. The Allman Brothers used to have three drummers onstage. It was LOUD!

Date: Tues, August 09, 2016, 14:49:38 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

OK...It should be working now...it is!

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 20:15:21 ET
Posted by: Scott Billingham, Fogelstown, PA

@ J. Ronson. Got it. Thanks! cheers

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 19:49:45 ET
Posted by: Lame Brainer,

FZ made that comment about SD somewhere b/t '73/'74.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 19:47:33 ET
Posted by: Lame Brainer,

"King of the World"!!!

Aside from the dour lyrics, listen to both of the instrumental interludes and you can hear the FZ influence both melodically and harmonically.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 19:41:25 ET
Posted by: Lazy Susan, in Vegas

Please give us the answer, Lame Brainer!

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 19:38:42 ET
Posted by: Sinbad, WI

Could it be "Third World Man"?

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 19:19:12 ET
Posted by: Soiled Underwear, in the bathroom

An SD "downer" song? Is it Deacon Blues?

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 18:46:48 ET
Posted by: Lame Brainer,

Again, listen to the instrumental interlude right b/f the bridge.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 18:43:57 ET
Posted by: Lame Brainer,

Dr. Mu and etal, think of an SD song whose topic/story is truly a "downer" for all mankind as we know it.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 18:39:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Any World - something just before the bridge - ironically, there's a tiny thread of optimism and MM's piercing backup vocals.


Final answer.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 18:28:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Your Gold Teeth Uno?

Don't think it's Bad Sneakers or Rikki. The quote is on Citizen, but since I have everything that is on Citizen, I never purchased it.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 17:08:31 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainet,

The instrumental interlude b/f the song's bridge sounds very Zappa-ish. And no, it's not "Turn that Heartbeat...".

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 17:06:27 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest went out in the past few minutes and covers June * July, 2016. The previous edition covered May 11-June 1, 2016.

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

- DF in Rolling Stone, interview, quote
- Trumpeter Takes On Trump
- 40 Years of Royal Scam
- DL Media and Jazz Village on Catherine Russell's New One
- New Catherine Russell Album teaser - Swing! Brother, Swing!
- Boz's Groovy Fez
- Oceans of Love: Chuck Rainey's Life in Music
- SOMETHING ELSE! Don Briethaupt & Monkey House
- CBC Radio on the New Monkey House

SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS

SPOILER: Herington's the man who knows the Dan pretty well
SPOILER: Comments from Herington
SPOILER: Hollywood Bowl Media Reviews
SPOILER: Links to 2016, Leg II Concert Reviews
SPOILER: Hollywood Bowl "Great!!!!"
SPOILER: Joe Jackson, Night By Night
SPOILER: Big SD Fan Joe Jackson Covers of SD Tracks
SPOILER: Joe Jackson Talks "Sunken Condos"
SPOILER: Vegas Show "sans fireworks"
SPOILER: Kansas City "Fun and surprising night"
SPOILER: Re: Kansas City "Fun and surprising night"
SPOILER: Tampa "Excellent"
SPOILER: Charlotte "fantastic"
SPOILER: Camden NJ (Philly) "It looked like a Sam Ash"
SPOILER: Camden, NJ (Philly) "Sounded Amazing"
SPOILER: PNC Holmdel "Incredible"
SPOILER: PNC/Holmdel, NJ "Thoroughly enjoyed"
SPOILER: Saratoga "More"
SPOILER: Milwaukee "No More"

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

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. Heck, if you want, email me privately that you did get it. WIth email filters and spam what they are today, there can be some issues beyond our control. For example, many work-place email servers reject email that it scans as having a naughty word.

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

Also, if you wrote something for this most recent Dandom Digest and it didn't appear, please email me as well. It's been ages since something could not be included.

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

---

Last I checked a couple of years ago, the Dandom Digest was received by about 2,200 fans, of which it seems 1,700-1,800 actually read it. At least, this is as best as can be determine through a response survey. Perhaps accessing a certain audience of Danfans of this size will expose your ideas, performances, great music, etc. to the wider audience that you seek. Or maybe not.

---

Thanks to all who contributed to the latest edition of the Dandom Digest, be it through the emailing digest AT dandom DOT com or through posting to our BlueBook guestbook or Facebook page; or tweeting @dandomdotcom. Special thanks to Luke, Ben, and Gus.

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

Fly about as low, be so cool,

Jim

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 17:03:05 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

A couple of things--long standing aspects of the BlueBook ethos:

1) If there's trolling, please do not respond or acknowledge their posts--otherwise it always encourages them, and also, becomes complicated to moderated if needed.

2) If you have a beef about this page, a) I request that you privately email me first. I deserve a change to address personally. The fastest response is if you email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com

If you troll, respond to trolls, complain about the page, etc and do not leave a legit email address that you respond to, I will not hesitate to remove a post as I see fit.

Thanks for your support. Have a nice day! :-)

Jim

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 17:00:17 ET
Posted by: Lame Brainer,

No not "Dr. Wu".

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 15:42:55 ET
Posted by: Yes,

Dr. Wu

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 15:19:06 ET
Posted by: Lame Brainer,

Ok. Is this an easy one?

What is the SD song that caused Frank Zappa upon hearing it to respond by using the well-known to SD fans phrase, "downer surrealism"?

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 13:43:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Steamtrains to the Milkyway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Ne5WA5DY8&list=PLTaUl9ufXKwq9AJSaBEOenI_ilaHz_9yM


You Remain in Angel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZa5Wf030wk&index=17&list=PLTaUl9ufXKwq9AJSaBEOenI_ilaHz_9yM


Five Friendly Aliens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ahPBx4haO4&index=20&list=PLTaUl9ufXKwq9AJSaBEOenI_ilaHz_9yM


Ballad of Me and Shirley McLaine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOH9ESXNJMo&index=15&list=PLTaUl9ufXKwq9AJSaBEOenI_ilaHz_9yM

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 13:03:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Danny Wilson live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wzbsl7Rv8g


Brilliantly eclectic. Mary's Prayer is just the beginning of their genius.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 12:54:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Sorry about the double post - sort of on Gary Clark.

Ran into some food poisoning last night. Head swimming.

Gary Clark and King L are just that good through - worth revisiting. He's a talented songwriter and producer...clever with a twist of the lyric:

"I love someone who's young and wild and free
Says she wants to be free of me."

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 12:46:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steely Dan disciple Gary Clark, lead guy in Danny Wilson interspersed rock and pop and snuck in a few jazz chords as King L...kind of a King trolL on the music business...he's been lurking over the past 20 years as a producer. I saw him in a group interview and he still has it - flawless vocals. Wish he would make a stealth indy comeback.

Still can hear some Fagen, Brian Wilson


IF there is anything more from SD, I could see an Indy release of a song or two...probably no more albums. Fagen, maybe.


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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRUI_0hD0Jc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_faGcdU0NI


Gary had a solo album...genius, but no rise in the US. The Fagenesque Free Floating

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSH54m6YkZE

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 11:50:42 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I'm a big fan of Nels Cline - Wilco's lead guitarist and an accomplished jazz/avant-garde band leader in his own right - and just picked up his new record, Lovers, arranged and conducted by Michael Leonhart. Gorgeous stuff, lots of standards with horns and strings. http://www.nelscline.com

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 11:13:13 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I like 'Documentary Now' (re-watched the one about the mom/daughter killer combo last night before bed, weirdly), it'd be easier to get through if Armisen wasn't such a jerk to women in real life. Blue Jean Committee is hilarious, though. Siegal-Schwall Band turns into the Eagles, perfect.

Still, my favorite recent 1970s take-off would still have to be the fake Wings song from Role Models:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGmypv5KCVs

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 10:58:49 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I would like to file a missing persons report for BrainStrainer, while
I never got one of his trivia question right, I did find them instructive.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 10:13:49 ET
Posted by: Not a troll, just a fed-up reader

From ubiquitous poster Lapage: "KD, just to be clear, that was not me who posted those 2 long posts on Fri at 12:58 and 13:00".

RE-posted. Not "posted".

You say you didn't do it, but those 12:58pm & 13:00pm posts are provably YOUR words, written by YOU, "Lapage", and posted by you on here around a month ago. NOT by some (as you put it) "troll". YOU wrote it all, every word. And why the hell would someone else re-post your goofy stuff - the stuff you originally composed and submitted here? Doesn't make sense. At any rate, please stop, as you're clogging up this board with way too much unreadable garbage IMO. Get professional help if necessary.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 09:56:06 ET
Posted by: J. Ronson, White Plains NY

@Scott - They're all the same LaPage. There's only one, which is definitely more than enough. A couple of those recent posts are exact re-postings of earlier unbelievably juvenile & sophomoric material...go back to early July and you'll see the same posts by the same guy (in response to *something* that set him off, again) with no denial of authorship at the time. It's the same guy.

Why all the re-postings and repetitive and rambling insult-riddled screeds? Not enough negative attention the first time around? Only the person posting as "LaPage" himself knows, but it's painfully clear that one individual is once again treating the board like his own personal blog.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 09:23:21 ET
Posted by: Scott Billingham, Fogelstown, PA

Oh my G-d, LaPage or Real LaPage or all of you LaPage's, I thought we were done with you. Oh well, at least your entertaining - and one of you is actually an interesting writer. Not saying a good writer, but definitely interesting and creative. Either that, or your just as unstable as the insane republican running for POTUS.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 09:13:03 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Couldn't agree more.."Holdin on to Yesterday" by Ambrosia is one of my favorite 70's tunes...for sure.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 03:21:34 ET
Posted by: LaPage, den

The first 2 Ambrosia albums are fantastic and eclectic slices of prog, and power pop, with a little Vonnegut, Jabberwocky and show tune music thrown in for good measure. Holdin on to Yesterday is one of the great underrated tunes of the 70s. Very creative and wide ranging instrumentation, more adventurous than Styx and Toto imo. And yes, heavy Parsons involvement and I believe all 4 members of Ambrosia also played on the great Parsons debut album, Tales etc. I think Ambrosia's vocal harmonies dwarf Toto's, personal preference. Like so many groups of the 70s, the proggy leanings drifted more toward commercial pop in the 80s, but even the often overlooked Road Island retained some progginess and is worth checking out. You'd think with those vocal chops Pack would have done better with his solo career, but his first album was bland and forgettable. The rest of the band carries on playing the hits and the proggy stuff, wish they would come to the midwest more.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 03:19:28 ET
Posted by: popegreg, MKE

As M/O/D/P said, ".. Let's face it, we could all use some more good-quality chuckles."

So, speaking of that... I just saw that the first season of the excellent Bill Hader/Fred Armisen/Seth Meyers series Documentary Now is playing on Netflix (also on youtube but lower quality). So I had to re-watch the two Blue Jean Committee episodes and they are still effing hilarious (especially the Chicago stuff - sausage!!!).

It's definitely of interest to the Steely Dan fan with a sense of humor.

The idea started as a parody of the History Of The Eagles doc, and it even includes a cameo by everyone's favorite Mega Music Manager. Also Hader specifically cites the Aja Classic Albums episode as another influence:

http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/inside-bill-hader-and-fred-armisens-soft-rock-supergroup-20150924

Plus Hader's long hair is very Walter Becker circa 1974!

I'm now thinking I need to get the Blue Jean Committee EP that Drag City Records put out last year.

Any other BJC fans out there?

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 02:23:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Should mention there's some Michael McDonald/Zack Sanders side of Steely Dan in Ambrosia's harmonies.

You're the Only Woman, Biggest Part of Me as cases in point.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 02:05:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lite, meaning less bombast, but I'm well aware of the order.


Ambrosia's a very nice group with I believe Alan Parsons producing and David Pack handling lead. They don't sound very much like Toto, although they'd fit into the general genre. More like Styx with a little Guess Who, Rascals, lithesome jazz. Life Beyond LAS is recommended.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 01:02:09 ET
Posted by: The Real Mr LaPage, den

Huh, funny how our music perceptions are shaped. No doubt Danger Money was a bit more 'poppy' and bluesy sans Bruf and Holdsworth, but still much more instrumental and progressive than what followed in Asia, and since UK came before Asia, a little unfair to call it "Asia Lite". Yeah, Nothing to Lose would be the template Wetton would follow in writing tunes for Asia. Not seeing the Toto comparison although there are some similarities to early Toto. Hydra is a good album, but ironically I always viewed Toto as somewhat an Ambrosia Lite. And so it goes.

Date: Sat, August 06, 2016, 00:00:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Here's some King (troll)L where SD disciples and Danny Wilson's Gary Clark begins his Trolling career...and spectacularly so.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRUI_0hD0Jc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9glgGeHPfY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RUiEPNn9lc

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 23:43:54 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Gotta be honest, Terry Bozzio is the best reason to listen to Danger Money, as Wetton morphs the band into Asia-lite. Jobson did see more keyboard action, but they attempt to infuse R&B into the production...where ironically Toto did it better on Hydra, which is their most overlook/underrated album.

Rendezvous 6:02 sounds like a depressing British version of 99...to wit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ5RgSPU3B4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdzUXqtD5jU

Jeezus Porcaro could lay down one nasty groove!


Really, that's some damn fine David Paich channeling...but yeah, he could use Holdsworth for balance. What goes on in Vegas should have stayed in Vegas with Caesar's Palace blues where jobs gets cover for excess. As progressive as the debut album was, it was never excessive, even with Holdsworth's improv.

Both Wetton and Jobson fired Holdworth - and Buford left with him. No doubt Wetton was fantastic with KC and Jobson left his mark on Roxy Music.



I saw Holdsworth at a small club in Baton Rouge eons ago...and he could not be more gracious, entertaining, and interesting...he and the band played a wide variety from Atavachron stuff to UK to Buford to Tony Williams After the set, he invited everyone in the club for dinner...right there and talked philosophy and music all night. Gem of a guy.

I think he actually enjoyed playing in band settings, but at heart was an explorer.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 22:26:23 ET
Posted by: The Real Mr LaPage, den

I'm a huge UK fan, as well as a fan of Wetton, Holdsworth, Bruford and Jobson individually (and in any combination they play in). I've seen Holdsworth play several times in small clubs, have seen Bruford play with Crimson, and have seen Wetton in Asia as well as reunite with Jobson for a UK reunion as the last band to ever play Nearfest. All incredible musicians and performers.
Bruford is my fav drummer of all time. Wetton is not given enough credit for his incredible work with Crimson and his killer bass playing. Holdsworth is an awesome live performer and very accessible after shows. And Jobson is an incredible keyboardist.

While I agree generally with the post about the UK breakup, and Wetton's desire to make UK a more successful commercial project, it wasn't quite as simple as that. The real diva in that group was Jobson, and the main conflict was space fighting between Jobsons keyboards and synths and Holdsworth's guitar playing. Yes, Wetton and Jobson felt Holdsworth would improvise too far off the tune and for too long. Inevitably Wetton's and Jobson's more prog pop vocal leanings didn't mesh with Bruf's and Holdsworth's more jazz fusion instrumental leanings. Holdsworth has a rep as hard to work with in a group context that is not controlled by him. That first UK album is truly magnificent, but the 2nd one and the live one are pretty damn good too. As are Bruf's solo albums, although they tend to be somewhat inconsistent. All these musician's stuff is worth having if you're into progressive jazz fusion.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 21:51:16 ET
Posted by: The Real Mr LaPage, Tower, picking off Trolls

KD, just to be clear, that was not me who posted those 2 long posts on Fri at 12:58 and 13:00. That was one of the small peckered members of The Troll Brigade.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 21:50:20 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I nominate Don Patrol for the most Underrated Poster Of All Time. I of
course have retired the award for most overrated poster, having won it
nine consecutive years. # The Beacon Beckons( though not for me regrettably)

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 21:49:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Asia's pretty bad, but when Wetton teamed with Bruford and Holdsworth on the first UK album, the result was spectacular.

Wetton began to fancy himself as some pop icon and actually chided AH for playing varied and spectacular solos in each gig. Holdsworth and Buford packed up their gear and left to play on a Buford solo project One of a Kind.

3:08

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74GBPl2FaK0


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnhbCL53fzI


The Magnificence:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekygM0TGQNE


One of a Kind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPWD-gcIaY4


A real shame Holdsworth and SD/Fagen never got together...What little EVH knows he got from Holdsworth.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 15:48:37 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

I firmly believe that when 'Bookers actually meet face to face,( as I try to do as much as I can), it gives one a better perspective of the poster. I have met many of the posters on this board, and have figured out whose opinion I find worthwhile. But having said that, I still read 'em all, and find it entertaining! Besides it's not like times past, where it got really crazy!! So have a great end of summer everybody, and as always;
Peace

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 15:11:30 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Geez, LaPage, maybe I missed some stuff while I was away from the internet for a week (and there's some history I'm unaware of), but at least make your rants readable or specifically talk about the people you're responding to, please.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 13:50:37 ET
Posted by: Aw crap, not AGAIN!?!

"Your comments - Is it all about you?"

Apparently it IS for at least one easily provoked "contributor". And I use the term very loosely.

Unreadable garbage. Pointless too.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 10:14:23 ET
Posted by: Bluebook Historian, studying recent past histrionics

"Don't let the Troll Brigade prod you [...]. Let them up chuck all over themselves yet again."

Let's just let that overdose of irony hang in the air for awhile.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 09:45:51 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

LaPage, you completely miss my point. I'm not saying "Fagen and Becker don't care what they look like" as I don't think that matters, one way or the other. And while TV execs care how people look, plenty of unattractive musicians get on TV. Steven Tyler might be the ugliest woman on TV. Mick Jagger is nothing to look at and there was an entire reality series based around the homely family of Ozzy Osbourne...just to name a few. But you know who TV execs don't put on TV? Those who have absolutely no interest in being on TV (and especially those who actively reject it.)

My point is, if Don and Walt were open to appear on TV more often, they'd be on TV more often. The reason they are not, is almost completely due to their rejection of the media and has nothing to do with their looks. If Don and Walt had movie star looks, but were otherwise the same as they are now, they wouldn't be on TV any more often then they are now.

I'll make this my last post on the matter. This horse is dead enough.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 09:17:07 ET
Posted by: Mikey, F

Donald was gaunt and angular with (as Chevy Chase put it) a beak of a nose. The eventual, inevitable weight gain helped.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 02:55:31 ET
Posted by: LaPage, den

Deansy, all I said was that Fagen and Becker didn't have mugs made for TV. You then twisted that into "Fagen and Becker don't care what they look like and their looks didn't dictate whether they agreed to go on TV or not". I agree from their perspective. Of course they don't care what they look like. But TV executives DO CARE. Why do you think there are a zillion reality shows like the Housewives of Orange County, and the Housewives who Get Lip Implants and Naked Survivor and The Kardashians Go to the Toilet etc etc?
Don't let the Troll Brigade prod you into Sillyville. You're bigger than that. Let them up chuck all over themselves yet again.

Date: Fri, August 05, 2016, 00:11:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

LaPage,I worked in television for over 20 years. I know what TV likes--and yes, a LOT of beautiful young people get on TV, despite having little-or-no talent. But I'm telling you, Don and Walt's looks have virtually NOTHING to do with Steely Dan not being, or not being, on TV. Sorry to burst your bubble, there.

<--!

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 22:36:55 ET
Posted by: LaPage, at Walmart buying more Troll Repellent

Ahhh, here comes the Troll Brigade. Drooling and frothing at the mouth over nothing. LMFAO.

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 22:29:17 ET
Posted by: James Ronson, Predictable Predictions Dept., White Plains, NY

So the poster with all those crazy guy screaming tirades is back (after a welcome but all too brief absence). Just great. Regular readers have already seen that this guy doesn't exactly take it well when others mock him or challenge his opinions...and The Dean just dared to openly disagree with the rather foolish theory that D&W don't do much TV because of their looks...and immediately we get a short prickly/defensive response.

A panel of seasoned Bluebook observers is predicting another full blown psychotic episode. Again. Soon. Sadly, it was just a matter of time.

-->

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 21:43:23 ET
Posted by: LaPage, bunker

Deansy, you missed the point about the looks. It's not that Don and Walt wanted to show off their mugs--it's about the TV execs taking a pass--looks count in the TV world. Sorry I did I flyby on you there.

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 21:21:06 ET
Posted by: lovethisgig, Atlanta

WB's guitar outro is on the Soundtrack album and on the Decade compilation. Christlieb's sax outro is on the Showbiz compilation. The Soundtrack also has FM Reprise.

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 20:50:42 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

I assume Don and Walt's avoidance of TV has NOTHING to do with how they look. The few appearances they have done, I have to believe were done reluctantly, in support of a new release.

And, from what I've seen of Jools Holland's show, I can't imagine they'd be interested in participating in that. I have limited exposure to Jools' show, but the few times I've seen it, there were several bands, on different stages, and Jools had them all play a song or two. Seemed very staged/stilted. Perhaps I just got exposed to a bad sample of what he does.

And, KD, I'm confused (I know, no that unusual). Are you suggesting Azoff pushed Henley for SNL, at the expense of Steely Dan? I mean, do you believe Don and Walt wanted to go on SNL, but were dissed by Irv? Do you have any real evidence of that?

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 20:43:47 ET
Posted by: Abu, No Static

The original version of FM, which appeared on the movie soundtrack album, had Walter's guitar outro. FM Reprise appeared as the last track on Side 2 of the album. Several years later, the version with the sax outro started to appear more and more. Even now, I think it is played virtually all the time on the radio. I have never been sure if two complete versions were recorded. However, I don't believe that. My opinion is that at some point they edited the Reprise to the original recording with WB's guitar, thereby "replacing" the guitar with the sax outro. To my knowledge, Walter's original guitar outro version is only available on the "Steely Dan Decade" release. I do see that the soundtrack album is available on Amazon on CD. Ed, from Tampa Bay, does that soundtrack CD have WB's guitar outro version as the first track on Disc One, as listed?

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 20:14:01 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, A troll repellent bunker

Lets be real here, neither Walt or Don have ever had a TV friendly mug, especially now and especially when a camera pans in close to Donald's vocal cords. As good as the PBS Plush Special was, I wished that the band had done a full fledged 2 hour Soundstage show or even a 2 parter like Petty did. The Blu Rays of those Soundstage shows are breathtaking.

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 15:26:40 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

My dream would be for Don and/or Walt to appear on Howard Stern. Baba Booey (the show's producer) is a hardcore fan. Probably extremely unlikely though.

Insane Newsweek clipping posted to the Steely Dan subreddit (www.reddit.com/r/steelydan) the other day:

https://i.imgur.com/FbA8m91.png

... Steely Dan members tend to be old, white and male?

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 11:25:54 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Steely Dan got on Letterman twice and Don got on there once, but I don't see much of anything going on in that realm even if they did get together for a new one. Maybe Fallon, if that twerp (glad this is semi-anon, as I know a few members of his writing staff) can put away his Twister board or ping-pong table for one minute.

They've already probably exhausted their PBS card with the Plush special and the Dukes thing, too.

Even in 2000-01, with the hype riding high and the Grammys/HoF happening, Irving Azoff pushed Lorne Michaels to get Don Henley and his solo album on SNL instead of Steely Dan.

Date: Thurs, August 04, 2016, 00:55:29 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Pete,
I hate to say it but I honestly believe their international touring days are over.
Logging around airports and such doesn't seem as appealing and cozy as getting from the Limo into your private jet to the luxury hotel.
I would plan for a October trip (as I should as well) to NYC as we are lucky they are still doing this nationally.

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 23:24:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Well, either I've stumped the group or the dog days are sapping cranial blood flow/interest...


It was something like...

What hit song from the 60s shares a unique aspect (unusual instrument) with Monkey House's new Tango By Yourself from the soon to be smash hit Left...or it should be.


Walter once said: play an accordion, do not pass go, do not collect $200!


The bespeckled one was oh so wrong - yes, it's the dreaded accordion solo! and it works!

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

2:27


the solo might take you back to 1967 and this classic from the (Young) Rascals written by Eddie Brigati (NYESR) and Felix Caveliere...How can I Be Sure, with heavy duty from the accordion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuKeSUUK-A4



But then again, Steely Dan snagged Paul Humphrey from the Lawrence Welk orchestra to play on Black Cow!

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 22:00:47 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, In the den

Well, now that the summer leg of the tour is over, thought I'd pop in to see what was going on. I wish I could join in on the Beacon anticipation, but doubtful that I can make it this year. The 2011 Rarities show remains a truly special memory that can't be topped--but the CTE night would be a nice consolation.
As a big tent guy who enjoys a wide variety of music, I've got McCartney, Yes, Anderson/Rabin/Wakeman and probably the Brand X reunion lined up over the next few months, and I just saw Brian Wilson and his great band do the Pet Sounds album plus--36 songs! A true legend and a great show.

I see my Indianapolis review didn't make the cut for some reason. In fact, I don't see very much if any discussion of that show. I went last minute after luckily hitting upon a dead center 8th row seat the night before the concert so I pulled the trigger. No big setlist surprises, and a pretty typical summer shed "hits" show, but I really got into the music and enjoyed the close perspective and the fairly loose vibe in the house. Winwood was fantastic as usual and deserved more respect from the restless still-filtering-in crowd. SD were on top of their game all night and I was surprised to look back and see how packed the lawn was by the time they took the stage. A very big crowd.
I had fun with a couple of divorcees sitting in front of me who paid very little attention to the music to blabber. For some reason they seemed to not appreciate my musings about Hey Nineteen's lyrics, as I mentioned after the song something about you've gotta love a song about a perverted old guy digging on a 19 year old. Got the ol Stinkeye for some reason. And after I was singing along with Becker on Daddy Dont Live in NYC. Oh well, some good real world edikashun for the cultured ladies maybe....

So satisfied with my 2 show SD summer fix, although still disappointed in the stagnation of the setlists.
With regard to Razor Boy, I like hearing it anytime, and think the Danettes do a good job with it. I get it, some of those tunes are done to give them a spotlight and to give Fagen a vocal break. But what I miss when comparing it to the studio version is the great vibes on that song--that's what makes that song unique sounding. I'd love to hear that song sung by Fagen with the Danettes, but with those vibes. As they had on that sublime 1993 tour---vibes galore on those tunes.

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 21:17:11 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, UK

Pete, lovely thought but I think the Jools Holland NY show is shot in July. I don't anticipate Steely Dan returning to the UK with no new material to promote... although, when have they ever 'promoted' stuff? The last few times I've seen them they have been amazing though.

On balance, it seems true that Donald Fagen still has an appetite to put down tracks if the ideas are there. Not sure if Walter Becker is as committed (and maybe that should be fine at this stage of his life!)

Nap

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 19:29:45 ET
Posted by: Pete Evans, Manchester UK

Maybe Don and Walt are coming over to the UK for a few Christmas dates and a TV appearance on Jools Holland s Hootenanny !? Britain is great in December guys come on over !!

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 16:05:42 ET
Posted by: Crowd Pleaser Man, UK

Snarky P and Joe J and even Rickie LJ get dropped in occasionally. I like 'em all.

I think a lot of you will enjoy this Tedeschi Trucks Band - "Anyhow" (Live in Studio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwgEELSShrU

Rock/jazz/gospel

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 14:13:11 ET
Posted by: Quiz, US

Tom Scott was the connection I was looking for. He was Pat Sajak's bandleader. He then became Chevy Chase's bandleader. Sort of the Ted McGinley of late night bandleaders.

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 13:46:34 ET
Posted by: Sajak Connection,

Chevy Chase played with Don and Walt, and was also the first guest on the ill-fated Pat Sajak Show.

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 13:19:07 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach. Doin' the Work

Here's one of Dias playing with Hawes. Looks like there is more where that came from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM_qR63E2nU

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 13:13:32 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Oh, tommy, Google can be your friend:

https://www.google.com/search?q=denny+dias+playing+with+Hampton+hawes&rlz=1C1EODB_enUS693US693&oq=denny+dias+playing+with+Hampton+hawes&aqs=chrome..69i57.97904j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Quickly found these:
http://www.concertvault.com/hampton-hawes/great-american-music-hall-august-28-1976-set-1.html

http://www.concertvault.com/features/8752-hampton-hawes-nice-meanderings.html

And this, from a 1975 entry in The Harvard Crimson:

Hampton Hawes is a fine pianist alone and he is easily worth the inflated price of admission at the Jazz Workshop. However, when featured with Denny Dias, guitarist from Steely Dan, he may not be. This is not to take away from Dias, but he certainly takes away from Hawes

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1975/7/3/jazz-pbhampton-hawesb-is-a-fine/

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 13:08:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

1974 live recording of King of the World.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY9PcjG7rUM

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 11:30:03 ET
Posted by: tommy,

any bluebookers have info on denny dias playing with Hampton hawes

recordings?

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 11:22:36 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Just a handful of times. There was a partial clip on YouTube floating around but I'm sure it's long gone now.

Sounded great from what I remember - a little slower and funkier than the original but didn't seem to stray too far. Horns replaced the synth line.

I can't wait for the show. CTE works really well live, which makes sense given that it was written on the road. But what I find interesting is how well those songs hold up with post-90s Steely Dan. Bodhi, Boston Rag, Pearl, YGT and MOS all hold up really well with very few changes to the original arrangement. Makes for a very satisfying live experience.

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 08:57:55 ET
Posted by: whaaa,

They've played King of the World live before??? Was not aware of this. Any recordings out there?

Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 08:57:54 ET
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Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 02:28:42 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Loving all the talk about October. The anticipation is half the fun!

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 21:00:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

DYLYNFAN, you have nothing to apologize for, or explain. Your post was fine, IMO. Also, sorry for misspelling your handle.

Hoot, like you I'm REALLY looking forward to King of the World. I'm sure whatever version they choose to play will kill. Add Your Gold Teeth to one I truly anticipate hearing. I do love me some Razor Boy, though.

One more thing, relating to the Countdown night. I don't believe I've ever heard SD do Pearl of the Quarter live. So, obviously, it's another I'm really jazzed to hear. Anyway, here's Carolyn singing it live, with Herington's band:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA_LS4Rw0q8

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 20:24:23 ET
Posted by: Hoot Gibson, NY

The song I'm most looking forward to hearing on CTE Beacon night is King Of The World. I hope they use the updated horn heavy arrangement they played on the 2013 Mood Swings tour.

Razor Boy isn't a big favorite of mine so I really don't care who sings it.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 19:35:03 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Of course The Dean I haven't a clue as to who will sing Razor Boy
on CTE night, just pure speculation. My post is a confusing mess
of babble. I would truly love for Donald to sing it though. You
and everyone else on The Blue who are going are truly going to what should be an epic night in the annals of Steely Dan. # so jealous (and one too many "going's"

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 18:57:54 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour! Another Shot!

Dylanfan, I missed your answer to my question (before I asked it!) in your post. So, Don sang both Gaucho and Haitian Divorce, instead of Walter. That settles it. He will definately sing Razor Boy. 100% guaranteed!

Kidding of course. We don't know shit. We can only guess. Why is it that posters on the Internet don't seem to understand their opinions are just that. Hyperbole and absolutes seem to be the style of the day. [Insert Trump comment here.]

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 18:53:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Hoot and Barney, the fact is, you are both GUESSING. To say "he will" or "he won't" is ignorant, and insults our intelligence--unless you have some inside info from Donald himself (or someone in the band).

While Don might not have sung The Fez, he DID sing Gaucho during Gaucho night. (What about Haitian Divorce?) Also, the standard arrangements have typically been used during album night, as opposed to the reworked arrangements used during other shows.

My GUESS is Oz might be right. Singing along with the ladies might make a nice compromise---and sound pretty sweet. Truth is, I don't care which way they play it, both sound great to my ears.

Don may not even know, at this point, who will sing the song, at this point. Remember, the concert is almost three months away.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 18:42:56 ET
Posted by: Oz, CT

There is a possibilty Donald might sing Razor Boy in unison with the ladies. Do It Again was sung this way on the Summer tour.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 18:30:04 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I am with Mr. Gibson on this one, though I would love to be wrong.
The fact that The Fez was done by the ladies doesn't bode well.
Though Donald did take the vocals back from Walter on Haitian. Still think the "tonight let's play two" Boston show is the best I have ever heard, of course there is a TON of shows I never heard so it kinda stupid of me to even bring the subject up. # Done Rambling

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 18:06:16 ET
Posted by: Weather Man, CT

The forecast for Oct 28 in NY is 34 degrees with the strong possibility of a hurricane. I predict that he will be singing it on that cold and windy day.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 17:17:08 ET
Posted by: Oz, CT

I wonder what Hoops and the long time BlueBook regulars think. Will Donald sing Razor Boy for the very first time at the CTE Beacon show? I don't think so.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 15:35:56 ET
Posted by: Hoot Gibson, New York

How do you know, Barney? Has Donald ever sang Razor Boy by himself at the shows? Maybe I missed it.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 15:07:39 ET
Posted by: Barney Beacon, NJ

Hoot Gibson - DF will 100% sing Razor Boy at CTE show at the Beacon.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 14:58:53 ET
Posted by: Ted,

MR ED.

There's a full length version/mix/edit of FM with the sax. I get mixed up as to what disc is on what, but I think one is on Decade vs Gold or Gold Expanded Edition vs....???? someone will set the record straight.....

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 14:57:50 ET
Posted by: Les, T

That doesn't count. No SD fan will want to endure We Will Rock you in order to hear it.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 14:19:16 ET
Posted by: Ed, Tampa Bay

What are you talking about? The FM reprise is on the FM soundtrack. I have the CD in my collection.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 14:00:11 ET
Posted by: Cody, at work

Forget the sax. Just let Walter cut loose on his guitar. Walter owns that song.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 13:59:16 ET
Posted by: Les, T

I wonder why the original FM Reprise, the B side to the 45, was never made available on CD. Not talking the spliced version that is on Gold.

Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 10:58:38 ET
Posted by: Crowd Pleaser Man, UK

Prefer the original version of FM with the guitar solo, or the newer one with the sax. Here's one with both -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FobZ3by_T4

Date: Mon, August 01, 2016, 21:12:49 ET
Posted by: Hoot Gibson, New York

No. Donald will not sing Razor Boy at CTE night at the Beacon. Did Donald sing "The Fez" at the Royal Scam album shows? He didn't. The ladies sung it.

Date: Mon, August 01, 2016, 20:16:09 ET
Posted by: Cory, R

Will Donald sing Razor Boy on CTE night? I think he has to. And I wonder if Show Biz Kids will be truer to the album version than what they usually play.

Date: Sat, July 30, 2016, 21:37:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Here's the link to the Rickie Lee Jones and Joe Jackson cover of Show Biz Kids.

https://www.facebook.com/mizar6/videos/vb.683162391825312/704026976405520/?type=2&theater

Oh, and for the record: "Very nice site!"

Date: Sat, July 30, 2016, 13:03:39 ET
Posted by: Atlas, Michigan

There's a video of Joe Jackson & Rickie Lee Jones performing "Show Biz Kids" together in Seattle on June 23, 2000. It's on the Facebook page by Mizar6.

Date: Sat, July 30, 2016, 02:31:27 ET
Posted by: Moss, Ventura CA

Yeah. I'd like to see Joe Jackson cover "Your Gold Teeth II" or "Doctor Wu" from Katy Lied.

Date: Fri, July 29, 2016, 22:54:11 ET
Posted by: Abu, JJ Covers

"Beast".. Joe's covers are nicely done. I have heard all of them, on the Tube, that is, but not live. Perhaps eventually he'll move on into a tune from Katy.

Date: Fri, July 29, 2016, 15:32:37 ET
Posted by: bored, at work

Related to that last post, did you know the arrow in the Amazon logo starts at the letter A an ends at Z. That is to indicate they have everything from A to Z. Abba to Zappa, as it were.

There's also an arrow in the Fed Ex logo if you can find it.

Date: Fri, July 29, 2016, 12:15:33 ET
Posted by: Nathan, Pittsburgh

Joe Jackson loves playing cover versions. Joe has to do a cover on every gig. He tells the fans he plays everything from "Abba to Frank Zappa".

Date: Fri, July 29, 2016, 08:36:19 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Northern NJ

Abu, thanks for the response. I will check out John Tabacco. You may already be familiar with these:

Joe Jackson - Any Major Dude
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEpljEbehnY

Joe Jackson - King of the World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeblKYx530Q

Joe Jackson - Reelin' In The Years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j78noy06D2w

Most interestingly, Joe did a cover of Night by Night on June 18th in San Diego - the very same night that Steely Dan performed this song at The Hollywood Bowl, which I believe was the first time the band played it since the Y2K 2vN Tour in 2000. I could be wrong about that. Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons, help me out here.

Would be interesting to hear JJ cover some post-Pretzel Logic material..


Steely Fan Fact. Joe was in the audience at Sony Studios on the Jan 29th 2000 date of the Walking Distance "tour."

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 19:25:24 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

My wife and I enjoyed the Sara and Rebecca album after receiving
a copy from my pal PGE in 2011. A great listen on our drive home from NYC.
I agree with Abu that it may not be for everyone, but great late night driving music!

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 18:19:14 ET
Posted by: Josie, Joisey

Josie in Joisey

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

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 15:59:20 ET
Posted by: Abu, Not Smoking

Tabacco... sorry John, if you're listening.

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 15:55:43 ET
Posted by: Abu, Multiple Arrangements

Beast W/O Name... thanks for the links to the covers. First of all, since 2006 I have enjoyed many of the versions done by Sara Isaksson & Rebecka Törnqvist, on their album of Dan covers. They are unique, different, but still pretty much faithful to the originals, but perhaps not to everyone's liking. I know there are some on this forum who do not like any covers of SD stuff, and some who may be ok with a few of them. This is fine, of course.. we are all different, for sure. As for the Twelve Against Nature cover of The Second Arrangement, I am with you. Nicely done! The horn charts definitely add to the tune. Nice to see a nicely recorded cover as you pointed out as well.. i.e., not taken with someone's cel. I like it better than the John Tobacco version, which is also good. John actually made his version prior to Donald and Walter's "debut" of it at the Beacon in September 2011, but did not post it until after that. Anyway, I have seen a couple Twelve Against Nature covers. Not too bad, better than many of the SD Tribute Bands out there. Somehow I missed this one, though. It sounds worthy to be posted on the FB "SD Covers" page. Look for it there soon, for those that might be interested.

https://www.facebook.com/SteelyDanCovers/

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 15:15:41 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Maybe you were looking for Tom Scott.

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 10:07:48 ET
Posted by: Hondo, just woke up

Pat Sajak sux ass.

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 09:23:29 ET
Posted by: US, Quiz

And had more involvement with SD than did Sanborn.

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 09:22:02 ET
Posted by: QUIZ, US

Wasn't aware of that, and if so, I'll have to take that as a correct answer. There's still someone more closely tied with Sajak than just a guest appearance on WOF.

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 08:49:31 ET
Posted by: E, Z

Easy. David Sanborn. Played for charity on Wheel of Fortune. Many years ago.

Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 08:04:23 ET
Posted by: Quiz, US

Pat Sajak - Steely Dan

One degree of separation. (A musician)

Date: Tues, July 26, 2016, 07:28:12 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Nice Cover, NJ

Nice cover of Brooklyn :

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

Gaucho:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15412sA-gbQ

And check out this fantastic tribute band called Twelve Against Nature doing a nicely recorded live version of The Second Arrangement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am0TVhcHYG0

Faithful rendition augmented by newly conceived and arranged horn charts - they get extra points for that in my book...

Beast

Date: Mon, July 25, 2016, 21:01:46 ET
Posted by: Aja, PNC Bank Arts Center

While we're waiting, found this nice viddy from a few weeks ago that don't think has been posted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWw893j4fG0

I could hear this every night I tells ya, EVERY NIGHT.

Date: Mon, July 25, 2016, 07:35:03 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thnaks B Pons. =^.^=

Date: Sun, July 24, 2016, 19:52:35 ET
Posted by: B Pons,

Good Michael! Keep it goin'!

Date: Sun, July 24, 2016, 12:07:06 ET
Posted by: Barney Beacon, NJ

Moonshine- They may...but they won't

Date: Sun, July 24, 2016, 08:27:51 ET
Posted by: Michael, new song

Not a lot of activity going on so here's one of the things I'm working on.

WIP

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15778_0kirjZlT2P1FNVR8U1Jf&board_id=1

Date: Sat, July 23, 2016, 23:40:51 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

Boss, not to be too politically correct (and if you knew me, you'd know I can be very politically incorrect in the proper context) but did you consider using "Talented" to describe Carolyn Leonhart? Yes, she is quite attractive, but that's no reason to go see her perform. Go see her because she is a terrific singer and performer.

OK, enough buzz kill for this evening.

Date: Sat, July 23, 2016, 22:40:03 ET
Posted by: Boss, NY

Hey, gang! Hot 'n sexy Carolyn Leonhart will be performing on August 18 at the Cornelia Street Cafe in Greenwich Village, NY. Carolyn's solo shows are always a treat so don't miss it!

Date: Sat, July 23, 2016, 22:22:50 ET
Posted by: DocMu,

OK - HINT on the Trivia Question (attempted by no brave souls)

Connection between Tango By Yourself (Monkey House) and this hit from the 60s??



Hint: NYRSR

Date: Sat, July 23, 2016, 02:14:04 ET
Posted by: Moonshine, White Plains NY

They might invite Rickie Lee to join them onstage to sing "Dirty Work".

Date: Sat, July 23, 2016, 01:16:40 ET
Posted by: Moonshine, White Plains NY

Go to the Countdown show and the first show with Rickie Lee.

Date: Fri, July 22, 2016, 22:33:20 ET
Posted by: Lerpy, Nyc

Hi,
Looking for advice as to which two Beacon shows I should see -- want to see one Rickie Lee show, and one other, with the most unusual tunes. Leaning towards Countdown show, but not sure. Any way to forecast what tunes are liable to fall when?
Cheers

Date: Fri, July 22, 2016, 20:27:57 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Watkins Glen Racetrack

Just did hot laps in the wagon at Drive the Glen! Dangential, listened to Pretzel Logic while doing 'em!

Date: Fri, July 22, 2016, 06:08:26 ET
Posted by: Fred, Late nite

Last night on Late Show with Colbert, Jon Baptiste and Stay Human played Reelin' in the Years at the end commercial break after Jon Stewart's appearance. Still played it when they came back from commercials.

Colbert has really killed it this week.

Date: Tues, July 19, 2016, 19:01:31 ET
Posted by: Hayes, Los Angeles

Not gonna happen, KD. Don & Walt want to play for the masses now for big bucks. Word on the street is that Steely Dan will play at "Desert Trip 2017" next year at Coachella, CA. According to reports, each act receives $7 million per weekend.

Date: Tues, July 19, 2016, 18:25:15 ET
Posted by: Oh Yeah,

All of them, and us, deserve better, except KD.

KD deserves to be sentenced to 10 years of attending only Celine Dion and Kanye West concerts.

Date: Tues, July 19, 2016, 14:33:58 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

When I was a teenager I got into Traffic. I'd known them before, heard the hits, heard the Winwood solo hits from when I was a kid, but only got into Traffic once I fixed the turntable and pulled out the vinyl. Ran the hell out of the 'Winwood' compilation. Ran all the Traffic LPs. Played them before basketball practice. Learned how to play guitar alongside a band that didn't want a guitar player. I'd bought all the requisite bebop albums before, but they were the bridge.

The same went, a few years later, with Steely Dan. Knew them, was aware of them, grew up hearing my parents' tapes and CDs and tried to play along to 'Katy Lied' and failed. It was a classic rock thing that you got later. Then college hit and you GOT 'Aja,' out of nowhere, on a cassette taped off of vinyl that had a Hot Tuna LP as the A-side.

There needs to be a $200 ticket for a 90-minute Winwood show, not in a sweaty shed in a flyover state (speaking as someone who lives in one), followed by a 90-minute Steely Dan show that focuses on songs they actually want to play.

"Negative Girl." "Stranger to Himself." "Third World Man." "Upside Looking Down." Counter-fucking-moon.

Something that doesn't have a giant like Steve Winwood playing to people waving plastic glasses filled with shyte nine-buck Chardonnay in broad daylight; with the closing band's amps idling behind them. Something that doesn't have Walter Becker letting all the demons loose prior to another 'Cuervo Gold' chorus.

All of them, and us, deserve better.

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 22:46:33 ET
Posted by: Try this, bill

https://www.google.com/#tbm=bks&q=walter+becker+down+beat+bob+dylan

The first hit.

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 20:03:57 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh, pgh

Can anyone point me to the Walter quote, which I think was in Rolling Stone, about when as a jazz snob teen he read a piece in Downbeat bashing this no-talent hack named Bob Dylan he bought his first album to see how bad it was, and it changed his life, leading him to trade his tenor sax for an acoustic guitar and some acid? Google is not tracking it down for me.

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 18:10:15 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Rikki is pretty ubiquitous, it's probably the only SD song that I won't drop everything to listen to if it comes on the radio or XM. The too-cool hipster bar I go to plays 'Pretzel Logic' all the time, and they always skip that song (though I dislike that because I always want to hear that flapamba intro).

Still, it's a great song for the sort of sheds Steely Dan (sadly) play these days. Lots of room to move, lots of open spaces, all blues and Cuban music and solid pop nuance.

It's the most autobiographical Steely Dan song out there, though, because no matter what they tell you about 'Deacon Blues' neither Becker nor Fagen died behind the wheel. Though there are dozens of other Dan songs I'd rather hear, it's perfect for that humid, live setting, it's (arguably) their biggest and most lasting hit, and they still eschew it.

Gotta be a reason for that, y'know?

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 17:56:34 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Like Jon Herrington, I've always thought "Rikki" was one
of the best "Steely Dan" songs and I'm disappointed we didn't
get that one this year in Tampa.

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 17:48:18 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Game, Set, Match, Don Patrol, as he has just wrapped up the "Line of the Year" award for 2016. # priceless

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 17:39:27 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Glad to see the 'Luminati posting, missed out on the last great offer.
Not this time!

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 16:37:49 ET
Posted by: Myron, C

I've probably played Rikki fewer times than any SD song. Any time I popped in the Pretzel CD there were other songs I'd rather listen to. And it's not among my favorite SD albums by any stretch.

It's good in concert for anyone in attendance who can only name 8 songs.

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 13:52:19 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh, pittsburgh

Not surprised that Rikki was dropped, I know they both dislike playing it.

Incidentally, I did notice that Winwood's new arrangement of Low Spark slides into the Rikki/Song For My Father bass line from time to time.

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 13:15:30 ET
Posted by: Pat, Cherry Hill NJ

I love it when Donald & The Danettes sing in unison on "Do It Again". The ladies don't usually do that. It gives the song more firepower.

Have you noticed they phased "Rikki" out of the setlist after the West Palm Beach show in late June? They never played it again. I guess Donald couldn't stand it any longer. He really hates singing it.

Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 10:00:19 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh, pittsburgh

I was at the Pittsburgh(Burgettstown) show. From all reports it was similar to the rest of the summer's sets. I got the sense that they were trying to beat a curfew/overtime limit - WB rushed through the band intros quicker than usual.

Glad to hear Razor Boy live, a first for me. Nice piano intro from Jim Beard, the ladies sang it well, Walter had some tasty licks where the vibraphone was on the record. Michael Leonhart did a somewhat atonal trumpet solo and outtro, kept the song appropriately edgy.

Do it Again was another highlight with Winwood's percussionist sitting in on congas. The Danettes sang along with Donald for the entire song, although I didn't think he needed the support. (This is one of the few songs they've transposed down, from Gm to Em, so the range wasn't a problem for DF).

Even my wife is getting tired of the Hey 19 rap and she's only heard it 2 or three times, doesn't listen to live recordings.

Donald was animated and in good voice. He played a fine, if rather abbreviated, intro to Josie but left most of the other featured keyboard parts to Jim Beard. He laid out and clapped along during Jim's solo on Black Cow (Beard used a Rhodes patch on his Nord)

Walter's guitar work had its ups and downs and he seemed to have a few feedback and other sound issues. He sounded the best when playing Strat and Tele-style single coil guitars, but had a couple humbucker guitars that got a thick, murky tone I doubt he was trying to achieve. One was in the shape of a Tele but had humbuckers and a sunburst finish like a Les Paul. His Flying V was even grungier-sounding. With all the money he invests in guitars, amps, effects, etc. he still doesn't consistently get the results. He also let Jon handle the outtro to Bodhisattva, usually one of his better features.

Jon killed as usual, but I noticed him standing by holding his guitar instead of playing rhythm during Show Biz Kids, and he left the stage at the beginning of the band intros and wasn't there when Walter went to introduce him, leading to some confused wisecracks from WB. He came back in time for the next song, no explanation.

The rest of the band did their usual stellar job, particularly Walt Weiskopf, Keith and Jim Pugh (a graduate of Pittsburgh's Duqusene University).

They invited the crew on stage for a round of applause but no other special events to mark the end of this leg of the tour. I gather Winwood has not sat in at any point on this tour, unlike their last joint outing, but both Donald and Walter had high praise for him. His set was great - I'm an old Traffic fanatic and he and his band are tight and energetic as always.

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 23:40:55 ET
Posted by: Captain James T. Kirk, Enterprise

Onward to the Beacon shows! Mr. Sulu! Warp Factor 6!!

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 22:50:17 ET
Posted by: Seaweed, Stamford CT

Somebody posted the setlist of tonight's last show of the Summer in Burgettstown, PA at Setlist.fm. For some reason, they didn't play Pretzel Logic. But the crowd got to hear "Do It Again" & "Razor Boy". Maybe someone will post a review of the show on this board.

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 18:10:01 ET
Posted by: Cheeba Cheeba, Va-Jay

Came across this review...

http://www.musicrecallmagazine.com/concert-reviews/steely-dan-and-steve-winwood-sizzle-in-charlotte/

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 09:41:31 ET
Posted by: B Pons,

Doc Mu =

MUCH THANKS! I appreciate it!

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 07:31:24 ET
Posted by: 3WM,

Anyone run across any videos of Third World Man from the Hollywood show? If not, and you heard it, how was it?

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 03:02:02 ET
Posted by: popegreg, MKE

Well Gawwww-leeeee!!! I had a great effing time and I'm sure Gomer would have too had he been there. The setlist is what it is. And

Despite getting there 20 minutes before the start time we missed about 20 minutes of Steve Winwood's set thanks to a really long security line. I figured they would have the walk through metal detectors as they just did for Summerfest, but instead it was poorly managed wandings for everyone. I asked a security supervisor about it after, and he said that the tour manager held the gates during the soundcheck (which was late) and the he refused to delay the start time. So that sucked and I'm sure both sides share fault. They've had low attendance at most of the non-Summerfest BMO shows and they did nothing to help that tonight. This was as full as I've ever seen it outside of the 'fest and they couldn't handle it.

What we caught of Steve Winwood was great. Hats off to the guy in his band who played drums, percussion, keyboard and saxophone (and also 2 horns at one time !?!).

SD sounded as good as ever, no complaints about that. Don and Walt looked good (D's awesome black leather jacket/black shirt/green tie!!!) and Don chatted a bit more than we usually see.

I was happy for TOOM over Godwhacker but would have preferred Home At Last over Babylon Sisters. My sister was super into Dirty Work, but I'd rather have Razor Boy. Remember, the setlist is what it is.

I paid more attention to the guitar solo changes in Kid C. Not sure I'm a fan but it was nice to have it earlier in the set.

We had a bit of Steely Dan Dance Party up front for Josie and Peg but they made us go back to our seats for MOS. Oh, about those seats, super comfy and human sized unlike that Chicago shed.

I did periscope a few songs. I'll put them up on YouTube tomorrow. They should be up on periscope until Sunday evening. If you're on the app search for me - popegreg - or try these links:

https://www.periscope.tv/w/alnRKzFXZ0VnYXFPVlhnS3Z8MWVhS2JMa3JkVlJKWK9DfoqI7SJmPNRTr9-cqj-aWExKa_u-c--f9OPD48Bf

https://www.periscope.tv/w/alnRxjFXZ0VnYXFPVlhnS3Z8MXZPeHdwTE1kTnZLQlIo9jYoenmYRcttIMlkns0ddCzX917Hw_lCt-1X12M2

I am so happy I did not have to drive or fly anywhere to see the Dan this time. Fingers crossed for a Riverside show or four next time they come through.

Can't wait for the Beacon shows!!!!

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 01:45:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu , left of the Rio Grande

B Pons - I think this is pretty close.


Corrections with citations always welcome, all.


PRETZEL LOGIC


Rikki Don’t Lose That Number:

Drums: Jim Gordon
Bass: Walter Becker
Acoustic Guitar: Dean Parks
Electric Guitar & Solo: Skunk Baxter
Piano: Michael Omartian
Flapamba: Victor Feldman
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Tim Schmit


Night By Night:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Wilton Felder
Guitars: Skunk Baxter (solo)
Walter Becker
Clavinet: David Paich
Percussion: Victor Feldman
Sax: Plas Johnson, Ernie Watts
Trumpet: Ollie Mitchell
Trombone: Lew McCreary
Clarinet: Jerome Richardson
Backing Vocals: Tim Schmit, (Sherlie Matthews, Carolyn Willis, Myrna Matthews?– uncredited)



Any Major Dude:

Drums: Jim Gordon
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Acoustic Guitars: Dean Parks (right channel), Ben Benay (left channel)
Electric guitars: Denny Dias (left channel) Skunk Baxter (right channel + solo – second half doubled up)
Fender Rhodes: Michael Omartian
Percussion: Victor Feldman (tambourine):
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen


Barrytown:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Walter Becker
Acoustic guitar: Ben Benay
Electric Guitars: Denny Dias, Dean Parks
Pedal Steel guitar: Skunk Baxter (last verse)
Piano: Michael Omartian
Percussion: Victor Feldman (tambourine)
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Tim Schmit


East St. Louis Toodle-oo

Drums: Jim Gordon
Bass: Walter Becker
Wah-wah Guitar: Walter Becker
Pedal Steel guitar: Skunk Baxter
Banjo: Dean Parks
Piano: Donald Fagen
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Alto Sax: Donald Fagen


Parker’s Band:

Drums: Jim Gordon (right channel) & Jeff Porcaro (left channel)
Bass: Walter Becker
Guitars: Denny Dias (left channel), Dean Parks, Walter Becker
Piano: Michael Omartian
Organ: Donald Fagen
Dueling Saxes: Plas Johnson, Ernie Watts
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Tim Schmit, (female - Sherlie Matthews, Carolyn Willis, Myrna Matthews??)



Through With Buzz:

Drums: Jim Gordon
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Piano: Donald Fagen
Fender Rhodes: David Paich
Backup Vocals: Donald Fagen

Orchestration by Jimmie Haskell


Pretzel Logic:

Drums: Jim Gordon
Bass: Wilton Felder
Guitar: Walter Becker (solo) Rhythm guitar – right channel: Dean Parks
Piano: Michael Omartian (left channel)
Wurlitzer piano: Donald Fagen (left channel)
Sax: Plas Johnson
Trumpet: Ollie Mitchell
Trombone: Lew McCreary
Backing vocals: Donald Fagen, Tim Schmit


With a Gun:

Drums: Jim Gordon
Bass: Walter Becker
Acoustic Guitars: Dean Parks, Ben Benay
Electric Guitars: Skunk Baxter (good Western flavor)
Percussion: Victor Feldman (tambourine)
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Tim Schmit


Charlie Freak:

Drums: Jim Gordon
Bass: Walter Becker
Guitar: Walter Becker (left channel)
Pedal Steel: Skunk Baxter
Piano: Michael Omartian
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen (left channel)
Percussion: Victor Feldman (tambourine, sleigh bells, triangle @ 1:52 mark)
Backup Vocals: Donald Fagen


Monkey in Your Soul: (a very underrated song)

Drums: Jim Gordon
Fuzz Bass: Walter Becker
Guitar: Dean Parks (right channel); Skunk Baxter
Wurlitzer: Donald Fagen
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Saxes: Plas Johnson, Ernie Watts
Percussion: Victor Feldman - handclaps
Backing vocals: Donald Fagen (great echo)

All lead Vocals: Donald Fagen

Orchestration by Jimmie Haskell


KATY LIED


Black Friday:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Walter Becker
Guitars: Walter Becker
Keyboards: David Paich (right channel), Michael Omartian (left channel)
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald


Bad Sneakers:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitars: Hugh McCracken
Walter Becker (solo)
Piano: Michael Omartian
Percussion: Victor Feldman
Vibes: Victor Feldman
Backing vocals: Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald


Rose Darling:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitars: Larry Carlton (acoustic & electric – left channel), Dean Parks (electric & solo – right channel)
Piano: Michael Omartian
Percussion: Victor Feldman (tambourine)
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald


Daddy Don’t Live in That New York City No More:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Walter Becker
Guitars: Elliot Randall, Walter Becker, Larry Carlton?
Piano: Michael Omartian
Organ: Donald Fagen
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen


Doctor Wu:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitar: Larry Carlton
Piano: Michael Omartian
Fender Rhodes: David Paich
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Saxophone: Phil Woods
Percussion: Victor Feldman (chimes)
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen


Everyone’s Gone to the Movies:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Dorophone: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitar: Walter Backer
Fender Rhodes: Donald Fagen
Organ: Donald Fagen
Saxophone: Donald Fagen
Percussion: Victor Feldman (maracas, congas)
Vibes: Victor Feldman
Backup Vocals: Donald Fagen, Sherlie Matthews, Carolyn Willis, Myrna Matthews


Your Gold Teeth II:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitar: Denny Dias (solo)
Guitar accents: Walter Becker
Piano: Michael Omartian
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Backing vocals: Donald Fagen


Chain Lightning:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Wilton Felder
Guitars: Rick Derringer (both 9 and 11 o’clock)
Fender Rhodes: Michael Omartian
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen



Any World (That I’m Welcome To):

Drums: Hal Blaine
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitars: Larry Carlton, Elliott Randall
Piano: David Paich
Organ: Donald Fagen
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Percussion: Victor Feldman (tambourine)
Backup Vocals: Michael McDonald


Throw Back the Little Ones

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Walter Becker
Guitar: Walter Becker. Elliott Randall
Piano: Michael Omartian
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Horns: Jimmie Haskell, Bill Perkins


All lead Vocals: Donald Fagen

Horns arranged by Jimmie Haskell


THE ROYAL SCAM


Kid Charlemagne:

Drums: Bernard “Pretty” Purdie
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitar: Larry Carlton
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Clavinet: Paul Griffin
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Venetta Fields, Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews


Caves of Altamira:

Drums: Bernard Purdie
Bass: Walter Becker
Piano: Donald Fagen
Fender Rhodes: Paul Griffin
Trumpet: Chuck Findley, Bob Findley
Trombone: Slyde Hyde
Sax: Plas Johnson, Jim Horn
Solo Sax: John Klemmer
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Timothy B. Schmit


Don’t Take Me Alive:

Drums: Rick Marotta
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitars: Larry Carlton (solo)
Dean Parks (rhythm)
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Timothy B. Schmit


Sign in Stranger:

Drums: Bernard Purdie
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitars: Elliott Randall, Walter Becker
Piano: Paul Griffin
Trumpet: Chuck Findley, Bob Findley
Trombone: Slyde Hyde
Sax: Plas Johnson
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Timothy B. Schmit


The Fez:

Drums: Bernard Purdie
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitar: Elliott Randall
Guitar: Walter Becker
Piano: Paul Griffin
Organ: Paul Griffin
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Trumpet: Chuck Findley, Bob Findley
Trombone: Slyde Hyde
Sax: Plas Johnson, Ernie Watts
Percussion: Victor Feldman (maracas)
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Timothy B. Schmit, Michael McDonald


Green Earrings:

Drums: Bernard Purdie
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitars: Elliott Randall - left channel, solo; 3rd section
Hugh McCracken – rhythm guitar
Larry Carlton - solo1st section
Denny Dias – 2nd section
Clavinet: Paul Griffin
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Percussion: Victor Feldman (tambourine, triangle, maracas)
Backup Vocals: Donald Fagen, Tim Schmit


Haitian Divorce:

Drums: Bernard Purdie
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Guitars: Dean Parks (solo talk box)
Walter Becker (talk box voicings)
Larry Carlton (rhythm)
Piano: Donald Fagen
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Synthesizer: Donald Fagen
Sax: Jim Horn, Plas Johnson
Backup Vocals: Venetta Fields, Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews


Everything You Did:

Drums: Rick Marotta
Bass: Walter Becker
Guitars: Larry Carlton (solo), Walter Becker (left channel)
Piano: Donald Fagen
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Organ: Paul Griffin
Backup Vocals: Donald Fagen, Timothy B. Schmit, Michael McDonald


Royal Scam:

Drums: Bernard Purdie
Bass: Walter Becker
Guitar: Larry Carlton
Piano: Donald Fagen
Organ: Paul Griffin
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Percussion: Victor Feldman (blocks, tambourine)
Dueling muted trumpets: Chuck Findley, Bob Findley
Trombone: Slyde Hyde
Sax: Jim Horn, Plas Johnson
Backup Vocals: Venetta Fields, Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews

Date: Sun, July 17, 2016, 00:34:25 ET
Posted by: popegregt, MKE

Milwaukee setlist

MKE July 16, 2016

November Afternoon
Black Cow
Aja
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Show Biz Kids
Kid Charlemagne
Time Out Of Mind
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More
Babylon Sisters
I Want To Do (Everything For You)/Band Intros
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years
Encore:
Pretzel Logic
The Untouchables Theme

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 17:41:11 ET
Posted by: WJAZfan, NYC

If you've been looking for the coolest WJAZ tee, this, hands down, is the best one I've found:

https://dave.threadless.com/designs/wjaz-from-the-foot-of-mount-belzoni

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 16:32:35 ET
Posted by: B Pons,

Hello -

Would anyone happen to have the SD album/CD (for "Pretzel", "Royal") track by track musician credits listing?

Thanks very much in advance

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 14:49:18 ET
Posted by: Hall & Oates Setlist,

I can't go for that.

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 11:43:45 ET
Posted by: Search, K

SD not the only 70s duo with set list issues.

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2016/07/hall_and_oates_nj_concert_2016_review_pnc_photo_vi.html

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 11:30:40 ET
Posted by: SoulMonkey, The Ville

To continue the Razor Boy discussion, it may not actually be the girls that are the problem, but the arrangement. Then again, it might be the girls. My wife feels the same way. One of our favorite songs just doesn't sound pleasing to the ear. Maybe it's because there is no Donald. Dirty Work on the other hand sounds just fine. To each their own. We've now heard this multiple times on the last couple of tours and have the same opinion. Daddy sounded better last night than the last couple of shows we've attended. Big props to the crowd in the lawn last night. Big party. For theater shows we tend to get really good seats, but for shed events, we like to party in the back and dance.

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 10:12:45 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

I agree with Steve. Thought the Tampa performance of Razor Boy was outstanding. One of the highlights. Putting the Ladies up front to sing is a good idea. In the end, I am afraid there is not much anyone can do to change the casual fan's bathroom/beer runs.

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 08:09:16 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

I saw "Razor Boy" in Tampa and for
a hardcore fan it was one of the true highlights
of the night. Lush sound...the great voices
of the Ladies of Steely Dan amplified to perfection.
But I agree, it has a slow build to get
it going and since its not a song that is instantly
recognizable like "Hey Nineteen" or "Reelin..."
fans were unfortunately rushing to the bathroom.

Date: Sat, July 16, 2016, 00:56:35 ET
Posted by: Razor Bummed, Lonnie's

This is rich. I would kill to hear Razor Boy, in any form. I've gotten freaking Dirty Work every time. Every. Single. Time.

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 23:57:19 ET
Posted by: Gavin, Denver, CO

They should bring the girls up to the front of the stage when they play Razor Boy. It seems awkward to see them sing it behind Donald. Better yet, why not let Walter sing it?

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 23:34:08 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Individual tastes I guess. I've heard Razor Boy a few times before,
And I found this years version was probably my favourite one. Go figure.

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 23:12:02 ET
Posted by: Razor Boy,

I think the problem with Razor Boy isn't the girls but the arrangement. It's sleepy - toned down from the record. I generally love the rearrangements, often like them better than the originals, but not in this case.

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 23:06:28 ET
Posted by: SoulMonkey, The Ville

Just hit the road from Deer Creek. Best Peg in my 23 shows. Time and Babylon for the inserts. Peg/School/Years was on fire. Pretzel to close. Live crowd, 15,000 plus. Don in good spirits. Walter offered to "buy you breakfast after playing all night." Razor has to go. One of the BEST songs in the canon and the girls just don't do it justice. What a night!

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 21:57:27 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Only too happy to point stuff out

LawnCroucher - Scroll down to July 02 & 03 to find a couple of posts from The Blue's own Bookkeeper's Son who gives his first hand account of SD in concert circa '73.

And as far as ridiculing other posters - sure, it's one of life's simple pleasures, but it's only OK if the poster in question has repeatedly (and without even a shred of humor) lectured the board about his/her pet issues/favorite act (say, "Springsteen") and also berated the board when everyone here fails to agree with one of his/her rather forcefully stated viewpoints (say, for example, the WB 'gator remark) AND has also regularly used exaggeratedly juvenile & caustic language to do so.

Juxtapose that approach with the well-written case in favor of "The Boss" posted (after the big "Springsteen Dustup") by Mt. Belzoni, Portland, OR. There's a world of difference in approach. One screams and shows no respect at all, and the other simply says, "Here's how I see it". Big difference. One guy gets ridiculed, the other gets read.

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 21:43:10 ET
Posted by: \/\/ilbur, US

The Katy Lied tour was the worst.

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 21:32:45 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Following up on the news of "Toto" releasing
a new Bluray/DVD/CD from the Jeff Porcaro era, is it too
far flung to believe that Don/Walt would also release
a future live DVD/BluRay release.
Maybe a remastered version of their '96 show
from Pine Knob or any of the 2000 shows which were just fantastic.

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 17:39:32 ET
Posted by: LawnCroucher, Fort Wayne, Indiana

just found this site today. so this is where the cool kids hang out.
anyway... i'm been a fan since i first bought Can't Buy a Thrill back in, oh, 2006 i think.

i'd like to solicit the forum here for some stories from back in the day. i'd like to hear them. honest. what was seeing SD like back when they were touring on the heels of Can't Buy a Thrill or Katy Lied? what was the lot scene like? any anecdotes worth mentioning?

thanks. not sure what else to say. you guys are doing a great job of ridiculing LaPage and that's been a treat on this day in the office.

peace and thanks

Date: Fri, July 15, 2016, 00:38:01 ET
Posted by: Shane, in bed

Steely Dan played "Home at Last" at the last two shows. Don & Walt are anxious to get HOME!

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 23:26:39 ET
Posted by: Earthbound, Laughalot, IN

Summer tour ain't over yet!

Come join the usual suspects before the Indy edition
at Klipsch, tomorrow night! Katie&Ben, Janet&Keith
and Sharon&Kevin are holding court at Mo's Irish
Pub near the venue, starting about 4pm. Just ask
for the BlueBook crew. Mo's has a deal with a RT
shuttle hop to the venue as well. Rumor has it that
an extra pair is available for the lawn at a
deep discount (See Keith).
C'mon Hoops! Carry yer ass back down to Indy!

You know what to do...
Aloha

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 23:14:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

I should rephrase my trivia question: something unique about the solo on Tango By yourself is shared overall by this record.

Name that hit single.

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 18:48:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Bad Sneakers: I suspect he lost a lot of lunch money back in the day. ;)

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 18:45:27 ET
Posted by: DocMu,

Tango By Yourself from Monkey House's new Left has earmarks of a hit single, if those things actually still existed. It includes an unusual solo.


I believe there is only one hit single in the rock era that shares this unique aspect.


Name that song.

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 17:38:03 ET
Posted by: Earthbound, Laughalot, IN

Summer tour ain't over yet!

Come join the usual suspects before the Indy edition
at Klipsch, tomorrow night! Katie&Ben, Janet&Keith
and Sharon&Kevin are holding court at Mo's Irish
Pub near the venue, starting about 4pm. Just ask
for the BlueBook crew. Mo's has a deal with a RT
shuttle hop to the venue as well. Rumor has it that
an extra pair is available for the lawn at a
deep discount (See Keith).
C'mon Hoops! Carry yer ass back down to Indy!

You know what to do...
Aloha

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 16:52:21 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

I was just listening to "H Gang" and now "Three Picture Deal"
on Pandora.
I know fans were taking bathroom breaks during "Show Biz Kids" and or "Razor Boy" and shame on them as they were both great.
But I feel bad that some of their great solo work is never covered during these shows. Our show in Tampa was A+ so I'm not complaining...but I'm just saying their catalog of songs is so
thick...they should just announce the "Steely Dan" B Sides Tour of 2017 and I think people would still come.

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 16:49:45 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, here

DF's high school yearbook ...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bywukak-o6lBN09NeWYxVDBJZkE/view?usp=sharing

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 11:20:37 ET
Posted by: not your autocorrect,

Purdie

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 11:19:47 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Chris - agreed...if there was a call out for laudation, it was also a sign for session musicians in general...at least until the Wrecking Crew were no longer underground legends, but recognized for playing on much of the pop music which dotted the landscape in the 60s.

RAiney and prude were often paired together (Aretha). They knew what the deal was.

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 11:14:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Purdie invented SWAG. It's cool. There was always a twinkle in the eye and laugh underneath...no doubt D&W were entertained.



Miles invited cool...and fusion and... He was often understated or used that soft voice to crystallize a lot with few words...MD was talking as much about himself as genres...but yeah, that's probably right.

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 07:02:39 ET
Posted by: Chris, NH

Jaco used to introduce himself to people as "the best bassist in the world."

Miles was asked what he'd done by a politician's wife at some White House gala. He responded that he'd "changed music five or six times."

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 07:01:24 ET
Posted by: G Galray,

Gino - Good points. However, I never said BP was a laughingstock. I said one RISKS being a laughingstock.

If he's (BP's) joshing, that's cool. I remember Rick Marotta kind of joked about BP's self-promotion in an interview.

Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 06:55:26 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh

The boasting is part of his charm. You saw the anecdote about the signs, right?

Fact is, he's one of the all time greatest R&B drummers and it's weird that you'd fixate on the fact that he listed his credits (presumably after being asked who he's played with) on a documentary.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 22:35:40 ET
Posted by: Gino F., HEY! I've seen that particular video too!

"It's not only redundant but it actually makes one look UNSURE/INSECURE about his/her talents, not to mention, risking being a laughingstock."

I seriously doubt anyone - anyone who matters, that is - thinks of Mr. Purdie as a laughingstock. Sure, there are times when he comes across as a bit of a self-promoter, but let's face it, he's never exactly been a household name and the DVD you're referring to was/is aimed at a mass audience...many of whom may never have heard the name "Bernard Purdie" before. That, and he's got the chops AND the history. 'Nuff said, as Stan Lee would say.

So, I completely agree with DYLYNFAN (not "DYLANFAN", btw). It was meant to be humorous, and it was done with a big smile on his face. Bernard Purdie is one very cool guy, on record and in person.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 22:26:50 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Fair enough, good points all, and I am most definitely not a
musician.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 21:33:17 ET
Posted by: G Galray,

DYLANFAN -

RE: "it aint bragging if you can back it up, and he sure can (IMHO)":

I just think when you're terrific at doing something, as BP is, you don't have to boast.

I really cannot name one excellent musician that I have ever worked with or know of that everopenly bragged about his/her talents.

It's not only redundant but it actually makes one look UNSURE/INSECURE about his/her talents, not to mention, risking being a laughingstock.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 21:10:14 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Hey G, I am into triple digit viewinngs on the Making of Aja DVD, a classic. FWIW: I found the boasting to be humorous and he did it
with a big smile on his face. ps: it aint bragging if you can back it up, and he sure can (IMHO) And I believe I just set the record for most acronyms in one paragraph.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 19:12:56 ET
Posted by: Roadmaster, San Diego CA

I went on YouTube so I could watch Don Henley's great music video of The Boys of Summer but now it's been blocked by Warner Chappell & UMG. It sucks.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 18:35:57 ET
Posted by: G Galray,

Just finished watching the Making of Aja. Very well done generally speaking.
Why does Bernard Purdie have to brag - "Aretha Franklin...James Brown..."
Does he realize he sounds like a shithead.
Zero class. You're supposed to let OTHERS do the boasting for you.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 17:08:37 ET
Posted by: Farbman, there

F the Eagles?
I always get mesmerized into a dreamy trance when I hear Desperado......

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 13:04:32 ET
Posted by: Kulee Baba Troll, Cleveland

Toto is releasing "Toto Live at Montreux 1991" on CD/DVD/Blu-ray on 9/16/2016. It's the last tour with former Steely Dan drummer Jeff Porcaro. I'm not a huge Toto fan, but it's good that they continue to release recordings to the public. We Steely Dan fans don't get anything.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 11:59:21 ET
Posted by: Kulee Baba, off to work

I have no clue, Luckless Pedestrian. Maybe that song from the Mansfield show will pop up on YouTube.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 11:35:06 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I love Kulee Baba, both versions. The song is creepy as hell.

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 09:26:26 ET
Posted by: Luckless Pedestrian, MA

I have query for anyone who attended the show in Mansfield on July 7. Fagen dedicated My Old School to Dr. ?? at Genentech. I did not catch the name (although it didn't seem to be made up) nor the reference. Can any of you clarify what this was about?
Thanks!

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 08:24:52 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Troll Patrol, your post got me wondering if I'd been wrong about that tune as the middle section sounded like 80s Fagen to me. So I searched ASCAP. Sure enough, it's credited to both of them:

https://mobile.ascap.com/aceclient/AceWeb/#ace/search/workID/503494633

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 08:00:00 ET
Posted by: Barney Beacon, NJ

Apostrophe: Kulee Baba would fit on The Royal Scam? That song fits right where it is now. As an outtake. Can't figure why so many people like that tune. I mean..I love the Royal Scam! I hate Kulee Baba!

Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 01:03:23 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl Home at Last

Finally settled in. Time to relax! Here is my take on the past weekend. It was a total blast! My wife and I would like to thank all the fine people we met in NY & VT. Didn't meet any 'bookers(not from a lack of trying) but others were very interested in why we keep going to show after show! And I reply with something I heard Mickey Hart say in an interview" After a while it's not even about the music, it's how you feel when you're THERE" That pretty well sums it up for me! So really, I don't care about setlists(though I'll still post 'em). I don't care about the weather, and some of the time I don't care how much it costs. But what I do care about is, having a good time with my wife doing something we truly enjoy! Now I don't expect everyone to feel the same or be in the same place as me, but so be it. Have as good a time as possible at any show you're at this year, and as I said before, I hope to see folks in Oct.
Peace

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 22:40:37 ET
Posted by: Big Sexy, chillin'

Setlist for the show in Bristow, VA is now posted on setlist.fm They played Home at Last. Everything else is the same.

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 19:00:41 ET
Posted by: Apostrophe, Not Dallas

Hey Troll Patrol,

How did you find that out? Not trying to be confrontational, I'd just like to see/read the info!

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 18:32:11 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Returned after a bit of a tour myself to see people still mocking fandom of other bands.

People like what they like. I've friends, more hipster-y than I, that are my age and have learned to obsess over Steely Dan as I do, and yet they'll never understand why I rate the 'plink-plink' sounds of 'Kamakiriad' as highly as I do 'The Royal Scam.' It's just what I like, and it's July so I'm listening to it three times a day.

Let 'em like what they like. Except for the Eagles. Fuck the Eagles.

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 17:40:53 ET
Posted by: Troll patrol, F u

Three sisters shaking is Becker only. Fact. At least one other Whack outtake is frequently misattributed. Not sure who or why someone would want to start another fiction with three sisters

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 14:53:08 ET
Posted by: Apostrophe, Not Dallas

How far into production did he get into the Nightfly follow-up? If Porcaro was tracking, I guess it would be pretty far.

Those Gaucho outtakes are a thing of beauty. Even the re-recorded Second Arrangement sounds great. Kulee Baba seems like something which would have fit better on The Royal Scam, as does The Bear. My reasoning behind this is that the two songs don't sound quite as "smooth" as what wound up on Gaucho.

If they had included them though, they may have gotten more sheen.

Personally, one of my favorite outtakes is Three Sisters Shaking. apparently Don and Walt wrote it together, Walter demo'd it for 11 Tracks but did not use it.

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 13:26:26 ET
Posted by: Detective, On his case.

Don Patrol, Fairlee Motel/Drive In


I'd say that's a "yes" Dean.

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 10:57:29 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach.

M/O/D/P, thanks for the link to that terrific interview by Jody Denberg. I believe I have read this sometime in the past. I remembered a great deal of it, actually. But some I simply did not recall.

With that said, you are right. I don't see anything that even suggests EMG was meant to be SD's last album--unless you approach it with that already as a foregone conclusion. Even then, it takes a bit of reaching to find any support, IMO. And yes, there are some cryptic remarks--typical Walt and Don, actually.

All-in-all a very nice interview---which is fairly rare, IMO. Joan Smith managed to get a great interview from Don, and there have been a few others--too few.

Don, did you stay at the Fairlee Drive-In Motel? What was playing? See you in October!

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 09:58:59 ET
Posted by: Mr. Belzoni, Funway west

Bethel, we heard the sound check while touring around the Woodstock site and what did we hear?? Century's End. We actually thought they were going to play that!! I thought it was just recorded version playing and alas I was correct. Same old stuff year after year that is why I am now a every few years fan. Ten years ago they were really mixing it up and now it seems they are back to the predictable. That being said, the band was hot, Carlock is incredible as were both guitarists. A Steely Dan show is always a good thing! Mr. B.

Date: Tues, July 12, 2016, 07:11:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Nicholas, I just want my truck back.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 23:59:24 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Fairlee Motel/Drive In

Sorry for the delay, still not home yet. Spending the night at one of only 2 drive in theater/motels in the USA. Coolest thing,you can watch the film from your room or in the car! But enough of that. Thoughts on the weekend: This band is killing it this tour. Saratoga is where the tour obsession began for us in '93. And this makes it a familiar place after 5 go rounds! They switched out 4 songs from Bethel, so that made for 20 different songs on the weekend. Not too shabby. That's why I like back to backers. Walter was as good as I've ever heard him at 'Toga on Sunday. And KFC was a beast as always! One difference between Bethel and Toga is the screens, Bethel fantastic; Toga not so much.
Best part of these weekends (besides the show) is meeting people. More than once we've been told our enthusiasm is infectious. Great to turn casual fans into keener ones!
So it's off on the road back to Mtl, to wait patiently for Oct. Hope to see as many of you who are going as possible. 'Til then as always,
PEACE

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 23:48:41 ET
Posted by: Arf Arf, Daddy Warbucks

Try "Words & Music" for TAN instead.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 23:19:13 ET
Posted by: Reg, Midwest

Thanks for the transcript. I always see copies of the CD on Ebay but I never bothered to purchase it.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 22:27:33 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Big Trouble in Little Bluebook

For those who may not know, the poster who mentioned "One Hour Sale" was referencing a promotional interview from 2003, distributed to radio stations as a CD, and quickly made available on eBay (among other places). I'm guessing many here might actually have a copy but probably haven't played in for at least a decade. I know I haven't.

Here's a transcript of the proceedings:

http://steelydanreader.com/2003/06/10/one-hour-sale-conversation-steely-dan/

I wouldn't say that this conversation contains anything that definitively points to the "end" of Steely Dan circa EMG, although the interview does end with some cryptic comments to be sure.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 22:08:25 ET
Posted by: Mud, Passaic NJ

Don Patrol hasn't checked back in yet. He's probably still exhausted from taking in two Steely Dan shows over the weekend.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 20:55:05 ET
Posted by: Abu, Schadenfreude

Google translate says Schadenfreude is German for "Malicious joy". Urfe Urfe, please translate the meaning of your statement for us somewhat unintelligent types.

"Walter discussed that West of Hollywood was from the mid-1980s in interviews from right after Two Against Nature came out. It's not a rare hidden fact. Nor is that EMG was intended as the end of SD. But then three years later, Schadenfreude.".. signed: Urfe Urfe

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 20:48:23 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Michael, we really shook the pillars of heaven, didn't we?

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 20:46:02 ET
Posted by: Szechuan Dumpling, Sienkiewicz

Don Patrol - We parked next to the red wagon last night. Nice to have met you.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 20:42:50 ET
Posted by: Szechuan Dumpling, Sienkiewicz

Heard about this site at a Dan concert last night. Thought I'd join the fun.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 19:48:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Hypothetical, spectorating

I suspect that a mid 80s SD album would have sounded a lot like Spandau Ballet. Which would have made a lot of people here giddy with joy.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 19:39:30 ET
Posted by: Urfe Urfe,

1
One Hour Sale

2
The Mountain.

Carole Bayer Sager.

Morph The Cat

Schadenfreude

All ancient history now.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 19:30:36 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Urfe Urfe,

If you find any reference to Walt (or Don) saying when West of Hollywood was written, please post it. I must have missed those comments. I am not doubting you, by the way, just curious.

But if you are saying it is well established that Everything Must Go was INTENDED to be the end of Steely Dan, you will have to supply some serious backup. I haven't seen/read/heard anything from Don or Walt that suggested that. If you didn't mean that, then I misread your post.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 18:04:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, you're probably right. Maybe stuff like the Gaucho outtakes would be produced more in line with something like The Nightfly. From what I heard, Donald went back in the studio sometime afterward and recorded some stuff only to discard it. Some of those tracks actually showed up later. I think Century's End was one of them.

Yeah, the Gaucho outtakes were very strong, easily comparable to any of their official releases. Can't believe some of the stuff D&W didn't think lived up to potential. Had they remained focused in their studio work post-Gaucho, the mind boggles as to how the sound would've evolved.

Nicholas, you just listen to the ol' Pork Chop Express and take his advice on a dark and stormy night, alright?

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 17:14:53 ET
Posted by: Urfe Urfe,

Walter discussed that West of Hollywood was from the mid-1980s in interviews from right after Two Agsinst Nature came out. It's not a rare hidden fact. Nor is that EMG was intended as the end of SD. But then three years later, Schadenfreude.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 17:07:17 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Michael - Have you paid your dues, Jack? Yessir, the check's in the mail.

Doc Mu - I never realized that West of Hollywood was written in the 80's. Wow. That would have shaken things up. Is that common knowledge and I have somehow missed it, or is that a nugget that you dug up somewhere?

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 15:56:24 ET
Posted by: Boca, PA

Any thoughts on the Saratoga Springs show?

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 15:35:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Expanding - given Walter was feeling the grip of heroin, he'd probably be pleased just to know that he's alive 40 years later.


Donald indeed just keeps on keeping' on.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 15:31:54 ET
Posted by: not your autocorrect,

post-modern

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 15:30:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael - Great question as to what a mid 80s (1986) album might have sounded like. Jeff Porcaro was tracking the follow-up to The Nightfly, and percussion-wide it might have sounded similar.

Some of the Gaucho (and earlier) outtakes make have been resurrected...so something like (but not exactly these songs - just the sound and writing style)...Donald was moving towards a post-model Bacharach, Cole Porter motif.


Kulee Baba
Big Noise New York
Lazy Nina
2nd Arrangement
The Bear
Century's End
Can't Write Home About You
Snowbound (written by D&W in the 80s)
West of Hollywood (written by D&W in the 80s)


It may be me - but I think that lineup is better than Gaucho.

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 07:57:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

No problems here. I enjoy some of the 80's stuff like Spandau Ballet. Highly Strung, Only When You Leave, Gold, True. Great songs. Likewise, Whitesnake has a few. I could run down a laundry list of great songs from the 80's, drum machines and cheesy synth sounds included.

Everything doesn't need to be cut out of the same cloth. No need to defend my opinion.

What would Steely Dan have sounded like if D&W got back together for a new album in the 80's? Perhaps something like a continuation of The Nightfly, or maybe a little more synth-heavy as on Greg Phillinganes' version of DF's Lazy Nina? Century's End and Bright Lights, Big City? Probably.

Remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that? "Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it."

Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 02:09:39 ET
Posted by: Expanding man, Summer

I was fortunate enough to see the second abbreviated show of the tour at the New Orleans Jazz fest then a later full show. Donald was in perfect voice, best I have heard with none of that odd vocal twitching at the end of phrases. They Hey 19 stick was a 10 minute real waste of time for an hour twenty minute set at best. Michael McDonald was a nice ending for pretzel logic.

Having gone to each tour from 2000 except the McDonald , some tours multiple times across the country, I enjoy the shows but can't help feeling this is a money grab and that Don and Walt are dumbing it down to the lowest common denominator casual at best fan - party crowd.

If you are going to be creative for the revered Beacon. Why not take some of that out on the road with you

Frankly if Walter Becker from 1977 saw himself 40 years later I don't think he would be pleased

I love Donald keeping the flame alive

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 23:56:02 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Back from the 'Toga Toga Toga Party

Saratoga set list;
November Afternoon
Blk Cow
Aja
Hey 19
Blk Fri
Caves of Alt
Kid C
2vN
Dirty Work
Bodhi
Daddy don't
Godwhacker
Joe Tex
Josie
Peg
My ol Skool
Reelin
Pretzel
Untouchables

more thoughts later
Peace

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 23:11:04 ET
Posted by: Cynthia, working very late

To poster (LaPage) - Can't you see that you continually allow others (and their words or opinions) to get under your skin instead of simply ignoring them? You just dumped all over several musicians or styles you obviously don't like, which is fine I guess except that you are the one who got so angry over criticism of another act (one that you like). The slightest thing seems to set you off like a firecracker. You are consistently making a damn fool of yourself here, and really annoying the rest of us in the process. Nobody comes here especially during a SD tour to read the likes of you angrily defending your opinions, whatever they are, with such foul language and childish words.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 22:55:02 ET
Posted by: Urchin, with an appetite

When y'all start fussing with each other like this-- arguments over trite things-- I like to picture y'all off of your computers, frowning and being dour all day around family and friends... All because of your internet fights on the bluebook.
Always cheers me up. Hahaha.

Enjoy the last moments of a lovely Sunday, friends.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 22:30:45 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, Playing Wack-A-King Troll once again!

Ahhhh, and like clockwork, King Troll is at it again, using his 2% functional little noggin at full capacity to once AGAIN personally insult, attack, ridicule and Troll me, like the good King Troll he is. So predictable, so pathetic. This asswipe has literally trolled and personally attacked me out of the blue, without ANY provocation directed to him, on every single subject brought up on this board for the last 2 months.
What a sad, pathetic, vacuous vapid existence you must lead. Run along now King Troll, time to sniff your doodoo from your mason jar collection. Dick.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 22:21:18 ET
Posted by: Gino F., in the den...no, really..."my" den...that's where I am right now

Did I just read what I think I read?

Did I REALLY just read what I think I read??

"Absolute dreck/crapola that was coming out of the 80s from those incredibly lame hair cheese metal bands to the one hit wonders of the English synth pop new wave to the Micheal Bolton/Spandau Ballet type schmaltz"

What? You just listed - and put down - some of my dear wife's favorite music! And my sister-in-law's favorite music! How DARE you belittle the tastes & opinions of others??

I can only surmise that you feel it's perfectly alright for you to ridicule or insult music or musicians you don't enjoy (see above quote for reference), but not at all OK for the rest of us to mock something that you may happen to hold near 'n' dear. Say, for example, "Springsteen".

Sorry to disrupt all the positive vibes with this, but I just had to point out this glaring inconsistency. Even though it was glaring, and glaring rather loudly, and I suspect everybody saw it, y'know, as it was glaring.

Glaring.

Inconsistency.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 17:29:27 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, bunker

I didn't mind Winwoods 80s stuff at all. While I preferred Traffic, those 80s albums had a freshness and sounded good, especially the Arc album. When you compare it to the majority of absolute dreck/crapola that was coming out of the 80s from those incredibly lame hair cheese metal bands to the one hit wonders of the English synth pop new wave to the Micheal Bolton/Spandau Ballet type schmaltz, Winwoods stuff was probably better than 90% of what was going on in popular music at the time. It's all relative. Gaucho was just about as slicked up as Winwoods 80s stuff.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 17:14:13 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, bunker

corr--should say covered a fair amount of the 2 previous 80s albums. Don't know if he covered anything from the 77 first solo album.

The crazy thing about Winwood's career is that by the time he released Arc in 1980, he was regarded by the media as an aging 60s hippie who had kind of faded away in the late 70s (since his fusion work with Go and his first solo album was so overlooked/ignored), and the rock media painted Arc as his big comeback album. Heck, the guy was only 32 in 1980! He started so young--age 15 with Spencer Davis--that he was viewed as a grizzled rock icon by 1980 at age 32, which is now about the age most rock musicians are just now getting out of their big boy pull-ups .

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 17:10:13 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Don Patrol, keep those positive vibes coming our way. Have a great time tonight. I'm looking forward to your comments.


And Winston, I'm right there with you, losing respect for Winwood during his synthpop days. Off the bat, I can't think of any musician I lost more respect for than Steve. By that I mean, I held him in VERY high regard before/during his Traffic/Blind Faith days. After his solo stuff I dubbed him a total sellout (Arc was OK, not great, IMO). In the past few years, my respect for him has returned, a bit. But it ain't what it was, I tells ya. I'm sure Steve will be quite disappointed to hear that. :#(

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 16:42:10 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, in the bunker

Not only is Winwood playing the Hammond but his band is constructed for the old school jam band Traffic type sounds, not the more slick synth rock/pop of the 80s. So no real surprise he doesn't play more of those tunes. I can't remember if Winwood toured on the Arc album, but I'm sure more of those tunes were played in the 80s and setlist fm won't have accurate numbers on those 80s shows. I saw him in 86 or 87 and I'm pretty sure he covered a fair amount of his first 2 solo albums.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 16:36:08 ET
Posted by: Speed, Syracuse NY

I wish Steve Winwood would play "Freedom Overspill" instead of "Higher Love" for a change. I've heard "Higher Love" at almost every Steve Winwood show I've been to and I'm sick to death of it.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 15:58:41 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, 'Toga hotel

Almost ready for tonight's show, set list and minor report to follow later.
Peace

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 15:00:01 ET
Posted by: James, listening to Arc of a Diver

I think there's a reason why Steve Winwood avoids playing selections from Arc of a Diver in concert. Steve's main instrument these days is the Hammond B3 organ. Arc of a Diver is mainly synth-driven. I don't think Steve plays the synthesizer onstage anymore (I think).

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 13:56:14 ET
Posted by: Neptune, Erie PA

I took a look at Steely Dan's 2008 setlist at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and noticed they played a lot of goodies: The Royal Scam, Everything You Did, New Frontier, Don't Take Me Alive, Parker's Band, Gaucho, Two Against Nature, FM, Everyone's Gone to the Movies, The Fez.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 11:56:41 ET
Posted by: Winston, San Francisco

After Arc of a Diver, Steve Winwood went into his overly commercial "hit singles" synthpop phase. Those CDs clutter up the 99 cents bargain bins at used CD stores. I lost a lot of respect for Steve Winwood during that period.

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 11:40:51 ET
Posted by: Winston, San Francisco

Steve Winwood generally ignores his Arc of a Diver album. Spanish Dancer has never been performed live. Here's a breakdown of all the songs played at concerts from Arc of a Diver according to Setlist.fm:

1. While You See a Chance (28 times)
2. Arc of a Diver (10 times)
3. Night Train (2 times)

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 07:45:15 ET
Posted by: Sammy, C

Video of That's It on youtube! Amazeballs!

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 03:21:27 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Hotel

Correction: November Afternoon

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 03:17:18 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol , Hotel

Bethel report;
First off, Bethel Woods is a beautiful place. The best outdoor shed I've been to. First
time for us.Contrary to reports, there was no rain during the show. Most of the complaining I heard was before the show. Walking up to the gate, we were treated to a rainbowduring a brief break of sunshine. As far as Winwood goes, pleasantly surprised to hear Buddy Miles Changes, Low Spark, and Dear Mister Fantasy was great. The Boys and the band seemed inspired and full of energy. Probably the funkiest Blk Fri I've
heard since Ottawa '08. And Herington just shredded Bodhi and Reeling. Plus my wife's
fave Green Earrings, and one of mine, Pretzel. All in all, another great night! But what
else did you expect to hear from me, I'm biased! Catching some zzzzz's and off to Saratoga tomorrow for more sheer enjoyment!
Peace

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 02:15:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I kind of consider Winwood and SD a twin bill.

Since SD last charted a single, Winwood has had 8 top 40 hits including two #1s. 3 top 10 albums and 4 more in the top 40.

Arc of a Diver and Spanish Dancer rate with the best of post-Gaucho Steely Dan

Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 02:12:04 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Bethel for now

Bethel set list:
Nov Rain
Blk Cow
Aja
Hey19
Bkl Fri
Sho Biz
Kid C
Babylon
Razor boy
Bodhisattva
Daddy don't Live
Green Earrings
Joe Tex
Josie
Peg
My Ol Skool
Reeling
Pretzel
Untouchables
That's it.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 23:29:19 ET
Posted by: Bean, Las Vegas

Steely Dan just finished up their set at Bethel Woods. I think they played "Do It Again". I don't know for sure. I'm just going by what I see at Bethel Woods/Arts' Facebook page.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 22:28:28 ET
Posted by: Kenny, U

I wonder if Winwood will crash at Don's Woodstock digs tonight.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 22:08:09 ET
Posted by: Bean, Las Vegas

I took a peek at Bethel Woods for the Arts Facebook page. One fan went home because she couldn't take the heavy rain and wet drenched lawn. Others wanted a refund or were angry because the show started before everybody could get in the gates.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 16:50:54 ET
Posted by: Clay, Middletown, NY

The parking lots are now open at Bethel Woods. They will be handing out free samples of Jim Beam Devil's Cut Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. You must be age 21 & over to taste it.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 16:38:59 ET
Posted by: Rob Zimmerman , Hibbing MN

You don't need a weatherman to tell which way the wind is blowing.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 15:18:00 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Bethel

Getting ready for a great night! Fuck the weather!!

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 13:13:44 ET
Posted by: Weather Man, NY

Those who "self upgrade" from the lawn to the pavilion tonight can literally be called mud sliders.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 12:54:49 ET
Posted by: King of Pain, WI

At the show in Mansfield Thursday night, Walter told the crowd "By the end you'll feel like you were rode hard and put up wet". This would apply heavily at tonight's show. Massive rain is expected.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 11:59:05 ET
Posted by: King Vitamin, Detroit

Won't the people with lawn tickets get soaked in the rain? The grass will be all wet too.

Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 08:39:38 ET
Posted by: Weather Man, NY

Bad weather for tonight's show. Was mulling a lawn seat/front row VIP upgrade but will pass because of the rain.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 23:55:32 ET
Posted by: King Troll No. 2, watching movies

Steve Winwood likes touring with Steely Dan. Steve said in his latest tour blog that he has "the pleasure of watching the Dan every night".

stevewinwoodtourblog.tumblr

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 23:14:53 ET
Posted by: Lorne, Scotch Plains NJ

This year's version of "Do It Again" is probably the best I've ever heard. Donald usually sits at the keyboard whenever they play it but this time he stands up and sings it with his melodica in hand. The melodica gives the song a different tone. Keith Carlock always performs a kick-ass drum solo at the end too. Donald Fagen is king of the melodica.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 21:24:45 ET
Posted by: King Troll, the sea rushes in

and twice the man to fill his shoes


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q3tfcFNg4g

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 18:16:15 ET
Posted by: 13 songs , L A

I saw David Gilmore instead 24 songs on my night.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 17:39:50 ET
Posted by: David Brinkley Jr., Troll Bureau of Investigations

MORE BREAKING NEWS:

We are now getting reports from people who think they have spotted King Troll attempting to cross the Texas border to Mexico. More updates to follow.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 17:21:30 ET
Posted by: Duncan, Glendale CA

It appears that these shows aren't selling well. Concertgoers are reporting people with lawn tickets are being upgraded to the reserved sections. It's embarrassing for a band/artist to play at a large venue full of empty reserved seats. I've seen this kind of thing happen before. I hope Donald & Walter get the message: TIME TO CHANGE THE SETLIST!

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 17:20:51 ET
Posted by: OK, It was an informative news article, BUT...

"This LaPage fellow is one tough act to follow, and I for one hope he continues to dominate this fan board for a very long time."

Said no one, ever.

Although I'm not questioning the validity of the article, or the solid reputation of 'The Internet Times-Tribune', mind you.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 16:35:46 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Thanks for the review Chris. The "lawn" seats were upgraded in Tampa as well. Same reason....the covered seats did not sell all that well. Made for some happy people who saved a few bucks.

Thank you for reminding me of Carolyn's vocal on Pretzel Logic. She was fantastic in Tampa as well. Speaking of of Pretzel Logic, I do think it would be better suited to be played earlier rather than as the encore. I felt the same way about FM as an encore song back in the earlier tours. Great songs but they don't sizzle the same way as My Old School, Reelin or KC.

Someone mentioned Walter's lack of energy. I assume most people here know he is wearing a rather large boot on his right foot/leg. Sure causes him to move around even more slowly than usual. I know when I was wearing a similar boot it was absolutely no fun.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 16:21:41 ET
Posted by: Xavier, C

Of course more is going on than we know. We don't know anything.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 15:25:08 ET
Posted by: B Doyle,

Why do I think that WB might be ailing more than we know.

I bet something more is going on physically w/ him than we know.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 14:35:51 ET
Posted by: J Edgar Hoover, Troll Identification Detail

We have determined that "Just Thought" is actually a King Troll minion, posting under an alias to hide his true identity so he can troll some more. His house is being surrounded as we speak, and all his ladies undergarments are being carefully searched and confiscated.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 14:26:26 ET
Posted by: Just thought, I'd point out...

...That this "LaPage" person is now posting under multiple identities (check out the post from "Troll in Training", Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 13:47:29 ET).

Identical Looney Tunes shtick = same guy.

Or maybe he'll come back on claiming that he didn't post that last bit, that "someone else" deliberately emulated his "style" in order to further some unknown & mysterious agenda.

Who knew that crazy, obsessive nutcase types used the internet, too?

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 14:04:33 ET
Posted by: Jason, Boston

Kid C was after show biz kids last night. Solid write up by Chris from NH.

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 14:00:59 ET
Posted by: Wally Cronkite, Troll investigation

BREAKING NEWS:

Last reports are that King Troll was last seen in Dallas last night, and has not been seen since.

See what I did there? I pulled a Becker!

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 13:51:37 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I left out Kid C. It was played after Black Friday I think?

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 13:47:29 ET
Posted by: Troll in Training, Troll Training Academy

Here come da King Troll Defense Brigade! Look at all da Troll sycophants and apologists defending intolerance, elitism, arrogance, trolling and personal attacks! Gee, I can only hope that someday I am as witty and clever at trolling as King Troll! Wow, what a hero King Troll is! What a role model for the youngsters King Troll is! Go get that dastardly LaPage King Troll and fellow King Troll minions! Don't let him get away with praising POS musicians like Springstone and criticizing our Steely Dan darling Becker for making fun of a child's death! We can't tolerate such audaciousness in a free society! King Troll is our hero!

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 13:43:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Sorry, had to record it again because I wasn't satisfied with the original mix.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15771_KvaVFDN99OFKQ8bDgrdi&board_id=1

Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 13:43:27 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Good show last night.

As I mentioned earlier, the show was way undersold. Here's a look at the available seats around noon yesterday (blue = open): https://www.dropbox.com/s/b84u16dccw87gyy/Screenshot%202016-07-07%2014.03.25.png?dl=0

So they ended up closing off the lawn, upgrading people in the "open air" seats (which used to be all lawn back in the day) to the second row of the seats with a roof overhead, and handing the "open air" seats over to lawn ticket holders. Worked out for everyone I suppose, but I doubt they'll be back at Great Woods next year.

Winwood was great and was very warmly received. Killer band, especially the guy who alternated sax and guitar. Mix was great for him and would stay great all night.

Steely Dan was exactly what you'd expect in 2016. The band is simply un-fuck-with-able. Catch them in the midst of a longer tour (as opposed to spring warm-up shows or Beacon runs) and you'll see an unstoppable machine. They keep me coming back year after year.

Pretzel Logic was a distinct highlight; I'm not sure I've seen that live before and if I have it's been rare for me. Carolyn got a chance to really go off during the outro. I knew she had pipes, but goddamn.

Fagen and Becker seemed tired. Fagen's voice was not really holding up too well, and in general he seemed a little low on energy. Nothing too noticeable, he's a consummate pro as always, but I got the sense this tour was starting to wear on him.

Becker sounded good on guitar, about the same as last year by my estimation. His vocals on Daddy were really rough, to the point where I was thinking maybe they should just cut that altogether and give the Dannettes another song.

Nothing new to report on the Hey 19 rant. Becker did get some boos when he said "Boston is a lot like New York," but they were good natured. At least, I didn't see anyone walk out.

I won't lie; I was a little disappointed in the setlist -- the tunes that get rotated in were all tunes I've seen many times in the last 10 years (I was hoping for Do It Again, Razor Boy, Rikki, Deacon, TvN, etc). That's just luck of the draw, though. I knew what I was getting into. And it's tough to really complain about superb musicians performing my favorite songs.

Setlist:

November Afternoon
Black Cow
Aja
Hey 19
Black Friday
Show Biz Kids
Babylon Sisters
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Daddy
Godwhacker
Joe Tex
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin

___

Pretzel
Untouchables