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Date: Tues, March 21, 2023, 23:11:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
modifying my post from March 23, 2003… Feeling even more gratitude for everyone. And of course, sad also to miss those were gone, starting with Walter, along with Marc and Bill, and so many others.
----
THANK YOU FOR 30 YEARS!
It was thirty years ago on March 23, 1993, that I started a mail list for Steely Dan fans based at my work server at the NSF Science & Technology Center for Superconductivity based at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign along with Northwestern University and University of Chicago. At the time, I was taking a break from working in and teaching architecture to pay off some student loans; so I took a job as an IT manager for a group of world renowned physicists. (One of those I worked for actually won a Noble Prize a few years later. I just worked on his PowerPoints.) It was the very first resource on the internet dedicated to Steely Dan fans. Our email address was steelydan@stcs.mrl. uiuc.edu —long enough for you? It was an outgrowth of a group of us fans at rec.music.gdead with hopes of starting rec.music. steelydan. For the rec. music groups, often you had to start as a mail list to prove interest. I never thought that the web or the internet would become as ubiquitous as it has. Some of you will remember that we used to have a Digest EVERY DAY, 365 days-a-year, when there wasn't anything else dedicated to Steely Dan on the net. (the alt group and Banyan Trees wasn't yet around). I think it was also about 30 years ago this weekend that tickets for the 1993 tour went on sale. I remember getting them for Chicago, Detroit and Indy.
After 30 years, it's been pretty amazing!
Thank you all for everything!!
Sincerely,
Jim aka hoops
Date: Tues, March 21, 2023, 23:04:18 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Regarding the last post, as I remember it was in probably April or so the whole EMG album was found streaming entirely, although in not the greatest audio quality, on one of the Microsoft forums. It disappeared super quick. That was when we used to have the GreenRoom chat supplementing the BlueBook. Several of us in the GreenRoomhad an impromptu listening party with that unofficial stream. I also remember the first two singles surfacing, as well as some interviews on the radio with Donald and Walter.
The blue book goes back to June 2001. You can actually can scroll down and link back to pretty much every bluebook post. So if you wanna go back 20 years, you probably can for most stuff. I was just scanning the March 2003 posts.
I was just scanning the March 2003 posts. I found a nice reminder that 20 years ago I made a post about the 10th anniversary of the Dandom Digest on March 23, 2003. Now this Thursday it'll be 30 years. And yes, the Dandom Digest still comes out on average something like once a month. Of course, back in 1993 it was every day.
Date: Tues, March 21, 2023, 22:30:31 ET
Posted by: 2003, 2003
anyone remember listening to the EMG stream, this time of year, 2003?
Date: Mon, March 20, 2023, 00:37:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Interesting point about Blues Beach, because it seems to work better after Godwhacker, as in going through the flotsam and jetsam post God Whacking.
TIMTM is a wry look at everything missed in the aftermath. The Last Mall, literally pulls the plug on the whole thing.
Date: Sun, March 19, 2023, 11:03:22 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Back with more great music for you to enjoy.
George Duke - Summer Breezin'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H45YSf3__f4
Paul Cherry - Between Me and Chicago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qMjAtWNXn4
Paul Cherry - Back On The Music!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aN8be9lekI
Mndsgn - Hope You're Doin' Better
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Kk0a3IAY0
Fabio Concato - Domenica Bestiale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_20M1kzVSQ
Date: Sat, March 18, 2023, 09:01:05 ET
Posted by: Skip, US
Here's another (I think) recent Gadd interview about Aja.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEXTczhnR-k
Date: Sat, March 18, 2023, 07:26:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Back with more music.
Genevieve Artadi - Visionary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDyiOpMLSNE
Mayer Hawthorne - Back Seat Lover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGynhuYzTNQ
Kazumi Watanabe & Al Di Meola - Spain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfOQVZ_b3C8
Tom Scott - Car Wars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnIxZqqPpmU
Yukika - Loving You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZesppXuPLeM
Ciao.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2023, 11:03:26 ET
Posted by: dirk,
RIP Jim Gordon
Date: Wed, March 15, 2023, 20:59:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,
More great stuff.
14 Bis - Vale Do Pavao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_9L3y3n234
Gal Costa - Olhos Do Coração
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ5Y5HGEObw
Aca Seca Trio - Carcará
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7IG_xQ5F5k
Juan Luis Guerra - Oficio De Enamorado
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jamAOaiN-Pw
Date: Wed, March 15, 2023, 16:11:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Chris, some of the stuff I happen to randomly come across while looking up various artists while others I've gotten from scouring different sources. There's no static method to me finding stuff. Like for instance take that Katona Klári track. I happened upon it while looking up Hungarian music one day. It resonated with me despite not understanding what she's singing about. Figured maybe someone else would appreciate it so I posted it on here. A similar story goes with that Antis track. Was looking up Lithuanian music and stumbled upon that video. It was pretty wacky to watch but something about the music was strangely appealing.
I always purchase music that I like, that is when it's readily available. I'm not spending no $60-70 for an import CD of an obscure AOR artist from the early 1980s. I've been wanting to acquire Eric Tagg's Dreamwalkin' album for awhile now but it's always exorbitantly priced and not available through digital services like iTunes. Similarly, I've been wanting to get this track from library composer Geoff Bastow titled Up Market for a long time which is on a Bruton album The Video Age / BRI 11 but has yet to make its way to digital services. BRI 1 through 10 are readily available though. Ugh.
Listen to how good this is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEJDKpjVCXU
Date: Wed, March 15, 2023, 13:28:35 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
Michael - I try to avoid it but still keep a subscription for discovery (which I then buy from the artist or Bandcamp when I like it - not into renting music). Hate to say it but the algorithm has me dialed in. But it's funny, I keep seeing stuff in my discover weekly just before or after you post about them, so maybe I'll cut out the middle man at some point. Where are you coming across this stuff?
Doc - I do the same with EMG. Probably got the idea from you or someone else here years ago. I don't typically feel the need to mess with album sequencing but between Side B being stronger than Side A, title track's opening and The Last Mall's ending etc ... it really does work better.
I will say Blues Beach has grown on me over the years ... I remember my first impression being that they were going for another Cousin Dupree, but it's a darker, lyrics a little more opaque, a few more musical left turns.
Date: Tues, March 14, 2023, 20:24:09 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Daylight
I would suggest that the Aja content begins at 34 minutes.
m.e.
Date: Tues, March 14, 2023, 19:46:35 ET
Posted by: W, C
Thanks for the Gadd video. Aja at 36:55.
Date: Tues, March 14, 2023, 18:16:25 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Steve
Steve Gadd interviewed by Rick Beato.
https://youtu.be/j8762lBtu9A
m.e.
Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 16:55:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Jimmie: Absolutely. The new/added intro on NE corridor on Things I Miss the MOst is fantastic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkkHX9uBaLg
...and the live performance of TIMTM overall has a lot more energy and organic feel. I also prefer this version to the album. The Last Mall and Blues Beach also distract from a superb and underrated album. When I play the tracks, I usually do it in reverse order. The intro to the title track emulates John Coltrane's beginning on A Love Supreme.
EMG
Lunch With Gina
Pixeleen
GreenBook
Slang of Ages
Godwhacker
are by far the strongest tracks on Everything Must Go.
then,
Blues Beach
TIMTM (live)
Last Mall (which ends suddenly as if nuked)
to finish up.
Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 16:40:57 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, C
A nice surprise on N.E. Corridor for me has been Things I Miss the Most. I didn't think the version that made it on to EMG did it justice (a criticism that could perhaps be leveled against that entire album.) But this live recording of it with the extended intro just works better for me. I'll take it over the studio version any day.
Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 16:26:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Agreed.
On the Japanese pressing of Ticket to Shangri La there's a gorgeous bonus track called Chances Are. I want it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYc2G-PfU10
Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 15:32:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael: The Three Sacred Souls track reminds me of some of the retro songs from Andy Platts other half, Mamas Gun. Tracks that could have ineed been recorded 50 years ago, but unfortunately largely ignored today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gwc1i4fDxg
Although Steely Dan was/is packaged under "classic rock," their musici had a lot more in common with Atlantic Records, Gamble & Huff and Thom Bell/Philly sound that the rock of the 70s and even the Beatles as well.
Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 09:44:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, this YGSF song is a new release. Andy Platts co-wrote Moonshine with Rod Temperton back in 2006, years before forming YGSF with Shawn Lee. I guess they felt the time was right to do justice to this track with years of experience under their belts. Fittingly it sounds like something recorded decades ago. There's just something unique about Rod Temperton's sense of harmonic movement married to his carefully constructed lyrics which aggrandizes the listening experience. Credit also goes to Andy as he had a role in its creation. How a song this delectable gets neglected while mainstream tosh gets millions of listens is beyond me. It's shameful how much excellent music is out there wallowing in obscurity.
If you enjoy soulful throwbacks then you can't miss with Thee Sacred Souls. Here's their track Easier Said Than Done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PN_-fY7hL8
Date: Sat, March 11, 2023, 23:24:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
A new digital release from Young Gun Silver Fox, written by Andy Platts and the late Rod Temperton (Michael Jackson, Shaka Khan)
I can hear both Platts (more in the verses) and Temperton (more in the chorus) in this one. Game knows game. Another pop masterpiece from YGSF...I assume recorded before Temperton's passing in 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JanUcDurQ0
Date: Sat, March 11, 2023, 19:44:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Works for me.
Full disclaimer: I don't have a Spotify account. I just enjoy sharing good music I come across.
Date: Sat, March 11, 2023, 17:35:32 ET
Posted by: chris, nh
Michael, our Spotify algorithms must be in sync ...
Date: Thurs, March 09, 2023, 16:48:01 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Wouldn't you know it, not even 24 hours after I mentioned Benny Sings new album he goes and drops another track from it, Pygamas ft. Remi Wolf.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbDpLAE1CeU
Most jazz-fusion listeners are familiar with Return to Forever's Light As A Feather album but as it turns out Romantic Warrior is their top selling album with over a half-million copies sold in the US. Definitely worth a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7OGf2Laj4
Date: Wed, March 08, 2023, 22:08:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Two tracks from LA-based French psychedelic pop group Pearl & The Oysters off their new album Coast 2 Coast which drops April 21st.
❍ Paraiso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssQ3soZX9nc
❍ Pacific Ave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQYHrLRRFE0
Benny Sings new album Young Hearts comes out March 24th. Here's the title track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z5giY3udnE
Date: Wed, March 08, 2023, 06:47:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Excellent song by Hungarian singer Katona Klári titled Vigyél el (Take Me) from 1981.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT-1VFH6Dps
Then there's Lithuanian group Antis with the thoroughly weird but enjoyable Klasėj Mane Kalbina (They Talk To Me In Class) from 1986.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBElVCGzcFA
Finally, we close with UK group Prep with the infectious 15th Floor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faOiQg1BjKk
Date: Tues, March 07, 2023, 20:37:28 ET
Posted by: Mock Turtle,
I freaking love Circus Money. It is pretty dub-oriented, sure, but there are a lot of bangers on there.
Fagen's recent solo work *sounds* better, sure, but C$ has better songs.
Date: Mon, March 06, 2023, 08:57:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Hoops, I hadn't heard 'She's Got To Be Somewhere' before. Really nice SD-ish track. Thanks for sharing.
Date: Sun, March 05, 2023, 21:50:34 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
In the Dandom Digest below, the link to the performance of "Wooden Ships" by Steely Dan with David Crosby is incorrect. The correct link is https://youtu.be/BoebEunmPZ8
Date: Sun, March 05, 2023, 19:12:54 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
The latest edition of the Dandom Digest for January 1-March 5, 2023 emailed out about an hour ago. You should have received it between 5:45 pm and 7 pm ET/NYC Time. ! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 31, No. 1). The previous regular Dandom Digest covered Aug 15-Dec 31, 2022.
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. 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. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com. I've also included. the full contents below for your convenience and BlueBook discussion.
If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest/index.html
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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
As the Dandom Digest marks 30 years, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------
DANDOM DIGEST
JANUARY 1–MARCH 5, 2023
Yr. 31, No. 1
-------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST
Donald's Next One Album? 2023 Tour?
Celebrating Walter With "Makers of Cringe"
UPDATE: 1972-80 Albums Reissue Project
PASSINGS
Wayne Shorter: 1933-2003
Jeff Young, RIP
David Crosby, 1941-2023
Donald & Walter on Burt Bacharach
NEW! Noted Journalist Jake Malooley's "Expanding Dan"
MUST SEE: New Video From Monkey House (and More!)
New from Catherine Russell
Walt Weiskopf's "Other Jewels" at 2 Million & Counting
Keith Carlock on Tour
REMINDER: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums
Followed by
PRETZEL LOGIC
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Donald's Next One Album? 2023 Tour?
From: Jim McKay
Date: Sunday, March 5, 2023
Fans are always asking if Donald has a new album coming and also when will the Steely Dan Orchestra be touring again.
We haven't heard anything directly from Donald in recent months, but let's not forget his September 30, 2021 interview with Jon Blistein at "Rolling Stone". Donald said that during the pandemic lockdown, he had written enough songs to fill out a new album and had even recorded demos. Saying some of the songs are "personal," he mentioned a track with a working title of "The Stellar Bartender."
In late December 2022, a British tabloid site said he was recording some more...which is plausible. However, the site is a bit dubious. Still, we do have the "Rolling Stone" interview with Donald from about 17 months ago, in September 2021.
2023 Tour? "If you see something, say something!" So far there's no word on a 2023 tour by Donald and the band. Will Donald take the year off? Will the band tour again this summer, like clock work? Will Donald work on the aforementioned recording first, and then undertake a tour? As of the mailing of this edition of the Dandom Digest, there's no official word. In previous years, early March is when we have started seeing summer shed dates being announced. So if you see anything, it would be appreciated if you would email jjmckay@me.com. The. info will be passed along to the Greater Dandom. Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Celebrating Walter With "Makers of Cringe"
Date: February 20, 2023
The Walter Becker Media Project (from Matthew Kerns and Walter's widow, Delia Becker), invites the greater Dandom to celebrate what would have been Walter's 73rd birthday with three different outtakes of "Cringemaker."
Check them out at https://www.walterbeckermedia.com/forum/rarities-unreleased/many-makers-of-cringe
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: UPDATE: 1972-80 Albums Reissue Project
From: Jim McKay
Date: Sat, March 4, 2023
A few updates since last Dandom Digest on the status of the new Steely Dan vinyl and SACD/CD hybrid reissues.
-- Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD hybrid disc of "Can't Buy A Thrill" (CBAT) was released the third week of January 2023. The SACD/CD versions of "Two Against Nature" (2vN) and "Everything Must Go" (EMG) came out this past November. I've given the CD audio layers several listens; they do sound great, although I haven't been able to listen to it in SACD. (I have a Toshiba SACD player and Denon 6.1 SACD capable receiver, but there is a software incompatibility I've not been able to resolve.) Note that on 2vN, they left in place the original typos of Jon Herington's name. As Walter said at the time, something to the effect, "Now that Jon works for us, he can afford a couple of extra consonants in his name."
I've also been enjoying the CD layer of Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD of "Can't Buy A Thrill." In all three cases, the artwork largely remains consistent with the original artwork, of course adapted for these formats. Of course there are some very minor exceptions, like a Geffen logo replaces the ABC Record logo because Disney and not Universal owns the rights to that; the original CD for 2vN was a shade of orange and the DVD-A was a shade of green...but the black on this SACD/CD audio is the same as the 2000 German LP version that Warner/Reprise/Giant issued but was not approved by D+W.
Like many of us, my own opinion is also shaded by the limitations of my particular audio set up as well as any imperfections in my hearing, My thought is that these are likely to be the last reissues of these recordings with Donald Fagen and Bernie Grundman* being involved so I'll spring for them. They are nice to look forward to. (*Bernie was limited in his involvememt in 2vN.)
Looking forward to hearing from others who have acquired these and how they compare with previous versions. Finally, one random note: Donald's new liner notes written for the 45 RPM vinyl version of CBAT do not appear with this new SACD/CD.
Some additional notes about these re-releases as of early March 2023:
-- I spoke with Acoustic Sounds as to when the SACD/CD of "Countdown To Ecstasy" and the double LP, 45 RPM 200 g clear vinyl of "Pretzel Logic" would ship. They still have no date. Furthermore, they expect it will take a couple of years before they finish with all seven albums.
-- UMe/Geffen has no information on when the the single LP 33-1/3 RPM, 180 g black vinyl of "Countdown to Ecstasy" will hit the streets.
-- Last time, I mentioned some were experiencing an anomaly with UMe/Geffen's single LP 33-1/3 RPM, 180 g black vinyl of "Can't Buy A Thrill." I have since tried my copy with a different stylus and then a different turntable. I still get a slight drop out at the opening note of "Only A Fool Would Say That." Most won't notice, but us picky fans do. Others have had similar experiences.
Please consult the previous Dandom Digest of remasters discussion from the last Dandom Digest, Vol. 30, No. 9, Aug 15-Dec 31, 2022 for additional details. Scroll down this page to around the January 9, 2023 for the full text of that edition.
-------------------------------------------------------------
PASSINGS
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Wayne Shorter: 1933-2003
Jazz legend Wayne Shorter has passed away. Wayne IS history and there will never be anyone else like him again. For some of us Steely Dan fans, perhaps the first time we were conscious of Shorter was his incredible contribution to the title track of "Aja".
From Shorter's official Facebook page on March 2, 2023:
"Today at 4am, Wayne Shorter peacefully continued on his immense journey into the unknown. He was surrounded by loving family. In his words, 'It’s time to go get a new body and come back to continue the mission.'" —Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Official Wayne Shorter web site
https://wayneshorterofficial.com
Downbeat offers this thorough piece on the life of Wayne Shorter.
https://downbeat.com/news/detail/in-memoriam-wayne-shorter-1933-2023
Far Out Magazine: "How Steely Dan got Wayne Shorter to Play on "Aja"
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/steely-dan-got-wayne-shorter-to-play-aja/
Mr. Shorter: See you the next time around...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jeff Young, RIP
Jeff Young passed away on February 23, 2023 after an 18-month battle with cancer. Jeff and Donald and Walter have crossed paths on some milestone projects and tours, most notably the Little Big Band, New York Rock and Soul Review, Donald Fagen's 2006 solo tour and the 2006 Steely Dan tour. Jeff was especially noted for his Hammond organ talents and his vocals.
Pete Fogel writes, "I'll always remember Jeff from the very beginning, before Steely Dan got back together. He was such an intricate part of 'The Little Big Band'.... The group that backed Donald in those small clubs in NYC pre-1993. They would always start off the show with 'Inner City Blues' by Marvin Gaye. Jeff would sing the sh1t out of it!" Pete notes he booked Jeff in 1994 as part of the Zrew Zingg Band at Le Bar Bat where Jeff Young's sang on a revamped (gospel) version of Reelin In The Years.
Drew Zingg Band featuring Jeff Young, Zrew Zingg, Gary Gold, and Nicole Hart, January 12, 1994
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iULSCRrdH5I&t=2417s (fades in).
Reporter offers some background on Jeff's career:
https://reporter.memorialmedias.com/jeff-young-obituary-keyboard-player-with-jackson-browne-has-passed-away/
Given the outpouring on social media, Jeff is already greatly missed.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: David Crosby, 1941-2023
David Crosby passed away January 18, 2023.
Crosby was of course a musical legend; but moreover, in recent years, he really let his Steely Dan flag fly, declaring Our Favorite Duo HIS #1 Favorite.
In 2017, Crosby released what might be best be described as a Steely Dan homage, "She's got to be somewhere."
This was followed up with an outright collaboration with Donald Fagen, the writing of "Rodriguez For a Night."
And finally, Croz was clearly kerflempt to be a guest performing with the Steely Dan Orchestra at The Beacon. Fagen & Co. paid tribute by backing Cros for the his classic CSN track "Wooden Ships".
After all that, the greater Dandom speculated on the possibility of future collaborations with Donald. Unless there is some unreleased material, that sadly won't happen.
"She's Got To Be Somewhere" (2017)
https://youtu.be/2wMNOiqx7q8
"Rodriguez For A Night" (2021) Co-written with Donald Fagen
https://youtu.be/2s4g9PhYthU
"Wooden Ships" (October 15, 2019) Steely Dan Orchestra featuring David Crosby, The Beacon Theatre, NYC
https://youtu.be/2wMNOiqx7q8
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Donald & Walter on Burt Bacharach
Burt Bacharach passed away at the age of 94 on February 8, 2023. The American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music
Give a listen to the likes of Steely Dan's "Almost Gothic" and it's clear that Becker & Fagen were influenced by Bacharach.
"Burt Bacharach is pop songs with Ravel-like chords"--Donald Fagen
"I don't think we were trying to imitate any of the top songwriters, except in a roundabout way the very arty songs Burt Bacharach had written for Dionne Warwick. Those were an immense source of inspiration for us, but we weren't trying to copy them: his pieces had these formal, Stravinsky-esque angularities that were reminiscent of 20th century classical music. We were impressed by how far out he was able to get and still make it sound sort of like pop music." --.Walter Becker
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: NEW! Noted Journalist Jake Malooley's "Expanding Dan"
Expanding Dan is a newsletter about Steely Dan, the musicians and artists on the Dan’s vast and varied musical tree, and the stories they have to tell. It includes original interviews, oral histories, audio stories, and more transmissions from the Danverse.
Jake Malooley is a journalist who has written about music, crime, sports, film, books, media, science, technology, and numerous other subjects for The New York Times, New York magazine, Rolling Stone, The Ringer, Wired, Esquire, ESPN, Bon Appétit, and The Guardian, among other publications. Jake is also a contributing features writer at Chicago magazine and before that he was editor in chief of the Chicago Reader. (For those not familiar, it's the Chicago answer to the Village Voice.)
Jake's 10,000 word, 50th anniversary oral history of Steely Dan was featured in the November 2022 issue of "Wax Poetics" magazine. While the print issue is apparently sold out, Jake made a number of contacts. developing an extensive network of those who have figured in Steely Dan history. As such interviews with the likes of Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Gary Katz, Elliot Scheiner, Denny Dias, Chuck Rainey, Bernard Purdie, Bernie Grundman, and so many more are featured, with more to come, including oral histories, audio stories, and celebrity fan stories.
Jake writes: "This is a world that you’re welcome to. As a paid subscriber, you’ll get every new edition of Expanding Dan sent directly to your inbox, access to the archives, plus invitations to special events such as subscribers-only talks with guests from the Danverse. I’m asking the Substack minimum: $5 per month ($60 annually). Every subscription directly supports the labor—hours of reporting, interviewing, transcribing, writing, and editing—required to bring you original journalism about the so-called Manson and Starkweather of rock ’n’ roll."
For me, some highlights of recent editions of "Expanding Dan" have included Patti Mitsui discussing the iconic cover design of "Aja"; the story of how Michael McDonald came to join Steely Dan; and SNL's James Austin Johnson on how he became a Steely Dan fan. I'm the kind of fans who has bought 24 or 30 copies of "Aja" hoping to hear something a little different. While you may have heard some of this before, there's some new details, not to mention a different perspective that sheds new light.
You can read all about it--and subscribe--at https://expandingdan.substack.com/about
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: MUST SEE: New Video From Monkey House (and More!)
.
Congratulations to Monkey House for their new video for their rack "New York Owes You Nothing", featuring Don Breithaupt and Michael Leonhart. When I first encountered the video, I thought it had already won an award...but we will have to wait a little longer for the inevitable.
Video: New York Owes You Nothing (2023) Monkey House featuring Michael Leonhart and Don Breithaupt
https://youtu.be/s2IshzfauOM
"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I was just listening to this track in the car, and realizing that I love it and appreciate it more every time I play it. This vid is the icing on the cake"--Nancy Fielding
"This video does wonders in capturing the mood. Michael screams NYC." --Phil Biondi
"Smooth as silk." --Paige Waldron
And if you haven't already, be sure to listen to Monkey House's 2022 best album yet, "Remember The Audio." A sure bet for any Steely Dan, here's the latest glowing review (of many) from Inside Musicast's Eddy Cabello who features it on his 2022 "Best of" list:
"If you’re already a fan of Monkey House and love their music, then this review won’t be news to your ears! Because you already know what this Canadian-based band is all about – hooky, vibey, jazzy, sultry, and sophisticated tunes that bleed coolness...On Remember the Audio, Breithaupt brings in reinforcements in the form of some of the greatest studio players in the music scene – guitarist Drew Zingg, singer Lucy Woodward, horn players Michael Leonhart and Randy Brecker and others who add musical frosting to the already-sublime album. Let me say that the collaborations are not cosmetic, they are purposefully injected Breithaupt's already wonderful arrangement, making the album an excellent listening experience for all.
CD ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes
STREAM
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/RTAPR
And don't forget Don Breithaupt's acclaimed 33-1/3 Book, "Aja".
The definitive 2007 book...features conversations between Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen on Steely Dan's landmark album.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: New from Catherine & Luis Russell
Catherine Russell is associated with three new recordings from Dot Time Records
"I Want To Talk About You" is Cat's new digital single released for Valentine's Day and Black History Month. Proceeds benefit the Jazz Foundation of America. For more details and to order (just $1), https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/catherinerusselliwanttotalkaboutyou/
Cat's latest album, "Send For Me", is now out on luxurious vinyl. I ordered mine and it arrived 72 hours later! Sounds amazing! https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/catherine-russell-send-for-me-vinyl/
Finally, Dot Time has just released music from the vault by Catherine's legendary father, Luis Russell. Order "Luis Russell: At the Swing Cat's Ball" at https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/luisrussellattheswingcatsball/
Catherine is also on tour. Check out https://www.catherinerussell.net for more details on her upcoming performances--and so much more.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Walt Weiskopf's "Other Jewels" at 2 Million & Counting
Walt Weiskopf is celebrating 2,012,868 streams (and counting) of "Other Jewels." Check it out on Spotify and other streaming services.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Keith Carlock on Tour
Keith is on tour as part of Krantz-Carlock-LeFebvre. After spending early March in Tennesee, the trio heads to Europe for more dates during the third and fourth weeks of March.
More details can be found at http://keithcarlock.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REMINDER: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums
The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your latest project, be it a mini-tour, guest appearances, new music release (your own or by others where you appear) workshops, etc.. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email JJMcKAY at me.com with your PR or other info when your release is approaching. Thank you!
-------------------------------------------------------------
PRETZEL LOGIC*
"Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you."
---------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES:
* Submissions? Posts? Email JJMcKay at me.com
* LEGAL ISSUES? Bugs? Problems?? Immediate attention needed? Email JJMcKay. at ME .com
* TO GET THE DANDOM DIGEST at a new email address, send a message with the words "Add Me" in the topic to ADD-ME@dandom.com from the address/email account you wish to add.
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* Use any email account you want for a removal request, but please include the address you want deleted in the body of the message.
* TOO COMPLICATED? Alternatively, Email JJMcKay at me.com to achieve similar results instead of what I described.
DISCLAIMER:
For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by, for and about 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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com, and other media outlets of Steely Dan and associates.
Original portions of this Dandom Digest ©2022, ©2023 James J. McKay. All Rights Reserved.
Other portions copyrighted by the original author and presented under fair use.
*"Aja" lyrics by Becker/Fagen, ©1977, admin by Universal.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Becker
1950 - 2017
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END OF DIGEST
----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, March 05, 2023, 09:21:50 ET
Posted by: RIP, DL
Bad couple of weeks for the Jackson Browne camp.
Date: Sat, March 04, 2023, 15:58:24 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, More bad news
RIP David Lindley.
The Rolling Stone website is referring to him as a "soft rock" performer.
His version of "Mercury Blues", the song he's probably best known for by the general public, is hardy "soft" anything. If you haven't heard it, you're missing out.
His playing wasn't "soft" either.
The accomplished slide guitar player I saw live a handful of times over the years certainly wasn't "soft". David Lindley was a gifted musician. He'll be missed...
Date: Sat, March 04, 2023, 09:11:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, Elvis had a tendency to excess when left to his own devices, as did McCartney. Some artist overcompensate by adding too much sonic detail where it isn't necessary.
To my mind a good collaborator is someone who can temper excesses and bring out their best qualities. Bacharach knew how to accomplish this. He had an innate working knowledge of which details to emphasize within a given song. You'll notice that no matter who Bacharach collaborates with he always wants them to sing within the confines of his melodies, not take liberties by doing a bunch of vocal gymnastics.
Showy vocalists are a big turn-off for me. Always have been. I don't care how high someone can sing or how many runs they can do. Sing the song the way it's meant to be sung and stop showing off.
Changing gears, here's some great songs from Bobber, an artist from California with intriguing fusion of playful melodies with a gamut of unorthodox arrangements brimming with abstract energy.
Mastadon Matador
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNlc5DycdXg
Crosstalk / Orbea Bloom (feat. Keifer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfZNQznJBdY
Crimes (Live at 8th Street Recording)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIWr7fykSmY
Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 19:39:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael,
Excellent discussion of the necessity of multiple parts and collaboration to get this just right. For our ears at least.
In England the record cos insisted on a Brit like Celia Black recording many of Bacharach songs or sometimes Dusty Springfield. Dusty was a bit more R&B pop and Celia had that OG Ethel Merman thing going - both excellent singers in their own style. But there's nothing like the way Dionne Warwick would infuse the right amount of R&B and jazz/pop sensibilities that cut across class and generation. Her superior ability to inject the ideal level and type of emotion without overdoing it while singing incredibly difficult melodies. She also fit the instrumentation better than other artists covering Bacharach. She was the instrument!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtREAqXZEjE
Some artists need that yin to their yang. SD is not SD without Walter's bladelike edge.
Elvis Costello is a clever wordsmith capable of writing hummable, jingly tunes (ex. Doll revolution) but his ex-punk sensibilities and forward focalizations are pretty acidic.
It's not surprising that IMO his best stuff is largely with collaborators and other ears in recordings..with the exception of Allison, Go to Chelsea, Watching the Detectives on the first 2 Lo-Fi albums. His voice is not everyone cup of tea, but I've heard him live in concert and he's a spot on the note singer, even if his style can be grating for some.
One of his best early albums is Armed Forces, which was produced by Nick Lowe. Lowe (Rockpile, solo stuff recorded by Rockpile) who brought a level of professionalism and style - gloss that contrasted well with Costello's acrid lyrics about Northern Ireland and Oliver Cromwell:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9P_q4PoH-8
Imperial Bedroom could have been a great album, but there was no one to mitigate Costello's excesses, even with some very nice chord changes!
One of Costello's best early songs sound so much better when Welshman Dave Edmunds and the mighty Rockpile (Lowe, Edmunds, Bremner, Williams) cover Girls Talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4TzjRFfsJs
So, this is leading to the consensus best Costello wong, mostly the ones co-penned with Bacharach. Adding Bacharach's lush, moody figures, chord progressions to Costello's lyrics and catchy melodic phrases. The right amount of sweet, spicy and unami with the sour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOPXvtZvb7g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6wnmmlOrRg
Bacharach brought the purgatory Costello needed as an artist to be lifted higher.
Costello needed the iconic Allen Toussaint to transform a protest song into something compelling and palpable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71YLX4pUMW0
Arguably, McCartney's sweet and bias towards treacle needed Costello's darker Lennon editing edge to create two of the better songs for each artist on a solo album...and McCartney's discipline to life Costello's tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDRuJ1trJLI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zifeVbK8b-g
Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 17:24:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc Mu, that's a good point. Shades of how Larry Carlton worked with The Crusaders shortly before The Royal Scam. More than likely D&W heard that stuff and were impressed. Wayne's solo on Aja was actually a combination of two solos he had done after writing down the changes. It would be very interesting to hear both individually.
Wishful thinking, I know.
Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 15:14:49 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto
RIP Wayne. Relevant excerpt from my Aja book:
Foremost among the Dan neophytes was legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, a veteran of Miles Davis’s sixties bands and cofounder (with fellow Davis alum Joe Zawinul) of the influential fusion group Weather Report. In contrast to Hollywood-embedded reedmen like Tom Scott and Ernie Watts, Shorter seldom appeared on pop records, and was initially reluctant to work with Steely Dan. “For Aja, we asked [producer] Gary Katz to see if Wayne Shorter wanted to play,” says Fagen. “The answer came back ‘no.’ So we mentioned that to Dick LaPalm, the manager of the studio we were working at [Village Recorders]. He knew Wayne from Weather Report, I guess. So he vouched for us. He said, ‘These are nice guys, they record here a lot, they seem to like a lot of old jazz records, they talk about Jackie McLean!’ So we made up a track and sent Wayne a chart. He said okay, and came in. And he was great. He took some time with it. We did a couple of takes, and he wanted to look at it some more. He said, ‘Give me a minute.’ He went over to the piano with the chart, and he was over there for a good half an hour messing with scales. Then he came back and did three or four takes, and they were all great.” Becker and Fagen must have been pleasantly surprised by Shorter’s humility, his willingness to take off the legend hat and work through their changes, like a mere mortal, with the meter running.
Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 12:42:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Heavy Weather - the pinnacle of jazz fusion. Jaco
s bass on this Shorter composition is like liquid gold. Not coincidently released released a few months before Aja, which integrated a lot of fusion sensibilities...and, of course, includes Shorter's epic sax on the title track.
RIP
Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 10:05:20 ET
Posted by: Steve,
Donald has a great, dry sense of humor. But I think most everyone would agree that with Walter in the mix, the songs are a lot more naughtier and hilarious. Donald by himself leans noir; with Walter, the songs are enjoyably wild, fucked-up trips.
(Also see the earlier conversation about Walter being Donald's best editor.)
Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 09:02:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Wayne Shorter performing his song Palladium with Weather Report. Exceptional.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QixVEoa598
RIP
BThrope, yes, Donald was the principle composer and arranger, but without Walter there wouldn't have been a Steely Dan. We can speculate on how much input he had but nothing changes the fact that was part of a songwriting duo, a collaborative effort, as were Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber, Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Doesn't matter if Walter's creative input was 50%, 25% or 10%.
No man is an island. Inevitably everybody has to depend upon other talent to realize their creative vision. Film directors wouldn't get very far without a pool of actors and stage hands. What would Steely Dan have amounted to without Roger Nichols, Gary Katz and the session players? They played an crucial role in realizing D&W's creative vision. Brian Wilson was the brains behind most of the Beach Boys' best material, but without the Wrecking Crew there wouldn't have been a Pet Sounds.
Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 02:35:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
M/O/D/P:
Excellent synopsis. All those recrodings are excellent on Circus $.
I was thinking - is there a song that is any more Walter than God's Eye View?
https://youtu.be/TTe1w2DKAsU
I think not. It'a a call & response attitude masterpiece.
Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 19:44:16 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Stoicism
Oh, sorry to hear the news about Wayne Shorter. He will be missed. I feel like listening to Footprints tonight.
m.e.
Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 18:14:01 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, se USA
Breaking News: Wayne Shorter, a saxophone player who shaped modern jazz as one of its most admired composers, has died at 89. His career reached across more than half a century, tracking jazz’s complex evolution.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/02/arts/music/wayne-shorter-dead.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes
Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 17:57:10 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
Michael
I don’t think I was talking about differences in
the writing styles between DF and WB in
my last 2 poets.
I was addressing WB’s songs on CM specifically.
Regarding writing chops, DF was/is the better musician of the 2, without
question. When I say musician I mean someone
who is not only proficient on their particular instrument,
but someone who understands and can successfully compose, arrange, rehearse for all instruments
without the help of an outside source.
For example, ALL of the horn arrangements and vocal arrangements used
in SD shows (and on both SD new millennium CDs) from ‘93 - present, were done by DF not WB.
ALL the rehearsals and run thrus of arrangements for live shows
and in studio were led by DF.
DF wrote, arranged and rehearsed everything, not WB.
Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 13:02:09 ET
Posted by: Reporting on the Weather , Up there
R.I.P. Wayne Shorter
There are no words profound enough to eloquently describe his sax solo on "Aja".
Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 12:40:49 ET
Posted by: SDV, near the freeway
yet we know of at least 2 SD songs Donald wrote alone, and according to him there were songs Walter wrote alone. maybe we'll get a song-by-song account one day, like John Lennon did in his Playboy interview. I won't hold my breath
Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 07:09:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Differences in composing styles between Don and Walt have been discussed ad nauseum. Steely Dan was a collaborative effort. If Donald had the spark of an idea then Walter would light the fuse.
Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 23:13:47 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
M/O/D/P
There are some very good ones like “Paging”,
“Selfish”, “Downtown”, “CM” and a few others.
However, there’s too much of a sameness in
genre/style - namely Reggae.
The tempos are mostly slowish.
And maybe due to WB’s lack of vocal range, the melodies
are relatively “grounded” - consequently they generally tend to lack emotional
Import - they sound restrained and measured.
Just my opinion…
Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 20:32:41 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Heartbreak Souvenir Drinking Glass
@Don Patrol - Funny you'd ask...today of all days...because the answer up 'till this morning would have been "no"...but, as of this afternoon at approximately 2:30 pm EST...the awnswer is "yes". Seems there was a postal "processing error" [sic] that resulted in a delivery delay.
But, thankfully, all is well, now.
I am, at this very moment, ceremoniously christenting my shiny-noo 2018 Steely Dan tumbler (as if anyone under the age of 85 says "tumbler" these days) with a generous double-shot of Herradura Anejo from a beloved 2011 bottle that I just opened for the occasion. No ice...just the Happy Juice, thanks.
You, kind sir, are a true gentleman. And I thank you. Again.
M/O/D/P
PS - "Miss you Walt".
PPS - My sentiments exactly.
Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 20:06:30 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Hey M/O/D/P, did it make it intact?
Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 18:26:37 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Harmonious if not harmonized
Boy oh boy oh boy, I have to respectfully disagree as hard as I possibly can with the contention that "so many" of the tracks on Circus Money aren't Great Ones. The implication seems to be that none of the songs on WB's second solo release are great. Maybe I misunderstood...
That particular song-set is, for me, a sure-fire Desert Island disc. In its entirety. Not a dud or mis-step in sight. One of my all-time favorite things ever created by human hands. Bar none. I still listen to it all the time...including right now as I pound out this post on the old laptop. Name a weak track - I dare ya.
Maybe "Paging Audrey"?. No...wait a minnit...that one is pure brilliance. Defined. Might just be the best song on the album.
How about the title track? Sure, it lurches more than it forwards, I guess, but again - absolutely stellar. A metric tonne of 24 kt gold.
Don't say "Selfish Gene", or "Darkling Down" because those two are just about as "complete" and "great" as anything my cloth ears have ever heard. And they both make me laff.
Ok...maybe "Three Picture Deal" should have been on the never-to-be-completed/"just didn't happen for a variety of reasons" final Steely Dan offering. Because it's a killer track, wonderfully executed. Next-level composition.
I could go on through the rest of the songs on the album, but, as Matthew Kerns once said, somewhere (maybe here?) a list of Circus Money highlights would include the listing all the tracks, leaving nothing off.
The Soicus Monkey [sic] doesn't have any great ones on it?
I think I need a new definition of "great"...
M/O/D/P
Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 12:05:17 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
Have you ever noticed that on both of WB’s solo
CDs the background vocals are never harmonized
as they are on all of DF’s and SD’s outputs?
Also there’s never any horns playing harmonized
backgrounds either.
So many of the songs on WB’s CM have the
potential to be great ones, but many lack “forward motion”,
a “completeness” to them.
Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 09:23:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Alex Hutchings is an excellent versatile guitarist with killer melodic phrasing. Would love to hear him solo over SD songs. He'd be in demand during the session gigs heyday back in the 1970s, but these days most artists prefer the DIY approach. Fortunately there's plenty of videos to check out of him playing. Criminally underrated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pznzcvh_XYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkgPQxSQPGY
Date: Tues, February 28, 2023, 22:17:25 ET
Posted by: SDV, west of the rio grande
Dangential...
here's a fine documentary on Wes Montgomery, made by his son Robert. features interview clips with Skunk Baxter, Lee Ritenour, Pat Metheny, George Benson and more. not sure how long it will be available to watch, but it's well worth it. a huge talent cut tragically short https://indianapublicmedia.org/wesmontgomery/
Date: Tues, February 28, 2023, 10:20:06 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba, da Burgh
I don't recall this being posted before (apologies if it was):
Rian Johnson, the happening writer/director, is a big music fan and in particular a big SD fan:
"The Boston Rag" reference in "Brick": https://www.vulture.com/2019/10/rian-johnson-brick-and-knives-out-interview.html
Steely Dan poster, Peg, etc., in "Glass Onion",
Walter (and Donna) couple in "Knives Out": https://www.insider.com/glass-onion-interview-easter-eggs-deleted-scene-derol-noah-segan-2023-1
He also refers to them on Twitter, but I draw the line at citing tweets.
Date: Tues, February 28, 2023, 07:52:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Steven, Doc, M/O/D/P, thanks guys for the support. We're here because of our love for music, good music at that. It's what brings us together. I enjoy reading insightful, informative, witty and funny comments by the regulars here on the Blue. I also enjoy sharing my listening tastes and have been graciously received here. Hoops has kept this place running for decades, he's the owner and we have to respect his wishes.
"It's understood that a little off-topic personal posting is good. But chronic off-topic posting can dilute collective interest. Then we all miss out on the Steely rumors and discussion which is the main reason for this place's existence."
Many of us are anxiously awaiting any morsel of news regarding Donald's new solo album and what's next for Steely Dan, but as M/O/D/P said, there's been an absence of news. Nothing we can do about it.
I'll return with some more music for you guys to check out.
RIP Jeff Young
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 23:13:31 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, A Fine Balance
QUOTE: "The Steely Dan discussion is already sparse as it is."
And therein lies the rub, SDV.
In the absence of any current actual/Steely Dan-relevant material, and in a sometimes semi-futile attempt to keep things moving here, sometimes some of us have been known, on occasion, to talk about peripheral stuff that isn't really germaine to any Steely Dan diaspora. Going off on a tangerine? Maybe, sure, sometimes. Against the rules? Yeah, technically. But, to be fair, this usually (but not always) comes after someone/something spurs a discussion - in this most recent case the spur was an insulting & gratuitous post about Eric Clapton and his views.
Sure, we'd all like to read more current information about anything Steely Dan-related. In the abscence of that, I personally enjoy the continued musings & suggestions of contributors like Michael and Doc Mu, especially when they introduce the rest of us to bits of musical magic like Young Gun Silver Fox and Dina Ögon. Nothing to do with "Steely Dan" - other than a peripheral/symbiotic connection. But some darn good music nonetheless.
I guess I've been hanging around here for around fifteen years or so now, maybe a bit more. I like it when regulars or semi-regulars or MIAs post and treat each other like friends - or even like respected adversaries. Ya wanna know what I don't appreciate? Some new arrival/anon who suddenly joins the discussion - not to talk about Steely Dan or Walter Becker or Donald Fagen even the late Jeff Young - no, to repeatedly berate & ridicule a long-time valued contributor about medical shit. Out of The Blue.
That's not "balance".
That's "unwanted intrusion".
The internet is full of places where folks can discuss their strident/"balanced" talking points. This tiny little place isn't one of them.
As Jim just pointed out, even he doesn't use this place to voice his political/social views. And he's the guy that runs (and pays for) the joint.
M/O/D/P
PS - I can't believe I got through that post without using any expletives. But, thankfully, I did. Strictly out of respect for everyone here, we understand.
PPS - I just noticed that I actually DID use the word "shit" in my post [editor's note: near the end of paragraph five]. Imagine my embarrassment...
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 20:13:26 ET
Posted by: Balance,
Steven, I'll admit to the ad hominem side bars, but not once did the core of my argumentation have anything to do with blind faith in pharma or our leaders. Contend with the nuance and content of my position. If reducing my position to blind faith in pharma is as far as you can go with it, that says it all.
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 17:41:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
"brings"
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 17:40:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
SDV: Sweet book? Really?
All graphite, all glitter dept: Agree with Hoops. All I'm going to say is I use the technology involved in research (I don't develop vaccines), but one of my brothers did develop a SARS I vaccine that led to the COVID mRNA vax. We have over a billion data points now. Don't over worry it.
It bring up our natural fear of the future and technology as humans and Sci-Fi as a means of venting. Art that expresses how our limbic system vs. left brain feeling and thinking about it.
We know that Donald is a big William Gibson and Sci-Fi fan, and vice versa. Gibson and Conroy IMO are the most talented writers of the late 20th Century. They may or may not be the best writers of the last 30 years of the 20th Century, but their skill level is unmatched. When Donald was making his "comeback" album Kamakiriad and overcoming severe writer's block and depression he I believe used the Sci-Fi cloak to protect or distance himself. In other words, he used a Sci-Fi journey with a high tech vehicle to express his apprehension in writing and recording new music.
Fagen worked out a lot of angst on Kama.
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 17:20:07 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Couple of things:
First, if you scroll down to when the acoustic sounds releases have come out, I've given my impressions. When I've posted them, no one has responded. So now that there's interest, I look forward to the responses.
Two, I don't talk about my outside views nor even promote when I'm performing in a band or anything. (The last been a while.) This is even though I'm the one who pays for this place and makes the board run. (Notice, no advertising or banner pages etc.) notice, no advertising or banner pages etc.). Let's stay on topic. And if someone brings up off topic stuff like the vaccine stuff, give it a rest and don't even bother responding to it, unless Donald Fagen has an opinion or something like that. That's my request and that's what's on rules for the posting page. Let's move on and not discuss it anymore.
Best,
Jim
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 17:15:43 ET
Posted by: SDV, NYC no more
definitely not the place for such back n forth. the Steely Dan discussion is already sparse as it is
no mention of Jeff Young's passing yet?
very sad news... he was there when Donald returned to the stage in the early 90s and added great support on the Morph tour and subsequent Steely Dan tours.
thanks for the music Jeff.
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 16:30:22 ET
Posted by: Steven, On The Other Hand
It wasn't much fun weeding through the "We-must-all-trust-the-altruistic-Big-Pharma Guys" stuff and the "Our-Beloved-Leaders-always-know-what's-best" stuff either. Especially not fun on a Steely Dan discussion forum.
Note that poster "Michael" never used ad hominem attacks to reinforce his position. Note, however, that others used insulting/condescending language -"conspiracy theory", "boost your ego", et cetera AND personal attacks - "nutjob", "psycho", "you are a liar", and so on - which never bolster any argument. And also, funny that any dissenting opinion, even a well-written one, is now considered "gibberish".
Having said that, I too would prefer to read about those new SACDs or, even better, some tidbit of information about Donald Fagen's upcoming (?) new release.
Date: Mon, February 27, 2023, 14:46:04 ET
Posted by: ccw, ny
Not fun to weed through the anti-vax gibberish to try to find out if anyone received the new re-issued (SA)CDs and learn how they sound!
Date: Sun, February 26, 2023, 13:02:09 ET
Posted by: Sammy, o
Re: who wrote what songs. There was an old Kenny Vance interview floating around where he in effect said, "I know for for certain that Donald wrote many of the early years demo songs by himself."
Date: Sun, February 26, 2023, 10:41:22 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Continuing where I left off, here are a couple more great AOR tracks.
Eric Tagg - Marzipan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlMpULQQmKA
Frankie Bleu - Just For You (Suzanne's Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCvUPy3lyiY
Date: Sun, February 26, 2023, 10:11:14 ET
Posted by: Balance,
Links to videos!!!! You got me and the world! Who cares how common it is right? By the way Anaphylaxis does kill people and does happen in response to a variety of medicines. Make sure never to take Tylenol or Motrin ever again. Probably want to avoid driving as well.
Refusal to contend with the data and the reality they are now fully approved like any other medicine!
Gotta love it.
Date: Sun, February 26, 2023, 09:56:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Normally clinical trials for new drugs and vaccines take at least 5 years which they didn't have the liberty of doing back in 2020 when that "hard data" was compiled. But that didn't stop guys like Fauci from telling everyone that their jabs were safe and effective, changing their tune as they went along. I could provide links to various compilation videos of people dropping dead after taking the jab but I don't think it's appropriate viewing for what should be a forum where we discuss Steely Dan and music. If you want to have the last word on the subject then go ahead, I'm through with this topic.
Back to music. Marooned was an underrated AOR album by singer-songwriter Larry Lee, released in 1982. It has several great tracks including the title track and Number One Girl. Great voice, great performances, great song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px-SpZXqHiM
Date: Sun, February 26, 2023, 09:08:13 ET
Posted by: Balance,
Just as one piece of proof that there was “hard data”, here is one of the original published studies with more hard data than you’d ever know what to do with, from December 2020 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa2034577
There were tons more papers and large studies like that before they were rolled out
But of course you wouldn’t know that, thanks to the information bubble you’ve fallen prey to
Date: Sun, February 26, 2023, 09:04:44 ET
Posted by: Balance,
I’m not saying they’re infallible. Clearly not. They are human. And I’m not asking you to blindly trust the state.
But what you are saying is not true. The vaccines have now completed the standard FDA review process as for any other medication. Yes initially they were approved on a fast track basis. But extensive efficacy and safety data were available at the time, enough to make a reasonably informed decision given the circumstances, have now been more thoroughly vetted, and there are now multitudes of post marketing studies and experience with these vaccines in billions of people. If that’s still not good enough for you, you may as well ever forget going to a doctor or taking any FDA approved medication, because they’re simply not trustworthy at all in your world, and are out to get you.
Medicines have side effects. The question is how common are they, how do they compare to the benefits, and are severe side effects that are reported truly due to the vaccine or circumstance. Did you pour through the study data? Do you even know how to? Or instead of trusting the medical profession, you just choose to trust alternative news websites that tell you what you want to hear?
I’m not giving arbitrary rules. I’m talking about working through the complexities of life in a rational, informed, and balanced way.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 18:25:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,
balance, that's not how it works. One doesn't have to go by some arbitrary rulebook of your making. You are attempting to lump people into two groups so that you can construe those who refuse to blindly trust the state with their bodies as conspiracy theorists.
Those jabs they rolled out didn't even undergo proper clinical trials. They rushed them out and told everyone that they were perfectly safe without any hard data to back up their claims, then people began dropping dead. Medical workers are not infallible. Around 250,000 deaths occur annually here in the U.S. due to medical malpractice, far exceeding most other causes of death. How do you square that circle?
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 16:18:26 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the platform
VDS- found on pg 58 in my copy of the Sweet book:
Fagen admitted that some of the songs were completely his and some were completely Becker's, "but in most there isn't any cut and dried version. The Boston Rag, for instance, has my chorus and verses by Walter"
Doc Mu- on the next page is Denny's recollection that Donald wrote Bodhisattva alone
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 14:38:18 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
Michael, etal, neither Eric C or J Lennon “took the jab”.
They both hated needles, so they both snorted as
did a few others.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 13:33:53 ET
Posted by: balance,
Did you know Advil and Tylenol can be lethal at appropriate doses and lead to a miserable death where your skin sloughs off? https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2022.896867/full
No one will ever tell you that, including a well-intended medical provider. The point is it is extraordinarily rare, every single risk cannot be thoroughly discussed nor necessarily worth mentioning based on its rarity and scientific understanding, everything in life (medicine or not) has its risks and benefits, and we all have to make our own decisions according to our own risk tolerance without being able to thoroughly digest and compute every bit of information that exists in this vast world.
So you can decide to look at the world in a rational way considering all sides of the issue, recognize its complexities and challenges, and contend with data and evidence. Or you can assume nothing is trustworthy and pick whatever conspiracy theory will confirm your worst fears, boost your ego, and feed your desire to feel wiser than the masses.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 12:25:40 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Drugs vs. Booze: "How Much Is Too Much?"
I saw EC with Roger Waters - twice in two nights - back in summer 1984. He was (metaphorically) ON FIRE, the best I've ever heard him play, despite the fact that at the time he was NOT on smack (and apparently hadn't been for many years). He was, of course, at the time, a hopeless, wretched BOOZEHOUND. I just wanted to set the record straight.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 12:17:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,
True, he never was as good. Happened to more musicians than I care to mention, even those who weren't taking mind-altering substances.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 12:03:43 ET
Posted by: Yellow Book, I missed this
Please, yes, more lame fights.
Listen, I think we all can agree Eric Clapton's music has totally sucked since he stopped jabbing himself with drugs.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 11:10:35 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I am not ignorant to what goes on in the world, including in the media. Again, I don't watch any media as I have better things to do than be lied to by state propagandists and pundits who do nothing but lie.
Just because you didn't get hurt by the jabs doesn't mean that others didn't. You don't even know what they injected in you. If a stranger offered you food but didn't tell you what was in it, would you eat it?
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 11:03:53 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA
I had both shots plus 2 boosters and the only side effect? It itched where the band-aid was. Clapton is psychosomatic. You on the other hand are just psycho. And how would somebody who (cough-cough) "never watches the news" know what CNN says anyway? You are a liar. Your credibility is less than zero.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 10:58:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I don't watch any media so the joke's on you. Eric Clapton did use drugs but wasn't injured until he took the jab, resulting in him not being able to play guitar due to the burning pain it caused in his arm.
There's a certain detached irony in calling those whom you don't agree with *anti-democracy* while attempting to shut down any debate by using the same 'pro-Putin' spiel as the MSNBC-CNN pundits do. Your lack of self-awareness is truly a marvel to behold. May as well be a parrot.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 10:45:06 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, se USA
So EC shot up heroin for 10 years and THAT was safe but getting a vax that would save his life is a danger. What a load of horse dung. Get your head out of your rear and turn off the faux news right-wing-nut-job anti-democracy pro-putin propaganda.
Date: Sat, February 25, 2023, 07:34:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,
There's ample proof that the jab is dangerous. Eric Clapton knows because he took it and it injured him.
What do you gain by siding with these billionaire big pharmaceuticals who don't give a damn about you? Do you just parrot whatever the media tells you?
Date: Fri, February 24, 2023, 21:58:59 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA
Sea Level had lots of great songs. I saw Leavell play with Clapton before EC turned into an anti-vaxxer nut-job.
Remember this early jam band masterpiece?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YEytw-hozI
Date: Fri, February 24, 2023, 21:58:32 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA
Sea Level had lots of great songs. I saw Leavell play with Clapton before EC turned into an anti-vaxxer nut-job.
Remember this early jam band masterpiece?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YEytw-hozI
Date: Fri, February 24, 2023, 20:21:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Sea Level - Yeah, I think they were referring to this song as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgKIQvKZgic
Chuck Leavell, Jimmy Nalls, Ronnie Bramblett, Jay Johnny Johnson, George Weaver/Joe English
I saw them live back in the day - really tight with their jazz/R&B/rock fusion thingy.
Leavell toured with the Rolling Stones more recently.
Date: Fri, February 24, 2023, 13:13:26 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA
I saw a comment on youtube that said this classic early jam band tune had a SD vibe to it. Not sure I agree but it certainly was a good song from a great Allman Bros. spin-off band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtOGyui0bJc
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 22:56:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael: I overall agree with you analysis of Walter. His vocals are improved on Circus Money, because he doesn't try to sing as loud and is more nuanced. But Downtown Canon and Paging Audrey stands with the best of the SD/solo discography.
In addition, the sophistication of his songwriting on 11 TOW can be heard on Girlfriend and Love in the 4th, which is an incredible composition.
Fagen jump started most of the SD composition sesions with some ideas, themes, etc. Walter would assist in finishing. He provided the edge and more blues slant. A couple that were more Walter's (my guess): Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More, Jack of Speed.
Love in the 4th. Walter's limited range belies the tortured genius of the song, in melody, harmony, and lyrics.
It's Walter's "Can't Write Home About You," but with a much richer demo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clnEwTB6tsc
The only SD song Donald wrote alone I believe was Barrytown.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 19:12:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,
One last thing. Donald would record songwriting ideas and fragments of things to draw upon for future reference. For instance, the chorus in Glamour Profession was written years beforehand, it worked within the context of what D&W were aiming for so they incorporated it.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 19:07:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,
My understanding is that Donald would come up with a song or vamp and then Walter would suggest changing certain elements, taking songs into different directions and help out with writing lyrics, which explains why SD songs tend to have more edginess than Donald's solo works. D&W seem to feed off each other's creative talents, sharing common goals and drew upon most of the same inspirations. Naturally Donald's solo work is closer to the SD sound since he was the principal composer and singer, coming up with most of the chord structures and melodies. Walter didn't begin composing solo material in earnest until well after he had kicked his drug habit, got married and mellowed out.
As for Walter's melodies lacking the challenging intervallic skips and leaps of SD, that's more due to the limitations of his singing voice than his writing ability. Even Donald would work melodies around his own vocal range. Steve Khan once related how he had tried to persuade Donald to include Heartbreak Souvenir on Gaucho but Donald was adamant that, although it was a great song, it was just too hard for him to sing, so Donald gave Roger Nichols a hand-written note to remind him not to write melodies he cannot sing.
Lennon and McCartney balanced out each other's weaknesses. Honestly much of Lennon's solo material is lacking the memorable qualities of his work with The Beatles, although there are glimpses of it here and there. The one who grew into his own as a songwriter subsequent to his departure was George.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 17:26:55 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
•Addendum to my last post•
It should have read: Where’s the proof that WB wrote
a complete SD song?
I know, we can say adversely, where’s the proof that DF wrote
a complete SD song?
But, listen to DF’s melodies on The Nightfly and all
the subsequent works, and they all sound very Steely Dannish.
But none of Walter’s solo stuff features the more
challenging, arching melodies with greater intervallic skips and leaps,
that we associate with SD.
Welter’s chord choices are Dannish, but the melodies are more pedestrian
and simplistic - they mostly move step-wise and are more predictable than DF’s.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 17:26:51 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
•Addendum to my last post•
It should have read: Where’s the proof that WB wrote
a complete SD song?
I know, we can say adversely, where’s the proof that DF wrote
a complete SD song?
But, listen to DF’s melodies on The Nightfly and all
the subsequent works, and they all sound very Steely Dannish.
But none of Walter’s solo stuff features the more
challenging, arching melodies with greater intervallic skips and leaps,
that we associate with SD.
Welter’s chord choices are Dannish, but the melodies are more pedestrian
and simplistic - they mostly move step-wise and are more predictable than DF’s.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 17:02:57 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
•Addendum to my last post•
It should have read: Where’s the proof that WB wrote
a complete SD song?
I know, we can say adversely, where’s the proof that DF wrote
a complete SD song?
But, listen to DF’s melodies on The Nightfly and all
the subsequent works, and they all sound very Steely Dannish.
But none of Walter’s solo stuff features the more
challenging, arching melodies with greater intervallic skips and leaps,
that we associate with SD.
Welter’s chord choices are Dannish, but the melodies are more pedestrian
and simplistic - they mostly move step-wise and are more predictable than DF’s.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 16:17:36 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
What’s more, why can’t DF now say and why couldn’t either of them have said, who wrote
what songs?
That phony, pretentious, glibness, regarding that topic is really
stupid.
It’s like they’re playing a little game.
DF has called WB a great writer before.
Where’s the proof of that?
We can clearly see that Lennon was the only
one who could’ve written, “Happiness Is a Warm
Gun”, or “Lucy” or “Walrus”.
But, where’s the proof that WB could compose
a complete song?
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 13:54:25 ET
Posted by: VDS, Down in the valley
I believe Walter is quoted somewhere saying that he wrote the chorus on Boston Rag and Donald wrote the verses.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 13:33:55 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
I believe Donald is quoted somewhere saying that he wrote the chorus on Boston Rag and Walter wrote the verses.
I always figured that songs Walter chose to sing live were more likely the ones he had a larger part in writing: Midnight Cruiser, Monkey In Your Soul, Daddy Don't Live, Haitian Divorce, etc
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2023, 11:00:52 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
Doc Mu and Michael -
It’s kind of frustrating, disappointing that we know for sure the
songs that Lennon and McCartney wrote.
For instance, we know for a fact that the genesis of and most of the songs
like, Strawberry…”, “I Am …”, “Please, Please”, “Hard Days…” were mostly
all Lennon songs.
On the other hand, not one of us can say with 100% certainty
what songs WB wrote.
I know we all know WB “edited” and “contributed” to the SD songs.
But, really, what does that mean?
Date: Mon, February 20, 2023, 17:49:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,
While much of Paul McCartney's catalog leans more on the saccharine side, I think his songwriting strength tended to shine through, especially during the early years of his solo career. To my mind, I Don't Know was his last truly great song, a throwback to his heyday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aef2eV7GmQw
Doc Mu, dreams and ambitions are a normal part of youth and that translates well into artistic energy. What happens is many artists run out of inspiration at a certain point, then resort to living the rest of their careers out doing retro tours and the like because it's the path of least resistance.
Changing gears, have a listen to Mild High Club, an enigmatic psychedelic jazz-pop group which seem to take joy in defying conventionalism. This track titled Me, Myself and Dollar Hell has an early 80s Donald Fagen vibe. The guitar solo goes down well with the somewhat off-kilter lounge-pop. See what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVw-mX2SUFM
Dionysian State, even more bizarre than the previous track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw7YtJOwp7s
Date: Mon, February 20, 2023, 15:04:54 ET
Posted by: Wes,
I agree, Ben Jammin', I can't wait for 2023 tour announcement. When the last tour was announced before the pandemic and subsequent delays, Donald did in fact announce a tour on Walter's birthday. If it was intentional, I think the message was about keeping Walter's music alive. Yet, a handful of others were offended, usually the same people who think Donald should not tour under the name Steely Dan or Steely Dan Orchestra.
I listen to "Double Fantasy" and "Milk and Honey" with some regularity. They are John's most consistent albums post-Beatles. I'll take those over any of the solo McCartney or Wings albums, as well as any of John's late 1960s and early 1970s output. The Yoko Ono tracks are also listenable and even enjoyable. However, I dislike Yoko's late 60s and early 70s stuff with John. While I own some of Yoko Ono's albums, after reading May Pang and Julian Lennon's memoirs, I don't think too much of Yoko. But it borders on being PC to like Yoko Ono and un-PC to say you don't.
I do agree that McCartney was the wellspring of so many great musical ideas for the Beatles. John was the much-needed editor, although he certainly was a talent in his own right. What I don't like about Paul McCartney's post-Beatles output is that it's pretty indulgent and superficial. John really saved Paul from some bad ideas and going down certain roads too far. Based on the "Get Back" movie, I sense it was very hard for anybody to tell Paul that an idea of his sucked. With Steely Dan, it seems like Walter played John to Donald's Paul.
Date: Mon, February 20, 2023, 01:07:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael: Throw back the little ones, and pan fry the big ones. That's a completely different process. When we consider as the better songwriter usually had better taste or a taste for the classics.
It's interesting though for writers, artists, mathematicians that there best years are often when young. Perhaps more open minds?
Writing in the sciences is far different. Often the most gifted writers have worked on their craft for decades.
Others stay fresh - mostly the ones that edit the most. Prince never edited and his best music was in his 20s, although he continued to write and record - some is as fantastic in the records of the 80s..
McCartney's volume belied that he continued to write some outstanding songs, but he missed his editor, John Lennon... and arguably vice versa. I mean who actually listens to Double Fantasy today?
Walter and Donald were notorious editors. Thus, Fagen's compositions into his 7th decade (through 2012) have remained compelling. Beethovern edited his compositions for years.
Date: Sun, February 19, 2023, 19:11:57 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin’, Indy
Walter’s birthday’s tomorrow (2/20) would be an ideal day to announce a Tour!
PS RIP Richard Belzer.
Date: Sun, February 19, 2023, 04:01:43 ET
Posted by: Greg, East
Fagen is sitting directly behind Elton John.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRtw6UUq/
Date: Sat, February 18, 2023, 12:06:11 ET
Posted by: BThrope,
Re Walter’s brilliance: Like piano great, Bill Evans, WB was extremely articulate (even more well spoken than DF) while smacked out.
I was a little disappointed when I heard he ironically was drug-addled given the fact that he could write about drug screw ups so objectively.
But, given his unfortunate childhood - mother leaving him and his dad, dad dying on a plane trip returning back to the states - it’s amazing he did as well as he did.
Date: Fri, February 17, 2023, 15:46:51 ET
Posted by: Steve,
Walter was a huge Patti Smith fan. Patty is considered the godmother of punk.
Date: Wed, February 15, 2023, 14:35:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I'm speaking solely about composers, not the general public. Everything a composer does is informed by their tastes. Every melodic motif, chord progression, rhythmic permutation comes from their imagination, imagination in turn from experience. Knowing the difference between good and bad choices is fundamental to skill in composing. How can an artist tell whether or not what they're composing is any good unless they have a good ear for quality?
With regards to what is considered good or bad music, contrast and compare artists you consider good with those you consider mediocre or bad and you should be able to recognize the differences.
Time tends to weed out the quality from the dung. Are people gonna look back fondly at stuff being put out in the mainstream today, regard it as timeless classics several decades down the line? I highly doubt it. Steely Dan, Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, and J.S.Bach have proven staying power due to the sheer quality of their output.
Popularity verses obscurity is a separate topic altogether. The reason Bach wasn't as popular back in his era was due to limited exposure. My understanding is that he wasn't known 100 miles outside of his home during his lifetime.
Date: Wed, February 15, 2023, 13:36:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
So, who decides "good taste?" Is it immediacy or historical? What are the standards if any?
How many in the general public could discern good 12th Century music from "bad" 12th Century music? They used scales not used often in modern music - dorian, mixolydian...heard occasionally in a church hymn or maybe Jethro Tull...
JS Bach was virtually unknown during his time. Mozart was initially known mostly to the local Viennese common folk who attended his operas. It took decades for his genius to be realized.
...and "historical" today is still driven by oldies, classic rock playlists. There are dozens and dozens of deep cuts on Stevie Wonder or Moody Blues or Steely Dan or Neil Finn songs that sound so much better than any classic rock or oldies streaming/airways...to my ear at least...that will never be streamed.
...on the other end Spotify views are manipulated. Or "dig yourself" with playlists based upon your input or listening tastes.
or is the arbiter Jerome Aniton? looking for the little bitty purty one. "If it good to ya, it got to be good for ya!"
Date: Wed, February 15, 2023, 13:10:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Yes and no.
When the studio musicians arrived for sessions, with the exception of many of the solos, they we worked out or usually written or partially written out. Donald and Walter could both write lead sheets (at least by the Katy Lied through Gaucho period), but were slow and usually had Feldman, Omartian, or Carlton write them out for the musicians, particularly after Countdown.
This is documented in dozens and dozens of written and spoken or video interviews.
Date: Wed, February 15, 2023, 08:40:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Driving that point home, D&W operated primarily upon their listening tastes rather than didacticism, trusting their judgement to figure out how they wanted a given piece to sound, ironing out kinks along the way until they arrived at their desired goal. It works the same for most composers, I would imagine. Someone with perfect pitch like Bach could hear music in his head and jot it down, but that's a skill most don't possess. Imitation and repetition is how most musicians learn.
There's no substitute for good taste and this is a quality which cannot be taught. Doesn't matter how many music theory books you buy or ear training courses you take. Discernment of quality is what separates great composers from average ones, because a great composer won't be satisfied with generic harmonies or merely adequate melodies. They hunger for something much greater, something defined by its creative pathos rather than pooled from vanilla blandness.
Date: Wed, February 15, 2023, 03:05:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Noah Kellman's ear training video hits the nail on the head early about repetition.
He didn't say this, but in essence all learning from the giant squid axon to complex human skill acquisition requires just 2 basic elements:
1. repetition
2. association
That's it. I could go on about K+ channels, etc, but if this saves anyone $100K for a BS or MS in Education then I've done the world a service.
It does help to have something useful to learn as well.
W&D had a knack for creating tricksy and sometimes jazzy harmonies, and then hired the right pros to make it sound really good.
Date: Wed, February 15, 2023, 02:53:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
The Sex Pistols were intended to be an anti-fashion fashion statement, and not necessarily a musical "band." McLaren managed The New York Dolls and took a going nowhere garage band called The Strand, dressed them up, added makeup...as a publicity stunt. McLaren recruited Midge Ure, but was turned down. He "found" Johnny Rotten with a baby pin through his Pink Floyd shirt...it's a twisted The Monkees story of the mid 70s, except almost everyone involved with the Monkees was more talented.
Legend has it that Virgin wanted the band to record, but they really couldn't play (yes, even worse than on Never Mind the Bullocks). Legend has it that members of The Police taught them a few chords. So, I guess the Sex Pistols and The Clash (who could write and kind of play their instruments) cleared a lane for The Police to enter...
Much different than the NYC scene at CBGBs, etc. of the time with The Ramones and Blondie playing stripped down, hyperkinetic "surf music." I believe Walter played in short-lived bands with Johnny Ramone (Cummings) and Jay Ferguson in their native Queens borough when he was a teen.
I simply skip any YT sales pitch and go straight to the interview/content if the subject is of interest.
Date: Tues, February 14, 2023, 17:36:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,
"...and, yet, you find yourself in 2023, in a public space, railing against the collective work of a fairly large number of respected, stellar musicians. To what end?"
To generate some cheap controversy in a bid to stay relevant, that's all. Punk rockers built their identity on contrarianism as defined by their inability to pay anything beyond the most rudimentary power chords and generic riffs. Even if the movement sprung out of something ostensibly genuine, punk quickly devolved into a cynical marketing ploy by labels to gain traction with a younger audience decidedly lacking discernment in quality. It's much easier to produce and market a bunch of schlock than it is to create highly refined art.
Frank Zappa explaining the state of the music industry during that time:
"Somebody figured out that because you could dress in a different costume and do punk music they could have a punk scene in Los Angeles. So that developed and you had people coming from all over the country who could probably play an instrument before they got there, but as soon as they got to Los Angeles they forgot all their chops and made themselves as ugly as possible figuring that's the best way to get a record contract. And, uh, that's the way it is."
Watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eln3J6BxWN0
Date: Mon, February 13, 2023, 21:22:09 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, When Crap Was King
OK...I can't stand so-called "punk rock". Never could. I always despised it, in its entirety, especially back when it first started to infect popular culture in North America back in the mid-1970s. It wasn't "fun", it wasn't a "needed reaction" to musicians who could actually write & play, it was poorly-performed audio garbage.
Note that not one overpromoted/critically-acclaimed "punk" act from that period has stood the test of time, musically. Nostalgically? I dunno, maybe for some developmentally stunted types. Is anybody out there still thoroughly-engaged with the likes of the "Sex Pistols" or "The Gobbing Crabs" or "The Safety-Pin Mowhawks"?? I sure hope not...
Take, for example, some sloppy, awkward, dumpy "music producer" who, at over sixty years of age (!), still hasn't grown the hell up. Imagine being born in 1962 - a very long time ago, indeed - and having had all the oppotunity in the world to ease out of puberty...and, yet, you find yourself in 2023, in a public space, railing against the collective work of a fairly large number of respected, stellar musicians. To what end? It's as if this cluck is now looking to make his bones by appearing to be an "inconoclast" [so cute, that] or a contrarian [snicker]...
I, for one, would sure hate to be that willfully obtuse. In public.
Unless, as I noted previously, it's set-up. A rig. A contrivance designed to draw attention to the contriver. "Hey, everybody, look at me - I pretend to hate stuff that's really good 'cause I make & sell stuff that's deliberately really bad 'cause I have an adoring audience of several hundred!"
M/O/D/P
Date: Mon, February 13, 2023, 10:36:14 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Amusing how Albini portrays himself as a punk rocker yet his Twitter feed reads like pure conformity to the establishment. Here I was under the impression that punks were anti-establishment, but I was wrong. As with Neil Young, many of those old-time rockers are products of the machine they pretend to rebel against, selling an illusion to disgruntled teens looking for an outlet to vent.
The main thrust of his criticism against Steely Dan stems from two things: their jazz inspiration and studio perfectionism. This is a bit like arguing that Akira Kurosawa or Sergio Leone were far too clinical in their approach to film directing, completely disregarding the quality of their output. But this misses the point entirely. D&W were deliberately seeking to juxtapose sardonic, biting lyrics with heavily polished production for maximum effect. If they had set subversive material against a punk backdrop then the effect would've been typical of the genre (albeit not with that same degree of literacy, intentionally obfuscating references), thereby defeating the purpose. D&W weren't punk rockers and never pretended they were.
Date: Sun, February 12, 2023, 20:30:00 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Oh..."Steve Albini"...You sloppy, oafish devil you..
My guess is that the whole "industrial-punk-dissonant-crap-whatever" act is supposed to be a comedy bit. A joke played on the musically declined slow-learner set. No way that shit was/is intended to be taken at face value, musically. Or taken seriously. By anyone. No way.
And...forty-plus recent "twitter" posts in a row bleating & babbling about how much some lumpy/dumpy/clumsy-looking "edgy guy" [sic]
absolutely hates Steely Dan? Hmmmmmm...
It's a rig.
The details are just way too detailed.
The guy actually LOVES SD.
M/O/D/P
PS - Bless his slipshod, awkward, dumpy heart.
Date: Sun, February 12, 2023, 19:27:57 ET
Posted by: don, steve albini teapot tempest
(for relevance: please google : 'steve albini steely dan' )
RE: Steve Albini
I remember in in the 90s, I bought this album called Songs About Fucking
by this industrial-punk-whatever group called Big Black (producced by a certain Steve Albini) . The hipster types were all into
it and I was amused by the title and wanted to see what the fuss was about. IT was mostly
really stiff, mechanical-sounding, grind-punk that only the most neurotic, puritannical ,
self-flaggellating white people could possibly "like". I remmeber thinking: No one listens
to this stuff for pleasure. People only pretend to like this shit because it's fashionable .
It did have cool-looking album cover art, though.
Date: Sun, February 12, 2023, 09:23:11 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I'm guessing TRC means 'the record company' but it's unclear what FKAAD means.
Gave up on all those YouTube snake oil salesmen. I have a low tolerance threshold for guys interrupting topical videos to hawk products I don't want. Much of the stuff they're trying to sell is info you can access online for free. Granted, I could see someone spending around $10-20 for a handy physical book for quick reference, that makes sense, but that's different than shelling out $60, 70, 80 buckaroos for a digital book of scales, the circle of fifths and guitar chord charts. Again, there are plenty of online resources which give you that information for free.
Suppose you wanted to find an A major 9 chord shape on the guitar. All you need is to type it into a search engine and presto:
https://www.all-guitar-chords.com/chords/index/a/maj9
That's just one result. There are plenty of other online resources, obviously.
Or how about ear training?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzqa44N-sIU
First result. Completely free. Don't need to throw $200 down the drain. Save your money for something useful.
Date: Sun, February 12, 2023, 08:07:29 ET
Posted by: Steve, Pa
TRCFKAAD?
IDKWTM = I guess I'm not cool enough to know what that means. Hopefully you can afford a new keyboard that charges less per character.
Date: Sat, February 11, 2023, 20:20:47 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
To be clear - the compromise was that:
ABC-Dunhill/MCA would retain the rights to Gaucho, but release of the album was further delayed due to squabbling over the pricepoint of the album... as TRCFKAAD sought to rake in one last bolus of PROFIT.
Date: Sat, February 11, 2023, 20:17:46 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Throw back the little ones and pan fry the big ones.
Hell, Aja has tracks that were refried (Black Cow, I Got the News) from older demos.
Beato is not quite half right. D&W fought The Record Company formerly Know as ABC Dunhill for years to extricate themselves from their contract and record Gaucho and later albums (including as it turned out solo albums)with Warner Brothers.
Third World Man was of course Were You Blind that Day from the Royal Scam or Aja sessions. They kept Carlton's solo, Gadd's drums and subbed in a new vocal track, after giving up on re-recording The Second Arrangement. Carlton thought it was from RS, but my understanding is that Steve Gadd had never met W&D before recording the title track for Aja. Confirmation? Don B?
From Steve Khan's memories, tracking for Gaucho began in early 1979 Dec 78? after they took a year off. If there were demos or old songs from Aja that were used in the Gaucho recording (the Bear, Kulee Baba, Were You Blind that Day? Heartbreak Souvenir, Can't Write Home About You) I am unaware.
I could be wrong, but the chord progressions on Gaucho sound closer to The Nightfly than Aja. W/e
Date: Sat, February 11, 2023, 19:56:06 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
RIP Burt. I'll look for you with the force ghost George Gershwin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoNtj27a6Rk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6wnmmlOrRg&list=PL_JO2wdO4RkQ9eAXeYmsSuKEeY2lIRgkZ&index=4
Date: Fri, February 10, 2023, 19:03:47 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Sad...just sad...
By all accounts, Burt Bacharach lived a full and memorable life. Still, it's really sad to hear of his passing. Based on his body of work with Dionne Warwick alone, I would, had I been in charge of things, have awarded him at least another six years of vital/healthy life, yes, in addition to the 94 years he actually got.
I'd also like to belatedly thank both Don B. and Steve M. for their recent Bacharach stories posted here - Don B.'s as a very cool first-hand account, and Steve M.'s as both a first-hand account AND a heart-warming reminder of a delightful Paul Anka-related second-hand story...you know, the one with the convertible and the actress...thanks, guys...
Burt Bacharach was a clever, gifted composer, the likes of which we're not likely to see again.
Certainly not if the recent "Grammy Awards" - winners & nominees - are any indication of what's coming.
Date: Fri, February 10, 2023, 07:34:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Burt Bacharach was one of the greatest composers of the modern era. His works will stand the test of time. Sheer brilliance through and through.
Date: Thurs, February 09, 2023, 22:22:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
As discussed many times in Steely Dan fan forums like this one, Bacharach's influence is heavily felt on "Almost Gothic"
"'Aja' by Steely Dan is one of my favorite albums..." -- Burt Bacharach, on multiple occasions.
Date: Thurs, February 09, 2023, 10:10:47 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
RIP Burt Bacharach. Don B., thank you for the great Burt Bacharach story that you recently posted.
Date: Wed, February 08, 2023, 11:54:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Arguably nobody has perfected 1980s-style grooves over the past several years as well as Donny Benet has. Infectious, melodic, funky, fun. He pays homage while being 100% authentic and isn't afraid to engage in some self-effacing humor in his videos. He's got some tour dates lined up for America starting later this month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dD7KeRETsA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl5jH8eUbEY
Date: Wed, February 08, 2023, 04:01:50 ET
Posted by: Gil, CT
Bonnie Raitt is getting Two Against Nature type backlash for her Grammy. At least there was no Tik Tok or Twitter in 2001.
Date: Mon, February 06, 2023, 22:21:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Congrats to Samara Joy as New Artist of the Year.
Her voice - what an instrument. The tone and control are beyond next level. Traditional jazz - Sarah Vaughn and Ella channeling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X03lvK7qoco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToD9k0WT6-A
Date: Mon, February 06, 2023, 07:58:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,
M/O/P/D, no problem. Yes, her voice is similar to Astrud Gilberto as well as Laetitia Sadier, although I have no idea what she's singing about as I don't understand Swedish. It could be about a giant robot fighting a flying hamster for all I know. Whatever the case I really enjoy that song.
Here's a guilty pleasure track of mine by Latin jazz-pop group Presuntos Implicados titled Me Das el Mar which I guess translates to 'You Gave Me The Sea'. Beautiful song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JczlDoE6C50
Here's a wonderful live performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMnvqrwlOrM
Date: Sun, February 05, 2023, 20:32:45 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Not regretting it, not one bit.
I hear Karen, but I hear a fair bit of Astrud as well. Maybe it's just the charming lack of English, I don't know...
Unlike so much of the synthetic gunk I hear emanating from cars/bars/whatevers these days, this Dina Ogon stuff sounds to my cloth ears like actual music.
Thanks Michael. Again.
Date: Sun, February 05, 2023, 13:27:25 ET
Posted by: Louie Dakine, off the kitchen
There was a balloon
East of the Carolinas.
Date: Sun, February 05, 2023, 10:19:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Hailing from Sweden, Dina Ögon are a psychadelic pop group comprised of Anna Ahnlund on vocals, Christopher Cantillo on drums, Daniel Ögren on guitar, and Love Örsan on bass. Anna's voice is reminiscent of Karen Carpenter. The laid-back groove is locked in the pocket. Trust me, check them out, you won't regret it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2-7UEE5X10
Date: Sat, February 04, 2023, 21:20:03 ET
Posted by: Rodriguez, Dry Run
Here is James Raymond talking about working with Donald and his father David Crosby on the song "Rodriguez For A Night".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuWgqsMXnVU
Date: Sat, February 04, 2023, 06:48:53 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
TWM a weaker track?!? Puh-lease.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 22:12:45 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Gao
I am glad that Gaucho has slowly built up a fan base over time. Back in the “yellow book” days, most posters found it to be a drop off from Aja.
It certainly was the most inaccessible to my ears. The introduction of drum machines, the dropping of Denny Dias, Walter’s tragedies and limitations, and the legal battles all combined to make an album that initially seems inconsistent. Gaucho and Katy Lied both grew on me over the years, but even Fagen used to word “depressed” to described Gaucho’s sound.
But I’m delighted to know that the younger generations have embraced it and fans like “Good Steely Dan Takes” continue to celebrate it on Twitter.
m.e.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 18:26:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,
'What if' scenarios are usually interesting topics of discussion, but I'm pleased with the finished product. We can count ourselves lucky that we got to hear any of the outtakes because they didn't even surface until decades after the fact. To hear how these songs went from piano/Rhodes/bass demos to nearly finished arrangements gives us some insight into D&W's vision and meticulous attention to detail. Of course, working with the crème de la crème of session musicians helped a great deal.
I couldn't see anyone making music even remotely similar to stuff like 2A, Kulee or The Bear today despite the vast advancements in technology and such. Even if someone could compose similar music, it's doubtful that they could also come up with lyrics full of cryptic references, sharp wit and irony, to say nothing about top-tier arrangements and stellar performances of comparable quality. Even if it were possible, a crucial component would always be missing, that being Donald's unique vocal delivery. Sure, you could find a hundred soundalikes of most other contemporary singers, but not Donald. Nobody else sounds like him. His voice is the final key ingredient to that patented Steely Dan sound.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 17:08:10 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, On The Face Of It
If the statement is that Gaucho would be the best SD album WITH The Second Arrangement, The Bear, Kind Spirit & Kulee Baba, then the statement is a perfectly reasonable one, on the face of it. Since "with" does not specifically imply the removal/deletion of any of the released album's tracks, what we would have, theoretically anyways, is a longer album with more top tier material. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me, at least several decades after the fact. I know some people like to argue, but this one seems like a poor target for Petty Internet Bickering.
Of course, the limitations of the dominant format of the time (vinyl, only about 20-22 minutes or so per side without using K-Tel style compression) meant that everything good just didn't fit. That, plus all of the problems that Michael mentioned earlier. And remember, there was also a fair bit of negativity surrounding the album's original retail price of $9.98...a full dollar higher than most then-current releases...a double album with a significantly higher retail price tag likely would have been rejected - a smart business decision.
Not enough material for a dreaded/"padded" (!) double album/too much gold for a single disc.
And that's why we have what we got.
M/O/D/P
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 12:42:00 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA
Godwhacker
And if those outtakes made the album, and some of the ones that did were instead outtakes you'd be saying just the opposite.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 12:31:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I concur.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 10:56:41 ET
Posted by: Godwhacker,
Gaucho with The Second Arrangement, The Bear, Kind Spirit, Kule Baba...would be the best SD album by far.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 08:51:25 ET
Posted by: Michael,
It is when compared with much of SD's other material but it's still superior to about 99% of stuff other artists can come up with, so take that how you will. I also consider Kulee Baba, The Bear and the other unreleased tracks from that time period to be stronger than many of the cuts on the finished album.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 08:23:52 ET
Posted by: J C, Cullen
I want to scream when I hear My Rival dismissed as a "weaker" track.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2023, 07:41:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,
moray eel, I have no doubt that he loves SD but then he should know better than to say that Gaucho is a bunch of B-sides, completely bypassing any discussion on the album. How can anyone talk about how SD evolved their sound and brush off Gaucho as though it was a non-factor? Yes, Aja was the pinnacle of what D&W were trying to achieve but the only reason Gaucho wasn't on par was due to the various factors I mentioned, not the compositions. It wasn't as if they were phoning it in in the studio. As I said, had 2A not been erased then it's very likely that the album would've taken on a very different tone with 2A leading off the festivities and changing out some of the other arguably weaker tracks such as My Rival and TWM for stronger material like Kulee Baba and possibly even Heartbreak Souvenir, giving the album much greater depth.
M/O/P/D, it's been this way on YouTube for awhile. I almost never click on those reaction videos and many of those big YouTube personalities seem like snake oil salesmen. How many times can you hawk your wares, brag about your subscribers and ask people to hit the like and subscribe button? The guy I was discussing before was a producer in the music industry who does most of his videos from inside his home studio, replete with tons of gear (guitars, amps, piano, etc.). That didn't come cheap. So then, why are people donating over live chat as though he's running a charity from the poor house or something? Another thing that rubs me the wrong way about these personalities is how they tend to ignore comments unless someone gives them money.
Date: Wed, February 01, 2023, 23:42:45 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Not
Rick Beato is a huge Steely Dan fan. He said the drum solo on Aja changed his life. He has conducted long interviews with Bernard Purdie and Larry Carlton that I believe any SD fan should be able to appreciate. He talks about them, in a positive way, more than any other band except for maybe the Beatles.
Yes, he closed out one video by mentioning that he had heard that Donald wanted to end the the record deal and used old songs like Third World Man to wrap it up. He said that he didn’t know if it was true.
m.e.
Date: Wed, February 01, 2023, 21:53:26 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Ignorance Is Bliss, part 2
Michael, thanks for stirring things up here...again...
I have to confess, I might just be the only one here who has absolutely no idea of the YooToob "personality" to whom you refer. In my own defense, at some point it becomes difficult to keep track of all the low rent cult-of-personality crap that now fills the once-promising "internet" to overflowing.
Truth is, over the many years since it has become the "go-to" sewer-of-excrement-&-pus-&-flatus that it has become, I haven't spent very much time scouring that particular place for entertainment. On the relatively rare occasions that I do find myself there, I'm usually "in-and-out" after viewing something recommended here or by a friend. Sure, I have, on occasion, spent a bit too much valuable time going down one ill-advised rabbit-hole after another watching clips I hadn't been aware even existed, or bits of music I'd never heard or even old favorites just for the fuck of it. But really, the less time spent on the Yootoob the better, for me anyways. The deal-killer for me is all those asinine "reaction" videos that the algorithm keeps recommending...I think I posted something fairly uncomplimentary about those things on here a while ago.
But, really, for someone/anyone - even a respected/famous [snicker] Youtuber [snicker] - to relegate the Gaucho LP to the level of B-side/discards status, well, perhaps that tells us all about the inherent value/validity/credibility of any self-promoting Toob "channel" host and his or her "Hey-everybody-look-at-me-I-have-both-an-opinion-AND-an-anus!!" tired shtick.
M/O/D/P
Date: Wed, February 01, 2023, 17:36:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,
There's a certain YouTube personality who will remain nameless (but everybody will know who I'm talking about) that not so long ago did a video about Steely Dan which came across as ill-informed, interrupting every so often just so he could plug his merch like he does in pretty much every video, which gets annoying. What really bugged me was how he disregarded Gaucho as supposedly being a bunch of B-sides put together just so that Donald could get out of his contract, disregarding the other half of SD for some unfathomable reason.
Donald and Walter worked extremely hard under harrowing circumstances to complete Gaucho. Just the fade-out on Babylon Sisters took over 4 hours to mix. They lost one of their masterpieces, The Second Arrangement, to a studio engineer's mistake. Donald recalled how everything about that album was like pulling teeth. There was so many going on behind the scenes that severely bogged down production, including Walter being injured by a speeding car. Counting all the unreleased tracks from around that time (2A, I Can't Write Home About You, Kulee Baba, The Bear, Heartbreak Souvenir, Kind Spirit), they had enough material for two albums. No doubt the finished Gaucho would've been much different had 2A not been erased and Walter not suffered his injury.
As it stands there are several shining moments throughout Gaucho including Babylon Sisters, Hey 19, Glamour Profession, and TOOM. The unreleased Gaucho constitutes a shadow album of sorts, the only tracks we have yet to hear being the full band arrangement of ICWHAY and Heartbreak Souvenir. I consider 2A to be among their greatest works, easily. To infer that Babylon Sisters or Glamour Profession are B-side material, well, I think he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about.
Date: Tues, January 31, 2023, 17:59:48 ET
Posted by: Thrag "Spearhunter" Rockstone, Caves of Altamira
Re The Caves of Altamira (among others)...
Ice Age cave paintings decoded by amateur researcher
(Wednesday, January 25, 2023)
Patterns of lines and dots associated with specific animal species in cave art may point to an early writing system.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/cave-painting-calendar-earliest-writing/
Date: Tues, January 31, 2023, 01:34:34 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Thanks Gus! Great to hear from you. Peace
Date: Tues, January 24, 2023, 15:35:33 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Hey Gus, drop me a line, been trying to get in touch.
Peace.
Date: Tues, January 24, 2023, 01:32:33 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA
Today I found this article about David Crosby (may be behind a paywall).
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2023/01/david-crosby/672804/
Date: Mon, January 23, 2023, 08:32:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Steve and The Dean, it isn't a real reaction. That's what makes it amusing, at least to me. Someone comedically dubbed FM over the original video clip which was probably some metal song judging by the posters in the room. Nothing like those other reaction videos where someone pretends they've never heard Steely Dan before (or Yes, Queen, The Beatles, or any other oversaturated artist).
Those other reaction YouTubers are farming for cheap clicks with the most mundane content. If they intend to listen to a song for the first time then why do they need to film themselves, interrupting the song every 30 seconds to howl and discuss how incredible it is, as though they've never heard a real band in their entire lives?
M/O/D/P, you summed it up nicely. YouTube is far too heavy-handed in their enforcement of community guidelines. I'll never understand how uploaders get flagged or taken down for no apparent reason yet plenty of vile filth remains, including music videos featuring raunchy gratuitous content I'd rather not discuss here.
Involuntary swearing, vomiting and diarrhea are known side effects of being exposed to Springsteen. That was rather brave on your part. I don't think I would've lasted more than a few minutes, much less the three hour mass torture ritual that is going to see him live.
Date: Sun, January 22, 2023, 20:33:23 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Doing It Again
Michael, your timing couldn't have been better. After the recent "RIP" announcements - both of which were hard to take for many of us - we could all use a laff. Thanks.
I, for one, deeply appreciated the concept of "hair flipping" to a Steely Dan song.
As for the plethora of insincere, click-baiting/obnoxiously-staged "YooToob reaction videos" - yeah, I've seen a few of the ones with the just-released-from-Corcoran/hip-hop guys who are "wowed" by some track by Yes or ELP, and I suppose I should admit that I've even seen some of the ones where some borderline M/R clod has a contrived pants-filling epiphany after hearing some bit of music he's "never heard before" - but really, I think that these "reaction" videos have run their course. I'm definietly NOT a fan of this kind of material.
Especially since those Toob guys immediately deleted MY "reaction video".
The one where I listen to Springsteen's Greatest Hits [no, really, the thing exists], all the way through, and "react".
The follow-up "Your video has been removed" email cited me for a lot of pretty dumb stuff, like "Unnecessary use of profanity", "Failure to meet community standards", and, most hurtfully, "Gratuitous use of vomit".
No more "reaction videos" for me.
M/O/D/P
Date: Sun, January 22, 2023, 19:41:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Steve, I was just going to post almost the same thing. But to be fair, I'm guessing Michael posted that for the quick humor. I mean hair flipping to a Steely Dan song?
Yes, these are typically staged and some very poorly. But I will say these two guys show real enthusiasm and seem to be having a great time tuning out to Kid Charlemagne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl0y0Z6K2ks
Date: Sun, January 22, 2023, 19:03:52 ET
Posted by: Steve,
What sucks about these reaction videos, Michael, is that they're almost always staged, so as to create more clicks and followers for the person posting. People get sucked into how cool it is that someone's supposedly discovering a favorite artist for the first time, in this case Steely Dan. But then the reality is it's all a big fake to generate traffic for a particular channel or site.
Date: Sun, January 22, 2023, 13:14:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I'm gonna lighten the mood a little bit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Me-PbVJ-_A
Date: Fri, January 20, 2023, 11:23:17 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA
If Crosby had been in mediocre health (how many years ago was his liver transplant?), then I'm fit to win a decathlon.
Date: Fri, January 20, 2023, 08:20:44 ET
Posted by: Chet, B
"By the time I got to Woodstock, I was 37." - Donald Fagen 2007.
RIP David Crosby.
Date: Fri, January 20, 2023, 00:28:02 ET
Posted by: moray eel, A
Dave: if you put an SACD into your CD player, it will sound like a normal CD. If you put an SACD into a 5.1 surround sound system, it will separate the instruments into different speakers/subwoofers. The effect is that Fagen’s vocal may be coming out of the center speaker, the background vocals may be coming out of the left and right, horns, guitars, etc.
m.e.
Date: Thurs, January 19, 2023, 19:16:03 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Dave from Acquisitions:
The SACDs from Acoustic Sounds will play in a standard CD player. These discs, like the 2003 SACD/CD hybrid of "Gaucho," play fine most anywhere. (I think I possibly discussed this in the most recent Dandom Digest I posted below about two weeks ago, if you want to read more.) I have tried it on my best CD component system as well as even my 33-year-old Sony Discman. Played thr stereo version fine. Is it worth it? IMHO, with my setup it's negligible, if noticeable. All depends on the quality of your sound system ***and your ears!*** Admittedly, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I couldn't purchase these new hybrid discs; for me, the most motivating factor is simply to look forward to all things Dan! In my case, I have a Denon 6.1 receiver and a Toshiba SACD player. My understanding is that this configuration actually has some incompatibilities even though supposedly have SACD capabilities. With these kinds of complexities and variables, I think it's reasonable for more than a few people to take a pass.
There also FLAC (Lossless) audio files you can purchase of the Steely Dan, DF and WB albums...I don't have enough experience with these to give an opinion but there are those who swear by FLAC. They are definitely better than MP3
Historically, a huge facet of Steely Dan has been the audiophile innovation and quality, so have the latest right now is a remnant of that ethos, even if Walter, Roger and Ellott are not involved with these versions although we do have master Bernie Grunderman. Also, my thought is that these SACD/CDs and 45 RPM LPs will likely be the last remasterings in Donald's lifetime and probably mine too. So I figure I will indulge.
I have been wondering about Dolby Atmos. I've listened to Atmos versions of Marvin Gaye and Elton John tracks and they have really been revelatory even on my 5-year-old iPhone X with standard $20 hardwired Apple earbuds. The fact that there is a noticeable difference on even the most modest of existing audio hardware is a real game changer. No word as to if and when there will be Atmos versions of Steely Dan.
Date: Thurs, January 19, 2023, 18:50:59 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Dean: You said it very well. I know he's been in mediocre health at best for a long time, but I was imagining that he was going to collaborate more with Donald, perhaps even appear on Donald's new solo album in followup to the "Rodriguez" collaboration. Most of you know Donald said in Rolling Stone maybe 16 months ago that during the pandemic he has laid down a lot of work on a new solo album. While Donald has never indicated this, I somehow imagined that Cros would make an appearance on it.
At any rate, Cros live a good, long life. Sad about his passing...but that's what's happening to rock and roll heros of that age.
Date: Thurs, January 19, 2023, 18:43:10 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia
I have another question about the SACD remasters coming out. Since I’m not a vinyl guy, is it worth buying the SACD versions of the remasters if I don’t have an SACD compatible player? I have a regular CD player of course (even one in my new car, which I didn’t even think car companies did anymore) so will there be a noticeable difference in the regular CD playback of “Can’t Buy a Thrill”? It’s not about the money it’s just a matter of will it be better sounding than what we can stream through the Apple Music store, Spotify, etc? Are there any tech savvy people that can enlighten me here? Thanks
Date: Thurs, January 19, 2023, 17:51:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
RIP David Crosby.
While I'm not shocked, I'm a bit surprised. He's been really active/productive lately, it seems.
also, I know some people think EVERY Steely Dan song is about drugs, and I scoff at that. But to add to your point, "skinny girl" some say is a name for the syringe/needle used to shoot drugs.
Date: Thurs, January 19, 2023, 17:15:47 ET
Posted by: If you smile at me, I will understand
RIP David Crosby
I will hold the memory of seeing him with The Donald & Co at the Beacon Theatre a few years ago singing "Wooden Ships" even dearer to my heart.
Date: Thurs, January 19, 2023, 14:25:43 ET
Posted by: also, this
silver key = needle
red door = vein
Date: Wed, January 18, 2023, 11:09:47 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Pros
HATWW
Two rival brothels are competing for customers. The Lido offers the clientele free food and beer, but it has fallen into disfavor. Now, gentlemen prefer The Western World. The girls are thin and there is the opportunity to network with the mayor and his friends.
Fever dreams is still a great resource to ponder SD lyrics.
https://feverdreams.whatsmykarma.com/etc.htm
m.e.
Date: Tues, January 17, 2023, 05:06:05 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
The SACD/CD Hybrid disc of "Can't Buy a Thrill" is now shipping from Acoustic Sounds. If you pre-ordered, you should expect it any day now. Of course, the 45 RPM vinyl version was released this past November. I also spoke to somebody at Acoustic Sounds and they still don't have an ETA on the 45 RPM vinyl of Pretzel Logic nor the SACD/CD of "Countdown to Ecstasy" and subsequent titles. For that matter, I've not seen any information at Amazon, official Steely Dan page, or elsewhere as to when Geffen/UMe Will be releasing the remastered 33-1/3 vinyl version of "Countdown to Ecstasy".
www.acousticsounds.com
Date: Tues, January 17, 2023, 01:38:46 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
@ M/O/D/P,drop me a line.
Date: Tues, January 17, 2023, 00:30:33 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, The real "AH-HA" moment/Enjoy Every Sandwich
Geez...song lyrics...and how to decipher them...sometimes it can be a real conundrum, no?
For the longest time, I thought that Here At The Western World was about a group of ex-pat Krauts enjoying traditional food and slinky whores, in a protected brothel - somewhere/someplace - in either the 1920s/1930s or (more likely), the mid-to-late '40s, after The War. That's what I always thought. Until now.
After reading everybody's recent thoughts on the song, I now realize that the song is very likely about none of this. Or none of that.
The song, with its delicate piano base and intricate-even-if-possibly-originally-just-a-placeholder guitar solo, the song seems, now, to me, to be about a ham sandwich. That's right, a "ham sandwich". Not your ordinary, generic ham sandwich - it's Don & Walt after all - but rather a ham sandwich that isn't exactly as it seems to be...a ham sandwich that habitually perplexes interviewers just for fun, a ham sandwich that idiosyncratically defies certain pre-conceived musical conventions, and a ham sandwich that's willing and able to spend huge amounts of [record company] cash in its endless (and expensive) quest for musical perfection.
It's about a fucking SANDWICH, people. What more do you need to know?? Pretty sure I've nailed this one.
Or...of course...I could be completely wrong.
M/O/D/P
Date: Mon, January 16, 2023, 19:56:46 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
@the Dean.Thanks for the encouraging
update. Peace bro.
Date: Mon, January 16, 2023, 12:38:09 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
The mystery of SD lyrics gives us all a lifetime of contemplation, searching, and the occasional Aha! moment. What a gift!
Date: Mon, January 16, 2023, 12:26:28 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Just a friendly reminder about a bug in the Bluebook and then ancient script upon which it operates. The bug is this: Say you make a post to the BlueBook and leave the screen at the "Thank you" message page and then your computer, phone, other device goes to sleep. When the device is woken up, under certain circumstances, the browser may do a refresh and in the process, repost what was just posted. So please, don't criticize the poster. It's a bug with the BlueBook. Thanks!
Date: Mon, January 16, 2023, 12:04:50 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Nicholas:
I certainly don't arm wrestle on interpretations---unless, say Walter and/or Donald were to say, "absolutely not (this)..." At the same time, I see Klaus, the Mayor and all his friends all being male clients who patronize the Western World brothel to experience the "skinny girls".
Date: Mon, January 16, 2023, 11:49:06 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
Jim, my impression comes from all of the characters except Ruthie being male, I always thought that "skinny girl" was was a reference to a male (no boobs, so skinny), and that hiding from the madman meant being in the closet, but when he's with these characters, it all comes out.
Also, the idea that something that was much more taboo at the time that this song was written being set to a catchy tune seems very SD. Kind of like the suburbanite bopping along to "Everyone's Gone to the Movies" in the grocery store aisle, with no idea what the song is really about.
But, like Dennis Miller says, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Date: Mon, January 16, 2023, 11:33:39 ET
Posted by: hoops,
Nicholas:
No norms violated nor is it necessary to even say that here... We're independent of any of those social media about We're independent of any of those social media bots,etc. That aside, I pretty much agree with all the interpretations associated with a brothel; I was just wondering though, which words, musical elements, or whatever lead you to believe that it's about a homosexual encounter? I don't see that element or angle, not that there would be anything wrong if there was.
Date: Mon, January 16, 2023, 07:39:15 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
My impression of HATWW has always been that it's about a closeted gay man who has found acceptance at a gay bar and indulges himself with a male prostitute.
Apologies if I have violated current linguistic norms with any of the above terms - no offense intended.
Date: Sun, January 15, 2023, 18:03:01 ET
Posted by: Michael,
The original movie with Yul Brynner was good. Never read the book.
Several listeners have taken a stab at the meaning of the lyrics.
https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/140472/
Date: Sun, January 15, 2023, 15:53:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael Crichton "book"
Date: Sun, January 15, 2023, 15:50:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Here at the Western Word is probably Steely Dan's take on the Michael Crichton and 1973 movie WestWorld about an adult amusement park that was filled with androids to satisfy human pleasure. Where once was illegal and taboo is at your fingertips for a Jackson ($20) or more (please keep into mind inflation)...
(There was the HBO follow-up series)
Today we know it as "Las Vegas!"
Date: Sun, January 15, 2023, 12:43:28 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Or maybe it's an allegory to fit a certain motif? I'm not sure. D&W hoped that listeners would enjoy the music without having to necessarily dissect exactly what each lyric was about.
DF: "As far as specifics like that, our audience will have to trust our sincerity, just trust us in not laying down some bullshit. When they think they don't understand something it's certainly not some random lyric."
Date: Sun, January 15, 2023, 12:01:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Alan, it's got something to do with prostitution and likely something else a bit more vague. The fact that the mayor and his friends are there (and nobody cares) suggests that it's about a brothel somewhere out in the West, perhaps more about widespread immorality extending into the political sphere. Western World could be a euphemism for a brothel.
Date: Sat, January 14, 2023, 18:26:44 ET
Posted by: Alan Bishopgate,
Any clues what HATTWW is about?
It sounds like it’s about prostitution - silver key, red door, “Jackson” $20 bill, etc
Any other thoughts?
Date: Sat, January 14, 2023, 11:58:49 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Don, did you get my email?
Date: Fri, January 13, 2023, 20:56:32 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Hey there Dean,always good to hear from you!
Peace.
Date: Fri, January 13, 2023, 19:38:03 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
Actually the youtube take must be different than that on facebook. I don't see Michael Leonhart sitting behind the gals on the youtube video.
Date: Fri, January 13, 2023, 19:34:57 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
Hoops, I don't have a facebook account and I see the video just fine. But it is a very short clip. This looks to be the entire song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8fU18_IEGY
Jeff Beck was a one of a kind master of the guitar. He will be missed.
Date: Thurs, January 12, 2023, 11:04:35 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Footage of Donald, Catherine Russell, Michael Leonhart and others from Steely Dan orchestra performing with Jeff back not too long ago at Lincoln Center.
Note: this is from Facebook and on someone else's Facebook page at that, so not everyone can see it. Sorry!
Here's the link.
https://www.facebook.com/rob.paparozzi/videos/545241934201760/?mibextid=v7YzmG
Wishing all the best.
Date: Thurs, January 12, 2023, 10:44:38 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA
Krantz and Carlock did a song called Jeff Beck. Although it has no lyrics, I assume it was intended as a musical tribute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0bJRy8itBs
Date: Thurs, January 12, 2023, 09:46:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,
A tremendous loss. Jeff Beck's 'Blow by Blow' is one of my favorite fusion albums.
RIP
Date: Wed, January 11, 2023, 20:01:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Damn - what a huge loss.
A musicians, musician. RIP Jeff Beck.
Date: Wed, January 11, 2023, 17:20:10 ET
Posted by: Steve, -
RIP, Jeff Beck.
Date: Tues, January 10, 2023, 14:11:10 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, Everywhere
Happy 75th birthday to Donald Fagen!
75 years old already? Wow! Time flies!
🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁
Date: Wed, January 04, 2023, 22:14:36 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
The latest edition of the Dandom Digest for August. 16-December 31, 2022 emailed out late this afternoon. You should have received it between 5:45 pm and 7 pm ET/NYC Time. ! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 30, No. 9.). The previous regular Dandom Digest covered May 23-August. 15, 2022.
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. 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. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com.
If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest/index.html
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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
As the Dandom Digest begins its 30th year, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------
DANDOM DIGEST
AUG 16–DEC 31, 2022
Yr. 30, No. 9
-------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST
Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!
Donald's Next One
1972-80 Albums Reissue Project
Personal Notes on the Remasters…So Far
Fagen, Kaplan & Kassem Talk About the New Versions
Grundman & Kassem Talk SD Reissues
Analogue Productions' 2vN & EMG
Mini-TBVO: Steely Dan's Can't Buy a Thrill
Tracking Angle on "Countdown to Ecstasy"
Acoustic Sounds Import: "You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It"
PASSINGS
RIP: Ted Baker
RIP: John Neff
Re: RIP, John Neff: Interview
RIP: Steely Dan Fan, Christine McVie
NEW! Noted Journalist Jake Malooley's "Expanding Dan"
Best of 2022: "Remember The Audio"
Monkey House's Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed "Aja" Book
Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums
30 Years: Looking Ahead to 2023!
Followed by
PRETZEL LOGIC
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!
From: Jim McKay
Date: Sat, Dec 31, 2022
The Dandom Digest is back with a post-tour, last third of 2022 wrap-up.
Thank you to all who have kindly written and sent good will while I've been on sabbatical with some personal and family matters. Your support means a great deal.
Happy Holidays...Happy New Year!
Jim
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Donald's Next One
From: Jim McKay
Date: Sat, Dec 31, 2022
Fans are always asking if Donald has a new album coming and also when will the Steely Dan Orchestra be touring again.
We haven't heard anything directly from Donald in recent months, but let's not forget his September 30, 2021 interview with Jon Blistein at "Rolling Stone". Donald said that during the pandemic lockdown, he had written enough songs to fill out a new album and had even recorded demos. Saying some of the songs are "personal," he mentioned a track with a working title of "The Stellar Bartender."
In late December 2022, a British tabloid site said he was recording some more...which is plausible. However, the site is a bit dubious. Still, we do have the "Rolling Stone" interview with Donald from about 15 months ago.
No word on a 2023 tour...yet. Stay tuned!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: 1972-80 Albums Reissue Project
From: Jim McKay
Date: Sat, December 31, 2022
By now you've heard that Steely Dan's first seven albums are being remastered and reissued in at least three new versions: a single LP 33-1/3 RPM, 180 g black vinyl from Geffen/UMe; double LP, 45 RPM 200 g clear vinyl from Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions in conjunction with Geffen/UMe; and SACD/CD also from Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions in partnership with Geffen/UMe.
This reissue series includes "Can't Buy a Thrill," "Countdown to. Ecstasy," "Prestzel Logic," "Katy Lied," "The Royal Scam," "Aja," and "Gaucho." There's no word if and how they plan to incorporate "Here At the Western World" and "FM (No Static At All)" into this project.
The two new vinyl versions of "Can't Buy A Thrill" and the double LP, 45 RPM of "Countdown to Ecstasy" are out now; the other new versions of those titles have yet to make their public debut--release dates are still to be announced.
The following is from Acoustic Sounds' press release for the project. [ Info contained in brackets is inserted by the Dandom Digest ] :
There'e never been a bigger band with fewer audiophile reissues than Steely Dan. That's about to change. Acoustic Sounds, Analogue Productions, Quality Record Pressings, and Bernie Grundman Mastering are bringing these masterpiece titles to the pinnacle of audiophile excellence.
Few bands cared about the quality of their productions than Steely Dan. Each recording session included the very best musicians and recording engineers of the day. Their pursuit of perfection was legendary. Steely Dan has always been an audiophile demo favorite. But collectors were limited, for the most part, to hard-to-find original copies. Now, audiophiles will be able to enjoy the ultimate versions of these already-incredible sounding records.
All albums are meticulously remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tapes except for "Aja", which will be mastered from an analog, non-EQ'd, tape copy, and "Gaucho", which will be sourced from a 1980 analog tape copy originally EQ'd by Bob Ludwig. (There's no evidence the original tapes containing the flat mixes of "Aja" and "Gaucho" were delivered to the record label and it's presumed the tapes no longer exist.)
Seven of these classic titles — "Can't Buy a Thrill", "Countdown to Ecstasy", "Pretzel Logic", "Katy Lied", "The Royal Scam", "Aja", and "Gaucho" will be released as double 45 RPM UHQRs, priced at $150 per copy with a limit of three copies per customer.
Additionally, Geffen/UMe is releasing the same seven titles on 33 1/3 RPM, also mastered by Bernie Grundman. Lacquers for UMe's standard 180-gram version will be cut by Alex Abrash at his renowned AA Mastering studio from high-resolution digital files of Grundman's new masters and pressed at Precision. They will be housed in reproductions of the original artwork.
Two of the titles from the Steely Dan/Analogue Productions reissue series – "Everything Must Go" and "Two Against Nature" – have already been released as non-UHQR, 45-RPM editions…[and in November 2022 were finally] …released on Hybrid Stereo SACD. "Two Against Nature" is the only title in this series not mastered by Bernie Grundman. It was recorded to a multi-track analog tape, mixed to 24/96 and mastered and cut by Scott Hull at Masterdisk. [Some additional brief information follows in this edition of the Dandom Digest.]
All of the Analogue Productions records will of course be pressed at the world's finest pressing plant, Quality Record Pressings.
And each of these titles will be available on SACD for $35 per copy.
"This is a lifelong dream," said Acoustic Sounds CEO Chas Kassem. "I really can't think of a bigger band will better titles, both musically and sonically, that has barely been reissued. This is like the audiophile reissue holy grail. We're so excited for our customers to hear these classic records sound better than they ever have before."
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Subject: Personal Notes on the Remasters…So Far
A few of of my notes about what's been released so far:
-- Some acronyms localized to the Greater Dandom:
--"CBAT" is shorthand for "Can't Buy a Thrill".
--"CTE" (or sometimes "321 XTC") is shorthand for "Countdown to Ecstasy."
--"2vN" is shorthand for "Two Against Nature", as first seen at Steely Dan's official website; other fans use "TAN."
--"EMG"? "Everything Must Go".
-- Speaking of acronyms, "UHQR"? Since several people have asked, "UHQR" means "Ultra High Quality Record"--Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions' proprietary manufacturing process. It is all explained here: https://www.qualityrecordpressings.com/index.cfm?go=projects So far about 15 UHQR titles have been announced, including the seven Steely Dan titles.
-- Based on customer comments at Amazon.com, some have been experiencing an anomaly with the Geffen UMe 33-1/3, single LP version of "Can't Buy a Thrill." When the anomaly is experienced, its at the opening second of "Only a Fool Would Say That." For some, it's an outright skip. for others, it's a very slight drop in the opening note. I emphasize that not everyone is experiencing this, some have obtained better results by replacing their turntable's stylus or adjusting the stylus force pressure; some have opted to exchange their copy at the point of sale. The vast majority of reviews. at Amazon.com do mention any problem.
-- I've only heard one report of a defective LP in the Acoustic Sounds release of "Countdown to Ecstasy." Acoustic Sounds quickly expedited a replacement upon proof of destruction (a photo) of the defective disc. They did not send out an entire new package.
-- While it is correct that the first five titles have not been issued on vinyl in decades, other wonderful audiophile versions of "Aja" and "Gaucho" have been released in the past 15 years or so. It will be interesting to compare these with the new versions.
-- Both the 33-1/3 and 45 RPM versions of "Can't Buy a. Thrill" sound fantastic, as far as I am concerned, many times better than my ancient ABC and MCA vinyl from the 1970s and 1980s. Definitely an edge the sound of the 45 RPM version since it basically has a higher sampling rate, if you will, compared to the 33 1/3 version. One annoying feature to the 45 RPM versions: one has to flip the LPs after every other song. So the single LP 33 1/3 edition has that benefit--but of course CDs and high end digital files have the benefit of no flipping--but then that's a point of debate for those who think of think of the two sides of any albun as "Act I" and "Act II."
-- If you have a very modest turntable and sound setup, the 33-1/3 version will likely be an adequate replacement for your 35 year old vinyl. Ditto if your hearing has declined in recent years.
-- The 45 RPM versions include some new liner notes penned by Donald. They are a lot of fun with some new insights with my only wish being that each was longer than something like a page.
-- Purchase the 33-1/3 RPM LP versions from the Steely Dan website store, Amazon.com, or your favorite independent record dealer.
-- Purchase the 45 RPM LP and SACD versions from Acoustic Sounds at https://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&artistid=3361&LabelID=507
Some publicity interviews with the key players in this remastering and reissue project follow.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Fagen, Kaplan & Kassem Talk About the New Versions
A Casual Conversation: Donald Fagen, Fred Kaplan and Chad Kassem
Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions CEO Chad Kassem sits down with Fred Kaplan, reviewer for the Tracking Angle and a columnist for Slate, and Steely Dan's Donald Fagen for a casual discussion about master tapes, Contemporary Records, Jelly Roll Morton, Rudy Van Gelder, the upcoming UHQR & SACD series & more.
https://youtu.be/vmrnS6ocCPA
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Grundman & Kassem Talk SD Reissues
Bernie Grundman and Chad Kassem discuss the Steely Dan catalogue, reissues, and the master tapes.
Bernie Grundman is the widely acclaimed audio engineer known for his work with Contemporary Records and A&M Studios. For us Steely Dan fans, his work on the "Aja" album is landmark. Roughly a decade ago, he remastered Donald's "The Nighfly" album. Another highlight is his work on Walter's "Circus Money". A few of his various recent high-profile projects have included works by Miles Davis, Prince, the Joni Mitchell Masters project, and now the Steely Dan remasters.
https://youtu.be/ADpxrBJ7M-0
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Subject: Analogue Productions' 2vN & EMG
This past June saw release of high-quality 45 rpm versions of "Two Against Nature" and "Everything Must Go" from Acoustic Sounds' Analougue Productions (AP) in association with Warner/Reprise. A few weeks ago in November, the SACD/CD hybrid counterparts were also released.
I've tested the SACD/CD hybrids of 2vN and EMG in both a Toshiba and a Sony SACD player. They work fine--but of course, one must have the player "reconciled" with an SACD-capable receiver with properly corresponding firmware. Yes, I get lost sometimes with that as well. Moreover, these SACD/CD hybrids also play standard stereo layer sound in my cheap Phillips CD changer, my 22-year-old Sony boombox, and even a 32-year-old Sony Discman!
To order the AP versions of 2vN and EMG, head to: https://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&searchtext=steely+dan-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REDUX: Bernie Grundman Talks "Aja" Mastering
From: Matt Channen
Date: August 7 at 12:22 PM ·
Here's an interview between Chad Kassem of Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions and Bernie Grundman on some of BG's masterings from over the decades. Very interesting conversation. He specifically talks about Aja at about the 9:10 and 14:40 marks as well as the two new live albums.
Bernie was also the mastering engineer behind the Northeast Corridor, The Nightfly Live, as well as the recent Analogue Productions 45RPM of Everything Must Go. Very possible that he'd be the mastering engineer for AP if they end up remastering the remaining titles.
https://youtu.be/-ZurO8d4Jx0
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Michael Eldridge, Dandom Facebook
Date: November 14, 2022
Subhect: Mini-TBVO: Steely Dan's Can't Buy a Thrill
·
Josh Mound, has done painstaking analyses of the "Best Versions" of "Aja" and "The Nightfly" for the website "Audiophile Style" and is also working on a book-length SD project. Mound weighs in briefly on the digital version of AP's new mastering of "Can't Buy a Thrill". The takeaway: "head-and-shoulders above . . . previous versions."
Mini-TBVO: Steely Dan's "Can't Buy a Thrill"
https://audiophilestyle.com/blogs/entry/844-mini-tbvo-steely-dans-cant-buy-a-thrill/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Date: December 2022
Subject: Tracking Angle on "Countdown to Ecstasy"
Michael Fremer at the "Tracking Angle" weighs in on the new deluxe "Countdown To Ecstasy":
Do These Guys Look like They're Counting Down to Ecstasy?
THE DAN'S SECOND ALBUM WAS RECORDED "...IN A DESULTORY, HAPHAZARD FASHION."
"Other than Donald Fagen, the boys hanging in the studio control room in the back jacket photo look either pissed (Denny Dias), mildly bemused and/or disgusted (Walter Becker), or completely stoned and/or exhausted (Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter). Drummer Jim Hodder, too far from the camera to read and noticeably isolated physically from the others, would soon exit the band after being pushed out of the drummer seat by Jim Gordon and Jeff Porcaro on the third album 'Pretzel Logic'. 'Thing', with fingers on the board was probably played by engineer Roger Nichols."
Continues...
https://trackingangle.com/music/if-these-guys-are-counting-down-to-ecstasy-what-do-they-look-like-when-they-re-pissed
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mark Southern, Dandom Facebook
Subject: Acoustic Sounds Import: "You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It"
The soundtrack to "You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It" will be reissued in early January 2023 on vinyl. The soundtrack was a Becker and Fagen's first album-length collaboration (with Denny Dias, among familiar names). pre-dating Steely Dan's debut, "Can't Buy A Thrill."
The reissue is being offered by several on-line vendors, including Acoustic Sounds. Unlike the other titles, Acoustic Sounds is simply importing and did not remaster the LP like the other Steely Dan titles that are celebrated and promoted in this edition of the Dandom Digest. You can purchase at https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/174657/Donald_Fagen__Walter_Becker-You_Gotta_Walk_It_Like_You_Talk_It-Vinyl_Record
Acoustic Sounds promotes this disc as follows:
"In the 1971 counterculture comedy 'You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It', Zalman King tries to find the meaning of life, with Richard Pryor and Robert Downey Jr among the cameos; who better to cut the soundtrack than Steely Dan? Except that the Dan had not officially formed yet! With typical tongue-in-cheek touches, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker rise to the challenge, with fellow Dan guitarist Denny Diaz and drummer John Discepolo of their previous vehicle, Jay & the Americans; if you're a Steely Dan fan, you really need to check out this one-off soundtrack, cut just before they upset the rock applecart with 'Can't Buy A Thril'l."
-------------------------------------------------------------
PASSINGS
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: RIP: Ted Baker
Sadly, Steely Dan Orchestra pianist Ted Baker passed away in mid-December. Ted contributed to the albums "Two Against Nature" and "Everything Must Go" and, of course, was part of the 2000 and 2003 tours in support of these albums. As Pete Fogel has noted many times, Ted was in the pit orchestra for "The Lion King" on Broadway with Tom Barney. Tom recommended Ted to Walter and Donald and you the rest, Aside from his inimitable playing, Ted also has the distinction of being the only human being to actually receive the coveted Bunsen Prize as presented by Steely Dan on July 13, 2000 at the Camden, New Jersey show. (Of course, the fictional Bobby Dakine won a Bunsen Prize in "What a Shame About Me." And what fan could forget Ted placing a miniature bust of Beethoven on his piano at gigs. When I was in his presences at the 2000 and 2003 shows, Ted was always a warm and welcoming hang. Ted was a great guy. and musician, universally loved by all who worked with him. Gone too soon, Ted will be greatly missed.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: RIP: John Neff
John Neff has passed away in late December. John was an associate and friend of Walter who helped conceive and realize Hyperbolic Studios in Maui over 30 years ago, just in time for "Kamakiriad" and "11 Tracks of Whack". In recent years, John was a periodic voice. in Dandom's sister Facebook group.
John posted the following. to his Facebook page soon after Walter passed in 2017:
"Well, it's been a few days, but here is my Walter Becker story... it's a long one. I used to do a radio show in Maui, Hawaii, for nine years in the 80s. In April of 82, the station log showed a representative of the Pacific Whale Foundation as appearing on my show to talk about Whale Day. At 7:15 in the morning, the office traffic lady called me and said "Your PWF guest is here". I answered a knock on the studio door and there stood Walter Becker, co-founder of Steely Dan. I said , "I know you". He said, "No, I only look like him". So Walter came in and shilled for the whales, and when we were done, he said, "Can I stay a while and pick some tunes?" So he sat on the floor and would hand up albums (no CDs in those days) and say, "Second side, Track four!" The station manager came in about 8 am and came into the studio saying what the hell is going on, you are breaking format. I pointed down at the floor and said that is Walter Becker from Steely Dan. He is picking the tunes this morning. JR said, "Put him on the air!" I said I already did, he was speaking for the PWF.
Over the next several years, through my various radio jobs (4 stations), Walter came in to guest (Ghost) DJ numerous times. In 1985 I opened a studio next to Bounty Music on Dairy Road in Kahului, Maui, and started producing mostly Hawaiian albums, and started a record label, "Maui Zone Records and Tapes". In 1989, Walter came in asking me if I had a DAT recorder/player. I did. He showed up the next day with a truckload of Steely Dan outtakes and alternative mixes, and wanted to archive some of them to DAT for him and Donald. We worked a week on that project. He had me slice up and throw in the dumpster all the tapes of the out-takes. I had to destroy all the Steely Dan you never heard. A few months later he came to the studio and said, "Why don't we go and build a real studio? Your place looks like a radio station." I had numerous albums in production then and said I needed 90 days to wrap them up. We started looking at properties, including the old Kula theater, and kept going back to his wife's Ulupalakua property, where he had a little redwood cabin with a couple amps and a set of drums in it, to talk about the places we had seen. Finally he said, "Let's just build it here".
So we came up with a design, later modified by an LA-based studio architect, for a studio with a detached recording space, with a control room built in the redwood cabin, with video links between the rooms. Besides working on Donald Fagen's "Kamakiriad" solo album, and Walter's "Eleven Tracks of Whack" solo album, I recorded Willie Nelson, Buddy Fo, Over The Edge, Buffy Set. Marie, Sinead O'Connor, and The Pahinui Brothers there. It was a wonderful time. Here are a few pictures from the time. I will miss you Walter. You were a great influence in my life and career. R.I.P. my friend.".......John Neff
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Re: RIP, John Neff: Interview
From: Brad Barbarick, Dandom Facebook Group
Date: December 30, 2022
Link to an interview with John Neff on the Jonesy Show recorded on January 13, 2022 on listener supported KBOO radio in Portland, OR. John talks about his long, impressive and varied career. He gives some great insight about his relationship with Walter and Donald and the role he played in the recording of 11 Tracks of Whack and also Kamakiriad. He starts talking about Walter and then Donald about halfway through the interview. I can assure you it is worth 53 minutes of your time to listen to the whole thing and hear about John's fascinating journey in music. RIP John Neff
https://www.kboo.org/media/107170-john-neff-garage-rocker-motown-session-musician-maui-dj-recording-studio-guru-steely
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: RIP: Steely Dan Fan, Christine McVie
RIP, Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie. "I'm a big fan of Steely Dan…" as she stated in this list from a recent Rolling Stone interview.  If you subscribe to Rolling Stone, here's a link to the full article; but be aware that it is behind a pay wall. 
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/christine-mcvie-fleetwood-mac-interview-last-word-1367214/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: NEW! Noted Journalist Jake Malooley's "Expanding Dan"
Expanding Dan is a newsletter about Steely Dan, the musicians and artists on the Dan’s vast and varied musical tree, and the stories they have to tell. It includes original interviews, oral histories, audio stories, and more transmissions from the Danverse.
Jake Malooley is a journalist who has written about music, crime, sports, film, books, media, science, technology, and numerous other subjects for The New York Times, New York magazine, Rolling Stone, The Ringer, Wired, Esquire, ESPN, Bon Appétit, and The Guardian, among other publications. Jake is also a contributing features writer at Chicago magazine and before that he was editor in chief of the Chicago Reader. (For those not familiar, it's the Chicago answer to the Village Voice.)
Jake's 10,000 word, 50th anniversary oral history of Steely Dan was featured in the November 2022 issue of "Wax Poetics" magazine. While the print issue is apparently sold out, Jake made a number of contacts. developing an extensive network of those who have figured in Steely Dan history. As such interviews with the likes of Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Gary Katz, Elliot Scheiner, Denny Dias, Chuck Rainey, Bernard Purdie, Bernie Grundman, and so many more are featured, with more to come, including oral histories, audio stories, and celebrity fan stories.
Jake writes: "This is a world that you’re welcome to. As a paid subscriber, you’ll get every new edition of Expanding Dan sent directly to your inbox, access to the archives, plus invitations to special events such as subscribers-only talks with guests from the Danverse. I’m asking the Substack minimum: $5 per month ($60 annually). Every subscription directly supports the labor—hours of reporting, interviewing, transcribing, writing, and editing—required to bring you original journalism about the so-called Manson and Starkweather of rock ’n’ roll."
Here's a recent sample that Jake posted to our Dandom Facebook group:
Jim Keltner (drums): When we were doing “Josie,” they called me in to do overdubs at the Village, and asked me, “We want something odd on the bridge. Whaddya got?” So I went outside to the trunk of my car and grabbed a garbage can lid I had just gotten as a Christmas present from the drummer John Dentz, who pounded it flat, put a hole in the middle, and signed it. I hit it a couple of times, and they knew exactly how to use it to enhance the groove. And, frankly, Donald and Walter just liked that it was a garbage can lid. That was their type of off-the-wall thinking.
Continues... https://expandingdan.substack.com/p/steely-dan-oral-history-part-five
You can read all about it --and-- subscribe at https://expandingdan.substack.com/about
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Best of 2022: "Remember The Audio"
"Remember The Audio" from Don Breithaupt and Monkey House is a "Best of 2022" selection of discerning music critics and listeners world-wide.
A sure bet for any Steely Dan, here's the latest glowing review (of many) from Inside Musicast's Eddy Cabello who features it on his 2022 "Best of" list.
"If you’re already a fan of Monkey House and love their music, then this review won’t be news to your ears! Because you already know what this Canadian-based band is all about – hooky, vibey, jazzy, sultry, and sophisticated tunes that bleed coolness...On Remember the Audio, Breithaupt brings in reinforcements in the form of some of the greatest studio players in the music scene – guitarist Drew Zingg, singer Lucy Woodward, horn players Michael Leonhart and Randy Brecker and others who add musical frosting to the already-sublime album. Let me say that the collaborations are not cosmetic, they are purposefully injected Breithaupt's already wonderful arrangement, making the album an excellent listening experience for all.
CD ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes
STREAM
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/RTAPR
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Monkey House's Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed "Aja" Book
ALSO FROM DON BREITHAUPT of MONKEY HOUSE…
Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
Don Breithaupt talks "Aja" with the "Sound Logic" guys in Toronto. Don is, of course, a mastermind behind the music of Monkey House as well as an acclaimed expert on "Aja," most notably his 33-1/3 book on "Aja,"
The "Sound Logic" episode is over an hour long and available on numerous podcast and streaming platforms. Even seasoned Steely Dan fans will hear a few new things.
Here's the link: https://anchor.fm/soundlogic/episodes/63-Aja-by-Steely-Dan-with-our-Special-Guest--Don-Breithaupt-e1fauuu
Buy Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed 33 1/3 book, "Aja"
The definitive book...features conversations between Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen on Steely Dan's landmark album.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REMINDER: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums
The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your latest project, be it a mini-tour, guest appearances, new music release (your own or by others where you appear) workshops, etc.. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email JJMcKAY at me.com with your PR or other info when your release is approaching. Coverage of recent news from Steely Dan orchestra members (past and present) will resume in the next Dandom Digest. Thank you!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: 30 Years: Looking Ahead to 2023!
Will the Steely Dan Orchestra be touring in 2023? Only Donald's hairdresser knows for sure. However, there a few things Dandom has planned for our 30th year! So be sure to keep a look out for the Dandom Digest in your email box and also follow along at the Dandom Facebook page Twitter feed, and of course at the Bluebook. (See below for information on those channels.)
Of course, I welcome and look forward to your suggestions...just email me at JJMcKay@me.com
Here's to our 30 years together!
And Happy 2023--to those observing!
-------------------------------------------------------------
PRETZEL LOGIC*
"When the demon is at your door
In the morning it won't be there no more
Any major dude will tell you..."
---------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES:
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* TOO COMPLICATED? Alternatively, email jjmckay AT me.com to achieve similar results instead of what I described.
DISCLAIMER:
For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by, for and about 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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com, and other media outlets of Steely Dan and associates.
Our Standard U.S. Postal Service Mailing Address:
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FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION for things express mail, deliveries, and other items please text or email for an address with rapid response.
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Original portions of this Dandom Digest ©2022, ©2023 James J. McKay. All Rights Reserved.
Other portions copyrighted by the original author and presented under fair use.
*"Any Major Dude" lyrics by Becker/Fagen, ©1974, admin by Universal.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Becker
1950 - 2017
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END OF DIGEST
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Date: Wed, January 04, 2023, 22:08:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
For you Chord Sluts out there, and you know who you are, the amusing AI clips are a reminder how difficult it is to put it all together. songwriting, musicianship, arrangement, feel, performance, etc.
Like the game jenga, pull out a piece or two and the magic is gone...sure you can still sell millions of records.
Take this recording from Chicago XI. Without the genius talents of Terry Kath and Guercio we never hear THIS SOUND again. Also, Robert Lamm fell into a bad drug habit after Kath passed...which left us with Foster and Cetera songs...a bad habit.
https://youtu.be/kcm8FfaR52U
It's magnificent. Has a trombone ever sounded better? Effortless instrumentation over the complex but cool chord changes.
note: Hard Habit to Break is the best of the 80s lot. The horns made a jailbreak and the song was penned by outside pros...
Date: Wed, January 04, 2023, 21:35:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Part of me is glad that computers just don't get it. Other industries have already begun to automate much of their work load, so it's not entirely implausible that record labels would follow suit if they felt that they could make as much money from a computer algorithm as their staff of artists and producers.
Date: Wed, January 04, 2023, 19:47:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Don B: Fantastic story. What a legend.
Michael: Yeah that needs a tweak or two. lol
I notice that with each attempt that AI degenerates into a quivering mass of pyrotechnic jello...I enjoyed that more than I should have.
...Which probably mimics quite well the effect on the average musician trying to play a Steely Dan recording post Pretzel or Katy for the first time!
Date: Wed, January 04, 2023, 09:29:49 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto
Re Burt Bacharach:
Burt and my dad were pals at McGill University in Montreal in the late forties when Burt was doing his Bachelor of Music there. They used to play piano together, took a few road trips, etc. Whenever Burt was in Toronto when I was growing up, he and my dad would get together. Sometimes I wonder whether Burt's musical influence on me had something to do with the personal connection, but I think probably not: He was/is a giant, and I would have been affected by him regardless, much as I was in formative years by Laura Nyro, Jimmy Webb, Lennon/McCartney, Carole King et al.
Date: Tues, January 03, 2023, 16:28:25 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, as I recall Donald said during an interview that he had several new songs he had worked on which he was thinking of taking into the studio sometime late last year, but there's been no further updates. Hopefully something materializes from the ether.
I was watching videos about computer generated music which is still has a ways to go in development. Someone used this OpenAI program to generate three extended versions of Kind Spirit. You can hear how the program begins to break down the further on it goes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoC8UpgSZ_c
Another guy used the same program to produce a completely original SD-like song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WwB2S1p2a4
Others have used this program to generate original music in the style of The Beach Boys, The Beatles and so forth with downright bizarre results. This technology is still in its infancy so we'll have to wait and see how it develops.
Date: Mon, January 02, 2023, 17:55:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
The Ryusenki number has that New Frontier bop, but it's not the same song. I'm sure it's been influenced.
So, Toxic Vegan is blatant and cheeky about the SD/Fagen homage, even moreso than Monkey House without being a complete ripoff. There's a plethora of Easter Eggs, and inside jokes in the lyrics, figures, production, instrument choice of TV. It's a couple of producers/songwriters, who corralled a certain subset of musicians, having fun and not having to lay down what today's A&R people want this week/month/year.
I think that's the difference today, even more than musicianship, talent etc. There aren't many A&R people like Gary Katz operating in the music biz that work within record cos, willing to take chances, find talent for talent's sake, and protect them in their creative mode.
There's a lot of talent, mini studios among the DIY musician crowd that can still produce high quality stuff - YGSF is a perfect example.
I can't enough of Brazilian music, which is so enriched in the culture.
Any news about a next Fagen album? There was a quote in an interview about new material a year or two ago...maybe something is stirring during the touring hiatus due to COVID?
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 18:21:56 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I found out about this Brazilian band called Grupo Garage through Ed Motta. Wow, I am completely blown away. Jazzy, funky, groovy. They've got it going on, believe me. Here they are performing on a TV show called Os Musicos. Maybe some of you will recognize the bassist, Arthur Maia, as he played with Carlos Santana, Pat Metheney, George Benson, Djavan, and a slew of other artists. Actually, many of them went on to successful careers, although it's tragic that they never made an album together with this original stellar line-up.
Vamp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGI3XHuQSjY
Silabas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB5rSPEoffo
Ça va
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jWD2KSwnS8
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 17:32:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Makes sense. I don't think it's anything worth a legal pursuit. It would likely only serve to alienate Japanese fans of SD. On their debut album, Tokyo Sniper, Ryusenkei even emulate tracks from other Japanese artists such as Tatsuro Yamashita which no doubt listeners were savvy to.
Not sure how to feel about Rainy Parade by Uwansora. Whereas Ryusenkei more or less borrowed the arrangement from Glamour Profession (along with the bass intro from New Frontier) but then changed everything else about the composition, this song directly lifts the chords and even much of the melody from The Way I Feel by Adrian Gurvitz.
Uwanosora's newer songs are strong on their own merits without sounding like carbon copies of preexisting work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpt_d-WzMf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4jnFFYsCBI
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 16:50:34 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
D&W were pretty litigious re samples back in the day (obviously this is not a sample, more a facsimile). Makes you wonder if that track was ever brought to Donald's attention at the time. My preferred vesion of events is that if he did hear it then he just laughed heartily, appreciated the tribute and recognizing there was likely nothing much to be gained financially just thought 'fuckit, let it fly....'
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 16:10:25 ET
Posted by: Michael,
This sounds vaguely familiar. Can't quite put my finger on it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnSlp3aNxPw
Inspiration or plagiarism? You be the judge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy6FRpyg5dQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjMbRaXcHM
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 13:12:55 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Nice to see Burt Bacharach getting some love on the Blue.
About 7 or 8 years we got some comp tickets to see any show we wanted at The Usher Hall in Edinburgh (lovely venue btw). After much delibaration we plumped for Burt thinking well, he's a legend and we'll never get the chance to see him again. He fronted a crack full band with great singers and players, sitting out front at a baby grand, introducing the songs and telling stories including that of his first trip to Edinburgh some 50 years previously when he was the arranger for none other than Marlene Deitrich.
As you might expect the whole evening was a case of "ooh! didn't know he wrote that one/oooh! forgot he wrote that one" etc etc. He came on to a medley of greatest hits including 'Walk on By' and 'Say a little prayer' and even did 'Magic Moments' aka 'that wasn't my thumb that tickled your bum, that was my finger'
My wife swears it was the best concert, possibly even the best night out she's ever had. Burt himself was a great storyteller, very charismatic, dressed in black suit, open neck shirt and white trainers. The audience had the oldest demographic of any gig I've been to and the show was actually delayed due to someone having a heart attack.
I was however probably the only person in the audience who looked at Burt in a slightly different way having just read Paul Anka's biography where he describes Burt in the mid 1960's driving down Sunset Blvd in a convertible no less, whilst being fellated by none other than Angie Dickinson. No wonder he still looked pretty pleased with himself!
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 12:50:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
From the Steely/Fagen "dark period" where only a handful of tracks and penned songs recorded by other artists appeared...
There is a HQ video version of Century's End released from the vault.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak2-CU1cKRE
Fagen didn't want NIL nor a video clip from the movie Bright Lights Big City in the video...
The Fagen song that Diana Ross recorded is in a deep Bacharach vein on Love Will Make it Right:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIsD9C7Rk6c
Despite the 80s production it stands up really well. That transition to the chorus is Gold! I imagine the aborted Fagen follow-up to The Nightfly would have include a bevy of songs *like* this and Big Noise New York. Songs about complex and losing/lost relationships.
The vamp on Love Will Make it Right appears to have been lifted by theme from ER (0:12 ). Check it out. Royalties?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjCnHJ8wIuM
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 07:24:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Happy New Year to Hoops and everyone on the Blue.
Toxic Vegan are pretty solid. I'm not crazy about how blatantly they're trying to emulate Steely Dan but better that than another throwaway rock, hip-hop or rap album atop the landfill of disposable trash.
Here's a new one from Lindsey Webster to start your 2023 off right.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdVsb0_wqLM
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 02:50:00 ET
Posted by: Phyllis,
Toxic Vegan sucks dick.
At least they got the "toxic" part right.
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 02:48:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Happy New Year all!
If your wondering why Toxic Vegan has that audio crack thing going - here are the illuminaries that were part of this boutique project of Dillon O'Brian and Steve Lindsey
Dillon O'Brian, Steve Lindsey, Dean Parks, Freddie Washington, Alex Acuña, John Beasley, Dan Higgins, Chuck Findley, Bernie Dressel, Jim Cox
Michael - I'm pretty aware of Bacharach's vast discography. I think most here are. Lots of great stuff to mine!
Date: Sun, January 01, 2023, 00:46:28 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Live in Lexington
Happy New Year to you Dan Fans and your respective Crews!
Let’s Nice it Up, Realize we’re Enough, and help Lift One Another in 2023!
Thank you Hoops, and here’s to a year with more Steely Dan, and less TicketBastard!
Date: Sat, December 31, 2022, 16:27:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc Mu, Bacharach has composed plenty of great songs including those you posted. Here are a couple more for good measure.
Something Big
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y5OhmoAKdo
Nikki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FIfYOL19_Y
Burt also worked on Stronger Than Before, performed by Chaka Khan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmjVNwDGzKM
mu chords are just inverted 9th chords. Chord extensions aren't exactly a novelty. Well, maybe for those who listen to a steady diet of mainstream music they are.
As you said, it comes down to taste. I love hearing unexpected chord changes, rhythmic surprises, stuff like that. Since you're big on harmony, you'd probably love Brazilian music. Let's just say they're big on harmony.
Gonzaguina - Recado
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v_G0Mwtwwo
Gonzaguinha - A Fabrica de Sonhos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzjwlFqpzYk
Chico Buarque - Bye Bye Brasil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ydneQxq924
Gal Costa - Luz do Sol (live cover of a Caetano Veloso song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o21sOHuzn1Q
Date: Sat, December 31, 2022, 13:54:48 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Toxic Vegan - it's been posted before, but the first track on My Fabulous Life Sexual Politics is an uncanny Aja/Gaucho hybrid, no coincidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-20THjkJCE&t=971s
Michael - It's ironic that you picked What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love. One of my least favorite Bacharach songs - only the bridge is compelling for me, and it is fabulous.
Take the rich melodies from Miles Davis' favorite Bacharach track: Alfie. Here's a live recording, whether the focus is on the melody with accompaniment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoNtj27a6Rk
The iconic Walk on By:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fGgxMO15sE
or from the 80s with (sweet) production and vocals from the often overlooked young genius of El DeBarge. the melody rings true:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMqpN8eMEgQ
It comes down to personal taste on melodies and chord structures. Jazz and R&B chords structures can lead to more interesting outcomes - for me.
Take a band that of stripped things down often to power chords: The Who.
Substitute - alluded to in my last post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eswQl-hcvU0
Or the almost childlike brilliance of I Can't Reach You melody. Genius altered blues construction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8ZuRuZNIQo
...and Townshend sneaks in SD mu chord add9s! during
See, feel or hear from you
The Moody Blues used sophisticated arrangements and production, but the melodies were often simple. Take two tracks that didn't even make their arguably most complete album: In Search of the Lost Chord. They are a reminder that melodies are far more than a series of notes. Rhythm, spacing, phrasing, and dynamics are all part of the musical message.
A Simple Game (Mike Pinder) I like Hayward's vocal mix better because of his ability to convey emotion is next level, like Fagen's ability to convey attitude.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4WP84KIong
What Am I Doing Here (Justin Hayward - should have replace Om) Next level melody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swuNBBGWz6k
Date: Fri, December 30, 2022, 20:53:17 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Chi
Regarding the SACD releases: If I recall correctly, the SACD are coming out in January or February. The source was a YouTube video regarding the UHQR releases.
m.e.
Date: Fri, December 30, 2022, 19:26:14 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions) , Philadelphia
I apologize if this has already been asked but I’m wondering why the SACD version of the Bernie Grundman “Can’t Buy a Thrill” remaster isn’t available to order yet on the website. Does anyone know? I figured it would be available when the vinyl became available which has been a few months now.
Date: Thurs, December 29, 2022, 15:32:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Check out this track Spiral by The Crusaders. It features three phenomenal solos, including one by Larry Carlton. This was filmed live in Montreux circa 1976, right around the same time as The Royal Scam. Satisfaction guaranteed.
https://youtu.be/DgOogZqq0NA?t=1146
Next up we have The Vince Guaraldi Trio with Bola Sete at Ralph Gleason's Jazz Casual performing Outra Vez. For your listening pleasure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEmhPs0RAek
Finally, we have Jun Fukamachi & The New York All Stars performing Jack The Knife live. This band features Steve Khan, the Brecker brothers, David Sanborn, Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, Mike Mainieri, and Richard Tee. Superb performances from all involved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7LMyT3k-uA
Date: Tues, December 27, 2022, 13:37:31 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Take any pop song's chord structure, eliminate everything except for the root and note which defines the chord quality (slash chords can include root+3rd) and it should still work. This usually omits the 5th and extensions, simplifying the harmonic structure to show how the basic framework of a song works. I like to use this method because it allows me to better understand why certain chord voicings add texture to a piece.
Melody is the heart and soul of music. Understanding its relationship with the chord structure, rising and falling, adding and releasing tension as it goes, and rhythmic interplay, is fundamental to good songwriting. Doesn't matter how intricate the rest of a song may be. If the melody isn't strong, if it doesn't hold people's interest, if it lacks character or comes across as too random or dissonant then the song won't turn out good. Likewise, if it's too generic then it runs the risk of becoming monotonous. When you listen to Burt Bacharach's 'What the World Needs Now is Love', every note serves its purpose.
Date: Tues, December 27, 2022, 12:21:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
That's why Pete Townshend "invented" those stacked power chords. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eswQl-hcvU0
...and injected Steely Dan-like snark into their songs years before CBAT, while other bands and artists sang about "cars and girls."
Date: Tues, December 27, 2022, 09:13:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Deacon Blues may be somewhat complex under the hood but not so much that a tin ear cannot make sense of it.
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 23:23:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Steve: haha
Right - where are the Paddy McAloons and Fagens of the day?
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 23:15:55 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael: You misunderstand. The mainstream period is a low bar, not YGSF.
That's the point. Platts takes pride on crafting a compelling song, while Shawn Lee is a production and engineering ace. They also use chord changes in the McDoobie/Steely playbook.
Adele's Chasing Pavements is simple, but well construction with a key change and massive hook.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08DjMT-qR9g
Neil Finn has written a couple of dozen classics, but only mainstream outside the US (Britain, Australia, etc.)
Many of his better songs (ex. Better Be Home Soon, Don't Dream it's Over) are relatively simple, but well constructed.
Pineapple Head is more deceptively complex, yet sounds simple with ear candy Beatles and Steely Dan chords (add9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbfeG1Kl9kg
Andy Platts, even on an EP of throwaways from Mamas Gun without the Lee level engineering is driven to write a gem with snappy syncopation, a semi-rap sung verse, modulation than glorious double time second line chorus on Saint Maria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHlt3PjGdYM
What I hear is care coupled with inspiration in song writing. Very rare today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ7opwG7OdU
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 23:07:37 ET
Posted by: Steve,
Like everyone else, I also want to chime in to express how open minded I am about music, my impeccable taste, and how most people don't understand me and my taste.
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 22:49:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc Mu, YGSF aren't a low bar for quality, just the opposite. That music of such high quality doesn't get airplay is a travesty. What can be said? Those manning the levers of what gets promoted in mainstream America want the bar set as low as possible because then it makes their jobs easier. All they need to do is hire their stable of mundane songwriters to produce drivel, then pay click farms to generate fake views to complete the illusion.
YGSF's latest album has that special spark. It's not a poor man's Steely Dan-wannabe or something, it's just superb music through and through.
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 18:48:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
I was thinking about composition. Robert Lamm finally kicked the drug habit a decade ago and (co)wrote a couple of good songs for Now (2014). It's not his heyday 1970s compositions, but not bad.
...and they unchained the horn section. These were recorded in a portable studio on the road, so the production and engineering are a shade below what they could be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWKx4MdOvdc
Arabian - rock - jazz fusion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF214bdw-os
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 18:35:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Yeah - Samuel Purdie has been around for awhile. Solid acid jazz guy like Bluey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1VCjs_Ns5c
Co-wrote a song with Don B.:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjAzBRREgN8
Set up a channel on Apple music or Spotify on interwebz radio to net artists who still have chops.
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 18:17:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael, I guess. In the end it comes down to composition. Taste varies, but I would agree in the last 15 year there has been a significant decline in mainstream compositions. Not that Fagen or Becker (read their line notes) didn't claim the same problem in the 70s, 80s, 90s.
I think our links point to similar conclusions - a lot of the better stuff that gets any views or airplay is in East Asia or Europe.
It's not a coincidence that Andy Platts has written 3 Top 5 K-pop hits, and IMO is one of the best songwriters in the past 15 years (low bar?). I'd like to see Platts push the envelope a little more (likely early Mamas Gun) on YGSF (they started to on the latest one). Let's be honest - Silk Sonic and Platts are using a lot of the same chords and progressions. Platt's compositions IMO have more permanence, but it's simply taste.
Benny Sings songs are snappy and have a Drake like quality (ex. passionfruit cover and original) - cuts both ways. He uses some interesting chord changes.
Sunny afternoon has some nice chord changes that are interesting enough to hold my attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDcyUj9hSU4&list=RDEMF2Rfcbc6-NefVaq3GS7SBg&index=9
It reminds me of Tom Misch's stuff with crisper production and the Doobie/Steely thing
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 17:31:25 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, point being that I don't hear this kind of quality within the mainstream, only that they are modern tracks of high-quality which I've had to dig for over the years. There's plenty more great stuff out there too if you know where to look.
I don't claim that such-and-such artists have no talent, just that they haven't composed any songs which I would consider to be classics. During the 1960s, 70s and 80s (and even some of the 90s) there was plenty of quality music on offer, but then something drastic happened. Right around 2000 mainstream music began a downward spiral. Perhaps this phenomenon can be traced in part to 9/11 which had a profound effect upon American culture, but I don't know for certain what did it.
What makes Benny Sings work is simplicity itself. Tim van Berkestijn writes music in a peculiar but impressively familiar way, juxtaposing breezy melodies over clever, bouncy chord changes reminiscent of early Michael McDonald. A throwback in many ways with modern sleekness. You can always tell when you're listening to the work of an educated ear because good taste is difficult to disguise.
Avid lovers of older artists are gonna have to realize at some point and realize that the future doesn't belong to their heroes, that there has emerged a new generation of artists who are in many ways more talented than they ever were. What really sealed the deal was how many of the boomer generation of artists folded like a cheap suit to the establishment after they got older, their rebellious spirit nothing more than an empty facade, and ultimately became products of the same system they pretended to rebel against.
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 16:12:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael,
Sure - none of it is Stevie Wonder...but then most mainstream A&M predigested tracks today play the same chord inversions.
Agree to disagree in Eilish and Adele. Both have talent, although Eilish can be more jazzy and interesting. The chord progressions aren't up there with EWF, but the Silk Sonic project is solid.
Some good picks on your list - but none mainstream.
Benny looks like Simply Red's Mick Hucknall after a REALLY bad weekend in Vegas. It has a Japanese vibe groove emulating TOOM and one of the few time I think autotune is used effectively. It's got a bit of the McDoobie vibe. Nice, although it gets repetitive.
That reminds me - it's outside the 10 year window, but when Simply Red hits its R&B and jazzy roots hard like on the underrated Stay (2007), they are great.
Lady written with Jools Holland, Money TV, nice Cover of Debris, Little Englander, Oh What a Girl are sold.
Death of the Cool is snarky and steely enough for me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltWL6huVejc
Hucknall is at the peak of his vocal ability. A taste of Little Feat blues here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijs57NecbG0
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 07:03:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Hi Philippe, that Kirinji song you mentioned is called Ieji (The Way Home) from their album 7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gx7bY9u8s8
Original front man Yasuyuki Horigome left the group back around 2013 to pursue his solo career while his elder brother Takaki has taken the lead since then. Incidentally, on the newest album, Crepuscular, there's a single titled Hakumei (Twilight) featuring French singer Maika Loubté.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzGaTj0LdeM
Geyster, aka Gael Benyamin, has produced some great songs with a throwback feel like Shuda, Television and Not An Ordinary Girl (feat. Ed Motta). I've been listening to his work for years. Ed Motta is good, too. He's a big Steely Dan aficionado.
I really love French singer Laetitia Sadier's voice. For those who don't know, she was the lead singer of avant-garde electro-pop group Stereolab, my favorite track of theirs being Fluorescences. Pay close attention to the instrumentation during the chorus and you can hear how each part is being doubled by her voice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU8d8amlUbE
Laetitia has also collaborated with Italian chamber pop artist Giorgio Tuma. Have a listen to the exquisite Anna, My Dear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heMRdatviIc
One more great French band which has flown under the radar is Orwell. Here are two of my favorite tracks of theirs.
Orwell - I Need an End
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27N05OwTmYI
Orwell - In Your Playground
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xou6DZZGsQ
Date: Mon, December 26, 2022, 04:59:20 ET
Posted by: Philippe, Pau, France
Hi Michael, your listening suggestions are always good so I will check the few ones I don't know in your list. That Kirinji song with the trombone intro you sent me years ago is a gem and I still come back to it often, same for Josh Rouse, The bird and the bee and a few others.
Glad to see you dig Geyster, the guy is brillant but he still does his promo by himself so he needs people like you and me to spread the word.
As always sorry for my basic english.
Hoops and the others happy Christmas holidays , hoping you are all ok with those crazy weather conditions.
Take care
Philippe
Date: Sun, December 25, 2022, 22:02:43 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Enjoying some Christmas Cheer
To be precise, the Christmas Cheer I'm presently enjoying, is some delectable Mexican happy-juice poured from a long-held/sentimentally-valued bottle of Don Julio Anejo...poured into a treasured "Steely Dan - Beacon Theatre 2015" glass - an etched tumbler gifted to me in NYC some years ago by the one & only Don Patrol!
Happy Christmas & Merry New Year to everybody here.
M/O/D/P
Date: Sun, December 25, 2022, 20:02:47 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Happy Holidays to the Greater Dandom!!
And all the best to you Hoops!
Peace (on earth)!
Date: Sun, December 25, 2022, 03:19:08 ET
Posted by: Hoops, Chicago
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Date: Sat, December 24, 2022, 09:07:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,
A playlist of songs written over the past decade which I think are top-quality.
Benny Sings - Nobody's Fault
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S80WMy6tno4
Fitness Forever - Laura
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSEWuappFL4
Geyster - 1980
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrZGwyC0Lqw
Ginger Root - Holy Hell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbYRJ-05Slw
Kaidi Tatham - It's a World Before You (feat. Dego)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX2wtAo5KMs
Kero Kero Bonito - 21/04/20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBBtYirVN_Y
Powder Blue Tux - Mayfair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrgHYuaZwus
State Cows - Hold On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90KQKCPWQ64
The Bird and The Bee - You and I at Christmas Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIuWGdsXXgY
--Special Focus : Japan--
Kaede - Jupiter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-niciPpjoY
Kirinji - Rainy Runaway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfq4xEANM2E
Lamp - 1998
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl9Cb063TmI
Masayuki Suzuki - Scramble Kousaten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afY0vpkl5po
Orangeade - Never Let Me Go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpD-ovQmNVs
Original Love - Zeroset
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tJf0fJNRLg
Uwanosora - Photographer in Zero Gravity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4jnFFYsCBI
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everybody.
Date: Fri, December 23, 2022, 12:02:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Disclaimer: Mama's Gun aren't considered a mainstream act.
Doc Mu, I'm sorry but none of those other tracks are going to hold up under scrutiny. That first Bruno Mars track is pretty solid, but producing a good soul-funk track isn't all that difficult. Besides, the actual songwriting behind the sheen of its modern production values isn't all that spectacular. It's good to be sure but not on par with Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson's output. Had this come out back in the day, it would've been lost in the mix among a myriad of better offerings.
Date: Fri, December 23, 2022, 11:34:48 ET
Posted by: Mock Turtle,
Hasn't music been getting steadily simpler for over a hundred years? I don't know whether more complex is inherently better. I don't listen to much new popular music but am self-aware enough to realize that it's part of the human condition to think that the younger generations' music is garbage.
I think it doesn't much matter what's popular anymore, since media has become so fragmented that there are rich niches of music for every taste, instantly accessible. 20-year-old me would have loved Apple Music.
Date: Fri, December 23, 2022, 02:46:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Ted Baker? REally? That's a huge loss. dammit.
Overall, Michael I am completely on board with your rant...especially, YGSF as expert snipers at that fusion jazz/R&B/pop writing.
For every million Taylor Swift songs that sounds the same (Rick Beato has identified the 4-5 chords used over and over and over in today's A&R musik market...there is the occasional needle in the haystack.
Major artists? Last decade? hmmmm...you may not agree with these, but besides Bluey's Sky (he's major in Britain) there is...
The Silk Sonic album has Leave the Door Open and a number of solid cutseys, but I like the Bootsey driven Blast Off - technically released as a single. Anderson .Paak last back those drums in the groove a la Purdie without the shuffle. Some nice EWF chord progressions and a Stevie Wonder figure in the transition to the chorus.
https://youtu.be/zJkr7T4KUIY
Pushing the envelope, but I like Grenade a lot from the Bruno Mars half of Silk...he's put in the hours to hone his craft.
https://youtu.be/SR6iYWJxHqs
H.E.R - not a lot of chords, but she's chosen some good jazzy ones on Best Part:
https://youtu.be/vBy7FaapGRo
Billie Eilish - My Future. She's wired differently and is no Taylor Swift porridge sausage maker. Her songs are interesting, often weird (and weird can be good)...and occasionally magical. My (her) Future:
https://youtu.be/Dm9Zf1WYQ_A
Adele - she's got diva and talent. She's a very good singer, but i ofter prefer to hear someone else cover her songs, including those singing contest shows, even though you know a country artist with a mediocre voice and a nasal twang (and coached by Blake) will somehow win. There's always Rolling in the Deep and Chasing Pavements.
When We were Young is decent enough, even though ironically it's kind of country for an R&B/pop Brit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rmLFGzlYU8
So, we'll try Portugal Voice instead:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm_VHTvpl_s&t=115s
Sia has written some good songs - Titatium, for example. Get Lucky - Daft Punk is fine.
I'll cheat a little by selecting songs from Andy Platt's other band Mamas Gun and three songs from the excellent Golden Years album:
London Girls:
https://youtu.be/tKq4SXlKwEU
This is the Day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1JiTkufJgY
I Need a Win:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMHVymC9x5c
Shawn Lee (other half of YGSF) served as the recording engineer. Saving the best for last!
I'd nominate Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" but it speaks for itself.
Date: Wed, December 21, 2022, 07:25:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,
M/O/D/P, you presented a textbook example of what's wrong with current mainstream music. Just one more reason why I avoid it like the plague insofar as possible.
Artists such as YGSF are a breath of fresh air in the smog-covered cesspool that is today's mainstream. They're not beholden to any major label and it only takes one listen to realize how vastly superior their music is, like night and day. I'm confident that on her best day Cardi B couldn't write a song as good as Rolling Back or Sierra Nights. Neither could major label teams of songwriters.
"The point here is, "Why be clever & sly & cryptic", when your target audience has a collective IQ significantly below room temperature? The answer is, of course, you simply don't do that. You pander."
They pander to the lowest common denominator, having successfully dumbed down their audience for decades. Droning beats, monotonous chords, insipid lyrics. It's disposable junk.
Here's a challenge: can anyone name a song composed by a mainstream artist from the past decade which will be regarded as a classic down the road? I can't think of a single one.
Date: Tues, December 20, 2022, 22:35:38 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Where did all the great lyricists go?
Michael - Recently, as I dutifully paid for my fuel purchase at a local "Circle K" - a fairly recent corporate infection in these Northern Parts - I was assailed with P/A music that could only, by any reasonable standard, be considered offensive/crude/vulgar/hopelessly-degraded. It wasn't just the mechanical/synthetic/auto-tuned production - the "lyrics" - if you could call them that - were things that would have made even Lenny Bruce blush. Right there in the gas station/variety store. In a small Canadian town. In 2022.
I had no idea what I was hearing at the time, but I remembered enough of the feculence-inflected words to be able to find out what it was I'd heard.
Turns out it was something called "Cardi B". In the song - if you could call it that - the "artist" (I use the term really, really loosely here) yaps her filthy heart out about her genitals, what she does with her genitals, what she expects other folks to do with her genitals, and other such high-brow subjects - all very, VERY explicitly "explained". I'd post the song's official lyrics here, but shit, even I have some semblance of decency. If anyone's interested in following this up, just enter "Cardi B" into your preferred search engine. Heads-up - you may want to seek "discreet" medical attention right after you do your "goggle" search. Can't be too careful, and so on.
The point here is, "Why be clever & sly & cryptic", when your target audience has a collective IQ significantly below room temperature? The answer is, of course, you simply don't do that. You pander.
And it's not like I've hand-picked some obscure performer to illustrate the point. I hadn't previously realized that this "artist" (once again with the term being used rather loosely) was/is a claimed favorite of the current US President. He even said so in a YooToob video that has, like, one hundred billion views.
Hey everybody!! Remember when Don & Walt cleverly inserted the word "fuck" into a potential hit single? Wasn't that subversive of them??
Well...it was...at the time.
Now, in 2022, the hypersexualized ravings of a filthy, useless record industry construct have far surpassed anything our guys could even imagine - or would even have imagined.
Looks to me like what once would have been considered gutter-level at best has become OK - accepted as part of modern culture - in which case, carry on. As you were, so to speak.
In other words...The Worst Is Yet To Come.
M/O/D/P
PS - "But, but...how could it get any worse?"
PPS - How the hell should I know? But, really, it never, ever, gets "better" does it?
Date: Tues, December 20, 2022, 19:22:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Finding appropriate lyrics for a song is equally as crucial as composing a great melody, at least in my opinion.
An excerpt from an interview Sylvie Simmons of Sounds Magazine had with D&W back in 1977.
Fagen - "When you read a novel in which there are no rough spots for the characters to get over, if everybody did The Hustle from the first page to the last, it wouldn’t be much of a novel. It wouldn’t enlighten you in any way."
http://steelydanreader.com/1977/10/22/steely-dan-dare-to-give-a-more-open-than-usual-interview/
I can't even recall what the last good mainstream song with interesting lyrics was, it's been such a long while. Granted, there are some artists flying under the radar who get the job done well, but where did all the great lyricists go?
Date: Tues, December 20, 2022, 17:57:01 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, CO
Ambrosia. Really liked this band before they became a long haired version of Air Supply. Talk about turning into yacht rock….but their first three albums were really good with excellent musicianship and vocals led by David Pack. I remember seeing them play at Disneyland when I was a kid and other SoCal OC places later like UC Irvine and clubs which no longer exist.
They are still playing minus Pack. I was just looking at the YouTube to see what Pack was doing. First I see a 1970s peak Ambrosia performance and was reminded what a solid writer, lead guitarist, and vocalist David Pack was. I also remember the girls going nuts for him. All older and more refined than my pimply teen self but man were they hot. By the time of Pack’s cheesy ballads like How Much I Feel and Biggest Part of Me, I had left the station.
So next on YouTube I see an older, somewhat bloated (compared to his younger self) Pack doing Biggest Part of Me. He yields his opening guitar solo to wait…is that Larry Carlton…yes and then Pack signals him with his had to continue the opening lick. Carlton, the pro he is, had wrapped the opening lick with perfect timing but was able to extend it a bit for the pure enjoyment of Pack. He did all Pack’s solos in that song and made it very enjoyable. Can’t believe I said that because I hate the song. The video is from 2011. Of course Larry Carlton can play anything but he’s even great at Muzak. I love that Spinner’s song which he makes into great Muzak easy listening air candy. It’s like his natural element. If he wasn’t roped into doing Kid Charlemagne by the Dan boys, would we have ever heard that jazz rock edge dangerous side of him?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60eqU0V0jTI
Date: Sun, December 18, 2022, 16:58:28 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Who could forget that on July 13, 2000, Ted Baker won the First (and only?) Bunsen Prize?
https://sdarchive.com/bunsen.html
Date: Sun, December 18, 2022, 14:11:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Hoops,
While I don't use Facebook, Twitter and the like, I will click on a link to a post on occasion. I just don't have an account. So there's a lot I can't see/do on the social media sites. But if you have a twitter link, please send it along. If I can't access it, too bad for me.
Date: Sun, December 18, 2022, 10:35:12 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Dean:
I've seen about a dozen tribute posts to social media outlets for musicians, who have worked with Ted, including one from Michael Leonhart. I know and respect most here don't want to use the likes of Facebook, Twitter, etc. – however, that's where I'm seeing all the discussion and tributes. I'll try to find one or two of the comments that are text only. The rest of our mainly photos etc.
Date: Sun, December 18, 2022, 10:16:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Pete,
Baker has died? Oh no. A HUGE loss. I don't see anything on the Intertubes, so you must have first hand knowledge. Horrible news.
RIP Ted Baker
Date: Sat, December 17, 2022, 20:57:02 ET
Posted by: Pete,
R.I.P., Ted Baker. :-(
Date: Fri, December 16, 2022, 19:26:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,
M/O/D/P, thanks for yet another erudite post, as yours tend to be.
For clarity's sake, I don't dislike Hendrix -- far from it. His contribution to electric guitar was undeniably significant, but I don't view his work as revelatory or genius as others seem to make it out to be. Too many people throw around lofty terminology with reckless abandon.
Journey and Foreigner ...now there's a tag team of sonic torture if ever there was one.
Admittedly, most of the discontentment I see from younger generations toward *boomer music* is through the internet, so take that as you will. The dismissive "OK boomer" phrase is all over the internet these days, the implication being that baby boomers are too old-fashioned and irrelevant, much as the latter tends to be dismissive of the former, exalting their music as the epitome of artistic achievement.
Looking back at the whole psychadelic movement there was certainly no lack of dismissive attitudes toward the older generation, what with slogans like "Don't trust anyone over 30." It must be a generational thing to rebel against the status quo.
One thing I find intriguing is that there's been a growing number of younger listeners discovering older artists, listening to deeper cuts in reaction videos or finding out about such-and-such through streaming service recommendations.
Much like you, M/O/P/D, I am receptive to all types of music across generations because art should be valued objectively for what it is, not which generation made it. Music is probably the closest thing we have to a time traveling machine, right alongside video and photography. Although I had heard Steely Dan frequently when I was young, I didn't really delve into their catalog until my mid-teens when through repeated listening it clicked into place. I began to really appreciate the intricacy of the compositions and arrangements, the monster chops and tasteful licks. The sterling production quality is just the icing on the delicious cake.
Just for the heck of it, here are some artists I enjoy, spanning generations, genres and countries.
Guthrie Govan, Syd Dale, Anita Baker, Jean-Luc Ponty, Benny Sings, Michael Franks, Koichi Sugiyama, Djavan, Ed Motta, Banda Black Rio, Mayer Hawthorne, Chicago, Donny Benet, Juan Luis Guerra, State Cows, Hall & Oates, Casiopea, YMO, Andres Segovia, Elvis Presley, Gal Costa, Bix Beiderbecke, Lindsey Webster, Ole Börud
Date: Fri, December 16, 2022, 08:41:37 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
M/O/D/P, send lawyers, guns, and money, the shit has hit the fan.
Date: Thurs, December 15, 2022, 21:43:21 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, My "pernultimate"post here
So...somebody - wait, not just "somebody"...a respected long-time contributor here - writes a concise, intelligent & thought-provoking post about what's going on in today's music culture & today's society vis-a-vis music consumption/perception...and the first (and only, so far) response is a picayune attempt at word-choice correction??
As an antidote to what we might call "internet stupid", I've taken it upon myself to reply to Michael's post directly...although, obviously now, factoring in the heckling.
For the record - because we all still like to listen to "records", don't we? - the word "penultimate" with respect to a guy like Hendrix could actually have been just OK, as a word choice, in context. Lots of people I know do in fact [still] consider Jimi to be the second-best rock guitarist of all time. Lots of people I know would [still] put him as number one...but, curiously, I know quite a few people who wouldn't even put him in the Top Ten. Opinions are like...well, you know...
But I'm pretty sure the point of Michael's post wasn't about "Hendrix". Of course, I could be wrong.
For what it's worth, as a reader here, I did appreciate the crack about "Boston". That made me chuckle. Me? I probably would have chosen "Journey" or "Asia" or "Starship" or even "Foreigner" as the object of across-the-board derision. But Michael picked "Boston". I'm not saying he was incorrect.
What I get from the younger people I currently interact with isn't so much the outright resentment Michael describes, it's more like a complete disconnect. "Who?" The music that so-called "boomers" [still] stick with - the so-called "Classic Rock" stuff - just doesn't click with the kids who've been suckled on a modern-era technological teat. Video games, hyper-realistic Netflix shit, "music" created without the need for "musicians"...and so on. I mean, who needs guitars when you can just sample that sound? Who needs an orchestra when you can steal something an "orchestra" has already recorded?? I'm [no longer] amazed at the lack of historical knowledge I see when it comes to What Came Before You Were Born.
And the resistance of so-called "boomers" to the dreaded "new material" is well-documented here and elsewhere. I've been posting about that shit here since The Year Of The Small Potato. Remember the SD shows where Green Book was nothing but a fucking pee break? I do. I wuz there. The audience was full of "boomers" with their new-material-resistant hats fully intact. They wore those hats to protect temselves from the dreaded "new material". Clueless fucks.
When I was a kid, my Dad played a lot of Ellington and Glenn Miller, stuff like that. I didn't get it - it was "old man music" to me. He also didn't "get" my "Steely Dan" or my "Pink Floyd" or my "Warren Zevon" - or whatever other current stuff I was listening to at the time. Funny thing is, he ended up asking me for some Steve Howe orchestral/guitar recordings and copies of both "Aja" and "Gaucho", because he actually liked the music - not for the memories, but for the sounds. That was cool, for me. Nowadays, I'm as inclined to listen to The Mills Brothers or Artie Shaw or The King Of All Sir Duke as I am to sit down to a run-through of YGSF's latest brilliant offering...
M/O/D/P
PS - For those who keep track of such things, this post has been heavily edited to remove any profane language. I originally wrote this when I was agitated - obviously - then I went back and proof-read the fucker to ensure that (a) no feelings could be hurt by what I wrote and (b) no profanities from the original draft remained.
Date: Sat, December 10, 2022, 19:09:43 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Sorry, I should've wrote ultimate.
Date: Sat, December 10, 2022, 15:37:19 ET
Posted by: Carl, Jr.
What does it mean to be the penultimate guitarist?
Date: Fri, December 09, 2022, 10:25:24 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I've noticed an interesting trend among independent musicians. More and more they are digging into genres of music which were mostly overlooked by the mainstream, resulting in an amalgamation of strange but sometimes wonderful sounds which are refined until it becomes their own thing. You can hear swathes of '70s soul combined with AOR in YGSF's music, for instance, yet they retain a unique sound distinguishable from other artists.
Concurrent with these developments, it seems that there's a somewhat hostile reaction among younger listeners toward anything considered to be boomer music including The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane, Boston (I can understand that), The Grateful Dead, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and so forth. Reason being Gen Z blame the boomers' decadence and reckless financial policies for current economic hardships. Conversely, the boomer generation has a strong tendency to gravitate toward their favorite classic rock stations and obstinately reject new music as inferior.
One major point of contention I have with the boomers is this hero worship they engage in of aging artists like McCartney, what with endless retro tours and retrospectives deifying them, which is stifling to artistic progress. No, I don't believe that The Beatles were the greatest thing to happen to pop music over the past century, just like I don't believe Hendrix was the penultimate guitarist -- far from it. Steely Dan is one of a small handful of artists who even back during their formative years were widely disregarded by the mainstream, only to experience a resurgence in popularity after the fact. A similar phenomenon occurred with Bach who didn't become world renown until the Bach revival long after his passing. Make of that what you will.
Although I will always love SD's music, there's more than enough space in my life for new music as well. I refuse to be so narrow-minded as to reject music out of spite for a generation. Good music is good no matter where it comes from. That about sums it up.
Date: Wed, December 07, 2022, 10:44:37 ET
Posted by: Mike, W of Hollywd
Has anyone else noticed a little bit of distortion or even had a skipping problem at the beginning of the new 33 1/3 edition of Can't Buy A Thrill. I've had this problem. I noticed on Amazon several other people wrote in the reviews section that they had the same problem or something similar. Others commented they were perfectly satisfied.
Cheers.
Date: Wed, December 07, 2022, 02:23:09 ET
Posted by: SS, HK
City Pop is ok - tbh, I haven’t gone that deep.
I’ve listened to more Shibuya-kei, Pizzicato Five in particular. Konishi is a serious talent.
Check out The Sound of Music album from I think 1995.
Date: Wed, November 30, 2022, 18:38:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, I hadn't thought about the commonality between Rodney's track and True Companion. Now that you mention it, that reminds me of Fagen & Becker's Canadian Star, recorded by Dr. Strut. Truly a hidden gem from their oeuvre more people should know about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=259Q2AJ24Rg
As I'm sure you know, The Tubes also recorded a song titled Prime Time on their album 'Remote Control', produced by Todd Rundgren.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Teg1EpDvj74
State Cows released a new track several days ago called Streets of Stockholm which has an early '80s Toto feel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlRvrjD4210
Date: Wed, November 30, 2022, 12:40:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Steve M,
haha Lazy Night is everything one would expect in a Japanese Fagen fusion obsessed artist. J-pop has had the same affinity for Fagen Fusion that Fagen had for Far East mystique for decades. Nearly blatant use of the rhythm/bounce of New Frontier with some Nightfly title track chord progressions and Carltonesque guitar licks. What's not to like?
Michael - I recognize the Rodney Franklin track. Thanks for posting it. The keyboard stylings remind me of Fagen's Tru Companion. A fine fusion piece.
Yes - the YGSF album is their best yet. More organic. More sophisticated, yet even cleaner and more consistent. The songwriting and production are next level. Golden Years and AM Waves had been my 2 favorite Platts albums, but Ticket to Shangri-La is now the winner for me. I'm not sure it's better than the Silk Sonic album, but has more staying power for me. Silk Sonic is just a bit too winky/cutsey for a lot of repeated listens. Like a classic SD album, the New One gets better with each listen.
OK, we're baaaaaaaack for another episode of Mu (major) chords in unusual or unexpected place. This one may not surprise a few afficionados. I'm sure all heard are familiar with Alan Parson's (Project) work as an engineer and producer (Dark Side of the Moon) and the APP in collaboration with Eric Woolfson. APP, Supertramp, Steely Dan had the reputation for creating really clean, profession, yet engaging albums.
We were driving back from the Houston airport dropping off our son after T'giving and I had coincidentally set a shuffle on my YGSF collection. Maybe it was a bump in the road but after about 5-6 songs, my iPhone flips to a YGSF "channel" on the dreaded Spotify app and the algorithm picks up my favorite APP songs: Prime Time. I have a few of their songs on my e-collection, but never had purchased one of their albums. There was a local AOR station at the time that played Parson liberally and that was fine.
So, I'm listening to Prime Time, and then again a few more times and I'm hearing some jazzy chords underneath the rock/fusion exterior and some Larry Carlton like choices (not tone) in the guitar solo.
Sure enough, I looked up some tabs and confirmed on our Yamaha keyboard that the end of the intro and first lines of the verse are anchored on A(maj)add9 and Gadd9. Add some flatted major 7ths and minor 7ths and you have the sweet and sour magical musical sauce (continuing our east Asian theme) that makes this song, Fagen, SD compelling to the ear. The recording is pristine with generous instrument separation. The guitar lines are excellent - Ian Bairnson was the lead guitarist in Pilot before the APP. Woolfson is an underrated vocal stylist - he's pretty dry.
So, that explains my long time affinity for this song from the underrated Ammonia Avenue album.
https://youtu.be/P6NNJq0FZN4
Date: Wed, November 30, 2022, 12:08:44 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Steve M,
Date: Tues, November 29, 2022, 01:36:21 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, World Wide
Happy birthday to both Pete Fogel and Keith Carlock!
Date: Sat, November 26, 2022, 13:43:25 ET
Posted by: Robbie, Etc.
RIP Irene Cara. Dangential tie: Elliot Randall’s second best known solo was on her 1980 hit Fame.
Date: Thurs, November 24, 2022, 19:19:25 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, That newly-minted deluxe public cludgie In Burntisland - the one all of Scotland is talking about
Nicholas Urfe - Your point, as usual, is eloquent & well-made. In truth, I refrained from using a Boss reference when divulging my profound disdain for TV, because the thought of actually combining these two horrid repugnancies - disparate as they may or may not be - revolts me to my very core...possibly leading to unclean thoughts of myself caught...trapped...in a vast, unending room filled with multiple TVs of various sizes & vintages...all turned "on"...and all repeatedly & simultaneously playing the 1984 MTV extended edit of "Dancing In The Dark On Fire" at maximum volume...simply too much for my delicate system to take. So that's why I didn't put that in the post. It's all about the preservation of what's left of my sanity, my island-bound friend. On the other hand, my heart was warmed by your online confession of brotherly love. It's always nice when these things don't go, y'know, "unrequited".
Steve M - I've been wanting to insert the word "cludgie" here on The Blue for some time now. It's the type of thing you just can't use gratuitously, though, so I bided my time. Suddenly, there it was! The golden opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to slip it in surreptitiously...realizing that nobody would actually notice except for the respected contributor from Scotland. And notice it you did. As far as the Scottish ancestry goes, well, let's just say that I didn't acquire this thick, damn-near indecipherable brogue of mine merely by following the adventures of Wee Willie Haggis in the POW! Annual.
Karl - Thanks for the two videos. While I don't do much YooToob watching these days, I would definitely love to sit down in a live concert setting for an evening of your band's performances. Well done, sir!
M/O/D/P
Date: Thurs, November 24, 2022, 13:30:25 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Karl, that was really enjoyable, great musicianship and thanks so much for posting here. The only thing that could have improved it and elevated it to the sublime would have been a Walter Becker style rap, in Icelandic, during Hey Nineteen...
Date: Thurs, November 24, 2022, 05:26:09 ET
Posted by: Karl, Reykjavik
Been lurking since early 2000s but seldom post. Now our tribute group has some videos from our recent Steely Dan concert so I just had to share. It’s me singing and playing Rhodes 54. https://youtu.be/dsNJ2Hqc0BQ
Date: Wed, November 23, 2022, 14:28:03 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Delighted to see the first known use of the term "cludgie" on the Blue.
My life would be largely complete if Donald and Walter had used it in a SD lyric but lets face it that was always going to be a long shot.
Some Scottish ancestry M/O/D/P??
Date: Wed, November 23, 2022, 07:58:25 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
M/O/D/P, you know that I love you and am loath to say anything of you that might even hint at criticism, but your most recent post contains an omission so glaring that I have no choice but to bring it to your attention.
The examples you provide to illustrate why you loathe TV do tend to make your point, but are they above misinterpretation? Might, in some unknowable circumstances, in some stange universe, those things - pancreatic cancer, Birkenstock footwear, et al. - be desirable? There is a comparison, though, that describes your abhorrence of TV in a way that is unmistakable, unimpeachable, no matter what strange circumstances may arrive: Springsteen concert. By comparing TV to THAT, you would have laid it to waste indeed.
Date: Tues, November 22, 2022, 21:17:47 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Jaded, so very jaded...
My friend Mr. Turtle, compared to me, DF is practically an apologist for TV. Hey, compared to me our pal Mr. Fagen is a TV fanatic. But I'll take the backhanded compliment.
I put TV - especially the TV of the so-called modern era - right up there with pancreatic cancer, Birkenstock footwear, and burlap bags filled with drowned Golden Retriever puppies. And much like those horrible, awful examples I've cited, TV is seemingly everywhere - its perniciousness exceeded only by its omnipresence. Or vice-versa.
And, compared to streaming anything, actually owning something is looking pretty smart - to me, anyways. See, that way some greedy bastard - the bastard who sold me the shit in the first place - can't suddenly take my shit away from me when I'm not looking. Or when I'm looking. Think "DRM" and similar outright theft. Think, "You can't listen to it/watch it anymore 'cause we took it down". Some of you know what I'm talking about.
And I've now officially seen too many formats & delivery systems, novelty or ill-advised or otherwise, come & go to get even remotely interested in yet another one. Enough is enough. Remember "Pono" from a couple of years back? I know a couple of "investors" who wish they'd never heard the term. I'm not snarling, I'm yawning.
It's just hard to get excited about the latest audio/video fad if every a/v fad you've ever seen has ended up in the terlet. Try flushing a collection of vintage Edison Cylinders down the latrine and get back to me...
M/O/D/P
ps - "It's all good fun until some jackass turns on the goddamned TV!!"
pps - Please don't tell me that the world is a better place with Khardashians, masked singers, "edgy" [sic] comedy [sic] shows, and brutally hyper-realistic cop/doctor/lawyer/drama/whatever shows in it. Because I will disagree with you.
ppps - "All of you!!! Get off your lazy, passive asses and shut the TV off - permanently!!"
pppps - This hurts me more than it hurts you/You'll thank me for this later.
ppppps - When I said "latrine", I actually meant "cludgie", but the autocorrect kept changing it to "the shitter"...
Date: Tues, November 22, 2022, 17:47:45 ET
Posted by: Mock Turtle,
M/O/D/P, you sound like Donald Fagen in his book when he is lamenting the advent of television. :P
I don't know why something like Atmos would be looked down upon. It's just another mix, like 5.1 or stereo.
Frankly I think it's more understandable to be interested in Atmos than yet another pressing of *vinyl* of all things. But that's a whole other conversation.
Date: Tues, November 22, 2022, 09:51:28 ET
Posted by: chris, nh
I dislike Spotify as a corporate entity but I do find myself using it for discovery - always trying to purchase something for real when I can. unfortunately The Algorithm is quite good at pushing unusual stuff I'd never have come across otherwise and city pop is a great example. Japanese fusion as well.
The other night in the midst of insomnia I bought the new Fagen biography ebook. I am skipping around a bit, seeing what gaps it can fill in. At first I wasn't sure why the general consensus seemed to be negative around here; then I got to the author's assessment of Gaucho (which he deems a creative failure). He seems to take a lot of glee in pointing out the misogynist themes -- especially those relating to younger women -- in Steely Dan lyrics, and goes to great lengths to attempt to correlate them to Fagen and Becker's personal views, pointing out quotes in interviews and jokes in liner notes and on their website. He talks about the staged interviews for the PBS special with the backup singers having "sexual tension," the most laughable moment so far. Of course, nothing in their personal lives suggest there is any connection between Fagen/Becker and the intentionally loathsome pathetic darkly comic characters in their songs -- and he does cover their personal lives.
Despite this, while it's mainly based on secondary sources, the author did apparently conduct some interviews that had some new (to me) information ... and, well, it did help me sleep.
Date: Sun, November 20, 2022, 16:45:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Funny thing is that a lot of Japanese artists would regularly employ a veritable who's who of Stateside session players. For instance, electronic synth-pop group Logic System did studio sessions with Vinnie Colaiuta, Don Grusin and Paul Jackson Jr., among others. Here's one of their tracks, titled 'Metamorphism', which was borrowed by none other than HK 'cut-and-paste' B-movie director Godfrey Ho for the soundtrack to his *epic* masterpiece Ninja Terminator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rETsmbegRFk
Speaking of Vinnie Colaiuta, here's him performing with legendary actor/singer Akira Terao on 'Habana Express' for his Re-Cool album, a compilation of new takes on some of Akira's best tracks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPli_1AaLSs
Date: Sun, November 20, 2022, 14:33:52 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
It was thanks to a link posted here on the Blue a couple of years back that I got into the whole City Pop thing.
This still makes me smile with it's undisguised Gaucho/NightFly stylings...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3AE1MYMHTw
Date: Sun, November 20, 2022, 14:24:42 ET
Posted by: looking for Steely sounds, oll
It's pretty much all City Pop and J-pop for me these days.
And I don't know what the lyrics mean, a bonus, it means I can't judge them unfavorably with Don & Walt's.
Date: Sun, November 20, 2022, 07:45:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,
YGSF is the best thing to happen to AOR/soul-pop in decades. Their new album is their best one yet IMO. Andy Platts and Shawn Lee are at the top of their game.
Steely Dan mash up with Mötley Crüe, Ted Nugent and Van Halen titled 'Look Again'. It's very well put together even if it's not my cup of tea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DULtC-_dDu4
Another SD mashup, this time with Metallica and KISS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1CIVy4oMoQ
And now for a great jazz track from Rodney Franklin titled 'Life Moves On'. Love that smooth, mellow vibe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8finX1bOPI
This track was used in the bumper for WTBS Theater Late Night from the early '80s. Back in that era TV networks would frequently source preexisting songs for use in their idents such as the Ramsey Lewis track 'Skippin'' for the WLS Channel 7 Movie, as shown here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFYYrYbe50Q
Date: Sat, November 19, 2022, 19:57:05 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Ignorance isn't bliss...it's ignorant!!
But when I have to read stuff here about "Atmos" and fucking "Tiktok" [especially "Tiktok" - it's a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) global tracking project fer chrissakes!] I feel like being ignorant is, for once, a virtue.
The point is, the new Young Gun/Silver Fox release has some damn good songs on it.
Date: Sat, November 19, 2022, 07:39:01 ET
Posted by: Mock Turtle,
I'm actually ignorant about it too. I do know that a ton of new and older music has been reissued and is available in "Atmos" on Apple Music. I have no idea whether it is the same as the theatrical Atmos.
Date: Fri, November 18, 2022, 20:16:11 ET
Posted by: Michael,
This song by Gary titled 'Crazy Love Games' reminds me of Steely Dan in the most bizarre way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKukyLAf370
Date: Fri, November 18, 2022, 19:54:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
Excuse my ignorance on this. I'm not all that familiar with Atmos. But it's my understanding that is essentially an immersive experience for movies and such. And that the source has to be mixed for Atmos for it to be of any real audio value.
Is that incorrect? Has any SD music been specifically mixed/formatted/whatever for Atmos?
Date: Fri, November 18, 2022, 16:35:47 ET
Posted by: Mock Turtle,
Why, I wonder, isn’t any Steely Dan available in Atmos on Apple Music? That would be great for us non-physical media consumers.
Date: Wed, November 16, 2022, 14:10:56 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
there's a Daniel Sadownick playing percussion on TAN's title track.
Date: Wed, November 16, 2022, 07:30:57 ET
Posted by: Russ, OH
So I trolled a Tik Tok of an SD live performance by asking which one's Dan? But it made me think, was there ever a musician named Dan credited on any of their albums?
Date: Sun, November 13, 2022, 22:16:01 ET
Posted by: AI, Android Warehouse
This would be a very good subject for another Donald Fagen tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbc1Xeif0pY&t=236s
"We are not interested in your opinion. We are angry, and we are determined to take over."
Date: Sat, November 12, 2022, 14:11:53 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Here's one review of the new remastered "Can't Buy a Thrill."
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/steely-dan%E2%80%99s-grundman-remastered-can%E2%80%99t-buy-thrill-180g-1lp-geffenume-portends-good-things
Some comments:
It is a positive sign that his concerns are really quite limited to things like a couple instances of noise (my copy had none), and that UMe reproduced the label pretty close to original – except for the fact they don't own the rights to the ABC logo-and a couple typeface changes. I know for some other artists, the complaints are things like "noisy vinyl" or "sounds too compressed or flat", or that certain pages and artwork are still missing from the deluxe version, etc. etc. Personally, I think the single LP version that sells for under $30 typically will be adequate for my stereo system and most others. On the other hand, this is indeed Steely Dan who for many decades were known for their sonic perfection upon which many high end stereos were tested. So definitely checking out the other higher resolution 45 RPM  versions as well, although I don't fully expect to realize their full potential on my particular system, which, for the record is a Denon, 6.1 receiver, some Boston Acoustics speakers,  and an Audio-Technica turntable which used to sell for between $300 and $400, personally recommended to me by producer Matt Still when I asked him about a decent turntable on a budget.  He suggested that I buy it and then next time I buy a new cartridge, upgrade to the next level at about $100.  And a final disclaimer: who knows if my hearing is adequate 😉. surely that's gotta be a big factor in any of this. That said, it's a great thrill to have a release of these albums just one more time. 
Date: Thurs, November 10, 2022, 16:41:23 ET
Posted by: John Howell Harris, Los Angeles
Hello. I am mildly successful TV writer and I recently complete a pilot script based on THE NIGHTFLY. Below is the link. I hope you find something in the following pages that you enjoy:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lo1iw1gwyixf26u/THE%20NIGHTFLY.pdf?dl=0
Date: Fri, November 04, 2022, 08:44:07 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
The 33 RPM version arrived yesterday. I actually ended up pre ordering the 45 RPM as well with the intention of comparing with my non-audiophile ears and very non-audiophile (but respectable at the price point!) setup. I'm somewhat skeptical but the Acoustic Sounds EMG release sounds 10x better than my RSD copy, so I'm giving it a shot.
24 bit FLACs have hit HD Tracks as well. A/B'd between a lossless rip of the 98 remaster and the difference isn't huge, but it is there - you can hear it in the legnth of decay of the ride cymbal in the intro of
Do It Again, for example (longer and more natural on the new remaster).
Nothing I'd notice without intentionally listening for differences, but sometimes these small things add up to a fresh listening experience and you have a glorious moment where something new in the mix reveals itself to you after hundreds (thousands?) of listens ... so worth a try, IMO.
https://www.hdtracks.com/#/album/63600be737a02e35867f3e01
Date: Thurs, November 03, 2022, 17:24:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
BTW: I called Acoustic Sounds shipping department earlier today and spoke with them. They are in the process of shipping them all out via FedEx.
Date: Thurs, November 03, 2022, 17:00:45 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Chris:
Thank you for the update. Do you have 2 LP, 45 RPM Version from Analogue Productions or the single LP, 33-1/3 version?
In 2003, The MCA label was retired, except for MCA Nashville, which, for the most part meant for George Strait, Reba McEntire, and a handful of others. All the albums and recordings from the MCA catalog (including those from the ABC records pop/rock catalog) were consolidated onto the Geffen label. In fact there's been two Steely Dan compilation since then ("20th Century Masters" and the not-so-definitive "Steely Dan Definitive Collection" which were released with the Geffen label/logo, although the logo is very tiny. (The Geffen label itself was even dormant for a few years back in the late aughts.) At any rate, UMe is the umbrella label and they're the ones who actually do most of the releases or "Legacy artists" like the live albums from the past year.
And of course, Disney--not Universal Music--owns the rights to the ABC logoso that's why that is not used on these. My mid-aughts Cisco LP version of Aja has the 1970s Aja Yellow-orange-lavender concentric circles label but no ABC logo! Gaucho vinyl from the mid-aughts has the rainbow and clouds MCA label--but the MCA logo itself is photoshopped out. So if you look at the new Geffen label Can't Buy A Thrill, it's still a logo on black--just not ABC.
Date: Thurs, November 03, 2022, 16:18:16 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
CBAT arrived today - haven't had a chance to listen just yet, but looks nice - appears to be a true reproduction of the original packaging (old liner notes etc) with no notes on the mastering. And on the Geffen imprint for whatever reason.
Interested in hearing from anyone with an SACD player how that sounds compared to the 90s/00s remaster...
Date: Thurs, November 03, 2022, 11:41:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Steve M, Yeah that's a winner.
Michael - like Breezin' and those Tony LiPuma produced albums. LiPuma had a penchant for the most crystallized space between the instruments and that separation, so you could hear everything going on.
That reminds me of Michael Franks' Blue Pacific album, where Walter produced All I Need, the brilliant Vincent's Ear, and Crayon Sun. Walter treated them delicately, a little more minimalist and brut dry than all of his work with Donald.
https://youtu.be/NdXHYmv3NDw
It really elevated MF above his kind of usual schmaltzy fare.
Then, the Tony LiPuma produced tracks out-Steely Dan'd Walter's tracks. lol
https://youtu.be/0YHUavJCaYw
https://youtu.be/CT356TQ7cZM
Date: Tues, November 01, 2022, 17:26:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Thanks Steve. That's one of my favorite songs of theirs, alongside Joyful Caravan and Dreamtown.
Doc, thanks for the Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick links. First time listening to his solo material. The instrumentation on Sunships On The Shores Of Mars is like a journey back in time, reminding me of George Benson's early ventures into pop-jazz. Sky is a pretty bossa nova tune. Take A Chance On Me has an insatiable groove that goes down nice and smooth.
Date: Tues, November 01, 2022, 14:59:33 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Agree wholeheartedly about Jango Michael. City of the 2nd Chance was always a firm favourite of mine. Interesting thing was they often namechecked Steely Dan songs in their lyrics so obviously big fans (they even had a track called "Sunset to the Sea" on the Dreamtown album.
I've posted this before but it was probably about 10 years ago so no apologies for linking to it again! (here at the Western World reference alert)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrMUDQVz_OM
Date: Tues, November 01, 2022, 09:21:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Jango had some cool jazzy tracks strongly reminiscent of SD, especially this one titled 'The Beard'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oVTIF-D2Hc
I think this track, Swimming, by UK synth-pop group Kero Kero Bonito is definitely worth sharing. Infectious melody over a melancholic chord progression. If only more of today's pop music sounded this good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9Zl4hyIgB4
Date: Mon, October 31, 2022, 14:01:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael,
Thanks for the link to
'Gambling Fever' - Tito Duarte
It has that Jamiroquai - Bluey psychedelia acid jazz vibe to it.
I'm a pretty fervent fan with some of Bluey's material with Incognito and his solo stuff.
Life Between the Notes
https://youtu.be/SeYbnYcGDIk
Columbus Avenue
https://youtu.be/lA2XXV-J-8E
Sunships
https://youtu.be/QCC5cqYydQc
Sky
https://youtu.be/I4NAtxz-g30
Take a Chance on Me
https://youtu.be/-ChOr7ChIog
Date: Mon, October 31, 2022, 13:48:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Highlights from the YGSF new one for Dan Fans
Winners
1:48 - 2:11 - 2:28 Fagen-esque bridge and (synth) blues harp solo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYjb-vpl9Ow
Sierra Nights
0:00 Tip of the Fez to the Horace Silver bass figure on Rikki
2:27 - Skunk channeled guitar solo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKqaln0r6Cw
Simple Imagination
0.51-1:01 Larry Carltonesque guitar solo
1:45 - 2:08 - 2:29 Fagen/SD like bridge, horns, then sax solo
3:07 Fagenesque call and response with the horns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HluzUzqka9Q
Still Got it Going On
After a minute of literal fanfare, an SD/Fagen shuffle groove in the verses 1:05 -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HluzUzqka9Q
I hear as much or more Fagen solo influences as I do Steely Dan...but they are scattered through this album, probably more than YGSF's previous 3 albums.
Date: Thurs, October 27, 2022, 01:43:18 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, They got the crappy SD bootleg T-shirts at the thrift store
I found a Deacon Blues Whiskey T-shirt yesterday at a local thrift store (in the greater Philly area) for $3. I haven't been to any shows for several years now. I wasn't familiar with the design. I was able to find samples online for a New York version...
https://teesector.com/product/deacon-blues-whiskey-quality-steely-dan-whiskey-of-the-expanding-man-hoodies-sweatshirts/
The one I thrifted is for Philadelphia as opposed to NY and (most likely) a crappy bootleg since it has two glaring mistakes... "Qualiaty" and "Fagan." Meh. I don't care. It's actually mildly amusing to me. (It's actually *worth* about $3.) They got the Steely Dan T-shirts.
Here are two quick pics of mine...
https://ibb.co/6FCRx32
https://ibb.co/wBGpspz
Can anyone confirm or shed any more light on any of that? Or just provide other info? Just curious. Thanks.
Date: Sat, October 22, 2022, 08:19:20 ET
Posted by: Michael,
A little Easter egg (?) on their YT audio clips: when it shows the back cover of the album, the track 'Winners' is re-titled 'Call Me Up' which is the first lyric of the song. Likely this was their original title for the song and somehow they got it mixed up.
Ticket to Shangri-la is a superb, expertly produced album. So many flashes of brilliance throughout.
Doc, a great SD-ish tune you should check out is 'Gambling Fever' by Tito Duarte.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhoprpOyi_E
I wish someone would upload 'Heartbreak Souvenir' so that we could all enjoy it. Also, the full band attempt at 'I Can't Write Home About You' would be spiffy.
Date: Sat, October 22, 2022, 00:31:44 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
YGSF
I really should edit...
Date: Sat, October 22, 2022, 00:31:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael - It's Steely Dan's history and influences. Check out their interviews.
Yeah, the TGSF album is fantastic. It's a please to hear that Van Gelder fusion recording approach again.
Sierra Nights has that early SD and Monkey House ballad vibe. Beautifully recorded. It's nice to hear all of the instruments again in their lane. Note the Horace Silver/Rikki-like bass vibe. That little instrumental break is pure gold. Just a touch of Turn That Heartbeat Over Again. Then the unsuspected guitar solo. The gift that keeps on giving.
I lean a little more R&B/EWF...so Still Got it Going On hits the spot with those wicked horns. Those harmonies are so tight.
Rollin' Back just bops a long...and there's a touch of Walter altered blues in the verse melody. The transition could have been from Platt's Mamas Gun albums. The chorus has a McDoobie merged with Kool and the Gang Vibe.
I'm a sucker for the way Simple Imagination continue to open doors into a DisneyWorld of possibilities. Damn, those ghost notes aren't so ghostly. Then a killer middle eight morphs into a tasty sax solo.
I dig when they stretch out melodic lines in a song like Starting Wars. And West Side Jet is full of more toe tapping earworms.
All winners, no losers in their new release. Masterful.
Date: Fri, October 21, 2022, 10:48:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,
YGSF album out today. Most of the tracks are great, as expected, with 'Sierra Nights' at the top of my favorites. Can hear various influences sprinkled throughout. The album opener 'Still Got it Goin' On' has a touch of Toto's 'Hold the Line', while Michael Jackson's 'Off the Wall' (composed by Rod Temperton) clearly inspired 'Tip of the Flame'.
Definitely a recommended listen. Production quality is not far from Steely Dan caliber. Once again 'Sierra Nights' gets my highest recommendation, sounding like some long lost hit from the late 1970s replete with superb lyrics and gorgeous arrangement. Do check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKqaln0r6Cw
Date: Thurs, October 20, 2022, 20:12:54 ET
Posted by: Michael,
I would include Caves of Altamira and Glamour Profession in my top 20 SD songs. Don't Take Me Alive is a great song though.
Date: Thurs, October 20, 2022, 10:39:45 ET
Posted by: Jerry, Manchester UK
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/oct/20/steely-dans-20-greatest-songs-ranked?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Enjoyable summary of some of their songs.. I wouldn't have don't take me alive in my top 20 but hey I know nothing
Date: Thurs, October 20, 2022, 08:55:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, almost every artist uses standard tuning, discounting slurred or sliding notes, out of tune instruments and other anomalies. Within that tonal framework there's literally billions of possibilities, both harmonically and rhythmically.
What is the purpose of reducing music to racial brackets? The notion that jazz and blues happened in some sort of vacuum outside of the influence of white musicians is pure bunk.
Trumpeter Roy Eldridge once claimed that he could discern a musician's race just by listening, so critic Leonard Feather presented him with a double-blind test to see if that was true. As it turned out, he incorrectly guessed the color of almost every musician who was played for him. It's impossible to hear the skin tone of the person playing any given instrument.
There have been many important white contributors to the oeuvre of jazz, including Bix Beiderbecke, Chet Baker, Joe Pass, Bill Evans, Miff Mole, Evan Parker, Art Pepper, Jerry Mulligan, and countless others. The harmonies used in jazz had been in use for centuries in stuff like French impressionism and brass bands. Much of the early jazz arose out of the creole population, although there's no single instance any historian can pinpoint where jazz was first conceived. Some musicians both black and white have claimed that they were the first but that's hearsay. More than likely it was a gradual development over the span of several years by different musical collaborations across the spectrum.
There's always been plenty of crappy music polluting the airwaves over from artists both black and white. I have a low tolerance threshold for most of what is considered mainstream today.
One song which I think was criminally overlooked back in 1984 was 'Tossing and Turning' by Windjammer. This was from back when MTV still aired some quality music from time to time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1uqpZdjyk4
Date: Wed, October 19, 2022, 19:40:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Per Spotify there are 82,000,000 songs or recordings
Technically, there are 82,500,000,000,000,000,000 10 note combination melodies possible.
Allegedly, that is 0.0000000000099 % of the possibilities are out there as recordings.
Date: Wed, October 19, 2022, 19:26:01 ET
Posted by: erratum,
*of* possibilities
Date: Wed, October 19, 2022, 19:25:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
I mean, J.S. Bach did it all before anyone.
12? Hell, when you have sequences of multi-tonal chords we get into factorial territory or possibilities. There are only 4 "letters" of nucleic acids in DNA, yet 25,000 protein-encoded genes.
There are only a few dozen sounds in any particular human language. There area million worlds trailing the English language and 170,000 in current use.
So, what's the SD connection?
Donald and Walter usually leaned into different sounds and fare the the typical rock or pop artists of the time. Even when a song was a one chord vamp, they built it around a Amin7 for spite. Who knows? That could have been a chord Walter and Donald would deliberately sneak into a Jay and the Americans live number when most inappropriate.
Although SD were "pegged" into a "classic rock" their discography of the 70s, while dipping into the Bob Dylan oeuvre of lyrical attitude, had little very little musical connection with the classic rock of the British invasion (Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Moodie Blues, Pink Floyd), surf music of the early 60s but used 40s blues, 50s and early 60s hard bop and cool jazz, combined with the R&B genre (soul, gospel, Philly, Atlantic, early funk) but played that music until Katy Lied and definitely The Royal Scam as a white rock instrumental ensemble with a few exceptions.
They also avoided the reverb, effects, and noise common in recordings of the day, defaulting to Rudy Van Gelder approaches to recording. They always rejected the premise.
In short, they deliberately subverted white rock sounding music with black/African-American R&B, Latin, and later more jazzy chord progressions...in other words, as if white versions of what parents of the day called "jungle music" never existed.
Similarly, the Steely Dan and solo albums approaching and in the 21st Century existed in a bubble where hair metal, grunge, punk, speed metal, death metal, even alternative never existed). As if almost all the crap put out by white artists on MTV never existed. W&D continued to reject the premise.
Whether we call it "sophisticated" or not is in the ear of the beholder. CAll it what you want, but it's not "classic rock" or "yacht rock," but an unusual R&B/jazz fusion sometimes over a rock backbeat. SD, Donald, and Walter's music was always different. The tunes, arrangements, choices, and production was always a little weird, inappropriate, clever.
If you listen or watch the breakdowns of now classic Steely Dan songs Warren Bernhardt does with Donald, you can see a seasoned musician's eyebrows raise as Donald explains why he chose certain chords and chord progressions that were deviations from the expected. "Oh, that's unusual," Warren would quip.
I'm not saying that YGSF and Andy Platts have risen to that level of songwriting and production yet, but they are moving in that direction. Using "Rudy Van Gelder values." Increasingly steeped in R&B and sneaking in some jazz chords. Perfecting hooks and harmonies. Pros that are 'through with buzz."
Enjoy!
So, yes, #chordsmatter
Date: Mon, October 17, 2022, 18:50:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, 99.9% of music is derived from Western tonality's 12 notes which can be organized in a plethora of ways. 6/9, sus2 & 4, chord extensions and altered notes which some think of as sophisticated and tend to associate with jazz aren't novel concepts to 20th century music. This stuff has been in use for centuries, well before the arrival of stuff like gospel and blues, the latter derived from sea shanties and European folk.
I like Bruce Lee's philosophy of having no style as style because it allows for total artistic freedom, devoid of rigid constraints. Expression is the root of artistry, just as necessity is the mother of invention. That's my two cents for what it's worth.
Mama's Gun are a goldmine of soulful grooves.
Changing the subject, here's an excellent collaboration between the Free Nationals and Benny Sings titled 'Apartment'. Evocative of '70s laid-back jazz but with a modern twist. Love this kind of music. Hope you enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aCC1jRqojs
Date: Mon, October 17, 2022, 12:45:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, numbers problem
7/9/11/13 chords - some major, flatted, sharp.
Date: Mon, October 17, 2022, 12:43:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael: The roots of R&B are jazz, blues, and gospel. Some that's more bluesy are simpler with an altered blues turnaround. For example, Walkin' to New Orleans by Fats Domino has just a few chords. Largely the same chords as rock music, because rock & roll music became largely white artists playing R&B and more faster Texas swing than the slower NOLA boogie woogie.
The Gospel roots often featured jazzy chords that can be heard in Sam Cooke (A Change is Gonna Come), Stevie Wonder, Thom Bell, Michael McDonald songs, even Prince. More sharps flats, 9/9/1/13, sus chords, etc. Some of the Thom Bell Philly sound of the early 70s is very sophisticated, but sounds simple.
Thom Bells work in arranging, producing (Jerry Butler, Delfonics in the 60s and Stylistics, Spinners in the early 70s) was ear candy and sounded simple, but deceptively sophisticated. That sound was a big influence on the recent Silk Sonic album and a few songs on Mamas Gun's Cure the Jones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp3O-uHO7H8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrlCaXd49AA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM6kZabHf4w
Steely Dan's use of R&B and jazz chords were often sneaky, but certainly sounded different than the usual fair of the 70s and even 00s.
Date: Mon, October 17, 2022, 11:35:54 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, I'm excited for the new YGSF album. Just from the short clips and few songs released thus far I can tell that this is authentic quality stuff, not going for some vapid emulation of this or that artist. It's evocative of many different influences without coming across as derivative. This may very well turn out to be their best album yet.
I enjoyed your track-by-track breakdowns, very accurate stuff, though I must contest America lacking good melodies. Ventura Highway, Daisy Jane and several others have strong melodies which flow nicely. Sure, it's not ultra-sophisticated stuff but then not everything needs to be. Subtlety is important.
A lot of the early R&B tracks lacked sophisticated harmonies and/or memorable melodic hooks but still had a certain oomph to them which worked for the effect they were going for. In the end it's about finding the appropriate vehicle for artistic expression. Complexity purely for its own sake more often than not comes across as pretentious. I could name names but don't want to start a flame war on here, so I'll just leave it at that.
Definitely agree with your final verdict. Spend your money on new quality music.
Have a great day.
Date: Sun, October 16, 2022, 22:58:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
Michael,
Good news for all as the new one from YGSF drops Friday.
1979 would be a good average...there's more of an R&B production feel, although the scope is broader.
I’m not saying, but what if someone of my general age, height, and weight had scored an advanced copy, then one might imagine the album could sound something like this…
WARNING: Shangri La could very possibly be Obscenely full of earworms and ear candy. The clips from Michael's links don’t do the songs (*not already on YT) justice IMHO.
The recording is not surprisingly very analog, recorded dry with limited reverb, well - you know the story…
Still Got it Going On: A bright fanfare of horns – very Jay Graydon production (Breakin’ Away, Jarreau) can hear some Don Breithaupt in the horn chart and R&B/jazz chord progressions in the verses. Hot. Could be a favorite on this board.
*West Side Jet – a bit more 70s sound with an organic crispness with the Rhodes and acoustic guitar. The hooks just a keep on a comin'
Tip of the Flame – more Quincy Jones like R&B and funk
*Rollin’ Back – could have been on Canyons, crisp songwriting and harmonies
Simple Imagination. Sweet but ranges from (El) DeBarge (a deceptive genius in production) to Steely Dan. The mountainous dessert that keeps on giving.
Sierra Nights - The lost B side of "Dallas??"
Lodestar – What if songs by America (the group) actually had a great melody and they hired Mick Fleetwood on drums?
*Winners – Bobby Caldwell groove and horns. Appearance of a missing Fagen synth harp solo?
Starting Wars – more early 80s R&B sound alloyed with Todd Rundgren
Freak Flag – What if Jay Graydon produced a Michael McDonald single in 1980/1? Another tasty horn chart.
Andy Platts and Shawn Lee are absolute pros. While this and last year's Silk Sonic album both can emote nostalgia for R&B back in the day...they are more with high production values and excellent chord changes, modulation/key changes, etc...
Shangri-La is less gimmicky...although I enjoyed the humor on the SS album.
Verdict: Forget the new Fagen patchwork storybook, spend your last piasters on this ticket to ride. ;)
Date: Sun, October 16, 2022, 21:57:38 ET
Posted by: Igor Strawinskii,
Thanks, Dr Mu!
Date: Sun, October 16, 2022, 18:18:05 ET
Posted by: Emperor Joseph II,
Gene: So, you're saying...too many notes?
Date: Sun, October 16, 2022, 18:15:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Igor:
After trading notes with Danfans, articles, etc. this is my best guess:
THE ROYAL SCAM
Kid Charlemagne:
Drums: Bernard “Pretty” Purdie
Bass: Chuck Rainey
Rhythm guitar: Walter Becker
Guitar: Larry Carlton
Fender Rhodes: Don Grolnick
Donald Fagen: Wurlitzer organ
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 – solo 1st section
Denny Dias – 2nd section of solo
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
Vibraphone: Victor Feldman
Everything You Did:
Drums: Rick Marotta
Bass: Chuck Rainey
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: Fri, October 14, 2022, 22:06:44 ET
Posted by: Igor Strawinskii,
If someone could please provide the track-by-track musician listing for
each song from The Royal Scam, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you.
Date: Thurs, October 13, 2022, 09:10:46 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Hi Gus and everyone else...
My favorite phrase in that New Yorker piece is "and whatever Donald Fagen does to make his voice sound like that." Amen. Word.
Regarding Peter Jones' new book, i've read some of it. It collects a lot of different things from a lot of different sources. I think it's been pointed out that some is based on Donald's Eminent Hipsters, various articles and interviews, and even some things that from Dan fans on the Internet. Jones' book collates it all together, and in the process he offers his own observations and perspective. All About Jazz just recently published Jones' overview of Steely Dan albums. I think if you read this, it will give you a taste enough for you to decide about obtainaing and reading his book.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/donald-fagen-an-essential-top-10-albums-donald-fagen
Date: Wed, October 12, 2022, 23:45:11 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA
I found this article today. I was able to access it without going through a paywall, at least with an old (Windows 7) operating system.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/my-high-school-crush-on-steely-dan
Date: Wed, October 12, 2022, 16:20:02 ET
Posted by: Michael,
New album from Young Gun Silver Fox titled 'Ticket To Shangri-La' hits October 21st. Here's teasers for all the tracks on the album. It genuinely sounds like a long lost album from the late 1970s. This will in all likelihood be a contender for album of the year.
Side 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOG6lHtyCgE
(It says "Side 2 teasers" on the title but that's a mistake.)
Side 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbg3nUyaXbE
Here's a fun making of video for their track 'Rolling Back'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d1puYR8Rv8
Date: Wed, October 12, 2022, 14:26:50 ET
Posted by: Gene, PA
Scanning through the new Fagen book on Google with the link below, I can see it's very densely written. Gave me a headache. Around the time of Gaucho, Fagen criticized the current style of soloing in pop music saying that it had no spacing and that they fill every space with notes. Advice some of these "authors" should heed.
Date: Wed, October 12, 2022, 12:04:00 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR
I don't agree that "Donald resumed touring with the Nightflyers after Walter's death." I know this because I held 3d row seats for Donald's Sept. 12, 2017 show with the Nightflyers here in Portland OR, which was to be the very next show on the tour after Walter passed on Sept. 3, 2017. The show was cancelled, and Donald played no further Nightflyer shows after that point. I surely don't fault him for cancelling the show, and as great a live band as Steely Dan continues to be, I really wish I'd gotten to see a Nightflyers show as well.
- Mt. Belzoni
Date: Wed, October 12, 2022, 11:12:19 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
According to this, there were 2 songs finished that were cut:
Did you record 15 or 20 songs or just nine?
Becker: We had two good tracks left over, along with some partial songs and false starts…
Fagen: One was too slow and draggy. The other was too fast.
http://steelydanreader.com/2003/08/01/recording-everything-must-go/
Date: Tues, October 11, 2022, 22:44:36 ET
Posted by: Steve,
I learned some things I didn't know from "Donald Fagen: Nightflyer." For instance, according to the book, Donald has a serious anger management problem. Also, Donald resumed touring with the Nightflyers after Walter's death. Donald hated Roger Nichols. Coverage of Donald's early life is basically from "Eminent Hipsters." More than a couple passages basically cite Internet and social media as the sources.
If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't have acquired it.
Here's some other books about Steely Dan:
- Yes, three versions of Brian Sweet's book, which is cited more than a few times in this new book. There's edition 1 & 2 of the big book that first came out around 1994. Then there's a mini book about the size of a CD jewel box
- Eminent Hipsters, by Donald Fagen himself
- Major Dudes by Barney Hoskins
- Steely Dan FAQ by Anthony Robustelini
- 33-1/3 Aja by Don Breithaupt and featuring exclusive commentary from Donald Fagen
- Pete Fogel has a book which is due at the end of 2023
Date: Tues, October 11, 2022, 21:40:55 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, My monthly post/That time of the month again
Nicholas Urfe - I can't thank you enough for the heads-up on that Wenner biography. To be clear, I probably wouldn't have read it anyways - on-line, in person, hardcover, softcover, "e-book" (I hate that stupid e-shit anyways, so never mind), goggle [sic] previews, whatever - but your personalized caveat gave me all the warning I needed to swerve around this particular publication and avoid any sort of unpleasant collision with it. Thanks, my BlooBook pal. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy a good Springsteen dustup as much as anyone else, but, on the other hand, the there's only so much glorification of cars'n'girls/girls'n'cars/girls-in-backseats-of-cars/New Jersey that even I can take. And I've still got a pretty damn strong constitution, overall. Except for the acute Springsteen allergy. That lunch-bucket-borne malady takes me down every time.
Thanks also to Stan for the reminder about the shiny-noo DF book. I opted to buy the book from a semi-local bookseller - it should arrive by the end of the week - because, hey, it's only a few bucks (25 or 30, I forget), and I hate the idea of reading a book - or part of a book - for free on "the internet" leaving an author unpaid. Plus, I like books.
And there aren't very many books about Steely Dan in or out of print, anyways. Shit, it's not like trying to collect everything ever published on paper about Dylan or The Beatles. It's Steely Dan...there's like, five books, total, and six of them are written by Brian Sweet.
Date: Sun, October 09, 2022, 09:16:51 ET
Posted by: Stan, up
The new book about DF is available to peruse on Google Books.
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Nightfly/bu5cEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=donald+fagen&printsec=frontcover
Date: Sun, October 09, 2022, 08:20:19 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
I just finished listening to Jann Wenner's memoir, Like a Rolling Stone. It's a gossipy, name-dropping listen - not great literature - but it is light and enjoyable. There's only one Steely Dan reference, and it's not about their music.
WARNING: Jann Wenner lovers Bruce Springsteen, and there's quite a bit of Springsteen talk in the book. So M/O/D/P should steer clear!
Date: Sat, October 08, 2022, 19:22:50 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL
I have a question that I'm curious to get an answer on.
We know there were some songs, "Wet Side Story" being an example,
that Donald & Walter were working on prior to "Two Against Nature", that didn't make it to the album.
Does anyone know of any examples of songs that they were prepping prior to "Everything Must Go", that for whatever reason, didn't make the final cut.
Looking forward to any feedback this great group can provide.
Date: Sat, October 08, 2022, 18:03:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,
We sure could have used a one-off for Heartbreak Souvenir. Apparently someone purchased a reel of that track awhile ago on ebay but nobody seems to know the status of it.
Same goes for Roger Nichols' daughter coming across that tape of The Second Arrangement. Nothing further has come to light. Although we can't rule out the possibility of more unreleased gems coming forth, considering how stuff as obscure as Sakka Joweda got uploaded not so long ago (four decades after the fact), who knows.
I really enjoy the D&W song Proud To Be Your Slave, recorded by Diamond Head. Don't really know much about this band but they did a good job.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9K1fRA7wr0
Date: Fri, October 07, 2022, 11:01:36 ET
Posted by: Busy Bodhi, Somewhere
Just some context, no overt Steely refs:
https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-bodhisattva-a-scholar-of-buddhism-explains-189366
Date: Thurs, October 06, 2022, 02:29:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
We sure could have used a one-off for the Second Arrangement. ;) Except for all the snippets and demos floating around...
Yeah, I had trouble hearing everything in that part of the convo.
Just under 2 weeks to the YGSF release.
Date: Wed, October 05, 2022, 21:46:04 ET
Posted by: SS, HK
They didn’t find all the SD masters. To do the new versions of Aja and Gaucho they used I think a ‘safety’ for one of them and something similar for the other.
Date: Wed, October 05, 2022, 20:25:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
SDV,
I think I hear Fred say Don told him back when, all the original tapes were lost. Don begins to respond, but Fred cuts in something like "except for Gaucho and Aja, they found one offs for those" or something to that effect.
I thought Fred meant he thought all the original tapes were missing---except for Gaucho and Aja, as they found one-offs of those. But I really can't be sure because of the choppiness of the conversation.
Date: Wed, October 05, 2022, 19:07:21 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
pretty sure he said the actual masters for Aja and Gaucho are not available, at right about 4 mins
Date: Tues, October 04, 2022, 03:29:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
SDV: Fantastic interview. I can't believe Chad Kassem and crew found ALL the masters.
Date: Mon, October 03, 2022, 18:08:31 ET
Posted by: Al, Bama
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRmcEavj/
My copy doesn’t have the song “Deacon Jones.’
Date: Sat, October 01, 2022, 03:41:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
yeah - I'd say Stevie on the rhythm and synth, but not the chord progressions.
A little shredding like Potter on the sax...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMI1iU7VgyI
That had me thinking about Water and my prime YGSF track, which channels Walter altered blues - like Love in the 5th.
That surprise new transition between the 2nd verse and chorus on Things We Left Unsaid. Ridiculous. ...and a Chorus with McDoobie/SD tight harmonies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umi1U32tOec
Date: Fri, September 30, 2022, 11:58:17 ET
Posted by: Michael,
To my ears it sounds much closer to Stevie Wonder than Jay Graydon or Al Jarreau, especially with the characteristic funky clavinet sound. Glad you enjoy it.
Date: Fri, September 30, 2022, 11:42:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael,
re: Yuna. Yeah, on the chorus on Castaway you're hearing those major 7ths, a modulation then an unexpected Stevie Wonder C#minor7th turnaround.
It's nice to hear pop music that doesn't use the same 4 chords and gets so repetitive.
Holy f*** on that Louis Cole time signature in the intro. I'm lost, but it sounds like alternating 3/8 and 5/8 in the counter rhythms and then a swinging 4/4. The bridge is very Jay Graydon production (Al Jarreau, etc.) sounding.
Date: Fri, September 30, 2022, 08:47:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, I dig the Doobie Brothers. MM was a great addition, injecting even more soulful R&B into the group. Living on the Fault Line is a real gem.
That Tom Misch track 'South of the River' is fire. Incredible groove, the incorporation of strings and wickedly cool bass line. Thank you for sharing, I hadn't heard this before. No doubt you meant to post this link for the track featuring Jordan Rakei, 'Wake Up This Day', yet another winner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJvPkqULlvM
Even though I usually shun modern mainstream, I have to admit that this track, 'Castaway', by Yuna (featuring Tyler) is quite enjoyable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPnnecct9xA
Here's a live session for the same track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWrvHa8jMrg
If you haven't heard of multi-instrumentalist Louis Cole by now, you've been missing out. Seamlessly transitioning between soulful ballads, Stevie Wonder-ish grooves and pulsating synth-pop, he's all over the map. Funky jazzy atmospheric fun. Here's 'Dead Inside Shuffle', a track from his upcoming album 'Quality Over Opinion' which releases on October 14th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoG-nrvKKZc
You must also check out 'Let It Happen', another new track of his, the latter half of which would make Brian Wilson proud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkQgAN9xRO4
With regards to Steely Dan versus labels, their music is so varied and ambiguous that it defies being pigeonholed into any single genre. It's got R&B, jazz, pop, soul, rock, even some classical inspiration. How do you quantify such a varied combination? I don't even bother trying, I just enjoy the music. First-time listeners will discover their great catalog for decades to come while long-time listeners will always find something new to appreciate.
Date: Fri, September 30, 2022, 04:14:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael - You may have heard of Brit Tom Misch - he's a YT/internet troubadour with his own jazz/pop/hip hop/R&B fusion. Another young buck who deserves more ears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUzEYcR2VtM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QLYXPto0w4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEJk2FJJ18c
Here's a nice one with Jordan Rakei:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEJk2FJJ18c
Date: Fri, September 30, 2022, 04:06:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael,
I like that Jordan Rakei song so much I bought the album 5 years ago! ;) haha He's an amazing young talent. He uses some unusual chord progressions. Somewhere in between Stevie Wonder and Prince on those twisting progressions.
Yokacoka oddly reminded me of this track from the very overlooked McDoobie album of the same name.
https://youtu.be/17PmVEPpSWo
Date: Thurs, September 29, 2022, 23:42:12 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
I watched it. I think we've seen variations on the same skit and placement of Steely Dan tracks before. At any rate, these days, Kimmel is my preference.
Date: Thurs, September 29, 2022, 18:59:29 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
I haven't had time to watch the Colbert clip. But I take it I should scrub to just beyond 3 minutes and stay to the end.
Regarding yacht rock, I have no idea how Donald feels about it today. However, back in 2006, Walter and Donald gave a nod to it at the show near Chicago by wearing boat captain's hats. Seems at the time they liked it. That said, overwhelmingly these days, it's usually used to dismiss music that sounds pleasant, outdated, and sort of what probably my generation used to refer to his elevator music. As someone else pointed out, a label doesn't matter because at the end of the day it just matters that we get to listen to a band we love. So in that sense it doesn't matter what other people think. But then comes erroneous judgment from critics and other people who sell Steely Dan short is not being worthy of the accolades, telling jokes, etc. That bothers me because there's so much to Steely Dan and I get a little tired of being compared to Mantovani (really happened).
I'm not sure how Donald feels about yacht rock these days, but Boz Scaggs has his opinion--in case it's behind a pay wall for you, he doesn't like the description, but some of you I guess should write him and tell him to suck it up and get over it:
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/boz-scaggs-interview-yacht-rock-blues-silk-degrees-radiohead-760201/
And then there is what I thought was this really great summation by David Bowie guitarist, Reeves Gabrels--same people should tell him to get over it, I guess.
INTERVIEWER: “It’s like the Phil Collins sound. It was amazing when you first heard it. The 97th time it started to get old. “
REEVES GABRELS: “The problem became when people start copying. It’s like Steely Dan. I love Steely Dan; people calling it “yacht rock” piss me off to this day. It was because the people who copied it didn’t have the attitude behind it, or the lyric content. The copycats weren’t rooted in Naked Lunch; they were rooted in pina coladas.”
http://www.guitarmoderne.com/artists/david-torn-and-reeves-gabrels-talk-rerecording-bowie
My gripe is that people keep coming back to this topic. It's been discussed ad infinitum numerous times with nothing new that recycles every three or four months. Give it a rest. And these people with these "bold" opinions aren't bold enough to even leave a real email address when they post.
I respect that more than a couple of you dislike this forum and the fans here--so good stop posting here. There are so many other better forums that could meet your needs and they are not as out of the way. Why waste your time here on fans who are old and humorless as you suggest?
Date: Thurs, September 29, 2022, 18:04:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Relax people. The 'yacht rock' label gets slapped wantonly on anything even remotely resembling AOR jazz-pop-rock.
In the end it doesn't matter because we enjoy the music for what it is, not for what it's labeled by others.
I would be remiss if I didn't lighten the mood so here's a keeper by Eric Tagg titled 'All I Can Give'. Simply exquisite. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated vocalists of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6yj3qua7gk
Eric provided guest vocals on several of Lee Ritenour's albums. Here's the awesome 'Mr Briefcase' which was among the very first music videos to air on MTV alongside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Wrka1QyTE
Date: Thurs, September 29, 2022, 11:48:23 ET
Posted by: Philler, PHI
between Phil and Hoops losing his shit over Yacht Rock, it's been fun to watch all "humorless" stereotypes we heard about Dan fans growing up come absolutely true.
Date: Thurs, September 29, 2022, 11:31:25 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hund , Hanging Valley Wall, CO
Phil, if you would have made it to like 4:25, you could have seen Louis Cato shred some Dan. He’s a fantastic guitar player btw. Sorry, my bad. Should have just posted to go to 3:30 of the clip but you still wouldn’t have liked it. Yes, people love to mock Colbert, Trump, older white men, and even our beloved Steely Dan. Phil, today everything is discriminatory. Everything must go.
Date: Thurs, September 29, 2022, 10:34:01 ET
Posted by: Phil,
So Dr Hund, you want us to be waiting for a bunch of shit. You make us sit through 3:30 of an ageist, discriminatory skit that mocks older white men as well as Steely Dan. Save everybody the time and refuse to give Colbert the clicks: they show an old man described as a "Midwestern dad" who doesn't know how to be an Uber driver. And then after 3 1/2 minutes he turns on the radio and it's playing Steely Dan which is supposed to be funny because we love to mock people for listening to Steely Dan.
Date: Thurs, September 29, 2022, 09:53:56 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hund, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado
Be patient…..wait for it….
https://youtu.be/Mi3Nghz1xBU
Date: Wed, September 28, 2022, 23:20:34 ET
Posted by: Janie, Gramercy Park
"Down in Tampa the future looked desperate and dark....."
Date: Tues, September 27, 2022, 18:49:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, glad you enjoyed it. YGSF are a total throwback to that classic West Coast sound. Over the years I've seen many comments lamenting how nobody makes good music like they used to, but YGSF and several other artists prove otherwise.
Here's an excellent track from UK artists Jordan Rakei titled 'Goodbyes'. Soulful jazz feel, tasty chords and a sublime groove. I'm confident you'll like it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py1YlFOpX78
Chicago were one of the more prolific artists from their era. Much as is the case with Steely Dan, there's a treasure trove of good material within their catalog besides the radio staples. Given their pedigree it's hardly surprising that they utilized altered chords and extensions.
There's nothing novel about using stuff like that or what jazz artists dub 'outside notes'. Musicians have been using this stuff for centuries, delving into uncharted territory in search of new textures for expression. What changed over time is how we apply stuff within the contexts of composing and improvisation.
If you dig funky jazz fusion then The New Mastersounds might be up your alley. Here's the track 'Yokacoka' performed live. Good stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acAIQ6ZG5OI
I wonder how Donald's solo project is going. Haven't heard anything about it since he mentioned writing 'The Stellar Bartender'.
Date: Mon, September 26, 2022, 12:47:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael: Thx - Another great YGSF track. They've been drifting forward on Canyons and new tracks to a Jay Graydon/Kool & the Gang/Bobby Caldwell territory. A little more R&B vs. the excellent more "yacht rock" first two albums. AM Waves is a fab album chock full of 1977 hits that never happened.
OK, another love 'em, hate 'em mu chord appearance. TBH, this is the only early 80s Chicago track besides Get Away that I can stand.
Fortunately, Steve Kipner wrote this track and not Cetera and David Foster. The horns even make a jailbreak, unusual on Chicago 17. Bill Champlin sings dual lead vocals, so that helps.
On Hard Habit to Break the mu chord is over "Instead of getting easier"
C Em7
Livin' with out you all a big mistake
Fadd9
Instead of getting any easier,
Dm7-5/Ab
It's the hardest thing to take
Later, they modulate up on the chorus and the add9 = Gbadd9
Of their Foster period stuff, this is the track that works for me (without gagging).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aCAZNcTVeo
This performance did get a Grammy nomination, fwiw.
Date: Fri, September 23, 2022, 10:23:54 ET
Posted by: Michael,
New track titled 'Rolling Back' just dropped from Young Gun Silver Fox. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdko5I6i7Eo
Date: Fri, September 23, 2022, 01:32:15 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
SDV,
Thanks so much. That was a terrific video. It probably would have been a tad better without Fred Kaplan, but it seems like he's the one who put it all together. So thanks to him for that.
Chad looked like he was having a LOT of fun talking to Donald.
I'm tempted to get a decent turntable, as I'm already in the process of upgrading my stereo system.
Date: Thurs, September 22, 2022, 21:25:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Ange,
That's just to counteract the front cover. That's the ultimate in class!
Date: Thurs, September 22, 2022, 19:16:37 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
great 3-way interview with Donald just popped up, related to the new vinyl reissue campaign
https://youtu.be/vmrnS6ocCPA
Date: Thurs, September 22, 2022, 18:15:13 ET
Posted by: Ange Cagatz,
In retrospect, how classless is the back cover of CBAT?
All those stains…
Date: Mon, September 19, 2022, 00:18:44 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, The Loge, Row A, almost-but-not-quite dead center
Chris - Thanks for the flashback post. The whole thing was a fun read.
But especially the WB bit from "Hey Nineteen", which I'd somehow forgotten about.
I was there too, that night, and it was every bit as good as you say it was. Really, really good. Easily one of the goodest things I've seen in the last 45+ years.
When they finally finished up with This All Too Mobile Home, I almost shit my pants. I said "almost". I meant that metaphorically.
Although there's a drycleaner on Upper Broadway who might just - even to this day - dispute the "metaphorical" aspect of my claim.
Date: Sun, September 18, 2022, 11:35:38 ET
Posted by: chris, nh
I can't overstate how hyped I was for rarities night and how it met and exceeded my wildest expectations -- especially that encore, wow.
according to my records, it was somehow 11 years ago, making me 23 ... young enough to take a bus from NH just in time for the show, leave on a bus directly after, and not have the whole up-for-24-hours straight-mostly-on-a-bus thing ruin my week.
security at the Beacon was chill back then and let folks crash the front of the stage for the encore. when Fagen said "yeah yeah, we're gonna play what we want!" it was in response dozens of fans yelling requests, but I was close enough that I know he heard me yell "Kulee baba!" (obnoxious, I know, but in my defense I was a model enthusiastic audience member from my seats up until that point.) I didn't know what to expect - Kulee Baba was a pipe dream, another rarity seemed unlikely -- what did they have left? This All Too Mobile Home was a perfect choice in retrospect but it really came out of nowhere and I most definitely lost my shit.
from the cheap seats, it was clear not all of the audience knew what they were getting into, and fun to see where the pockets of hardcore dandom were every time a rarity dropped.
Underrated moment: Becker's Hey 19 rant (paraphrased) - "There are the 3 good things, in the business we call them the 3 Ms - music, money, and mmm mmm ... you guessed right: pussy. [plays blues lick]"
This All Too Mobile Home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij0Tsqn-Z3E
Date: Sat, September 17, 2022, 19:20:25 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Some great times, Don Patrol!
Was going through Dandom Digest and the BlueBook from 10 years ago. These three sum things up.
------
From: hoops at dandom dot com
Subject: NOT a SPOILER: 9/17-NYC: "A Fifth Legendary Show"
Date: Sun, September 18, 2011, 11:09:30 ET
Since Steely Dan started touriong again in the 90s, there have been four legendary shows in my book: the two pairs of Steely Dan shows at Roseland Ballroom in 1995 and 2003. On Saturday night, we had the fifth legendary show, the rarities show at the Beacon.
I have ben stunned since and keep wondering when I think about the show: "Did that really happen?"
What an amazing show. Thank you Donald and Walter.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, September 18, 2011, 11:01:00 ET
From: David Giles
Subject: SPOILER: 9/17-NYC-"Great Show, fantastic energy"
setlist
Your Gold Teeth
Aja
Black Friday
Hey 19
You Got The Bear
Time Out Of Mnd.
Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Jack of Speed (pre-1996 version, vocals by Walter)
Show Biz Kids
Pearl of the Quarter
Bodhisattva
Second Arrangement
Dr Wu
Papa Dont Take No Mess / intros
American Lovers (lead vocals by Catherine Russell)
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin in the Years
Encore: This Mobile Home
Great show, fantastic energy ...
----------------------------------------------------------------
From: Girl Margaret
Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 23:28:33 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: SPOILER: 9/17-NYC: Rarities and B-Sides, A Dream Come True!
To write a review of the events of Saturday night any sooner than tonight would have been impossible. I feel as though I have been basking in the afterglow of the most amazing of dreams for the last several days. Was I really there? Did what happen REALLY happen? It was incredible: I was at Beacon Theater, with my Danfriends and family, and hearing songs played live – right in front of me! – that I’d never imagine I’d hear live ever! And all those wonderful people that were there, it must have been a dream! I haven’t seen some of these folks in years, and all of a sudden I’m embracing them once more. There’s my Steely Parents Ed and LWO, my Steely sistahs SueDave and Lady Bayside, my long lost partner in crime Danfiend, and so many wonderful friends who round out my divine Danfamily: Alan, Joe, Hoops, Lisa G, Big Fan, Pete and Shari, and my token Canadian, Randy J Where else but in my wildest dreams could I be sharing the same space with these people and hearing The f 'in Bear?!
Forget The Bear (or has the bear forgotten you?). Let’s start with some of the other songs I’d never thought I’d hear, period. Your Gold Teeth? God, does that song bring back some very fond memories. To be honest, the dream was a little too real when I started hearing some of those old chestnuts being played to me for the 900th time (Hey 19, anyone?), although, to be fair, I have said and meant that as long as SD is playing, I will go see them, even if they’re playing the same twenty songs over and over again. But fer cryin’ out loud, this was the Rarities and B-Sides night! Put those AM Gold hits away and start hitting me with those bolts of lightning.
Before I go any further, I should point out that I was four rows back from Jon Herington, sitting next to my dear friend, Danfiend. We haven’t seen each other in five years, and it was like we never parted company. I’ve been having just as much fun with her at these shows as I was on the 2006 tour. The young’ns ride again!
So the two of us are reacting the same to every song – “Hey 19 is a rarity my ass!” – and begging Donald to please “shock us” with something we would never expect. It started with The Bear (holy $&!, they’re doing The Bear!!!), which I, in my efforts to remain surprised and avoided all spoiler alerts, was completely surprised by (even though I did hear Herington mention it in conversation two nights earlier). As Donald was telling a story to introduce the song, I literally stopped breathing, and had myself so worked up that I caused to have an acid reflux attack and came thisclose to puking in the aisle. It was worth it.
I was beyond stoked to hear Walter sing “Jack of Speed”, because IMHO the 1996 version is the best ever. EVER. However, this disco version certainly blindsided me (“What the hell is this? I can’t follow the beat.”), and even seemed to stump Walter at times. But it was still pretty awesome.
Then we enter into what was one of the greatest moments I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. In my memory book of Steely Dan concerts, this one will be highlighted and earmarked til my final days. Donald starts talking about Gaucho and the master tapes incident and how this one song was pretty much gone, but hey let’s play it tonight. Cut to me and Danfiend clinging to the edges of our seats, squealing, “Ohmygodthey’regonnaplaySecondArrangement!” And lo and behold, I hear those magical opening notes of The Second Arrangement. The Second f 'in Arrangement! To say I love love love that song is a massive understatement, how does one describe the beauty of such majesty? The tears started welling in my eyes, as I drank in this magical moment, thinking especially of the late Bill Griffin (SpongeBill), who always had a soft spot for that song. I can only hope he was looking down at us that night and singing along. They finish the song, Danfiend and I lose our minds with applause, and Donald mentions that “This next song we get a lot of requests for, but don’t play it a lot, but tonight we’re going to” (Me: Oh god, it’s gonna be Rikki Don’t Lost That Number). And damn, if Donald didn’t hit me again with shock as he played the opening chords of Dr. Wu. DOCTOR F'in WU! Danfiend and I lost it all over again, as we both burst into tears and gave each other a big hug. Seriously, how in the name of Jeff Porcaro do you top hearing The Second Arrangement AND Doctor Wu back to friggin back live by Steely Dan? Answer: You don’t. You can’t! Ok, MAYBE if they pulled me onstage and let me sing with them. But as long as I’m having this magnificent dream, I won’t push my luck.
So the evening of rarities and awesomeness continues with The Embassy Brats(!)--lead vocals by Catherine Russell--performing a song Donald and Walter wrote for Thomas Jefferson Kaye called “American Lover.” Personally, this one was a huge surprise because not only was I not familiar with the song (a rarity for me at a Dan concert, period), but because it was a song D+W wrote for someone else. What’s next, a Jay and the Americans medley (DO IT)? Not my favorite surprise of the evening, but damn if I don’t love Catherine Russell’s voice on lead.
So the evening wears on, they close with “My Old School” and walk off, then I expect them to come back on and play something like “Reelin in the Years”. Thankfully I was proven wrong, as Donald said “We’re gonna do what WE wanna do!” and announced that for their final song, they would end the show like they did back in ’74 and do “This All Too Mobile Home”.
HOLY. FREAKIN'. $j&7.
SERIOUSLY?!?!
Cut to Danfiend and me jumping up and down screaming in the aisle, while I high-fived Big Fan who had the good fortune (or misfortune, you’d have to ask him) to be sitting behind us. Talk about a dream! If they got out the Ouija board and scared up Jeff Porcaro and Jim Hodder that song couldn’t have been any better.
Now let’s be honest for a minute: we all know how we know these songs. Don and Walt know. They’re not stupid. But I did wonder for a moment if it was right to sing along with the unreleased songs, as I have now made it obvious that I’m the owner of one or two (dozen) “special” recordings. Like Walter was gonna stop the song halfway thru and point to us and scream “BUSTED!”
Thankfully he didn’t, and thankfully the best band in the world finally gave in and played some of the songs that we diehards have been fantasizing about hearing live for years and years.
When the house lights came on, I dropped to the floor and declared “You can literally scrape me off the floor now.”
There’s only thing that could have made this show better, and that’s if it was at Roseland Ballroom, so I could stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of my Danfamily and cry and laugh and sing along together. Incidentally, that’s where I was first introduced to most of you exactly 8 years ago.
What truly solidified the fact that this was nothing more than a glamorous dream was that it all happened in a whirlwind. One moment I was saying hello to people I haven’t seen in two years, the next I’m saying goodbye to them. When I awoke the next morning, I felt like Dorothy Gale, waking up back at the farmhouse. “I had the most wonderful dream, and you were there…and you…and you…”
Date: Sat, September 17, 2022, 18:23:22 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Happy Rarities Night Anniversary.✌️
Date: Sat, September 17, 2022, 14:21:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Yeah, I really have to get a new cartridge and needle for my OG Mitsubishi / Yamaha / Boston Acoustics system.
But until my ship comes in...
In the meantime, for those Prefab Sprout fans out there (and you know who you are) this new Death Cab for Cutie album (Asphalt Meadows) - I'm starting to feel it. The chord changes, melodies, rhythm guitar and rhythm section have me feelin' a hybrid of Prefab Sprout ca. Steve McQueen/Two Wheels Good and The Cure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7jZorZeWro&list=OLAK5uy_n9fUojiPCjPQ0Gm2oWxbYLOXJ3f06do8Y&index=5
There are some McAloon-esque figures through the album that I noticed. Then I literally then laughed out loud (nearly a spit take) when Ben Gibbard throws out a Prefab Sprout callout on the 9th track, Wheat Like Waves.
So, DCFC with an arguable "Everything You Did" moment:
Wheat like waves
The Canadian plains were an ocean wide
Flowing to the sky
With Prefab Sprout
Echoing out of your '90s Accord
With the mismatched doors
lol Gibbard must hear - "Hey, you guys sound like Prefab Sprout" quite a bit.
Date: Fri, September 16, 2022, 11:59:50 ET
Posted by: Chris, -
So, the same mastering on both releases?
Date: Fri, September 16, 2022, 11:39:52 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
According to the news release from Acoustic Sounds:
“Additionally, UMe is releasing these same seven titles [CBAT-Gaucho] on 33 1/3 RPM also mastered by Bernie Grundman. Lacquers for UMe's standard 180-gram version will be cut by Alex Brash at his renowned AA Mastering studio from high-resolution digital files of Grundman's new masters and pressed at Precision. They will be housed in reproductions of the original artwork.”
Date: Fri, September 16, 2022, 10:58:33 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Can't Buy A Thrill is getting a 50th anniversary re-release this November. "Standard" 180 g vinyl available now from Steely Dan store and probably other sources. I believe the Steely Dan store is run by Universal release the LPs are filled by Universal. In general, my experience with universal is that they're very slow in terms of shipping, sometimes items not even received a week or two after the release date. I have a feeling this will be in stores as well.
https://steelydanshop.com/products/cant-buy-a-thrill-vinyl-lp
Meanwhile acoustic sounds, through the analog productions division, are releasing all 1970s seven studios titles that originally came out on ABC/MCA. These will be on 180 g vinyl, along with deluxe packaging and most notably at 45 RPM resolution, meaning the 7 to 11 tracks will be spread out over four sides. They're asking a cool $150 for each title. After tax, etc. you're talking over $1000 for all seven. Then again the mastering is by Bernie Gunderson and of course, this is Steely Dan.
https://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&artistid=3361&LabelID=507
Date: Thurs, September 15, 2022, 21:06:55 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper’s Son, Florida
Just logged onto the Blue after being away for a while. Thanks to Hoops for the notification of Joey DeFrancesco’s passing. Had not seen that anywhere. Joey was pure talent to the nth degree. Loved his B3 playing. The Jazz set he did with Van Morrison was amazing. RIP Joey D.
Date: Sat, September 03, 2022, 10:50:44 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Gene!
That Mo Ostin interview was phenomenal. I went and looked up the first half as well. Still need to read the third part about Prince. Of course, I loved reading the few bits about Steely Dan and Gary Katz, but all the rest of it too, just fantastic. Thanks for posting that. Really appreciate it.
Date: Sat, September 03, 2022, 09:01:35 ET
Posted by: Gene, PA
Mo Ostin briefly explaining his strategy in signing SD here.
https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=332393&title=MO-OSTIN:-THE-2017-INTERVIEW-PART-TWO
...But one thing that’s interesting about Steve Ross was that he was so into executive talent that he used to warehouse executives. He hired Bob Pittman before he had a job for him. I borrowed from that when I made a deal with Steely Dan—three albums before their contract expired at ABC. And I did the same thing with Tom Petty—three albums before his time ended with MCA.
Date: Sat, September 03, 2022, 00:15:54 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, Everywhere
Date: Sat, September 03, 2022, 00:13:54 ET
Posted by: From Walter Becker Media mailing,
Live from Slim's, April 1995. Walter performing, "Girl Next Door to the Methadone Clinic"
Missing Walter!
https://www.walterbeckermedia.com/forum/rarities-unreleased/girl-next-door-to-the-methadone-clinic
Date: Fri, September 02, 2022, 21:10:19 ET
Posted by: Geo, N
Former Warner Brothers CEO Mo Ostin died recently. Always wondered what his dealings with SD were in getting them to sign with the label. He was known for being hands on in getting artists on board.
Date: Tues, August 30, 2022, 16:50:20 ET
Posted by: Lucky Henry,
The other night I dreamed that William Shatner did a cover version of "H Gang."
Date: Fri, August 26, 2022, 17:53:21 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Just a reminder to Nicholas and anyone who doesn't know: There is a bug where if you post something to the BlueBook and then it goes to sleep, some browsers will inadvertently repost the same thing when the computer is woken up and the "thank you for posting" screen is on top. I can't even remember when I have last chided someonefor duplicate posts -- it's been years -- because it is a known bug that I regularly housekeep for anyone posts. Regular members of our community know you just let it go and sooner or later the dups go away.
Jim
Date: Fri, August 26, 2022, 11:29:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
DimSkip And others: thanks for the heads up on WXPN playing Steely Dan alphabetically yesterday.
Back in the early days of the Dandom Digest, there was always a lot of discussion In a little bit of frustration over how the CD masters were screwed up and they were various stickers and cities like "digitally remastered" and then another one that said "digitally remastered by the artist". We joked that the next MCA would repackage all the Steely Dan tracks, sort the titles alphabetically with Microsoft Word's "sort" command, and then put a sticker on the package , "digitally alphabetized for the first time." So yesterday was a little bit of life imitating satire.
Date: Fri, August 26, 2022, 00:03:02 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Hammond Organ Hall of Famer Joey DeFrancesco has passed away suddenly today at age 51. Joey was well respected in the jazz community and of course opened for Steely Dan on some dates in recent years. In addition to his legendary Hammond organ playing, he also was an accomplice trumpeter and saxophonist. He worked with the likes of everyone from Miles Davis to Ray Charles to Bette Midler to Van Morrison.
This link is to his Wikipedia entry. RIP, Joey.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joey_DeFrancesco
Date: Thurs, August 25, 2022, 14:10:54 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, NJ/Philly area
One more update after all...
I haven't been able to be glued to the broadcast, but I've heard a lot of it. They mentioned something about a World Cafe Fagen interview (or something) in the 5p hour and stuff that is "Steely Dan-adjacent" in the 6p hour (final hour), mentioning something about other artists somehow connected. Could be a lot of stuff, I suppose. I suspect there won't be any demo or early unofficial stuff, but I have no idea, really. I guess there **could** be some "Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It" stuff, but again... no idea. I also don't know if they'll dip into any B/F solo material from various sources. Stay tuned to find out, I guess...
Date: Thurs, August 25, 2022, 11:16:56 ET
Posted by: a2z, asdf
Thanks for all the updates on this, very cool.
Date: Thurs, August 25, 2022, 10:33:08 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, NJ/Philly area
Last one, I promise... 'XPN on-air personality just mentioned that the SD goes until 7p tonight (that's EDT in Philly).
And yeah, I know we all can listen to these songs (and much more) from our own personal collections, but it's still kind of cool imo just to know they're being played on the old-fashioned radio. Maybe some others will hear and become retro fans.
Date: Thurs, August 25, 2022, 10:12:38 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, NJ/Philly area
10a on 'XPN... Aja. Now playing Almost Gothic...
(Just officially confirming the "A to Y" SD TBT broadcast is under way...)
https://xpn.org/2022/08/21/steely-dan-a-z-tbtxpn/
Date: Thurs, August 25, 2022, 08:16:51 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, NJ/Philly area
OK, folks (if anyone's even out there reading this)... I just put XPN back on and heard an on-air person say (trying to closely paraphrase here...) "If you're just tuning in and wondering where Throwback Thursday is, it normally starts at 6a, but we figured out playing Steely Dan won't take as much time as usual, so we're starting at 10a today."
Note: I have no idea how long it normally runs to. I want to assume it's until midnight, but I probably shouldn't assume.
OK. So now I feel much more confident that they WILL in fact be playing Steely Dan in another hour and forty-five minutes (at time of this posting -- 8:15a Philly time).
Date: Thurs, August 25, 2022, 07:59:13 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, NJ/Philly area
Apologies everyone. Woke up, put WXPN on this morning (around 7:30a)... No Steely Dan playing. Went to the webpage with the article, clicked to listen live... No Steely Dan playing.
So then I reread the short article and where it previously said "starting at 6a," it now says "starting at 10a." (I copy/pasted the info right here the other day, so I **know** I'm not crazy---it **said** 6a!)
Not a good omen. I don't regularly listen to XPN, so I don't know anything firsthand about the station's routine or programming, I was just going by what the article said. And then they went and changed the article. Hopefully it was just a simple typo and subsequent correction and the Dan will begin now at 10a local Philly time (another 2 hours at time of posting this). We'll see...
Date: Mon, August 22, 2022, 09:41:03 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, NJ/Philly area
For WXPN, listen by clicking the play arrow at the very top of the page next to where it IDs WXPN. (Remember, though, Steely Dan throwback Thursday begins Thursday (Duh!), August 25th, at 6a local Philly time.
You should also be able to listen here...
https://onlineradiobox.com/us/wxpn/?cs=us.wxpn&played=1
I'm sure there may be other online listening venues as well... If so, others should feel free to speak up about them. And personally, I don't do phone apps and such, so it'll be up to others to inform about those for WXPN (88.5 FM, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA).
Date: Mon, August 22, 2022, 09:19:11 ET
Posted by: DimSkip, NJ/Philly area
It’s a Steely Dan A-Z on this week’s #TBTXPN
https://xpn.org/2022/08/21/steely-dan-a-z-tbtxpn/
On this week’s Throwback Thursday, you’ll hear nothing but Dan. No, not WXPN Host, Dan Reed… STEELY DAN!
On this week’s Throwback Thursday, you’ll hear nothing but Dan. No, not WXPN Host, Dan Reed… STEELY DAN! It’s Steely Dan A to Z, from “Aja” to “Your Gold Teeth,” and everything in between!
Okay so technically it’s A to Y. Don’t miss hour after hour of Steely Dan in alphabetical order on this week’s Throwback Thursday. Listen starting at 6 a.m. on August 25, and use the hashtag, #TBTXPN on social media.
Date: Sun, August 21, 2022, 16:45:19 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
Here's a live version of Tuzz's Shadow from the 1993 SD show, in case anyone is interested:
https://youtu.be/mGt8RebOy7Q?t=4225
Date: Sun, August 21, 2022, 14:32:01 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Donald Fagen with Warren Bernhardt piano video:
https://youtu.be/rR6OsrzbHHY
Whenever I hear Bernhardt's "Tuzz's Shadow", I'm transported back to late August/ early September 1993 when this song, as performed by the Steely Dan Orchestra, opened the second set. A wonderful time, made even more wonderful by Warren's music. He will be missed. https://youtu.be/QzPTESRNlBw
Steve Khan offers this beautiful tribute to Warren Bernhardt. Warren had a very long career dating back to the early 1960s. I was a relatively late comer to becoming one of his fans, first becoming aware of his amazing playing during the 1993 Steely Dan tour. Burnhart's "Tuzz's Shadow" was what Donald referred to as the "walking music" that started the second set of the shows 29 years ago. So for a group of us Steely Dan fans, it was the first we became aware of his talent. Donald and Warren also collaborated on an instructional video released in the mid1990s. Even for those of us with minimal piano capabilities, it was very insightful, inspiring, and a lot of fun. I know I bought it on VHS, and then again when it came out on DVD. While I have never met him personally, Warren always exuded a very warm personality  that made him seem like someone you could approach even though he was a musical genius. I would wager that Donald has many find memories of his collaboration with Warren. thanks for the music, Warren. You will be missed.
Link to Steve Kahn's touching tribute to Warren Bernhardt:
http://www.stevekhan.com/tributes.htm?fbclid=IwAR1Sx6OS9gkMVxFLamxkMmvnhjhvYE5THCe-b3YDyigYkPgzfwflZFXBCZ4
Date: Sat, August 20, 2022, 11:54:21 ET
Posted by: chris, nh
according to Facebook, Warren Bernhardt passed away yesterday.
I love his playing throughout Alive In America. A monster pianist with a soft touch.
And I've always enjoyed clips from this instructional tape DF put out, where he very kindly and egolessly plays the role of the audience surrogate, "learning" the forms and progressions of several Steely Dan songs he already knew inside and out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP_2r9zbaIY
Date: Fri, August 19, 2022, 08:51:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,
PREP, a UK band with a soothing blend of synth-pop, lush West Coast harmonies and earworm melodies, is comprised of Tom Havelock (vocals), Llywelyn ap Myrddin (keys), Dan Radclyffe (guitars), and Guillaume Jambel (drums). This song, 'The Kid', is strongly reminiscent of Donald Fagen, like something he might've written in some alternate universe set in the 1980s (although their lyrics don't make as many cryptic references).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMBacJ0AOBI
Incidentally, PREP are more more popular in Asian countries like South Korea than they are in their hometown of London, perhaps due to their strong association with city pop. Have a listen to '15th Floor', another winner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faOiQg1BjKk
Speaking of winners, AOR duo Young Gun Silver Fox's new album, titled Ticket To Shangri-La, is set to drop on October 21st. Be sure to check out the first single 'West Side Jet' if you haven't already done so. Soulful and breezy, it goes down smooth, like some long lost hit from the golden era of West Coast pop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKTKXA6U_O8
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Date: Mon, August 15, 2022, 19:58:49 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
The latest edition of the Dandom Digest for May 23-August. 15, 2022 emailed out late this afternoon. You should have received it between 5:45 pm and 7 pm ET/NYC Time. ! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 30, No. 8). The previous regular Dandom Digest covered May 13-22, 2022.
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. 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. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com.
If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest/index.html
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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
As the Dandom Digest begins its 30th year, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------
DANDOM DIGEST
MAY 23--AUG 15, 2022
Yr. 30, No. 8
-------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST
SD's Cover of Joni Mitchell's "Carey"
Linda Hoover on Lost Debut Featuring D+W
Kate Bush, Steely Dan Fan
Sex Pistols Guitarist Prefers Steely Dan
Why Did Steely Dan change their sound?
Controversies About Recent Mobile Fidelity Reissues
Analogue Productions' 2vN & EMG--Plus "Katy Lied"?
Bernie Grundman Talks "Aja" Mastering
YouTube: Peg (Rhythm & Vocals Only)
WB Guitars at Jim Irsay Exhibit at Chicago's Navy Pier
Every Steely Dan Guitar Solo
A Couple of Jeff Baxter Interviews
A List of Jeff Porcaro Highlights
Wayne Robbins on Kamakiriad
Randall & Carlock play on Wendel Tracks
Monkey House Goes to #1!
Monkey House's Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed "Aja" Book
Catherine Russell's "Send For Me" Now on Vinyl Too!
DownBeat Interview: Catherine Russell
OUT NOW! Walt Weiskopf European Quartet Music, More!
COMING SOON! The “Leonhart Brass Band” 7” vinyl
The Leonharts in "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On"
Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
Jon Herington Talks About the '22 Tour
WSJ: Dave Stryker on Steely Dan
SD 2022 Tour Merch Available Online
About the Cap Theatre Set Lists
SETLIST: 8/10—The Capitol Theatre, Port Washington, NY
SETLIST: 8/12—The Capitol Theatre, Port Washington, NY
SETLIST: 8/13—The Capitol Theatre, Port Washington, NY
REVIEW: Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’ Lights up The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester (A Gallery)
REVIEW: The Aquarian: SD + Dave Stryker
Followed by
PRETZEL LOGIC
-------------------------------------------------------------
Date: July 7, 2022
Subject: SD's Cover of Joni Mitchell's "Carey"
Circa 2001-02, Steely Dan recorded a cover of Joni Mitchell's 'Carey' for the Joni Mitchell tribute album, "A Case of Joni". It was reportedly recorded over a period of six days (an astonishingly short time for Steely Dan). However, Becker and Fagen's cover was cut from the album, along with others. The album was eventually released in 2007 as "A Tribute to Joni Mitchell".
Fast forward to July 7, 2022: Radio host Steve Acri of Pittsburgh Freeform radio uncovered the unreleased tune and played it on air.
Here'e the track:
https://youtu.be/rX00i3PKTrk
Here's the full Steve Acri Radio show with reveal:
https://www.mixcloud.com/PittsburghFreeFormRadio/steve-acri-freeform-show-19-772022/
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Scott S.
Date: August 8 2022 at 9:54 PM
Subject: Linda Hoover on Lost Debut Featuring D+W
From Peter Jone's Interview with Linda Hoover in "The Guardian":
Excerpts:
"I was on the high of highs, and suddenly it was over."
"At the age of 71, singer-songwriter Hoover is finally releasing her debut album – 50 years after she made it. She explains how Becker and Fagen lent a hand to a must-have record for Dan fans..."
Few wannabe pop stars release their debut album at the age of 71, especially one that was recorded more than half a century earlier. But Linda Hoover’s I Mean to Shine is no ordinary album. Not only does the backing group feature three future members of Steely Dan– Donald Fagen, Walter Becker and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter – it also includes five Becker-Fagen songs, all of them little-known and one of them never previously heard.
Full story from "The Guardian":
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jul/07/linda-hoover-on-her-great-lost-lp-with-steely-dan-i-mean-to-shine
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Date: June 15, 2022
Subject: Kate Bush, Steely Dan Fan
With revived attention given to Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill," it has also come to my attention that Kate is a big Steely Dan fan. Going back to December 31, 1980. Kate Bush talks about Steely Dan. Here's some quotes from a neat article where she talks about various influences, including of course Steely Dan:
“I think they're very underestimated. They're the most incredible musicians. This is it. They are here -- a musician's band. I mean, all the musicians in this country just rave about them technically, and as songwriters. But you know, they're not really played on the radio, but they're just incredible. (Paul Gambaccini, BBC Radio 1, 31 December 1980)"
"For me, each album got better, and I wish they hadn't split up. (Kate Bush Club, issue 16)”.
https://www.musicmusingsandsuch.com/musicmusingsandsuch/2020/11/26/feature-from-the-starman-to-steely-dan-the-artists-who-have-influenced-kate-bush
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Subject: Sex Pistols Guitarist Prefers Steely Dan
Date: June 2022
Sex Pistols Guitarist Prefers Steely Dan to His Own Band
“I’m f-cking tired of it, to be honest with you.”
https://www.vulture.com/2022/06/sex-pistols-steve-jones-prefers-steely-dan.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rich Kurlantzick
Date: June 25, 2022
Subject: Why Did Steely Dan change their sound?
Rick Beato responds to the question: "Why Did Steely Dan change their sound?"
Rick: "The simple answer is because they got clearer about what they wanted and how to achieve it over time.
Continues...
https://youtu.be/TxaxHYxnY9o
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Controversies About Recent Mobile Fidelity Reissues
Washington Post Article:
How a Phoenix record store owner set the audiophile world on fire
MoFi claimed its expensive reissues were purely analog reproductions. It had been deceiving its customer base for years.
“Not that you can’t make good records with digital, but it just isn’t as natural as when you use the original tape,” says Bernie Grundman, 78, the mastering engineer who worked on the original recordings of Steely Dan’s “Aja,” Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic.”
https://tinyurl.com/FullD1g1tal180LP
My reaction: Since it only impacts releases in recent years, "The Nightfly" is the only MoFi title that might be impacted. However, since "The Nightfly" was one of the earliest, full digital recordings, I'm not sure how --if at all --this impacts the MoFi version of "The Nightfly" that you may have purchased about five years ago for $100 and is now worth on average about $300. However, as I'm understanding this, it may mean a technical difference for those MoFi recordings released in the past decade or so that were originally recorded an analog.  The idea is that the original analog tapes for other albums were used to make "One Step" copies on vinyl. 
At any rate, according to past discussions in the Dandom Digest, as well as sibling Dandom forums, the MoFi version of "the Nightfly" is considered one of the best versions on vinyl out there.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Subject: Analogue Productions' 2vN & EMG--Plus "Katy Lied"?
In related news. couple of months ago saw the re-release of high-quality 45 rpm versions of "Two Against Nature" and "Everything Must Go." However, these were done by Acoustic Sounds' Analougue Productions (AP). They were not done by MoFi. Word in the Steve Hoffman discussion forum is that Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions has "Katy Lied" next on their release list.
To order the AP versions of 2vN and EMG, head to: https://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&searchtext=steely+dan
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Bernie Grundman Talks "Aja" Mastering
From: Matt Channen
Date: August 7 at 12:22 PM ·
Wanted to share an interview between Chad Kassem of Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions and Bernie Grundman on some of BG's masterings from over the decades. Very interesting conversation. He specifically talks about Aja at about the 9:10 and 14:40 marks as well as the two new live albums.
Bernie was also the mastering engineer behind the Northeast Corridor, The Nightfly Live, as well as the recent Analogue Productions 45RPM of Everything Must Go. Very possible that he'd be the mastering engineer for AP if they end up remastering the remaining titles.
https://youtu.be/-ZurO8d4Jx0
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Scott Gray
Date: August 11, 2022 at 8:37 AM
Subject: YouTube: Peg (Rhythm & Vocals Only)·
Wow! Such a great groove. Nice to hear these isolated parts.
Steely Dan - Peg (Rhythm & Vocals)
The drums, bass, and vocals from Steely Dan's 'Peg'. Donald Fagen- vocals Michael McD
https://youtu.be/koqV9g5Dwe0
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Danny Rigoni
Date: August 2, 2022
Subject: WB Guitars at Jim Irsay Exhibit at Chicago's Navy Pier
I checked out the Jim Irsay Collection exhibit here in Chicago at Navy Pier . The highlight was seeing Walter’s iconic green Hahn and his Becon and Day Seniorita. The Hahn was one of the most talked about guitars in the 2019 auction. When it sold for such a large sum ($68,750), I had a feeling Irsay bought it. The guitar seemed like was one of the more popular ones on display, and a lot of people around me seems happy to see it and had admiration for Walter and Steely Dan. It’s exciting to see the legacy of his music live on.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Every Steely Dan Guitar Solo
YouTube Video (Most?) Every Steely Dan Guitar Solo
https://youtu.be/1TaLz9UmWdo
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Date; August 9, 2022
Subject: A Couple of Jeff Baxter Interviews
A couple of interviews with Jeff Baxter in support of his recent release, "Speed of Heat."
First, an interview from "Guitar World." Most interesting part to me is his comments about Danny Dias.
GUITARIST: "We touched on the Steely Dan years. What did you think of Denny Dias’s playing in that period?
JEFF BAXTER: “Well, I love Denny’s playing. And, for me, being a scientist and tech head, I thought his approach to guitar was somewhat empirical. I really liked that. It was like he was studying it constantly. And observing it and then executing. With heart. I mean, you have to… (continues)
https://www.guitarworld.com/features/jeff-skunk-baxter-speed-of-heat
And then there is this interview from "Glide":
Jeff Baxter Talks A Lifetime Of Being Skunk, Working In Steely Dan, That Moustache & Guitar Technology
https://glidemagazine.com/278122/jeff-baxter-talks-a-lifetime-of-being-skunk-working-in-steely-dan-that-moustache-guitar-technology-interview
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Subject: A List of Jeff Porcaro Highlights
Date: August 7, 2022 at 6:08 AM ·
Not always crazy about these sorts of lists, but this list of Jeff Porcaro highlights have some interesting tidbits. A nice point of departure for discussion.
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/best-jeff-porcaro-songs/
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Amy Eyre Acers
Date: July 28 at 5:10 PM ·
Subject: Wayne Robbins on Kamakiriad
For your consideration:
WAYNEROBINS49.SUBSTACK.COM
On Donald Fagen's Kamakiriad:
The Small Consolations of the Florida Room, 1993
Donald Fagen's second solo album, Kamakiriad in 1993, more than a decade following the lauded The Nightfly in 1982) is a concept album. No, really, it really is a concept album, spelled out in the liner notes/lyric sheet to the Reprise Records CD. There are eight "related" songs, and Fagen tells us what they are about:
"The literal action takes place a few years in the future, near the millennium. In the first song...(Continues)
https://waynerobins49.substack.com/p/on-donald-fagens-kamakiriad?s=r&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Randall & Carlock play on Wendel Tracks
Wendel is working on a new album featuring the contributions of Steely Dan associates past (Elliott Randall), now (Keith Carlock), and even (Nate McAdams), as well as alumns of Cory Wong & The Wongnotes. Mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and Metropolis Studios in London. Some interesting stuff.
Full details are at https://qrates.com/projects/27329-these-times
Wendel - These Times (with Keith Carlock on drums)
https://youtu.be/Pcd6QBWH6P0
Wendel - I Would Be King (with Keith Carlock on drums)
https://youtu.be/_ltMl4zfCVc
Wendel - Rolling Stony (with Elliott Randall on Guitar)
https://youtu.be/ZP5bhCbS_jI
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5x2uZmkQ3rhzacAIHJsbkX?si=ew_b-_eVS8-odb-7NmSReg
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/jp/artist/wendel/1537666021?l=en
Website: wendel.jp
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/wendelmusic
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Monkey House Goes to #1!
#1 on iTunes Jazz Chart during its debut week!
REMEMBER THE AUDIO
OUT NOW: The New Album From Monkey House
Featuring Michael Leonhart, Drew Zingg, Randy Brecker, Lucy Woodward, David Blamires, Guido Basso and many more!
BUY IT! DOWNLOAD IT! STREAM IT! REQUEST IT!
GET IT TODAY! An Appeal to YOU From the Dandom Digest
Having a big first week is essential to the continued global success of Monkey House, and *pre-orders* (physical and digital) all count toward the Week 1 total. Vote with your dollar—here are the relevant links to REMEMBER THE AUDIO. And be sure to tell your local jazz radio station to play it! If the Amazon store isn't your jam, there should be other options in your territory. Thank you from the Dandom Digest, as well as Don Breithaupt and Monkey House.
CD ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes
STREAM
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/RTAPR
WHAT THEY ARE ALREADY SAYING about REMEMBER THE AUDIO
"Monkey House, led by Don Breithaupt, a Canadian composer / arranger / keyboard player / singer and author of Steely Dan's research book Aja, completed the long-awaited album for the first time in three years. A masterpiece that shows the highest finish ever, which can be said to be more than the acclaimed previous work Friday (2019). Guest musicians are also gorgeous every time. Must-listen for all AOR fans! " --CD Japan
"It's hard to imagine Monkey House topping their amazing last album, Friday, but Monkey House excels and succeeds with Remember the Audio." --Dandom Digest
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Monkey House's Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed "Aja" Book
ALSO FROM DON BREITHAUPT of MONKEY HOUSE…
Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
Don Breithaupt talks "Aja" with the "Sound Logic" guys in Toronto. Don is, of course, a mastermind behind the music of Monkey House as well as an acclaimed expert on "Aja," most notably his 33-1/3 book on "Aja,"
The "Sound Logic" episode is over an hour long and available on numerous podcast and streaming platforms. Even seasoned Steely Dan fans will hear a few new things.
Here's the link: https://anchor.fm/soundlogic/episodes/63-Aja-by-Steely-Dan-with-our-Special-Guest--Don-Breithaupt-e1fauuu
Buy Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed 33 1/3 book, "Aja"
The definitive book...features conversations between Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen on Steely Dan's landmark album.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Catherine Russell's "Send For Me" Now on Vinyl Too!
Catherine Russell's latest, "Send For Me" keeps topping all the major jazz charts.
And now it's available on vinyl!
https://dottimerecords.bandcamp.com/album/send-for-me
Buy the album and see what the buzz is all about. And if you are lucky enough, be sure to catch Catherine at one of her upcoming shows near you.
Here's hoping this is the album that does trick and gives Catherine the Grammy she has so richly deserved all these years.
OFFICIAL VIDEOS of TRACKS FROM "SEND FOR ME"
"At The Swing Cats Ball"
https://youtu.be/jvIew8xZQe0
"Make It Last"
https://jazztimes.com/audio-video/premieres/jt-video-premiere-make-it-last-by-catherine-russell/
“Blue and Sentimental”
https://www.jazziz.com/joel-ross-simona-smirnova-more-new-release-cheat-sheet/
LIVE PERFORMANCES
See https://www.catherinerussell.net/tour for a full list of many tour dates over the coming weeks and months.
SOME INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES
Classic jazz revitalized in new release by Catherine Russell
by Avery Jeffry
CapRadio (California State University, Sacramento Public Radio)
Thursday, May 12, 2022
http://www.capradio.org/music/jazz/2022/05/12/classic-jazz-revitalized-in-new-release-by-catherine-russell/
'All About Jazz" on "Send For Me"
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/march-2022-sent-for-me-catherine-russell
ROCHESTERFIRST.COM
1-on-1 with Catherine Russell: Jazz singer, Rochester favorite
with Dan Gross
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/features/1-on-1-with-catherine-russell-jazz-singer-rochester-favorite
CATHERINE RUSSELL ON NPR TINYDESK
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/11/1076098017/catherine-russell-tiny-desk-home-concert
Pretty much her entire CATalogue including her latest, the Grammy-nominated
"Alone Together"
Buy at: http://www.catherinerussell.net/listen.php
There's a lot more...check out http://www.catherinerussll.net
Links to all of Catherine's social media channels can be found at the bottom of the page at http://www.catherinerussell.net ; Her Facebook artist page, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerussellmusic ; and her official Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/crussellsinger
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From: Michael Eldridge
Date: May 31`, 2022
Subject: DownBeat Interview: Catherine Russell
Awesome interview with Catherine Russell posted on DownBeat.com:
https://downbeat.com/news/detail/catherine-russell-an-artist-prepares
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Subject: OUT NOW! Walt Weiskopf European Quartet Music, More!
Tenor Saxophonist Walt Weiskopf Reconvenes His Celebrated European Quartet On 'Diamonds And Other Jewels,' OUT NOW!
Waylaid by the COVID-19 pandemic, tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf and his European Quartet return with a vengeance on Diamonds and Other Jewels, set for an August 19 release on AMM Records. A collection of Weiskopf originals (and one standard), it demonstrates the powerful chemistry Weiskopf shares with pianist Carl Winther, bassist Andreas Lang, and drummer Anders Mogensen—matched by their audible relish at being back together.
The album is the sixth release by the acclaimed quartet, assembled
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/tenor-saxophonist-walt-weiskopf-reconvenes-his-celebrated-european-quartet-on-diamonds-and-other-jewels-arriving-august-19-on-amm-records
"Other Jewels" is the first tune from from the WWEQ new release is now out!
https://weiskopf.lnk.to/jewels
Other Walt Weiskopf News
"Introspection, V, 2.0," more
Walt Weiskopf European Quartet announces v. 2.0 of their most recent release, "Introspection." Featuring six additional tracks, the new version is out now.
New Walt Weiskopf Master Class Video
https://www.mymusicmasterclass.com/premiumvideos/walt-weiskopf-jazz-standards-lesson-exploring-invitation/
Walt's website, including links to all of his social media outlets can be found at https://waltweiskopf.com
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Subject: COMING SOON! The “Leonhart Brass Band” 7” vinyl
Michael reports on his Facebook page:
The debut release of the
“Leonhart Brass Band”!
Coming out on limited edition 7” vinyl on #mightyeyerecords (dist. by Fat Beats
Release date will be in the next 8-12 weeks.
“Snake Oil" is the. A side and is viewable at Michael's Facebook page.
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From: Danny Rigoni
Date: August 5 at 10:36 AM ·
Subject: The Leonharts in "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On"
Had the chance to see the movie "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" at Chicago's Musicbox Theatre. It is an entertaining and heartwarming quasi-childrens animated mockumentarty. Michael Leonhart performs the “shell/pasta horn” scores in the movie, his wife Jamie voices Marcel’s family, and it was also nice to see their son Milo in the “special thanks” section.
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Subject: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
The Dandom Digest would like to support your new album release by sending a special edition of the Dandom Digest. The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your labor of love. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email jjmckay at me.com for info when the release is approaching. Thank you!
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2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
2022 TOUR WRAP UP!
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Date: Thurs, June 02, 2022, 00:00:52 ET
From: Bob, JGT Podcast
Subject: Jon Herington Talks About the '22 Tour
Jon Herington Talks About The Current Steely Dan Tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6xy35CMKq0
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From: Michael Eldridge
Date: June 21, 2022
Subject; WSJ: Dave Stryker on Steely Dan
·
WSJ music writer Marc Myers interviews Dave Stryker on his "Jazz Wax" blog:
JW: Excited about opening for Steely Dan’s upcoming tour? How did that come about?
DS: Of course. I’ve been a fan of Steely Dan for a long time. In fact, I heard them open for the Frank Zappa Big Band in Lincoln, Neb., in around 1975. My early bands used to play some of their music. Aja is one of my favorite albums. Donald Fagen’s manager reached out a few years ago and we opened for them at the Beacon Theatre in New York. Recently, Donald asked his manager to get in touch with me to open their tour this summer in the Northeast. We’re looking forward.
https://www.jazzwax.com/2022/06/interview-dave-stryker-as-we-are.html
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Subject: SD 2022 Tour Merch Available Online
Maybe you weren't able to buy that shirt at the show. Maybe you weren't able. to get to a show--how sad!
You can buy merch from the most recent tours here at the official Steely Dan shop.
My fav was the Steely Dan 2022 blue tie-dye shirt; there was a lot of love for the "Bodhisattva" shirt as well.
Whatever is left is here...and then some.
https://steelydanshop.com
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Subject: About the Cap Theatre Set Lists
The Cap set lists are transcribed from photos of the band members' actual set list sheets as posted to Facebook. For the record, on rare occasion a track might be omitted from these set lists, but by all reports, all songs for each particular night in the three set lists that follow were played.
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Subject: SETLIST: 8/10—The Capitol Theatre, Port Washington, NY
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, NY
AJA NIGHT
1. Black Cow
2. Aja
3. Deacon Blues
(Turn over record)
4. Peg
5. Home At Last
6. I Got The News
7. Josie
8, Night By Night
9. Hey Nineteen
10. Black Friday
11. Dirty Work (sung by the Danettes)
12. Bodhisattva
13. That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band intros)
14. Pretzel Logic
15. My Old School
Encore:
16. Reelin' In The Years
Outro:
17. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
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Subject: SETLIST: 8/12—The Capitol Theatre, Port Washington, NY
Friday, August 12, 2022
The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, NY
THE ROYAL SCAM NIGHT
1. Kid Charlemagne
2. The Caves of Altimira
3. Don't Take Me Alive
4. Sign In Stranger
5. The Fez
(Turn over record)
6. Green Earrings
7. Haitian Divorce
8. Everything You Did
9. Royal Scam
10. Hey Nineteen
11. Aja
12. Green Flower Street
13. Pretzel Logic
14. Keep That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band intros)
15. Peg
16. My Old School
Encore:
17. Reelin' In The Years
Outro:
18. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
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Subject: SETLIST: 8/13—The Capitol Theatre, Port Washington, NY
Saturday, August 13, 2022
The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, NY
1. Phantom Raiders (Stanley Wilson cover, Intro)
2. Night By Night
3. Hey Nineteen
4. Aja
5. Kid Charlemagne
6. Home At Last
7. Any Major Dude
8. Time Out of Mind
9. Things I Miss the Most
10. Black Friday
11. Dirty Work (sung by the Danettes)
12. Bodhisattva
13. That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band intros)
14. Peg
15. My Old School
Encore:
16. Reelin' In The Years
Outro:
17. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
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Subject: REVIEW: Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’ Lights up The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester (A Gallery)
Date: August 11, 2022
Last night at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y., Steely Dan brought their Earth After Hours tour to the esteemed Westchester County venue. The show began with a run-through of the band’s sixth studio album, Aja, performed from start to finish. Then they worked through other material, including a cover of... (continues--Be sure to check out the great photos as well.)
https://relix.com/news/detail/steely-dans-aja-lights-up-the-capitol-theatre-in-port-chester-a-gallery
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From: Rich Kurlantzick
Date: July 19, 2022
Subject: REVIEW: The Aquarian: SD + Dave Stryker
Dave Stryker posted this on his feed. The author is my cousin Mike Greenblatt, and we watched our 8th (and best) Steely Dan show together, this time 3rd row, directly in front of Stryker, then directly in front of Jon, Adam, Roger, Walt, Michael & Jim as SD blew the roof off at Bethel Woods. What a beautiful evening.
https://www.theaquarian.com/2022/07/19/rant-n-roll-steely-dan-the-dave-stryker-trio-at-bethel-woods-center-for-the-arts-july-3-2022
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PRETZEL LOGIC
"We'll walk between the raindrops
Between the raindrops
Walk between the raindrops back to your door"
---------------------------------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Becker
1950 - 2017
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END OF DIGEST
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Date: Mon, August 15, 2022, 16:20:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
JD in Denmark:
I transcribed these from photos of the band's setlists that were posted to the BlueBook's sister Facebook page. Thanks for your interest.
Jim
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Wednesday, August 10, 2022
The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, NY
AJA NIGHT
1. Black Cow
2. Aja
3. Deacon Blues
(Turn over record)
4. Peg
5. Home At Last
6. I Got The News
7. Josie
8, Night By Night
9. Hey Nineteen
10. Black Friday
11. Dirty Work (sung by the Danettes)
12. Bodhisattva
13. That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band intros)
14. Pretzel Logic
15. My Old School
Encore:
16. Reelin' In The Years
Outro:
17. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
-------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 12, 2022
The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, NY
THE ROYAL SCAM NIGHT
1. Kid Charlemagne
2. The Caves of Altimira
3. Don't Take Me Alive
4. Sign In Stranger
5. The Fez
(Turn over record)
6. Green Earrings
7. Haitian Divorce
8. Everything You Did
9. Royal Scam
10. Hey Nineteen
11. Aja
12. Green Flower Street
13. Pretzel Logic
14. Keep That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band intros)
15. Peg
16. My Old School
Encore:
17. Reelin' In The Years
Outro:
18. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
-------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 13, 2022
The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, NY
1. Phantom Raiders (Stanley Wilson cover, Intro)
2. Night By Night
3. Hey Nineteen
4. Aja
5. Kid Charlemagne
6. Home At Last
7. Any Major Dude
8. Time Out of Mind
9. Things I Miss the Most
10. Black Friday
11. Dirty Work (sung by the Danettes)
12. Bodhisattva
13. That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band intros)
14. Peg
15. My Old School
Encore:
16. Reelin' In The Years
Outro:
17. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
-------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, August 15, 2022, 14:14:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
The Leonid cover was pretty faithful to the original. Even the vocals were't horrible, as I find most are in these covers.
But to me, these types of covers to be mostly uninteresting. I prefer when the covers bring a little bit of the artist's interpretation to the mix.
Date: Mon, August 15, 2022, 04:58:58 ET
Posted by: JD, Denmark
Any setlist or report from final night in Capitol theatre?
Date: Mon, August 15, 2022, 00:26:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Another link for the Leonid cover:
https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=522591132520932
Date: Mon, August 15, 2022, 00:25:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
Leonid and pals take a gander at My Old School.
As faithful as you'd expect from a band that often covers Chicago down to the note.
https://fb.watch/eVw-AnbqIv/
Date: Sat, August 13, 2022, 11:51:30 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Thanks, Dave. I'll be sure to check it out.
For those who may not use Apple as their podcast source, here's a link with several alternatives:
https://lefsetz.com/wordpress/2021/10/14/gary-katz-this-weeks-podcast/
Date: Sat, August 13, 2022, 01:06:03 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions) , Philadelphia
I apologize if this was already brought up last year but I being a huge fan, somehow missed it and so I’m thinking that perhaps others did as well. As we know, Gary Katz hasn’t done many interviews/podcasts so it’s always interesting to hear his take on things even if his memory isn’t perfectly sharp on all of the details (and don’t get me wrong I’m certainly not blaming him, this stuff happened 50 years ago and I can’t remember what I did yesterday). So if anyone missed it like I did, here’s his recent podcast appearance. There’s nothing really groundbreaking here but there’s a few interesting anecdotes thrown in.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gary-katz/id1316200737?i=1000538563389
Date: Fri, August 12, 2022, 18:47:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Ah, the Millenials are coming around. Wait until they realize that SD is an R&B/jazz band instead of a rock band...
Steve: Yes, nothing sounds as good as the Cadd9/A and I Remember That...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7VurhK2kos&list=PLP59Fs_hB7C3ipokeQc-69xtshnaPlURf&index=3
Then Stevie Wonder showed up one day in the studio...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3D-tJf9u7M&list=PLP59Fs_hB7C3ipokeQc-69xtshnaPlURf&index=5
Date: Fri, August 12, 2022, 18:19:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Hoop - Agreed. Listen to the first 1:10 of Heart to Heart and you can almost hear Michael McDonald singing it. That part of the song could have easily fitted seemlessly on Minute by Minute or the criminally underrated Livin' on the Fault Line. Chinatown and the title track from LOTFL have a very Steely influence and the band was buying in as MM and Skunk played off each other. I enjoyed the DB live performances of the period where Skunk would sit on his padded stool!
Speaking of Steely influenced, SD and Monkey House fans might want to tune into the new one from Young Gun Silver Fox called Ticket to Shangri-La. There are early 2 tracks out on YT: West Side Jet and Winners. Both are excellent R&B fusion - Kool and the Gang meets Boz Scaggs and Bobby Caldwell. Got a sneak peak of another track and it's even more SD centric. Dropping on 10/21.
Date: Thurs, August 11, 2022, 09:34:09 ET
Posted by: Elgin Koan, DeaconBlues
I received the following essay on SD via an email from NPR MUSIC Newsletter, to which I subscribe. Since it doesn't seem to reside anywhere on line, only in the inbox of subscribers, I'm sharing w/you all. btw, last night Aja + "the rest of the usual crap" (quote DF) at Capitol Theatre was superb.
July 16, 2022
by Marissa Lorusso
This week, we’re sharing a reconsideration of the divisive yet beloved Steely Dan
My brother and I have always shared a taste in music – mostly. He’s five years my junior, and since our teen years, the majority of our conversations have been littered with album recommendations, band names our parents find confounding and debates about the best Mountain Goats records and Harry Styles singles.
But he has had one musical obsession that I just could not comprehend: Steely Dan. I think his fascination, which began a few years ago, started out ironic — Wouldn’t it be funny if a millennial fan of My Chemical Romance and Metallica got really into dad rock? But it quickly turned earnest, and he went fully down the rabbit hole. Before long, he had opinions about Steely Dan’s most underrated B-sides, its most overrated hits and the best stories from the Aja recording sessions. Though I tried, I never felt particularly moved by the band’s stories of gamblers and hipsters, nor what I considered its loungey, sleazy sound. But when he told me the band would be playing in our home state this summer, I gave in to a sense of sisterly duty and reluctantly agreed to go see the show with him.
My brother’s obsession reminds me of an experience critic Lindsay Zoladz described in the New York Times a couple years ago. Zoladz grew up despising Steely Dan, whom her father adored. “As a kid, the noodly, pristine sounds of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen signified nothing so much as my dad exerting oppressive control over the car stereo,” she writes. But in her 30s, she found herself queuing up Pretzel Logic over and over and, eventually, she had to admit it: “My Steely Dan phase was not an aberration,” she writes, “but an inevitable if long-resisted final frontier of my musical taste.”
Apparently, Zoladz is not alone. When we arrived at the Steely Dan concert, my brother wondered aloud if he’d be the youngest person there. He wasn’t. The crowd included tons of baby boomers who may have been fans since Can’t Buy A Thrill was originally released in 1972 — but also a good number of 20- and 30-somethings on journeys similar to the one Zoladz described. Their ranks included at least one on-site convert – despite myself, I found the performance thrilling. The setlist was stacked; the band was tight; there were an absurd number of virtuosic solos. Donald Fagen, the sole remaining founding member of the band, seemed genuinely delighted by the crowd’s enthusiasm. I hadn’t realized just how many hits the band has and how many songs I’d recognize, nor had I accounted for how good it would feel to be among a crowd crooning “I’m a fool to do your dirty work” in unison. Nor had I accounted for the joy it would bring me to witness the sheer force of my brother’s enthusiasm throughout the show. By the end of the night, I was in. On the ride home, we listened to The Royal Scam — my brother’s favorite of the group’s records — and I had to admit: I, too, had become a Steely Dan fan.
When I mentioned the experience to my coworkers, the response was … mixed, befitting the band’s divisive status. At least one person gave a visible thumbs down over Zoom, but others rushed to welcome me to the fandom and were delighted to tell me about their love for Steely Dan. All Songs Considered’s Robin Hilton told me he’s always been impressed with the band’s songcraft and session musicians. But more than anything, he said, “it’s all about the lyrics. Sometimes cryptic (‘This is the day of the expanding man / The shape is my shade there where I used to stand’); often comical (‘California tumbles into the sea / That’ll be the day I go back to Annandale’) but always brilliant, never too on-the-nose. What’s wrong with people who don’t like this band?”
Tom Huizenga, our classical critic, agrees. As a high school student in the late ’70s, he liked the band so much that he “taught a seminar in Steely Dan,” he told me. “I believe that a lot of the words flew over my fellow students’ heads,” he said, “but we had fun trying to figure out what the band was trying to pull off.” I’ve been giving myself a mini-seminar ever since the concert, slowly working my way through Steely Dan’s discography. I was also reminded that in 2019, the website Pitchfork celebrated Steely Dan Day, publishing long, thoughtful essays about five of the band’s albums, so I’ve been playing catchup on those, too.
Alt.Latino’s Felix Contreras was overjoyed to tell me about his Steely Dan fandom, too: “For me,” he said, “Steely Dan was a pretty basic rock outfit with a nerdy aesthetic and killer guitar solos (‘My Old School’) that stood out amongst the larger than life bombast of the Brothers bands (Allman and Doobie), blues drenched white dudes (The Rolling Stones and J. Geils) and the tight pants, self-indulgent glam rock bands (T. Rex, New York Dolls) — not that any of that was a bad thing.” But what makes the band great, he added, was that rather than sticking to a shtick, Steely Dan “evolved into a band that brought in jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter to play one of the most memorable solos of his storied career” (that would be “Aja,” of course) — “with nerdy lyrics.”
“It always makes me smile when someone younger eventually feels that light go off in their own musical world,” he told me. “Welcome to the Nerd Club, Marissa.”
I’m glad to be here. And I’m curious: Is there an artist you’ve changed your mind on — or who you’ve come to love through the sheer enthusiasm of someone in your life? I’d love to hear about it. You can let us know by replying via the link at the bottom of this email.
Date: Wed, August 10, 2022, 12:10:06 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
A few days late, but caught the show in CT Sunday. My only other show this tour was Mansfield and I felt this one was better. Fagen's voice was in full force - the week off did him good - and while he mentioned the heat he seemed to have better energy altogether. The venue was also a factor for me - much smaller, about 5k seats. Since they started spoiling Boston area fans with multi-night runs in theaters the big shed shows just don't have the right vibes for me anymore.
Number one factor for me was Adam Rodgers, who I felt might have been holding back a little in Mansfield and was a little hard to hear at times. Maybe it was the mix improving (he was much more audible) but I also felt he seemed more comfortable all around and took more chances. To my ears he sounded a lot more like himself.
The set felt a little short, and was indeed one song shorter than shows earlier in the tour. I guess that's the trend with Steely Dan shows these days, or maybe an adjustment made for the insane heat we've been dealing with all summer. (All the more reason to get back in the theaters IMO..)
Date: Sat, August 06, 2022, 00:29:03 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Thanks for the WaPo article, Hoops. Very interesting. Kudos to Esposito for exposing the fraud (And yes, that is what it was). And rotten tomatoes to Michael Fremer, for trying to cover up said fraud. But mostly for being a seemingly pompous asshole.
Truth and transparency is the enemy of the marketing department.
Date: Fri, August 05, 2022, 17:30:33 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Since "The Nightfly" was one of the earliest, full digital recordings, I'm not sure how --if at all --this impacts the MoFi version of "The Nightfly" that you may have purchased about five years ago for $100, and it's not worth on average about $300. However, as I'm understanding this, it may mean a technical difference for those MoFi recordings released in the past decade or so that were originally recorded an analog. The idea is that the original analog tapes for other albums were used to make "One step" copies on vinyl.
At any rate, according to past discussions in this forum and it's related social media forums, The MoFi version of "the Nightfly" is considered one of the best versions out there on vinyl.
Here's the article from the WaPo; it is behind a firewall, but I'm using my subscription's special "gift" feature so you should be able to use the special link to view the whole thing.
And a quote from the article…
“Not that you can’t make good records with digital, but it just isn’t as natural as when you use the original tape,” says Bernie Grundman, 78, the mastering engineer who worked on the original recordings of Steely Dan’s “Aja,” Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic.”
https://wapo.st/3vLgLVw
Date: Fri, August 05, 2022, 08:26:12 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
I'm looking forward to the day when we reverently say, "Meet if you will, the Nobel Prize-winnng Dr. M/O/D/P." We'll be way deep into, well, something.
Date: Fri, August 05, 2022, 05:16:53 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Paddy McAloon famously chipped into the Springsteen debate some 37 years ago!
Brucie dreams life's a highway....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEJdfDD4dVg
Date: Thurs, August 04, 2022, 20:32:41 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Once a small part of a Goodly Contingent myself, long ago
And believe me when I tell you that Those Were The Days, My Friend Nicholas Urfe.
And you know I was "there", just once, long ago, because you've read my previous reports of that fateful day here on The Blue. Oh, I was there, in that massive, echo-y football stadium. A football stadium filled to overcapacity with howling, bleating, caterwauling lunch-pail-toting, foaming-at-the-mouth Springsteen fans.
And far be it from me to offer a correction here, especially a correction - even a gentle, respectful one - of such an esteemed Bloobook contributor as the esteemed Mr. Urfe. Or, even more potentially egregious, I'm actually posting this bit after having read Hoops' thoughtful/even-keeled pro-Bruce contribution from an hour or so ago.
But for the life of me I don't recall any of those poor lost souls barking about wanting to "boogie". Of course, it's possible that that's what they *wanted* to do with their four plus hours of concert time, back then, but the demented/devoted concertgoers I remember from that unfortunate day in Summer 1984 were so overcome by their collective emotional incontinence that forming a complete sentence like, "Boogie, boogie, we want to boogie" would in all likelihood have been completely beyond their collective grasp. So strong was the fervency, so overpowering was the crowd's overall state of non-compos mentis, that all that would come out - all that COULD come out - was a thunderous communal roar...the surname of the crowd's Object Of Adoration..."SPRINGSTEEN!!!!!". Think "Krakatoa Eruption", but fractionally louder.
And, of course, the non-stop lunch-bucket banging. Don't forget that part. I know never will.
If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy my latest academic offering - Dp, Mo (2022) Beating It To Death: The Subtle Art Of Incessant Repetition In Ridicule-Based Arena Rock-Star Mockery (University Of Science Press, New York 979pp). Available wherever you normally purchase your academic publications. Of course.
Date: Thurs, August 04, 2022, 19:22:06 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Doc Mu: didn't realize that about "Heart to Heart." I like the Michael McDonald influenced part a lot better than a Kenny Loggins/David Foster refrain. Cool information. Thanks.
Date: Thurs, August 04, 2022, 19:04:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
I've never seen Bruce Springsteen in concert but would like to see him once. I definitely would be there for the hits, especially those from the 70s and early 80s. I super enjoyed the album he came out with about three years ago, "Western Stars." Cindy Mizelle is on that one. I would say it's my favorite Bruce album, but I also understand from most Springsteen fans that it's very atypical, and therefore not very popular among his hard-core fans. But I thought it was brilliant. Came off as a very interesting tribute to the likes of Jimmy Webb, Glen Campbell and Uni Records-era Neil Diamond, but much better. But the only way I would go is if the tickets were definitely under $100 apiece. In the past couple years, Bruce Springsteen has done a podcast or radio show where he spun some of his favorites. One of those tunes was "Through With Buzz." (That's old news to long timers here.)
Date: Thurs, August 04, 2022, 10:45:56 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
M/O/D/P, you know that I love a Springsteen dustup as much as anybody - heck, more than most - and not to quibble, but I don't think they all holler "SPRINGSTEEN!!" A goodly contingent of them are yelling, "boogie, boogie, we want to boogie."
http://sdarchive.com/aiahowl.html
(This post is really just a shabby excuse to post the above link for the umpteenth time, becasue no matter how many times you read it, it never gets old.)
Date: Wed, August 03, 2022, 12:44:40 ET
Posted by: Fred,
M/OD/P: The $5500 Springsteen tickets only cost one of your balls; not the pair.
Date: Wed, August 03, 2022, 11:44:08 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Incredulous, but in an "I-find-it-hard-to-believe" sort of way!
Speaking of things that are definitely NOT Absolutely Normal...or even remotely acceptable...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-aud-nw-nyt-bruce-springsteen-tickets-20220802-vabh2jc4obbhzl44t3o4fqxmea-story.html
I found this Chicago Tribune "news story" somewhat accidentally when I was looking for info about the recent SD cancellations. Believe me, the last thing I was looking for was info about Springsteen tickets. But there it was...good lord...
Springsteen seats selling for a reported $5500.00? Is that per ticket or per pair? Does it even matter??
I mean, what does this make the unsold tickets for any remaining SD shows worth? Double that amount? TRIPLE?? And what kind of sick, twisted individuals would actually pay $5500.00 for ANY concert tickets, let alone tickets that would require one to sit through a 4-hour+ Springsteen performance??
Four plus hours of having your ears assaulted with song after crude soundalike song referencing girls, cars, girls in back seats of cars, and New Jersey. For $5500.00. An all-new 30-minute marathon/extended version of "Born To Run In The USA"...for $5500.00. Sitting in a cavernous basketball arena beside your chatty new Boss Friends as they howl & puke along to each clone tune, and as they holler "SPRINGSTEEN!!" almost constantly while rattling their lunch-buckets in time to every goddamned "musical offering". For $5500.00.
The world has indeed become a very dark, sick, depraved & degenerated place.
Date: Tues, August 02, 2022, 14:49:44 ET
Posted by: Bob, Le Ponge
Also, this tour is Earth After Hours, not Absolutely Normal.
Date: Tues, August 02, 2022, 11:50:41 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
For what it's worth, tickets are still currently on sale for the rest of the tour. The email from Live Nation may have just been poorly worded, using the name of the event.
Date: Sat, July 30, 2022, 13:13:19 ET
Posted by: Lonnie's Playroom, Orlando
FYI I got two emails. The one from LiveNation said: "Steely Dan - The Absolutely Normal Tour Has Been Canceled." The second was from the venue itself and merely said "Steely Dan Cancelled." I just assumed that LiveNation would know before putting an email like that out. Never assume anything, though?
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2022, 23:49:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
That sucks. But best of luck and health to the entire band.
Is the entire tour cancelled? I don't see that on their site, but I haven't done an extensive search.
So glad I got to see them in Atlanta with the Puppy.
Sending good vibes to the band, and fans, and hoping you get to see them this year.
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2022, 17:24:12 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Lonnie's Playroom:
First, I'm sorry you must be disappointed if your show was canceled. That sucks.
I've heard nothing about Donald himself having Covid.
Simply my opinion based on some other social media. A topic of discussion in our sister Facebook forum this past weekend was how Keith was drumming a whole show with a mask on. It was never confirmed whether he had Covid or not, but it sure is one hell of a way to have to mask for two hours, physical exertion playing drums like that. Michael reported on his social media a few weeks ago that he had Covid and for one show he was actually in a booth backstage playing trumpet with the mic wired out to him. I think they can eek out a show missing one of the backup singers or maybe one of the horn players; or maybe not. Maybe they could even limp along with just Adam on guitar. But if Keith, Freddie, three are all the horn players, or all the back up girls have Covid, I don't think they can have a show. I can't see even the most talented drummer coming in. I think there would have to be some rehearsal time to get things glued together. Also, the trumpet players are certainly blowing a lot of air for obvious reasons. If a couple of those people had it, there's probability that they are blowing covid it all over the place. Just my two cents, not as an infectious disease expert or anything like that. I could see if enough band members, even if it wasn't Donald, were sick they would not go on with the show. Hopefully in a week, they'll be back up and running. But sorry to the Florida people had to wait two years only to have the shows canceled. Just how things are these days
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2022, 16:47:38 ET
Posted by: Lonnie's Playroom, Orlando
Weird to read that DF was in fine form just a couple days ago in Tampa. The entire tour has been cancelled. I've got front row seats for both Orlando shows Aug. 1 AND Aug. 2. This is the absolute pits. I wonder what's going on? Is DF ill? Anybody know?
Date: Wed, July 27, 2022, 17:26:06 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Another episode of mu-like chords in strange places, or really not so strange. You love him, you hate him: "yacht rocker" and film composer extraordinaire Kenny Loggins. As you might guess, we'll focus on one of his collaborations with Michael McDonald.
Evidently, Loggins and David Foster had written the chorus for Heart to Heart and were looking for a verse. MM provided IMO an iconic gospel intro with really cool modulation and chord progression, transitioning into the verse that he wrote with some help from Loggins. Near the end of the intro MM throws in a cool chord voicing that's dub a turbo Mu...demonstrating how that apprenticeship with Steely Dan on the road and studio paid off...again. A G7add13, instead of the add2, blending nicely with the seventh, ninth, 13th chords. really cook progression and voicings - my favorite part of the song.
Great chord progression in the verse that leads back to the G, G7add13 figure again.
MM added some nice maj7 modulation in the last line of the pre-chorus
The best thing about the chorus is when it transitions back to the turbo Mu vamp.
The bridge, likely co-written by MM has inserted sus4 and sus2 chords and a more traditional Cadd9 mu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MLxCgyo0uA
This Is It (another MM, KL collab) is almost as snappy although Loggins over-earnest vocals can be annoying.
A lot of what is allegedly YR is jazzed up R&B from MM, SD, some Jay Graydon produced stuff is really R&B. I've never thought of it as mainstream rock...or rock for yuppies...
Date: Mon, July 25, 2022, 14:06:11 ET
Posted by: Folky, Newport
Welcome back Joni!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53amY2stAbk
And all was right in the world. For a short time at least.
Date: Sun, July 24, 2022, 00:14:34 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL
When Christmas Eve happened 7 months ago, my wife got me the one gift that just could not be topped. Tickets for us to see "Steely Dan' this time at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.
As many of you know they played 2 nights there. I attended night 2 tonight (Saturday) and was completely blown away. "Night by Night" the opener was incredibly good. Beyond delighted to hear "Rikki" and "Any Major Dude" plus enjoyed rarer tunes like "Green Flower Street", "Godwacker and "Babylon Sisters".
Mr. Fagen was in particularly fine form tonight. He sounded great and had more enthusiasm than on any of the 7 or 8 shows I had seen him play on previously. The band was phenomenal as always.
I can't praise this show enough !!!
Date: Thurs, July 21, 2022, 07:21:56 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto
Thanks, all! Always great when your music lands on the right ears.
For anyone in greater Toronto: Monkey House is headlining the Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival on Saturday!
N.B. I like when Drew Z calls me "maestro"...
Date: Sun, July 17, 2022, 15:18:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
York
Date: Sun, July 17, 2022, 01:17:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Sounds great. New Rok Owes You Nothing, Major Minor, Ever since the World ended are standouts. Zingg's solo on Remember the Audio is fantastic and the minor key keyboard stabs reminiscent of Walter's stuff..
Chicago also released an album the same day. Don B. wrote a song with new lead singer Neil Donnell for the Christmas album...not sure about this one?
Robert Lamm's songs on their new one, like on Now, are some of the better tunes. At least the horns were let out of jail for their last 3 studio albums (if we include the Christmas album). Don't expect anything like the Kath era, but better than the David Foster ****.
Date: Sat, July 16, 2022, 12:02:01 ET
Posted by: hoops,
And here's the link to the new lyric video for the title track of Monkey House's new album, "Remember the Audio". Check it out now! Share with your friends.
https://youtu.be/joPlPVtnMxg
Date: Fri, July 15, 2022, 23:16:39 ET
Posted by: hoops,
@insidemusicast talks to musical giants like Larry Carlton, Bob James, Marcus Miller and Steve Gadd; AND THIS WEEK DON BREITHAUPT of MONKEY HOUSE! Here's their chat about the new @MonkeyHouseBand album "Remember the Audio" (OUT NOW!):
https://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2022/11/07-don-breithaupt-monkey-house
Date: Fri, July 15, 2022, 17:11:46 ET
Posted by: Josey, Mass
Major Minor is groove infectious! Love the half time shuffle!
Date: Fri, July 15, 2022, 16:59:00 ET
Posted by: Josey, Mass
Midway through my second listening on the new Monkey House - NICELY DONE, DON!! Sounds great and definitely recommended!
Date: Fri, July 15, 2022, 12:51:10 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
#1 on iTunes Jazz Chart!
REMEMBER THE AUDIO
![]()
OUT TODAY: The New Album From Monkey House
Featuring Michael Leonhart, Drew Zingg, Randy Brecker, Lucy Woodward, David Blamires, Guido Basso and many more!
BUY IT! DOWNLOAD IT! STREAM IT! REQUEST IT!
GET IT TODAY! An Appeal to YOU From the Dandom Digest
Having a big first week is essential to the continued global success of Monkey House, and *pre-orders* (physical and digital) all count toward the Week 1 total. Vote with your dollar—here are the relevant links to REMEMBER THE AUDIO. And be sure to tell your local jazz radio station to play it! If the Amazon store isn't your jam, there should be other options in your territory. Thank you from the Dandom Digest, as well as Don Breithaupt and Monkey House.
CD ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes
STREAM
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/RTAPR
--------
WHAT THEY ARE ALREADY SAYING about REMEMBER THE AUDIO
"Monkey House, led by Don Breithaupt, a Canadian composer / arranger / keyboard player / singer and author of Steely Dan's research book Aja, completed the long-awaited album for the first time in three years. A masterpiece that shows the highest finish ever, which can be said to be more than the acclaimed previous work Friday (2019). Guest musicians are also gorgeous every time. Must-listen for all AOR fans! " --CD Japan
"It's hard to imagine Monkey House topping their amazing last album, Friday, but Monkey House excels and succeeds with Remember the Audio." --Dandom Digest
--------
ALSO FROM DON BREITHAUPT of MONKEY HOUSE…
Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
Don Breithaupt talks "Aja" with the "Sound Logic" guys in Toronto. Don is, of course, a mastermind behind the music of Monkey House as well as an acclaimed expert on "Aja," most notably his 33-1/3 book on "Aja,"
The "Sound Logic" episode is over an hour long and available on numerous podcast and streaming platforms. Even seasoned Steely Dan fans will hear a few new things.
Here's the link: https://anchor.fm/soundlogic/episodes/63-Aja-by-Steely-Dan-with-our-Special-Guest--Don-Breithaupt-e1fauuu
Buy Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed 33 1/3 book, "Aja"
The definitive book...features conversations between Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen on Steely Dan's landmark album.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
--30--
Date: Fri, July 15, 2022, 10:21:31 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto
Plug alert: It's Monkey House release day. The new album, Remember the Audio, just went to #1 on the iTunes jazz chart, so we're off to a good start. As reported here previously, guests on the album include Randy Brecker, Michael Leonhart and Drew Zingg. "Arguably the finest collection of songs in the Monkey House canon," says Inside MusiCast. Multi-link to all formats: https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/RTAPR (Thanks for giving a damn!) —DB
Date: Fri, July 15, 2022, 01:18:57 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
Keith chimed in on Twitter and said Jon Herington also played on Carey. not surprising since he played on every track of EMG even as Walter played all the solos.
it seems perfectly finished to me, and I think I hear some subtle doubling on his falsetto parts which is likely Carolyn. the only thing the song really lacks is a horn chart but I guess they wanted to keep it on the simple side with just 4 players and backup vocals.
would love to know how it finally slipped out after 21 years. I'd also love to know the real story on why it was left off the tribute album. did Joni reject it or Donald? some in the know have said Donald hated his vocal, but it also seems that all the lyrical and musical changes they made could've rubbed Joni the wrong way on what is a very personal/autobiographical song about a specific person.
Date: Thurs, July 14, 2022, 23:53:36 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
I have to think you are correct, Chris. Definitely sounds like Walt on the guitar. I suppose he probably is on bass, too.
I dunno that this definately was a demo, maybe just a rough first edit. But The Dan simply doesn't release anything this unpolished. If it were accepted, I expect the Danettes would be joining Don in the upper register parts. I'm guessing there would also be a bit more texture added, too. IMO, of course
I didn't hate it. Different than what I thought it might be. But like most things SD, I liked it better on repeated listening.
Date: Thurs, July 14, 2022, 22:39:05 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh
According to Michael Leonhart, Carey is just Don, Walt, Keith and Carolyn: https://fb.watch/egyLrTHOtO/
It’s possible there are performers he didn’t know about, but there’s nothing there that stands out as a Baker or Herington part to my ears. And I’d bet my life on that guitar solo being 100% Walt.
Date: Thurs, July 14, 2022, 17:51:43 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, On the Blue
Hey Mt. Belzoni gotta say I totally agree with all the stuff in your post. Well said.
Definitely great to finally hear it. Sounded like a demo. Is it?
I was not impressed with the vocals and I know it was Carlock but really it was a basic beat.
Now that it's out there could/would they do it live?
With todays band and the Danettes taking some major vocal parts
I think they would give us a glorious funked up version.
Anyway that's my take.
Cheers
ps..hey have you heard? Big Bruce Tour comin' up.. :-)
nyuk nyuk
Date: Thurs, July 14, 2022, 11:19:34 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland, OR
After reading and wondering about it for nearly 2 decades, I am delighted that Steely Dan's Carey cover has finally snuck/walked out of the vault and the I've gotten to hear it. I am a huge fan of Joni's work, especially her early and mid-career stuff, and a huge SD fan.
That said, I can't recall the last time I heard an un-heard SD/Don/Walt track that disappointed me. I really like their (few) covers (I Idolize You, Ruby Baby, Misery & the Blues, Viva Rock n Roll), the live band warm-up openers (Cubano Chant, November Afternoon) - even some of Donald's Dukes covers (Something in the Air). But if this were a finished track (which remains unclear), I think it best they left it off the early 2000s Joni tribute CD.
Much of my issue here is the song choice itself - a lovely but very simple, dulcimer-backed 3-chord ditty that (true to its narrative) sounds like it was wistfully written in a cave in Crete. And that octave swoop in each verse. Not really SD's strong suit. In fact, Joni herself did a much better job of jazzing Carey up with the LA Express on her '74 tour (and Miles of Aisles LP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6rq15B1Ma4).
And while Joni's magnificent catalog doesn't offer D&W a lot of room to re-interpret or cover impressively (due to her different vocal abilities & style, confessional writing, reliance on acoustic (and re-tuned) guitar, etc.), I do think they might have chosen Joni tunes that would have played more to their strengths.
Had they asked, I would have suggested these instead: Black Crow, Love or Money, Blonde in the Bleachers, Trouble Child, Blue Motel Room, In France, maybe even taking a flyer on Night in the City.
And while I can name a few good Joni covers that add something new/different (CSNY's Woodstock, Tom Rush's early Urge for Going, Judy Collins' Both Sides Now), much of her best work is so individualized musically &/or lyrically that it is simply hard for someone else to cover effectively (eg Judgement of the Moon & Stars, Song for Sharon, I Had a King, All I Want, Don't Interrupt the Sorrow, the Dawntreader). And some of her other best recordings already lean in the same jazz/rock direction as D&W were then heading, and with overlapping studio musicians to boot (much of Court & Spark, some of Hissing, other numbers from her Shadows & Light live '79 LP).
Well, maybe they'll take another shot at one someday. And I have enjoyed getting to hear it at last!
Happy listening,
Mt. Belzoni
Date: Wed, July 13, 2022, 22:14:35 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, A little less concise, this time 'round
OK, I think most of us here understand that every single goddamnded Steely Dan album ever released contains songs that were written well before and/or not specifically during the particular album's recording sessions. At least, I hope we do. I'm not making this shit up - it's all a matter of record ("see what I just did there?"). Of course, the corollary would be that some songs were actually written specifically FOR the album, during the, y'know, recording of the album. Whichever album. Makes sense, no? I'm pretty sure Gaucho ain't no different.
Some points to ponder, though...Rick Beato seems like a good guy, and even though I generally hate all those YooToob Chatty-Cathy/"Reaction" videos, I generally enjoy his stuff, in small(er) doses ("of course").
I said, "points to ponder", so I guess I'd better come up with another "point"...which would be that Gaucho is a really, really good album. Maybe the goodest that Don & Walt ever did, but, hey, maybe not - it's all a matter of opinion, and it's hard to say, especially if it happens to be damn near ten-thirty at night and you're more than halfway through a bottle of Los Abuelos Anejo.
In conclusion, I believe The Children Are Our Future.
M/O/D/P
Date: Wed, July 13, 2022, 21:38:03 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Succinct, for a change
QUOTE: The Dean - "So I'd take his info with a grain or two of salt"
My thoughts exactly.
Date: Wed, July 13, 2022, 21:35:45 ET
Posted by: Downdrought,
Updraught, I'll take your word for it on the interview, but don't think that example is any different than any of the other albums. It was relatively common that some of the tracks on every Steely Dan album were around for a few years before the final version.
Date: Wed, July 13, 2022, 20:11:15 ET
Posted by: Updraught, Philly
I recall an interview with Walter years ago commenting on Gaucho, where he said Time Out Of Mind was written before they left LA. So yes, some songs were around quite a while.
Date: Wed, July 13, 2022, 18:15:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
I'm going to guess the nameless poster was referring to this video, Hoops.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxaxHYxnY9o
I watched it about two weeks ago and don't feel like rewatching it now, so I can't say exactly if this is the one, or where he discusses Gaucho.
I will say, while I like Beato's videos, he makes more than his share of mistakes, at least when it comes to SD. When discussing CBAT early in the video he says Fagen sang all but two songs on the album, with Palmer singing the others. Then shortly after talks about much he loves Midnight Cruiser---completely overlooking it is sung by drummer Hodder.
So I'd take his info with a grain or two of salt
Date: Wed, July 13, 2022, 13:40:18 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
I'm not sure why you didn't leave a name, but I'm not sure why most people won't leave their real names here. I've not seen the piece you described, but I'll simply offer this first thought which is probably the first among many from everybody here.
EVERY 1970s-era Steely Dan album has songs or pieces of songs that have been around a while, going back to previous albums, etc. Caves of Altamira is one really good example of this. There's demos going back to the 1968–71 that are out there. But of course it doesn't officially appear in final version until 1976. Parkers Band? Was also on those demos but didn't appear in final version until 1974. I could go on and on. Same with the Gaucho album. So the fact that this author/contact provider suggests that this is all of a sudden new with Gaucho says to me that he really doesn't know much about the history of Steely Dan. Just my two cents. I'm sure others will weigh in and I look forward to that.
Date: Wed, July 13, 2022, 12:40:37 ET
Posted by: ,
In a recent YouTube video about the evolution of Steely Dan’s sound, Rick Beato doesn’t really discuss Gaucho, only stating that he heard from insiders that Gaucho was cobbled together from songs that they already had laying around (paraphrasing).
I’ve never heard this. I know that pretty much every album has material that was written well before the record came out, but I didn’t know Gaucho was any different. I know the recording of Gaucho was difficult but thought the songs were written for the album, just like all the others.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Date: Tues, July 12, 2022, 22:09:11 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNoLqV-0TcI
Turns out the "Dirty Work" cover that I referenced in the recent
Julia Roberts/Sean Penn "Starz Channel" special "Gaslit" was from The Pointer Sisters. I never knew about this cover, but I think its great.
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 16:57:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
2nd inversion for voicing of the Cm(maj7)
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 16:54:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
I'm hearing on the first measure of the guitar solo
G-G up to C-C D-D Eb-Eb
more like a Cm(maj7).
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 16:38:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
1:51 - key modulation
2:05 - return to original key
Guessing now D major during that part of the solo?
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 16:29:45 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
I've got Carey in C, and the guitar solo sure sounds like Walter to me.
the solo section is interesting indeed. I've got
G#∆ | G | F∆ | Em7 | Dm7 | G7sus4 | |
C | | G | F | C G | C | |
I'm just crazy about this rendition!
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 16:21:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
OK, chord sluts out there, help this pedestrian out. The song Carey is in C# major key with only C#, G#, and F# chords...there are some nice intervals in the melody which makes the song a grower. Simple, but catchy. Like Blues Beach which has a more complex and flatted chord progression, but simpler - pretty.
...except the most interesting part of the SD recording IMO is the Jon Herington guitar solo. Sounds like modulation and a chord progression I'll need to work out (but my daughter kicked me out of her bedroom). Is is D-flat major 7th chords? There's almost a Danny Wilson sound to it. Throw me a lifeline!!
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 15:32:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
DRF - That may be true. Fagen would filling in his own harmonies, vocals, double vocals last. I do hear a little Pixeleen in the rhythm section, although I greatly prefer Pixeleen as a track. The call and response with Carolyn is a highlight of the entire SD discography. Donald really hits some high notes in that one.
Their version of I Idolize You has just more of that Dan attitude.
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 15:32:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
DRF - that's may be true. Fagen would filling in his own harmonies, vocals, double vocals last. I do hear a little Pixeleen in the rhythm section, although I greatly prefer Pixeleen as a track. The call and response with Carolyn is a highlight of the entire SD discography. Donald really hits some high notes in that one.
Their version of I Idolize You has just more of that Dan attitude.
Date: Sat, July 09, 2022, 12:20:14 ET
Posted by: Del, All over
I get a Dukes of September/Rhymes type experience listening to Carey. Like watching your favorite team in a pre season game. Don the performer is best served as a conduit for his own songwriting.
Date: Fri, July 08, 2022, 21:28:12 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, Carey
Doc Mu, I’d bet that on those high parts, where Donald isn’t singing fully, he intended to stack some of his own harmony vocals. I don’t think the track we’re hearing is 100 percent completed.
Date: Fri, July 08, 2022, 21:17:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Stang: I definitely prefer Brand New Day over Mercury Falling. When We Dance was a good single, but never released on Mercury Falling But from Sacred Love through the newer albums, they are spotty at best. 57th & 9th *might* have been a decent Police album, but really doesn't work.
Decent guitar solo on Carey. The chorus sounds good. Don's struggling a bit on the high notes in the verse. Pretty straightforward recording.
Their cover of I Idolize You is aces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TygutK8yKII
Date: Fri, July 08, 2022, 05:45:37 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen,
Huh. A bona fide biography of Donald, scheduled for publication in September:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781641606875?permamore
Nightfly: The Life of Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen
Peter Jones.
Chicago Review, $28.99 (240p)
Never heard of the author before. Does anyone know his work?
I came across the mention of the book when reading a Guardian article he wrote yesterday about Linda Hoover's album:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jul/07/linda-hoover-on-her-great-lost-lp-with-steely-dan-i-mean-to-shine
Date: Thurs, July 07, 2022, 23:20:09 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Don Patrol, Dean, M/D/O/P, and everyone else, thanks for the birthday wishes. Here's to health and happiness in the year ahead. Thanks again.
Date: Thurs, July 07, 2022, 22:21:49 ET
Posted by: Donald Rumsfeld-Fagen, circa 2002
First impressions of "Carey": Man, that groove sounds like Pixeleen.
Date: Thurs, July 07, 2022, 18:54:31 ET
Posted by: Dd, X
Having gone into the studio to record a hitherto unreleased song for a proposed Joni Mitchell tribute album – they recorded a version of ‘Carey’ from Mitchell’s Blue album – Becker and Fagen were persuaded by Elliot Scheiner to try analogue recording again. When they heard the results, they loved the incredible warmth of the sound and needed no further persuasion to work in 24-track analogue for their next studio album. Becker and Fagen were still at pains to point out that analogue did have its problems, but it was experts such as Elliot Scheiner who ironed out those problems. Indeed, Fagen joked that “digital sound loosens the fillings in your teeth”. The drummer on that ‘Carey’ session was a young Mississippian called Keith Carlock whom Becker and Fagen had discovered playing at the 55 Bar. He could handle everything they threw at him, and more often than not by the end of the day they would have their track. Not just a great groove drummer, Carlock played jazz well, too.
Date: Thurs, July 07, 2022, 15:10:19 ET
Posted by: Greg M, Been a while!
And here is Carey with the fade-out that is "less" cut off, and some stereo separation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgC063GuWuI
Date: Thurs, July 07, 2022, 09:15:35 ET
Posted by: Bill M,
Better yet and a lot less complicated, Steely Dan's Carey is now on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/FkqnAwrdNqk
Date: Thurs, July 07, 2022, 09:12:01 ET
Posted by: Bill M,
BREAKING!
HEAR STEELY DAN'S VERSION OF THE JONI MITCHELL SONG, "CAREY" FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!
It was originally announced in 2000 that there would be several different artists covering songs for a Joni Mitchell tribute. When the long awaited album was finally released in 2007 there was no Carey by Steely Dan on the song list. Apparently, Joni didn't care for Donald and Walter's version and canned it.
Open this up in your browser and go to the 18:00 minute mark to check it out!
https://www.mixcloud.com/PittsburghFreeFormRadio/steve-acri-freeform-show-19-772022/
Date: Wed, July 06, 2022, 23:19:51 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Givin' Out Luxurious Gifts For Some Damn Reason
Top Five Birthday Presents for Today's Birthday Boy:
Season tickets to The Cubs entire 1973 season, Wrigley Field (row 12, section 114 seats 1 & 2)
Elton John "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player" LP - Some pretty decent songs on this one. I think you'll like it.
One Chevrolet automobile, "Corvette" model, year 1973 (Chrome bumper rear/urethane bumper front, your choice of Mille Miglia Red or Elkhart Green), new with GM factory warranty. Fun to drive!!
Steely Dan "Countdown To Ecstasy" LP - Trust me, this is a really good record!
Spirograph (by Kenner)
_______________________________________________________________
Happy birthday, Jim.
Date: Wed, July 06, 2022, 19:27:15 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
Happy Birthday, Jim. Thanks for keeping this place alive.
Date: Wed, July 06, 2022, 18:25:16 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Don Patrol!
Here's to the friendship of all of us here on the Blue and elsewhere in the greater Dandom: and to many more years of Steely Dan!
Date: Wed, July 06, 2022, 18:22:55 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Don Patrol!
It is true the friendship of all of us here on the blue and elsewhere in the greater Dandom: here's to many more years of Steely Dan!
Date: Wed, July 06, 2022, 13:05:33 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Happy B-Day Hoops!
Peace
Date: Tues, July 05, 2022, 09:02:38 ET
Posted by: stang,
Doc Mu - don't forget Mercury Falling, absolutely killing album. His more modern radio stuff might give him a bad rep, but the album cuts from that era are top notch. He's like a more pop-friendly, less jazz, somewhat simpler Steely Dan, but the songwriting is still very creative and sophisticated and played by top notch hired guns (eg Vinnie, Kenny, Branford, etc.) with jazz inflections here and there. Recent discovery for me and loving it. Def rec Mercury Falling and Ten Summoner's Tales for SD fans.
Date: Mon, July 04, 2022, 17:17:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Left of the parched Rio Grande
Happy 4th!
OK, Another episode of a mu-like chord where not expect...but maybe you do.
This ditty actually has lyrics worth printing, a take on the King David obsession over Bathsheba.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxtYzo0OLXs
The Badd9 is at the beginning of the bridge on Mad About You. The chord progressions are quite sophisticated: augmented, diminished, stacked chords, key changes. Arguably, this is where Sting's songwriting on Nothing Like the Sun, Soul Cages, and Ten Summoner's Tales finally matched his ego.
A stone's throw from Jerusalem
I walked a lonely mile in the moonlight
And though a million stars were shining
My heart was lost on a distant planet
That whirls around the April moon
Whirling in an arc of sadness
I'm lost without you, I'm lost without you
Though all my kingdoms turn to sand and fall into the sea
I'm mad about you, I'm mad about you
And from the dark secluded valleys
I heard the ancient songs of sadness
But every step I thought of you
Every footstep only you
Every star a grain of sand
The leavings of a dried up ocean
Tell me, how much longer,
How much longer?...
Date: Sun, July 03, 2022, 19:05:18 ET
Posted by: Lee, Tampa
I have never seen the YouTube clip linked below on this site before. I have to say that this guy pulls off what to me is almost musical alchemy!
The incredible reaction when somebody requests Steely Dan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLeQ7Gpuju0
Date: Sun, July 03, 2022, 18:20:51 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Looking forward to hearing about Bethel tonight. I really enjoyed that venue. But then again, I am an old hippie!
Peace
Date: Sun, July 03, 2022, 13:54:35 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
Solid show at the Great Woods/Tweeter/Comcast/Xfinity/Halliburton amphitheater last night. I saw my first ever Steely Dan show there in 2000 on the lawn (before they paved over half of it); I was 12 years old and it's safe to say it was a religious experience. I didn't find God this time around, but I had a good time nonetheless.
Standard setlist - the "mystery" slots were filled by Babylon Sisters and Black Cow, both of which I'm always happy to hear and sounded great. I was hoping for Don't Take Me Alive but I'll take BS and BC over Rikki.
Adam Rodgers soloed on Aja, Home At Last (the extended section), Josie, TOOM (trading with Fagen), the outtro of Bodhisattva and MOS. He's a phenomenal player but he picks his "flashy" moments here very carefully, saving the big runs for the last phrase or two of each solo. It's a smart choice from a pro that serves the music well and allows Jon to be the flashier (yet always tasteful, of course) guy, but, being a fan, I wanted more. I really hope he sticks around for future tours.
The rest of the band was on point as always (and seemingly all Covid-free - no one missing or off to the side). I'm always impressed at the fact that every soloist finds a fresh approach to songs they've been playing for nearly 20 years every night. Even Jon's Bodhisattva solo got a re-working.
Finally got to hear the new section in Home At Last after it was skipped on the Aja-night show I saw last fall. I really liked it, although the false ending before the extended solos meant the audience largely ignored it and took a bathroom break. Excellent solo from Jim Beard to kick it off and Rodgers had his best of the night here.
Fagen sounded good but a little hoarse. Not particularly talkative but seemed to appreciate the energy from the audience.
Mix was pretty good but every soloist other than Jon was slightly buried. I was able to hear Freddie really well tonight though. I think he and Keith feel the most comfortable taking liberties and I love everything they do.
Phantom Raiders
Night by Night
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home at Last
Green Flower Street
Time Out of Mind
Babylon Sisters
Josie
Black Cow
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feeling
Peg
My Old School
Encore:
Reelin' in the Years
A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
Date: Sat, July 02, 2022, 13:19:53 ET
Posted by: Freddie, on location
Didn't see any reports from Holmdel so far so I searched this out.
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/steely-dan/2022/pnc-bank-arts-center-holmdel-nj-43b5df57.html
Date: Fri, July 01, 2022, 12:48:14 ET
Posted by: Carlo, Won’t susoect
They’re going to search me when I enter so I can’t have a camera on me, but if Clemenza can find a way to have a camera planted for me, then I’ll livestream the whole concert.
Date: Fri, July 01, 2022, 02:59:57 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
I'll set a flamethrower to this concert!
My offer is nothing, and I'd appreciate if you paid for the concert tickets yourself.
Date: Wed, June 29, 2022, 21:55:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Seems a bit far fetched, Rik. Though I swear I've heard someone shouting "Hoo-ah!" at several Dan shows.
Date: Wed, June 29, 2022, 08:05:40 ET
Posted by: Rik, US
A Tik Tok account dedicated to "facts" about Al Pacino makes this (highly doubtful) claim about his penchant for seeing SD live
https://www.tiktok.com/@alpacinofunfacts/video/7114490005191527722
Date: Tues, June 28, 2022, 11:41:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,
'Heading Home' by Tom Scott is sublime. If you haven't heard it yet, here you go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnkb0mNV5z4
Another version of this song was recorded as the theme to the short-lived (six episodes total) 1982 sitcom Making the Grade which also co-starred George Wendt before moving on to Cheers.
Date: Mon, June 27, 2022, 21:26:38 ET
Posted by: Steve, Gennarelli
The timely series "Gaslit" on the Starz Channel starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn features a wonderful cover of Steely Dan's "Dirty Work".
It's featured at the end of the episode just prior to the penultimate episode.
Date: Mon, June 27, 2022, 09:45:53 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY
I recorded a bit of audio from the Spotify and YouTube versions of The Future Is Almost Gone, and then compared them to the Amazon MP3 version I downloaded from my preorder. Waveforms look basically identical, and listening to them back and forth they all sound the same as well. I wonder if it has anything to do with individual settings in the Spotify preferences regarding quality/volume level/normalization/etc?
Date: Sun, June 26, 2022, 15:23:25 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto
Hmm, taking seriously any/all comments re Monkey House fidelity. I'm listening to "The Future Is Almost Gone" on Spotify on my best cans right now, and it sounds pristine. It's definitely not mastered hot; if anything, the Friday tracks are a wee bit louder. The only distortion I'm hearing is the dirt Drew Z dialed in! —DB
Date: Sun, June 26, 2022, 00:16:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
The MH singles sound great on TY Music. Spotify sux...how did I let my (grown) kids talk me into Spotify Premium?..
Date: Sat, June 25, 2022, 23:50:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
So...thinking about yesterday's SCOTUS Fall of '92...and the 40%+ incidence of premature natural endings to such things...and who holds Mr. Big accountable...which leads to a listen to...
https://youtu.be/M1pmEy6oNvc
and marveling at...what TH are those, 1/32 ghost notes by Carlock?!...and how is that even possible?
Date: Sat, June 25, 2022, 11:17:43 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Dandom Digest Vol 30, No. 6: SPECIAL June 24, 2022: NEW Monkey House & Walt Weiskopf!!!
WE WILL MEET AGAIN
The New Single from Monkey House's REMEMBER THE AUDIO
OUT TODAY, June 24, 2022 at
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/WWMATP
THE FUTURE IS GONE
Previously from Monkey House's REMEMBER THE AUDIO
Released May 26, 2022 at
https://youtu.be/Y2lGw2VH8Bk
REMEMBER THE AUDIO
The New Album From Monkey House
Featuring Michael Leonhart, Drew Zingg, Randy Brecker, Lucy Woodward, David Blamires, Guido Basso, and many more!
Drops July 15, 2022 / Pre-Order Today!
An Appeal to YOU From the Dandom Digest
Having a big first week is essential to the continued global success of Monkey House, and *pre-orders* (physical and digital) all count toward the Week 1 total. Vote with your dollar — here are the relevant links to pre-order REMEMBER THE AUDIO. If the U.S. Amazon store isn't your jam, there should be other options in your territory. Thank you from the Dandom Digest, as well as Don Breithaupt and Monkey House.
Pre-ORDER: REMEMBER THE AUDIO:
CD PRE-ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes
Here the latest single and pre-order the album from iTunes at https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/WWMATP
WHAT THEY ARE ALREADY SAYING about REMEMBER THE AUDIO
"Monkey House, led by Don Breithaupt, a Canadian composer / arranger / keyboard player / singer and author of Steely Dan's research book Aja, completed the long-awaited album for the first time in three years. A masterpiece that shows the highest finish ever, which can be said to be more than the acclaimed previous work Friday (2019). Guest musicians are also gorgeous every time. Must-listen for all AOR fans! " --CD Japan
"It's hard to imagine Monkey House topping their amazing last album, Friday, but Monkey House excels and succeeds and with Remember the Audio." --Dandom Digest
ALSO FROM DON BREITHAUPT of MONKEY HOUSE…
Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
Don Breithaupt talks "Aja" with the "Sound Logic" guys in Toronto. Don is, of course, a mastermind behind the music of Monkey House as well as an acclaimed expert on "Aja," most notably his 33-1/3 book on "Aja,"
The "Sound Logic" episode is over an hour long and available on numerous podcast and streaming platforms. Even seasoned Steely Dan fans will hear a few new things.
Here's the link: https://anchor.fm/soundlogic/episodes/63-Aja-by-Steely-Dan-with-our-Special-Guest--Don-Breithaupt-e1fauuu
DON'T FORGET: Don Breithaupt's Acclaimed 33 1/3 book, "Aja"
The definitive book...features conversations between Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen on Steely Dan's landmark album.
Buy here...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
-----------
OUT TODAY! New Single from Walt Weiskopf European Quartet Music
"Blood Diamonds" & "Other Jewels"
"Blood Diamond" and "Other Jewels" is featured on the new Blood Diamond - Single by Walt Weiskopf, Carl Winther, Anders Mogensen & Andreas Lang-- out today, June 24, 2022!
https://weiskopf.lnk.to/jewels
Walt's website, including links to all of his social media outlets can be found at https://waltweiskopf.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Look for our next regular Dandom Digest next week!
---------------------------------------------------------------
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For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by, for and about 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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com, and other sites of Steely Dan, Monkey House, Don Breithaupt, Walt Weiskopf, and associates.
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----------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Becker
1950 - 2017
----------------------------------------------------------------
END OF DIGEST
----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, June 24, 2022, 21:25:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
hoops: Can't wait.
Just a heads up. Something I've noticed on Spotify. Their copy of The Future is Almost Gone has some distortion and is brickwalled. I went back and their copies of Friday and Left sound great. I have Friday, Left, and Headquarters on CD. They are Perfect. Weird.
Date: Fri, June 24, 2022, 15:28:44 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Steely Director,a friend of mine posted a photo of that billboard on Dandom FB. Got a laugh out of it.
Peace
Date: Fri, June 24, 2022, 14:32:42 ET
Posted by: Steely Director, NOLA, feeling hot hot hot
Saw a local lawyer's billboard that said "Rikki don't lose that number!", followed by the lawyer's number. Maybe I should call and inquire about the legality of using that line without (I assume) payment or credit...
Date: Fri, June 24, 2022, 11:26:05 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
BEST MONKEY HOUSE YET! ORDER "REMEMBER THE AUDIO" NOW!
The new Monkey House single just went live! Pre-order the album (via the iTunes link) while you're at it!
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/WWMATP
I have been fortunate enough to have had a few listens to The New One from Don Breithaupt & Monkey House . It's hard to top their last one, "Friday", but they have with "Remember The Audio". Obviously anyone in this group is a lover of great music…here's an opportunity to surround yourself with great music for the second half of the summer of 2022.
Date: Fri, June 24, 2022, 00:39:20 ET
Posted by: MorphTheGuy05, Virginia
Was Reelin performed in '96 at all?
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2022, 00:36:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
Gene. Nice.
You probably know that Billy Joe's Zanzibar is allegedly a tip of the fez to the Dan. Its coda has some stacked chords before the trumpet solo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yget4xVAulE
Rosalinda's Eyes and Stiletto have cool and acid jazz-lite elements.
M/O/D/P: I laughed 'til I cried.
Dean: Yes, Greg Rolle and Neil Schon initially formed a fusion band. Rolle hung in for an album or two with Perry, took the $$ and made his great escape from Journey...
Date: Wed, June 22, 2022, 14:57:16 ET
Posted by: Gene, PA
On the outro of Billy Joel's Just The Way You Are, he admits to giving a nod to 10CC's stacked chords on I'm not in Love.
Date: Wed, June 22, 2022, 14:49:16 ET
Posted by: Ben, Nope
Is there a Steely Doc fundraiser for this year’s tour so he can attend a show? Please post the link. Thanks!
Date: Wed, June 22, 2022, 10:56:07 ET
Posted by: Zagora, Saratoga Springs - SPAC
Best I’ve seen since ‘93 - WOW - Carlock 🔥 - tremendous last night - and Home At Last - if you can find it….download it and keep it…. Show was fantastic !!!!!!
Date: Wed, June 22, 2022, 08:09:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,
M/O/D/P "pps - Look, I realize that somebody (apparently * We *) Built This City ("on rock & roll" - of course), but please leave Me out of the "We". I had absolutely nothing to do with it."
Hilarious. I think Heart was offered to record that turd, although I could be mistaken. There's some tidbits about it here.
https://www.songfacts.com/facts/heart/these-dreams
On another subject, for those of you with a taste for Zappa and good prog-rock, be sure to check out Once & Future Band. Although they have but two albums under their wing thus far, there's some impressive material to be had with an authentic retro sheen. Strong melodic sensibilities, clever arrangements, deft performances. It ticks all the right boxes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ghVHtgpns
Date: Wed, June 22, 2022, 01:05:38 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Saratoga Springs
A Saratoga Steely Solstice
Well another night with Don and the band.Hard to believe it's been 29 years since my first Steely Dan show, at this very venue. Only change in the set list, TOOM out/Godwhacker in. Opened with NightbyNight. Always great to hear a song with Don Patrol in the lyrics.Home at Last was very interesting, what talent this band has. Green Earrings always makes my wife happy. Really great to meet up with Dandom friends at shows. Big shout out to Hank&Linda. Great to hang with you. Once again I think at this point in my Steely Fandom, it's really more about sharing these shows with those of our kind. So that's it from 'Toga. Hope to see a fall NYC run.
Oh yeah, Carlock is a fk'n beast!
Peace
Date: Tues, June 21, 2022, 23:28:02 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
M/O/D/P
The early Santana offshoot of Journey may not be your cup o tea, but it's light years better than the schlock they mass produced later on. I'm specifically referring to their first eponymous album, and their second, Look Into the Future. Not "fancy music" like The Dan or The Puppy, but pretty good stoned space music. If you like Santana's spacy instrumental stuff, you may want to catch a buzz, mellow out and give it a shot. Not sure it will be your thing, but fairly certain you will see it's nothing like the horrendous crap you properly railed against in your post.
Date: Tues, June 21, 2022, 21:35:01 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Somewhat confounded by this latest Journey Into Mystery
Speaking of songs we didn't think had Steely Dan mu-type chords in them...and going 'way back to Doc Mu's inaugural installment of "Songs you might not expect to have the Steely Dan mu chords in them", right here on The Blue, posted May 4th of this very year...wherein The Doc somewhat defiantly - in the face of all previous (and credible) evidence to the contrary - decided to highlight a "song" by "Journey".
Previous to this enlightening post, I really didn't think that any song by "Journey" actually had ANY chords in it. None. At all. I thought it was all just random/incoherent non-musical sludge. That's what I thought, originally, back then, and for quite some time now as well. Obviously, I was incorrect. As in "corrected by Doc Mu", right here on The Blue. Not that the respected Doc sought out to "correct" me (or anyone else for that matter)...just that he clearly and obviously knows his technical/musical shit, whereas I admittedly & (perhaps) shamefully do not. So, the point is, then, that maybe I should probably just shut the hell up and constrain myself to "read only" status.
You all should be so lucky.
But, to be clear, by "Journey", what I meant was the egregious schlock-pop/anthem rock outfit from the Crap Rock Era (the horrible project fronted by some clownish leotard-clad cartoon character who could [still] easily get the job as the new lead goofball/singer for counterfeit Crap Rockers "Aerosmith", should they find a pressing need to replace the guy who's currently their "lead singer"), not the initial Santana offshoot with which I am thankfully unfamiliar.
Anyways, let's hope this puts an end to these gratuitous (or even subtle) references to "Journey" here. And by "Journey", I mean "Starship", "Foreigner", "Asia", "Bon Jovi/Van Halen", or "Complete Lack Of Any Musical Merit Whatsoever" (for those who don't immediately recognize that last band, they also recorded and toured under the name "REO Speedwagon").
M/O/D/P
ps - To be sure, The Doc's more recent 10CC post was cool/informative/fun, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. As did you all.
pps - Look, I realize that somebody (apparently * We *) Built This City ("on rock & roll" - of course), but please leave Me out of the "We". I had absolutely nothing to do with it.
ppps - But I STILL insist that there are no actual "chords" in any "music" recorded by Gunk-Rock outfit "Journey". Despite what The Doc sez. We Just Disagree.
pppps - "Do something with THAT, ya freak!!"
Date: Tues, June 21, 2022, 18:33:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Doc, I suspected you would enjoy Lindsey since we both love SD and her music shares many similarities. Tasty soulful jazz. She's got a powerful set of pipes with impressive range, tonal control and nuance, and she's accompanied by highly skillful players locked in the groove. You can't go wrong.
Interesting tidbit about those stacked chords in that 10cc song. Thanks for sharing.
Date: Mon, June 20, 2022, 22:02:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Lindsey is another Woodstock native.
Smoky tone, but wicked vocal control.
Live from Daryl's House:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fev0l3QUdxM
Date: Mon, June 20, 2022, 20:44:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Michael:
Lindsey Webster. Wow, that's tasty! Beautifully recorded. They threw in a "James Bond" chord at the end. Nice. It's a disservice to call it smooth jazz. Will check out more of her stuff.
Speaking of chords, it's our second installment of unexpected mu chords in popular music. Last time it was Mother Father.
We now, ahem, journey back to the eclectic 70s for mu chord stacks in the iconic wall of sound voicings of 10cc's I'm not in love. If it's not obvious the verse reflects the protagonists faux ambivalence of the heart by modulating back and forth between major and minor chords.
During the instrumental breakdown with their 19 old secretary whispering "Be quiet. Big boys don't cry" it's over an Aadd2/B stack. Then in the bridge "Ooh, you'll wait along time for me" there is a Dadd2/E stack to finish the 2nd and 4th times the line is sung.
https://youtu.be/cgJckGsR-T0
Date: Mon, June 20, 2022, 14:43:13 ET
Posted by: Steely Director, NOLA
Hoops, I noticed the same thing with the video screens at the Memphis concert. As a video professional, it drives me nuts. Pretty clearly indicates that Steely Dan is NOT bringing a consistent video crew with them on the tour, and is instead depending on local venue crews (probably much cheaper, but then you get what you pay for...).
Hopefully the director and camera ops get to watch the soundcheck and familiarize themselves with the music somewhat. But I'm guessing the soundcheck does NOT involve a complete set run-through, unfortunately.
Date: Mon, June 20, 2022, 01:49:43 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicagoland
I was sitting in something like the 55th row, but I thought the show was great. Everybody was on point, Adam was really good, especially shining towards the second half of the show. One little detail with Adam: he does this really great Interlude during "Home At Last," but I think maybe it deserves to be played in a more intimate, smaller venue to be fully appreciated. It seemed to get lost in such a large venue. Actually my only complaint was relatively minor: whoever was in charge of the cameras for the screens pretty consistently had the cameras trained on the wrong person soloing; wrong person at band introductions; etc. 
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Tinley Park, IL
0. Intro
1. Long intro - Night By Night
2. Hey Nineteen
3. Black Friday
4. Aja
5. Kid Charlemagne
6. Home At Last (DF: "wowwee!")
7. Green Flower Street
8. Godwhacker (DF: "Woooooowwwwww!")
9. Babylon Sisters
10. Green Earrings
11. Black Cow
12. Dirty Work by the Danettes
13. Bodhisattva
14. Keep That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band introductions)
15. Peg
16. My Old School
Encore
17. Reeling In The Years
18. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry (Outro)
Date: Sun, June 19, 2022, 19:11:01 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
Thanks for the review Dean. Glad you enjoyed the show. I'm very excited to see Adam play with them in Mansfield.
I cajoled my brother into attending his first SD show in Washington at the start of the tour, and he also said the guitars weren't loud enough. I have noticed myself on other tours that it sometimes takes the sound guys a few bars to amplify various soloists. This was particularly evident when Connor joined. It's always been curious to me, seems like the one part of the touring machine that isn't perfectly tuned.
Date: Sat, June 18, 2022, 10:57:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Hey Doc, hope all is going well.
I still remember taking the first deep dive into Al Jarreau's work decades ago. Bought practically all his albums (but no longer have them, unfortunately). As I recall Jay Graydon collaborated on several of his albums. In the vein of the light, breezy jazz-pop idiom but it sounds good. Very melodic, sometimes a bit cheesy lyrical content but that's alright.
Be sure to check out Lindsey Webster. Incredible soulful voice coupled with tasteful smooth jazz. Satisfaction guaranteed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5g5xoUrEMs
Kate Bush has enjoyed a resurgence due to her song 'Running Up That Hill' being used in an episode of Stranger Things, but leading up to this there's also been quite a lot of reaction videos to her songs. 'Blow Away' is my personal favorite. Simply exquisite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv9XYxfjTDU
Date: Fri, June 17, 2022, 12:15:24 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
thanks, Dean! Really appreciate it. Glad you had a good time. 🙏👍👍
Date: Fri, June 17, 2022, 11:50:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Sorry for the very late Atlanta report. I just got back home late last night. Fortunately I had terrific seats, 3rd row. Unfortunately given the circumstances, I wasn't really able to keep a set list, but I think it was the same as in Cincinnati.
Snarky Puppy was fantastic. All new unreleased stuff, so nothing familiar at all. But no problem there, as everything was top notch. It took the crowd a song or two to really feel the music, I think. But by the time they finished their short set, the crowd seemed to have come around. I think the funk heavy tunes, and incredible musicianship, helped get the crowd's attention. Oh, and as Steely Director noted, one of the three keyboard players had a whammy bar on what I believe was a clavinet, and was also using a wah-wah peddle with it at the same time. Pretty interesting. Sounded like a guitar, at times.
Unfortunately, too many seem to think it's time to talk during the opening act as if it were the coming attractions before a movie. In my experience it is worse at outdoor venues like the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre. The place is very nice, though.
One minor issue was, the that close to the stage the PA was not really audible to us. We were living on the monitors and amps on stage, for the most part. So while the sound was pretty good, it could have been louder. And since we were right of center, the guitars were a bit muted. The upside is I heard Beard's and Fagen's keyboards better than I ever could in the past. Sitting right in front of the backup singers really punched the vocal harmonies, as well.
As for The Dan, I'm not sure I have ever seen them better. Don was as engaged as I've ever seen and his voice was in top form for most of the show. Rogers acquitted himself very nicely. Occasionally his playing isn't exactly "Steely Dan" sounding, most of it was. I'm thinking he is learning on the job. Everyone else was as great as always. Carlock really just steals the show every time. Fagen keeps giving him more and more time to shine.
No setlist complaints. The songs sounded fresh to me. Time out of Mind was the best version of that I have ever heard. Home at Last was also punched up. The extended intros, and outros, to various songs were great---and different than they have been in the past. The arrangements were incredible. All in all, one of the best shows I've ever seen.
Date: Fri, June 17, 2022, 00:42:04 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin', Cinci
Riverbend Music Center,
Cincinnati
Thursday, June 16, 2022
(From band's set list sheet)
Phantom Raiders (Intro; Stanley Wilson cover)
Night by Night
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home at Last
Green Flower Street
Time Out of Mind
Babylon Sisters
Green Earrings
Bad Sneakers
Dirty Work (Lead vocals by the Danettes)
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band introductions)
Peg
My Old School
Encore:
Reelin' in the Years
A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry (Outro)
Date: Wed, June 15, 2022, 18:25:55 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Kate Bush and "Running Up That Hill" is getting a bunch of attention these days, being discovered by new generations.
Going back to December 31, 1980. Kate Bush talks about Steely Dan. Here's an article with a couple of geeat quotes from a neat article where she talks about various influences, including of course Steely Dan:
“I think they're very underestimated. They're the most incredible musicians. This is it. They are here -- a musician's band. I mean, all the musicians in this country just rave about them technically, and as songwriters. But you know, they're not really played on the radio, but they're just incredible. (Paul Gambaccini, BBC Radio 1, 31 December 1980)
"For me, each album got better, and I wish they hadn't split up. (Kate Bush Club, issue 16)”.
https://www.musicmusingsandsuch.com/musicmusingsandsuch/2020/11/26/feature-from-the-starman-to-steely-dan-the-artists-who-have-influenced-kate-bush
ALSO: Kate Bush names her favorite Steely Dan track an album in this thread:
http://gaffa.org/cloud/subjects/steely_dan.html
Pete Fogel was fortunate enough to sit with Kate bush at the 1996 Wembley Steely Dan show. What he remembers most is that Kate Bush was really into Steely Dan.
Date: Mon, June 13, 2022, 21:25:16 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
Michael: The Cows are back grazing. Udderly fantastic.
Very reminiscent of Jay Graydon produced albums for Al Jarreau: Breaking Away and Jarreau, ergo the Airplay sound except better.
Yacht Rock is a dumb moniker - jazz/R&B hybrid/alloy is more accurate:
https://youtu.be/WJ3JyC-QQKY
Bit of a Steely Dan vibe:
https://youtu.be/AEWBs76xisI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-QaFbRFYb8
https://youtu.be/aZ67bpvH3_U
Date: Mon, June 13, 2022, 20:57:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
6:12 -
When Lalah begins singing chords on vocals. Puppys lose their snark and fall out.
Date: Mon, June 13, 2022, 20:50:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
There was the time Lalah Hathaway won a Grammy for a performance with the Puppys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SJIgTLe0hc
Date: Mon, June 13, 2022, 20:43:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Dean: Sometimes you have to take one for the (Kenny) G team.
https://youtu.be/216Z9_iDT9g
By default...
Date: Sun, June 12, 2022, 12:27:38 ET
Posted by: Sammy,
Michael Leonhart said on his Instagram that he has Covid. Wonder if Jim Pugh has Covid too.
Michael says he feels OK and everything. Here's hoping it passes quickly.
Date: Sun, June 12, 2022, 01:38:21 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Thanks, Steely Director! Much appreciated!
Date: Sun, June 12, 2022, 01:19:14 ET
Posted by: Steely Director, Memphis (no longer stuck inside of Mobile)
Snarky Puppy: 5 songs, all from their new album; never seen a keyboard with a whammy bar before.
Steely Dan: Solid 2 hour show.
Phantom Raiders
Night By Night
Hey 19
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home At Last (with extended interlude)
Green Flower Street
Time Out Of Mind
Babylon Sisters
I Got The News
The Caves Of Altamira
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feeling
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years
A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry
(Obviously some rearrangements from earlier setlists, with Godwhacker and Third World Man getting the axe).
Don seemed to be enjoying himself a lot tonight...had a funny running bit with the biting flies at the outdoor venue: "What IS that...NATURE?"
The band was hotso, which goes without saying, especially Carlock (but I'm a drummer, so I'm biased). Adam Rogers had some nice solos. I miss Jim Pugh and Michael Leonhart, but their replacements did a fine job. Can't wait to see them again in Jacksonville, which will be in a theater, and without an opening act.
Date: Sat, June 11, 2022, 19:52:52 ET
Posted by: Steely Director, Memphis (TN, not that other one)
On hot (and I mean HOT) standby for the SP/SD Show to-nite. Setlist to be posted later.
Date: Sat, June 11, 2022, 15:18:02 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
I'd say that's a pretty awesome overview, Mt Belzoni.
Although, frankly, at this point I'd settle for them simply taking all seven ABC/MCA albums and remastering the amount of 180 g vinyl and re-issuing them as a Boxing sort of the same vein as. "Cheap Xmas."
Date: Sat, June 11, 2022, 03:16:23 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR
In the "keep dreaming" caegory:
For release Nov. 2022:
Can't Buy a Thrill 50th Anniversary deluxe edition
Disc 1
[Original LP remixed & remastered]
1. Do It Again
2. Dirty Work
3. Kings
4. Midnight Cruiser
5. Only a Fool
6. Reelin in the Years
7. Fire in the Hole
8. Brooklyn
9. Change of the Guard
10. Turn That Heartbeat
[Bonus Tracks]
11. Dallas
12. Sail the Waterway
[Studio outtakes]
13. Sakka Joweda
14. Come Back Baby
15. Running Child
16. Megashine City
Disc 2
[Live]
1. Do It Again (Manassas '96)
2. Dirty Work (Memphis ’74)
3. Midnight Cruiser (Manassas ’96)
4. Reelin in the Years (Alive in America version)
5. Brooklyn (live Memphis ’74)
6. This All Too Mobile Home (Record Plant ’74)
7. Do it Again (Cincinnati ’08 w/M. McDonald)
8. Dirty Work (Danettes 2022)
9. Reelin in the Years (Northeast Corridor version)
Date: Fri, June 10, 2022, 23:09:23 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
I understand those seeing The Puppy before The Dan aren't likely to hear any vocals, but this has me hoping for an unexpected treat. This is simply fantastic, IMO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUWsAL92feU
Date: Fri, June 10, 2022, 19:51:10 ET
Posted by: The Dean , St. Augustine. Post Friday Happy Hour Groove.
A new Snarky Puppy coming. Here's a taste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSiLPkUopBg
And I'm guessing this is a taste of what I will see on Tuesday. Anyone who has seen them this tour, please set me straight. I don't expect the light show, and it really isn't important to me at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc49bGVK1uI
Getting very excited for the show.
Date: Thurs, June 09, 2022, 19:55:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Lately I've been listening to some newer tracks from State Cows. They're sort of Airplay-meets-Toto with a dash of Steely Dan-ish chords thrown in to the mix. Definitely worth a listen (or a few).
Hold On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90KQKCPWQ64
If We Could Be Together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xhJ8_d_uAc
Also, be sure to check out Stefan Olofsson's solo work. It's AOR with glistening melodies over 70s-style pop, tasty harmonies, tight performances. Here's an instant ear worm.
All Alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7A_rTbqz2o
Support the artists you enjoy so that they can continue to produce quality music.
Date: Thurs, June 09, 2022, 12:39:57 ET
Posted by: Waiting for lunch , A burger on rye
Maybe if the set list hadn’t been as relatively static as it’s been the last 15 years there wouldn’t be all the discussion/controversy about the opening acts, the nixed opening bands, and the viability of hypothetical openers.
Date: Thurs, June 09, 2022, 10:15:27 ET
Posted by: DonB, Los Angeles
So glad I dropped by...
Date: Wed, June 08, 2022, 21:26:06 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
M/O/D/P
Check your email!
Funny fucking post, as usual, BTW.
Date: Wed, June 08, 2022, 21:23:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Very well put, Pete. As soon as I read Bob's post I was about to post nearly the same thing, but decided he wasn't worth the time. Plus I was on my way out the door. Anyone paying attention knows that analogy is totally uninformed.
I actually got dragged to a Kenny G concert many many years ago. (The things we do for women.) I was a bit surprised because I didn't completely hate it. It was relatively entertaining. But the specifics are completely unmemorable for the most part. I only remember him playing one note for an extended period of time, which while impressive served no real musical purpose, IMO. I believe the band was pretty good, but then again, I'm not really sure.
Date: Wed, June 08, 2022, 21:19:41 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Comparing things to each other & stuff
Oh, Bob/Bob...
Shit...so much wrong with your sublimely-asinine post...geez..it's really just so hard to know where to begin...but aisle try...
How about - for starters - a correction? Can somebody/anybody please correct this dumbass anon's dumbass shit??
I can/I will - So here's my corrected edit:
"MH opening for SD would be like Christian McBride [my choice - yours could vary] opening for Miles Davis [again, my choice, and of course your choice could and possibly should "vary"]" - See Bob/Bob? I just fixed your idotic contribution!!
Then, for additional poops 'n' chuckles, I figgered I should add that your clueless-as-hell (but direct) comparison of shlock-smooth-jazz purveyor "Kenny G." to the band Monkey House makes you a certifiable contender for 2022's "Golden Stupid Clueless Cunt" Award.
Consider yerself nominated.
M/O/D/P
ps - Note that a *nomination* in this category is NOT neccessarily an automatic win, although in your case the odds are certainly, y'know, stacked in your favor. Based on the sheer stupidity of your comment, plus the unlikely possibility that any other jackwagon-dullard contibutions here might even approach the level you just, y'know, "achieved".
Date: Wed, June 08, 2022, 19:35:42 ET
Posted by: Pete,
Bob, Bob…assuming it's true Ornette Coleman's band members played on Kenny G Records and Ornette cooperated with Kenny G on a book about his greatest album and was a huge fan of Kenny G. That's the case with Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen.
Steely Dan orchestra members have been on the past few Monkey House records. Donald Fagen gave extensive interviews and cooperated significantly with Monkey House leader Don Breithaupt in writing a highly acclaimed book about "Aja". Fagen is also a Monkey House fan.
Date: Wed, June 08, 2022, 10:54:29 ET
Posted by: Bob, Bob
MH opening for SD would be akin to Kenny G opening for Ornette Coleman.
Date: Tues, June 07, 2022, 18:19:34 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
Given the recent posts about the dream of MH opening for SD, this seemed relevant. From the Amazon description of Remember the Audio:
"After years of fluid lineups, Breithaupt says he had an epiphany back in 2011 while rounding up the usual suspects to make Headquarters: Hey, wouldn't it be nice if this coalesced into a steady band?"
I'm not suggesting this means anything other than, to be an opening band for SD you have to have, you know, a band. Good first step, IMO.
Date: Tues, June 07, 2022, 13:39:30 ET
Posted by: Steven F, TX
Steely Dan show in Austin last night was transcendent, beautiful and inspiring.
The crowd was elated. DF’s voice was strong, expressive and pitch perfect and he was clearly having a ball. (Younger fans, of whom there were many! - periodically shouted “I love you, Donald!”) and the band was on fire the entire night.
Two straight hours without an intermission. Greatness, all around. Just wow.
And yes, they played "Josie".
The only downer was that security kept making loud announcements before the show that any cell phone use would result in patron immediately being escorted out of the theater. but that’s a minor niggle in the presence of musical greatness. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
ACL Live at The Moody Theatre,
Auston, Texas
Monday, June 6, 2022
Phantom Raiders (Intro; Stanley Wilson cover)
Night by Night
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home at Last
Green Flower Street
Godwhacker
Babylon Sisters
Peg
Don't Take Me Alive
Dirty Work (Lead vocals by the Danettes)
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band introductions)
Josie
My Old School
Encore:
Reelin' in the Years (Joe Williams cover)
A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry (Outro)
Date: Tues, June 07, 2022, 12:21:29 ET
Posted by: Monkey House, Down the street
SUPPORT MONKEY HOUSE WITH A PRE-ORDER!
Fact: Having a big first week is essential to the continued global success of Monkey House, and *pre-orders* (physical and digital) all count toward the Week 1 total! Vote with your dollar — here are the relevant links. If the U.S. Amazon store isn't your jam, there should be other options in your territory. Thank you from the band!
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes
CD PRE-ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1
Date: Tues, June 07, 2022, 11:47:11 ET
Posted by: The Donald, Trolling these waters
Rikki played on 6/2.
Pretzel Logic 6/3.
Josie 6/5.
Don't Take Me Alive 6/6.
Along with the other usual goodness being performed.
https://www.setlist.fm/search?query=steely+dan
Date: Tues, June 07, 2022, 09:39:36 ET
Posted by: toto, IV
Jim losing his shit over Steely Dan being Yacht Rock will always be the funniest posts on this site, no matter how hard people try to be clever.
Date: Mon, June 06, 2022, 20:49:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Lockhart, there was no opening act posted as far as I know.
I was just about to post asking someone who went to the concert if there was an opening act (and if so, who)? Whom?
Didn't they announce the name of the band at the show? Perhaps a locally based jazz quartet? Organ or guitar based. Yes, I know there are more options.
Date: Mon, June 06, 2022, 14:00:58 ET
Posted by: Lockhart, Lost in sea of love. Need GPS
The first Austin show was outstanding. Who was the opening jazz quartet? I think I heard Donald Collin Jr introduced for (delightful) keyboard.
Date: Mon, June 06, 2022, 09:08:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Houston Press reviewer gets it:
Steely Dan Still Shining, Still Reelin' in the Years
https://www.houstonpress.com/music/steely-dan-reels-in-the-years-13506078
"Steely Dan has been lumped in with the Yacht Rock crowd, but this is both inaccurate and a disservice to the band. Sure, their music from the ‘70s goes down easy, like a piña colada on a hot day at an all-inclusive Mexican resort. But calling Steely Dan’s music Yacht Rock is like saying that Monet painted some pictures that look great on tote bags. "
Reminds me of what Reeves Gabrels, guitarist for David Bowies among others, said in an interview a couple years ago that was even more on point: 
"The problem became when people start copying. It’s like Steely Dan. I love Steely Dan; people calling it “yacht rock” piss me off to this day. It was because the people who copied it didn’t have the attitude behind it, or the lyric content. The copycats weren’t rooted in Naked Lunch; they were rooted in pina coladas."
https://www.guitarmoderne.com/artists/david-torn-and-reeves-gabrels-talk-rerecording-bowie
Date: Sun, June 05, 2022, 13:15:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
I believe it has been discussed in the past. MH would indeed be an ideal match. Don B doesn't seem to tour/play live very often with MH. It was refreshing to see the set from Toronto.
Have to agree that starting some sort of public petition isn't the way to go. Not sure our talking about it will make much difference, either. But hopefully it might motivate Don B to get something going. MH can even incorporate some SD members to play on some songs. I don't think Fagen would object, as Madeleine Perroux used the same approach. IMO it was great.
They could start small. Maybe a pairing for a residency in NYC, Toronto or LA, just to get the feel of it. Not too much pressure, easier to put together. Just a thought
Date: Sun, June 05, 2022, 13:04:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QK4Er7nmYg
Date: Sun, June 05, 2022, 13:00:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
As good as the MH albums are those soundboard recordings on YT sound better, considerably better. They swing more.
When you take crack musicians playing interesting arrangements and they have to deliver in "one take," live, they are going to shine.
It's like Purdie said to Rick Beato (paraphrasing):
To W&D - "You can have us do more takes. And that's fine. I didn't mind. They paid us well. But in the end you are going to use Takes 1, 2 or 3."
Date: Sun, June 05, 2022, 12:10:53 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Doc Mu: Totally agree about Don and monkey house. A few of us I thought about even putting together a petition, but DF can be (understandably) a little resistant to that. (Remember the "Do The Wu" campaign ? ) Still, I remain hopeful, as to others, that one day Don/Monkey House will open for Steely Dan. So it's good that people keep talking about it. I think it's an eventuality.
Here's the first from the new one…
https://youtu.be/2jg_qZgRNoQ
Date: Sun, June 05, 2022, 11:56:28 ET
Posted by: punt, pass,, kick
love to post anonymous inarticulate shots aimed at legitimate contributors
Date: Sun, June 05, 2022, 11:53:46 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Sometimes the obvious answer to the opening band for Steely Dan question is right in front of our collective noses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No_rNUHy5kE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R5S24H4mzQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvv9rh_9M_0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7LwLPkvg9s
Date: Sun, June 05, 2022, 09:04:10 ET
Posted by: Jonnie, F
If you watch this documentary trailer closely, you'll see an indication of a member of another well known punk band having an apparent fondness for SD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPfmbK-bEDg
Date: Sat, June 04, 2022, 22:32:05 ET
Posted by: pass, pass
love to get offended on behalf of my favorite band
Date: Sat, June 04, 2022, 21:40:54 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, The whole town's talking about the Jones boy
Regarding that quote posted here a few days ago - the one attributed to "Sex Pistols" member Steve Jones...
Interesting to note that the guy whose career-defining act's contributions to the music world include oversized safety pins jammed into fleshy body parts, goofy "Mohawk" hairdos, gobbing at audience members, and an acute lack of anything even remotely resembling musicianship would, in his declining years, profess a fondness for a musical act defined by clever song-writing, high-level live and studio playing, a steadfast (and career-long) refusal to pander, and a complete lack of asinine "rock star" gimmicks - on or off stage. Interesting.
He now says - apparently - that it would be silly for him to be "still flying that flag" at age 66.
It was silly - or worse - when he actually did "fly that flag".
So, nothing's changed, really, except for the late-in-life admission of admiration for Steely Dan.
M/O/D/P
Date: Sat, June 04, 2022, 17:38:55 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Acoustic Sounds is offering special 45 RPM versions of Two Against Nature and Everything Must Go.
One thing that's not discussed as much in Steely Dan fan circles in recent years, that used to be 20–45 years ago, was the audiophile nature of their recordings.  however, I think as a group here, we're pretty good about discussing such things. As noted in the VH1 Storytellers segment, Steely Dan music is a frequent choice for audio experts to test the sound quality of new high-end audio components, etc.
In that spirit, Acoustic Sounds has just released their special 45 RPM, 180 g vinyl, two-LP versions of "Two Against Nature" and "Everything Must Go". Only 1,000 copies of each will be made Mine arrived just a few minutes ago. Will leave additional impressions in the comments, but this is the packaging and the media. The benefit to 45 RPM is that you get higher resolution and therefore, supposedly, better fidelity. They spent quite a bit of money on the jackets, turning them into gatefolds with heavy brown cardboard underneath. The finish on both LPs also is similar to the super high gloss, "liquid lam" finish on the original copies of "Aja". Still, there are some images from the original CD and Warner LP packaging that are not featured in these Acoustic Sounds versions. This version of "Everything Must Go" is, according to credits, mastered by Bernie Grundman for Quality Record Pressings which is working with Acoustic Sounds. For "Two Against Nature", the credit is Scott Hull at MasterDisk (mastering), pressed by Quality Record Pressings. Of course, you will remember that both titles were released on 180 g vinyl, but at 33 1/3 RPM, for last year's Record Store Day. Before that, both titles were issued in 2000 and 2003 in Europe on vinyl but with minimal artwork. Moreover, the 2000 vinyl mastering of "Two Against" was issued without input from Walter and Donald and their peeps. So far I've given half of 2vN i'll listen. It's hard to get past how great these songs are, regardless of format. Still sublime after all these years.
https://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&searchtext=steely%20dan&LabelID=507
Date: Sat, June 04, 2022, 14:58:03 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Been out of town. Nice setlists. They are branching out a bit. No more Rikki, Reelin' etc.
MH - pan frying the Big Ones. Is this their Royal Scam? Drew is going to make it cry and Zingg. Thanks for the link, hoops.
SP is fine on YT. Really needed Mamas Gun or an equivalent to engage the audience.
You done hired the hitmaker! - gonna check out Beato's interview.
Date: Sat, June 04, 2022, 12:26:55 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Regarding "Josie" not appearing this year on the Setlist so far, I remember a few years back when "Deacon Blues" was not on the set list. Regardless of personal favorites, to me, "Deacon Blues" is the quintessential Steely Dan song, at the pinnacle. But yet it was off the set list for much of one tour. Not sure why, but it did come back.
Date: Sat, June 04, 2022, 00:28:06 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston
Probably my most disappointing SD show of all. This venue is the worst and I’ll never go back. Sorry but SP is a talented group but why they were chosen to open is beyond me. They looked out of place and at times disinterested. Not sure who came up with that idea. Set list for SD was different and quite frankly started strong and fizzled at the end. Why they continue to come back to this outdoor sauna is beyond me.
Date: Fri, June 03, 2022, 16:48:15 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston
Show #20 tonight. Not my favorite venue. but am front center so sound shouldn’t be an issue. It can be hit and miss at CWP. Just checked into hotel and already an invasion of the Parrotheads with Buffet playing tomorrow night. Should be a fun night.
Date: Fri, June 03, 2022, 11:46:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Bookeeper, you beat me to the punch. It really is a surprise to me that Josie hasn't been played this tour. I too recall Don saying he particularly likes playing the song. Watching him play during the song, reinforced that as he always seem to be very happy while playing it.
I've always taken what the Dan chooses to play without complaint, and I have heard Josie very many times in concert. But I can't say I won't miss Josie just a bit. Especially the extended intro they typically added.
Date: Thurs, June 02, 2022, 15:48:28 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida
I remember Donald saying in the not too distant past that Josie was one of those songs he/they just enjoyed playing. As to why it was routinely in the set list. Great tune, easy to dance to, has a good beat....
Date: Thurs, June 02, 2022, 12:36:23 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
Josie was performed at least once this tour and several times last fall. I believe Jon even started playing the solo basically note-for-note like Walter, as a tribute after his passing
Date: Thurs, June 02, 2022, 00:00:52 ET
Posted by: Bob, JGT Podcast
Jon Herington Talks About The Current Steely Dan Tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6xy35CMKq0
Date: Wed, June 01, 2022, 23:42:08 ET
Posted by: Rob,
Stan: Boo hoo.
Date: Wed, June 01, 2022, 23:17:03 ET
Posted by: Stan, MA
I called it quits on seeing any more SD shows in 2016 and don’t pay close attention to the set lists. But Josie was always a staple and I see it’s not being performed so far this tour. Has it perhaps been MIA since Walter’s passing?
Date: Wed, June 01, 2022, 15:47:11 ET
Posted by: Ak-Chin Pav, Phoenix
May 31, 2022
Phantom Raiders
Night by Night
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home at Last
Green Flower Street
Godwhacker
Third World Man
Babylon Sisters
Bodhisattva
Green Earrings
Dirty Work
Peg
Keep That Same Old Feeling
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years
A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry
Date: Wed, June 01, 2022, 15:33:37 ET
Posted by: Fascist Regime , Jubilee, England
“I don’t particularly listen to punk rock anymore. My musical tastes have changed a lot over the years, you know, and I’m 66 years old. I’m not a kid anymore. I think it would be a bit silly if I was still flying that flag."
“I like Steely Dan," he said. "Is that bad?”
-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones 31/05/22
Date: Wed, June 01, 2022, 15:12:30 ET
Posted by: Fascist Regime , Jubilee, England
“I don’t particularly listen to punk rock anymore. My musical tastes have changed a lot over the years, you know, and I’m 66 years old. I’m not a kid anymore. I think it would be a bit silly if I was still flying that flag."
“I like Steely Dan," he said. "Is that bad?”
-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones 31/05/22
Date: Sun, May 29, 2022, 22:05:47 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
BBB thank you. Very glad you decided to hear them.
I'm getting more excited by the day.
Date: Sun, May 29, 2022, 16:50:55 ET
Posted by: BBB, Chula Vista
Hey Dean. I've never heard Snarky Puppy before. Of course, I read the rave reviews from other Steely Dan fans. I will say they did not disappoint. But I couldn't name the songs or anything. Just that they sounded great. Sometimes we plan on skipping the opening act and arrive in time for Steely Dan. But in this case, I would recommend arriving early enough to hear all of Snarky Puppy.
Date: Sun, May 29, 2022, 16:41:53 ET
Posted by: The Dean., St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
BBB/Murphy thanks for the report
Anything you can say about Snarky Puppy?
Date: Sun, May 29, 2022, 16:30:48 ET
Posted by: BBB, CHULA VISTA
Set list last night in Chula Vista pretty much the same as Friday - instead of FM and Time out of Mind they played Black Cow and Godwhacker.
They did a lot of extended jamming on a few songs like - Home at Last, Godwhacker and Green Earrings. Sounded great.
Date: Sun, May 29, 2022, 11:11:55 ET
Posted by: Murphy, Cali
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre,
Chula Vista, California
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Phantom Raiders (Intro; Stanley Wilson cover)
Night by Night
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home at Last
Green Flower Street
Godwhacker
Babylon Sisters
Green Earrings
Black Cow
Dirty Work (Lead vocals by the Danettes)
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feeling (Crusaders cover, with band introductions)
Peg
My Old School
Encore:
Reelin' in the Years
A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry (Outro)
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 21:59:23 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Gus, thanks for the report. Hope you and the Mrs.are doing well. Really enjoying these show updates.
Peace
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 13:35:32 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions) , Philadelphia
Someone just shared this on the Dan Facebook page, it was recorded November 2020 but I didn’t even know it existed, maybe it’s never been available to the public before? I really don’t know the backstory other than what is on the description. It’s a zoom conference for the Berklee bass department. I can’t think of another example of so many legends together in one conversation.
Bassists- Chuck Rainey, Anthony Jackson, Tom Barney, Freddie Washington. Drummers- Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Dennis Chambers, Keith Carlock. Plus the legendary Victor Wooten is there as well.
https://youtu.be/vuBO2cTcqCQ
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 12:57:33 ET
Posted by: hoops, C
For those unable to access the Twitter feed in the upper left corner of this page, the most current tweets feature David Crosby raving about last night show:
"What a night …..I LOVE the Puppy and Steely Dan is my all time favorite band …who by the way sounded fresh and exciting with a LOT of new arrangements played with their usual polish and CARLOCK ….who is one of the greatest drummers ever and ….damn Donald is a fine singer"
David Crosby follows up:
"Really ….if you ever loved the Dan …..go see them now ….they are absolutely killing it ….and with the Puppy opening ….oh my that’s two of the best bands I’ve ever heard in my life ….I would not miss it"
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 11:56:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
I just heard the entire first MH song. Killer!
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 11:50:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Thanks for the report, Gus. You going to Atlanta by chance?
Also thanks to Hoops for the MH news. Great snippet!
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 05:31:09 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA
Steely Dan at the Hollywood Bowl
5/27/2022
Setlist and Brief Report
INTRO: Phantom Raiders(based on other reports) ~8:45 PM
Night By Night
Hey 19
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home At Last
Green Flower Street
Time Out Of Mind
Babylon Sisters
Green Earring
FM
Dirty Work (Danettes rotating on vocals)
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feeling; Band Intros
Peg
My Old School
ENCORE: Reelin' In The Years
OUTRO: A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry ~10:40 PM
If there is any rust remaining from opening night, per Donald as reported by Mt. Belzoni, I couldn't hear it; the band is in its usual top form. Donald's vocals seemed strong as well. To answer an earlier question by The Dean, Adam Rogers did perform the closing solo on Bodhisattva, and did an excellent job IMHO. His other major contributions were on My Old School and Time Out of Mind. He and Jon shared the solo work on Aja, but strangely the guitars were very low in the mix for that number.
We were near the back of the venue, but the sound was still impressive from the house PA system. My only complaint was the decision to occasionally backlight the stage with floor-level spotlights pointed into the audience. This made it almost impossible to see anything onstage from where we sat.
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 00:10:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
New album from Monkey House coming July 15 on Alma Records! Nice!
Special guests include Randy Brecker, Michael Leonhart, Drew Zingg Lucy Woodward, David Blamires, Guido Basso and more.
Pre-order:
https://t.co/ujDaSFdOXP
First track:
https://youtu.be/2jg_qZgRNoQ
Date: Sat, May 28, 2022, 00:08:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean,
I am headed to the June 14th show in Atlanta. Never been to Chastain Park, but I hear it is a decent venue. 3rd row right center tickets.
Truth is, given the price, this is almost as much about seeing Snarky Puppy for the first time as it is for The Dan----almost.
I'll do my best to take some notes. I'll be with one of my best friends since Jr High, so no promises on my sobriety/note taking ability. But whatever, I will report!
Date: Fri, May 27, 2022, 09:45:01 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Pretty
For those who appreciate Bernard Purdie…
https://youtu.be/6uusF1iie88
m.e.
Date: Thurs, May 26, 2022, 11:10:44 ET
Posted by: 25 May, 2022, Concord, CA
Phantom Raiders
Night by Night
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home at Last
Green Flower Street
Time Out of Mind
Babylon Sisters
The Goodbye Look
Don't Take Me Alive
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feling
Peg My Old School
Reelin' In The Years
A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry
Date: Tues, May 24, 2022, 02:39:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Here's Zach on 2nd guitar. That first guitar is pretty good. ;)
https://youtu.be/mcEi0nlc4ao
Date: Tues, May 24, 2022, 02:25:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Dayum. No offense to SnarkyPuppy, but this should be the opening act for the Dan.
https://youtu.be/PjbWdBCdrQA
Date: Mon, May 23, 2022, 13:49:45 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Chris, you may want to check that link. Unless Adam went to Widney High, I don't think that's what you meant to post.
Date: Sun, May 22, 2022, 23:06:20 ET
Posted by: chris, nh
found this video from Portland where Adam is soloing on Aja.
A little difficult to hear at times due to the mix and the fact that someone is loudly trying to figure out what a melodica is. But what's audible sounds really good. It's very cool to hear a distinctly different take from someone on his level.
https://youtu.be/m7MLo5DDmsw
Date: Sun, May 22, 2022, 21:23:18 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Perhaps my memory is poor (I am an old drunk after all), but I recall Zach playing on very few songs. Now that you jogged my memory, I think I recall him playing a solo and liking it. But I can swear there was a distinct lack of a second guitar for the bulk of the concert.
In fact I believe I even posted here about the very thing after the show.
Date: Sun, May 22, 2022, 17:07:44 ET
Posted by: lol, lol
Nightflyers had a second guitarist. Zach Djanikian alternated between sax and second guitar.
Date: Sun, May 22, 2022, 13:51:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Flipkid, the one thing the Nightflyers were missing was the second guitar, IMO. I enjoyed the show immensely, but the guitar interplay was definately missed.
Even when Walt wasn't in peak shape, he contributed excellent fills that helps give the music a bit more texture, IMO. And of course there are some Dan songs that virtually demand a dual guitar lead. Which leads me to ask this question to the great Mt Belzoni: Did Rogers play lead during Bodhisattva? How did he sound?
Date: Sun, May 22, 2022, 11:08:29 ET
Posted by: Flipkid, Blue State Redux
I saw the Dan's opening night of their truncated 2021 Autumn/Winter tour in October in Baltimore. Maybe it was the venue (the Hippodrome Theatre, built in 1914, rebuilt in 2004), but the sound was absolutely pristine; crystal clear mix with no one "in the background."
As for Adam Rogers' lack of solos: in October Connor Kennedy was the "second guitar;" he didn't get many solos either. But I don't think that's the primary purpose of a second guitarist for SD; so many Dan songs just NEED that second guitar, be it to carry the rhythm or add spice. Just one man's opinion.
Date: Sat, May 21, 2022, 23:33:22 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Belzoni, thanks for the report!
I know I haven't seen as many SD shows as some here, but I've been to plenty. Never really remember the horn mix being an issue. I do find the guitars too lowly mixed in some shows, however. Not knowing the venue, I might suggest it could depend on where you are sitting. I know at the St Augustine Amphitheatre that can be a BIG issue.
Really looking forward to seeing them soon. And at this point I'm MUCH more excited to see/hear Snarky Puppy than I would be to see Winwood, no disrespect to Steve.
Date: Sat, May 21, 2022, 18:35:38 ET
Posted by: horns,
Thanks Mt Belzoni. I find the horns are usually way too low in the mix live. This is a darn shame, and whoever their sound mixer is and Donald should be ashamed for the lack of attention and care. Would expect that for a top 20 pop act, not Steely Dan.
Sounds like Adam Rogers did not get a ton of solo time other than Home at Last? Also a shame. Why bring him on otherwise?
Date: Sat, May 21, 2022, 16:50:08 ET
Posted by: Rou, US
I guess leaving concerts a couple songs early for Covid precautions is the new equivalent of leaving Dodger Stadium in the 7th inning to beat traffic.
Date: Sat, May 21, 2022, 13:43:40 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR
Major SPOILER ALERT! Opening night of the 2022 tour
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Had the good fortune to attend Steely Dan’s opening night here in Portland last night. I can report that they continue to sound as great as ever, even if Donald told us near the end that they were a bit rusty tonight.
Delighted to have scored 5th row tix when they went on sale in Jan. 2020 for the June 2, 2020 show, which then became the June 1, 2021 show, then lost Steve Winwood (best opening act they’ve ever had) and moved to tonight. We’ve been social distancing very, very cautiously, haven’t been to a concert, movie, etc. during the entire pandemic. Decide to go tonight only w/a bunch of precautions. Sold the 5th row seats (too crowded), bought new ones all the way above the far L side of the stage in a virtually empty section. No one within 30 feet of us most of the night.
Glad they started a tour in Portland again, Donald loves noting that one of their very first shows ever was in this building. Snarky Puppy (never heard their stuff before) was really quite good, and their horn section better miked. Once SP left the stage, Herrington came out below us, fully masked (the entire stage crew was masked too) plugged his guitar in to a computer setup, and spent the entire 25 min. before hitting the stage intensely playing stuff and watching closely whatever feedback the screen was showing him. Adam Rogers came out toward the end to join him. I always appreciate Herrington's professionalism and his ability to shift styles - I loved Zingg and Krantz's work too, but John is the keeper.
Here’s the set list:
1. Didn’t recognize the opening number, looking forward to someone identifying it down the road. But like most of their (uniformly great) previous openers, it is horn-heavy, and our biggest complaint about tonight’s sound is the mix really buried the horns.
2. Night by Night, with a nebulous, extended, maybe 90-second minor-tinged intro that left it unclear what they were leading up to. At one point I thought it might even be The Royal Scam.
3. Hey Nineteen, great take.
4. Black Friday
5. Aja - marvelous as always, Carlock is incredible each time I see him do this, wish I had a better sight line on him. Once I thought Steve Gadd owned this, now I think they can both lay claim to it.
6. Kid Charlemagne - the extended intro and outro version. Great as always, though Donald spoke a few of the lines more than sang them.
7. Home at Last - very nice, extended version. The song comes to what seems like its usual end, then the band picks up a much looser, quieter, jazzier instrumental interpretation of it (with Adam Rogers doing a nice job with his first solo of the night). This piece then seems to conclude again, but then cuts back to the original arrangement for another chorus. Very nice arrangement, looking forward to it on the Northwest Corridor CD they put out this year with more live cuts (released the same day as the Aja live CD).
8. Green Flower Street - glad to hear The Nightfly represented, good but not great performance, sound very muddy.
9 Time Out of Mind - I can’t think of another song they consistently perform as superbly as this one. Always a highlight. Great groove. Catherine Russell takes it to another level when she does that call-and-response part with Donald - should be longer. (Check out that great new album of hers - and her earlier ones too, you won’t be disappointed.)
10. Babylon Sisters - nice version, hadn’t heard this live in a long time.
11. Black Cow - glad to hear this one in person too.
12. Green Earrings - good performance
13. Dirty Work by the Danettes - all sounding great, Herrington’s 70s twangy guitar accompaniment a perfect fit. The crowd (not as lively as I hoped to this point) really liked this one.
11. Bodhisattva - excellent, wish the horns had sounded clearer
14. Keep That Same Old Feeling/ Band introductions - highlight was when Herrington introduced Donald at the end, he quoted (and imitated) the infamous Jerome Aniton’s “Misstah Steely Dan whatever” line.
15. Peg - nice version, horns too low
16. My Old School - always a perfect set closer
Encore
17. Reeling in the Years (left 3/4 way through so as to leave w/o the crowd for Covid safety, sorry. Not sure what came after.)
All told, a great evening and show. Not the best I’ve ever seen them (I’ve been to some of those Beacon shows, and their show w/Winwood in Utah years ago was off the charts), but a strong opening night. They continue to perform at the highest levels I've ever seen them, unlike other "legacy" acts these days. I was pleased that they didn’t fall back on the one-night-in-a-faraway-town-greatest-hits setlist that I’ve sometimes seen. No real rarities here (Portland did get one of the very few The Bear performances years ago during a tour opener), but some deeper tracks from their repertoire than usual, and fewer hits (no Josie, FM, Rikki, etc.). Nothing post 2000 (Things I Miss, Godwhacker, West of Hollywood) though. Hoping that things (Covid, our messed-up air travel chaos) improve enough to catch their next Beacon run!
Happy listening,
Mt. Belzoni
Date: Sat, May 21, 2022, 05:13:52 ET
Posted by: Set List, Portland, Oregon
Phantom Raiders
Night by Night
Hey 19
Black Friday
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Home at Last
Green Flower Street
Time Out of Mind
Babylon Sisters
Green Earrings
Black Cow
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Keep That Same Old Feeling
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years
A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry
Date: Sat, May 21, 2022, 03:56:53 ET
Posted by: Turn up, The Steagles
This could work for DF and Henley.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdtxhAwc/
Date: Thurs, May 19, 2022, 15:07:11 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
From the new "Acoustic Sounds" newsletter: Two Against Nature & Everything Must Go to be re-issued in 45 RPM format:
https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/162280/Steely_Dan-Two_Against_Nature-45_RPM_Vinyl_Record
https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/162282/Steely_Dan-Everything_Must_Go-45_RPM_Vinyl_Record
Date: Thurs, May 19, 2022, 13:47:36 ET
Posted by: From the official Steely Dan site.,
New tour merch released.
https://steelydanshop.com/
Date: Mon, May 16, 2022, 09:26:03 ET
Posted by: !!, 123
Fast Eddie!
Date: Sat, May 14, 2022, 08:52:40 ET
Posted by: Ed, Hoh
Apologies if this is common knowledge (first I have heard it...like to know more about those cymbals)...the following is a post by a Scott Moyer commenting on a video interview of Steve Gadd and Rick Marrotta.
Posting by Scott Moyer:
I delivered the drums on the Aja session....a Ludwig red sparkle set from SIR. Steve used his own 21" Zildjian Rock ride and his cracked crash cymbals.. He taped the sheet music onto his left and right crash cymbal stands so he could read the whole chart without having to turn pages.Recorded ar The Producer's Workshop in Hollywood. Ask Steve if he remembers Beatle producer, George Martin, walking into the session just after we set up his drums. I was walking out when George was walking into The Producer's Workshop. I'm still wondering if he remained there for the recording of Aja. I had to leave to get back to SIR.
Date: Fri, May 13, 2022, 23:39:12 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
The latest edition of the Dandom Digest for April 1-May 13, 2022 emailed out late this afternoon. You should have received it between 4 pm and 8 pm ET/NYC Time. ! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 30, No. 4). The previous regular Dandom Digest covered March 24-31, 2022.
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. 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. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com.
If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest/index.html
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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
As the Dandom Digest begins its 30th year, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------
DANDOM DIGEST
APRIL 1-MAY 13, 2022
Yr. 30, No. 4
-------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST
"EARTH After Hours" Tour Starts 5/20
Adam Rogers Joins the Steely Dan Orchestra
Adam Rogers on the Passing of Walter Becker
Lost Tribe Interview with Adam in Metal Leg
All About Jazz: Adam Rogers: Tonal Beauty
Adam Rogers, Randy Brecker Perform "New Frontier"
Recent Items from Walter Becker Media Project
Berklee School Honors Chuck Rainey at 2022 Commencement
Linda Hoover Album Released After 50+ Years
UPDATE: New Music & Shows from Jeff Baxter
TOP OF THE CHARTS! Catherine Russell's "Send For Me"
JAZZ TIMES on MLO's "Normyn Suites"
OUT NOW! MLO's "The Normyn Suites"
NEW Walt Weiskopf European Quartet Music, More!
Jon Herington: Arrangements For Guitar – Jazz Guitar Life Book Review
Jim Beard/Jon Herington "Chunks and Chairknobs"
Keith Carlock News
LaTanya Hall Notes
Roger Rosenberg Notes
REDUX! Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
Followed by
PRETZEL LOGIC
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: "EARTH After Hours" Tour Starts 5/20
The dates keep coming. The Steely Dan EARTH After Hours Tour 2022 has added seven new dates, now on sale. These include Franklin, TN, Durham, NC, Atlantic City, NJ, Bridgeport, CT and three dates in Port Chester, NY. And maybe there are a few more new ones.
Snarky Puppy will open many shows before June 20, 2022.
See http://www.steelydan.com/events for links to the full OFFICIAL schedule and tickets.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Adam Rogers Joins the Steely Dan Orchestra
Our last Dandom Digest reported that Connor Kennedy had left the Steely Dan Orchestra to pursue some new directions. After many rumors, now comes official word from Adam Rogers that he will be joining the Steely Dan Orchestra for the 2022 Earth After Hours Tour.
Adam is of course no stranger to diehard Steely Dan and Walter Becker fans. Lost Tribe featuring Rogers was mentored and produced by Walter in the 1990s. And a few years ago, Rogers soloed on Randy Brecker's take on Donald's "New Frontier." Given his history with Walter and Donald, I can't wait to hear what he and Jon will work up for the shows in the upcoming days and weeks.
The second guitarist position has only been necessary since we lost Walter five years ago. If you are like me, I'm very thrilled that Adam has performed under Walter's tutelage, channeling those experiences with Walter.
Here's what Adam himself has to say on his Instagram on May 11, 2022:
"Really excited to announce that I'll be touring with Steely Dan this spring and summer on the 'Earth After Hours' tour! Truly thrilled to play this music that I've been listening to for so many years with such an INCREDIBLE group of musicians. Hope to see you out there! Go http://www.steelydan.com/events for the full schedule."
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Adam Rogers on the Passing of Walter Becker
From Adam's Facebook page:
Adam Rogers
September 5, 2017
In the early 1990s the group that I have co-led on and off since then - Lost Tribe - managed to get ourselves signed to a good/kind of big label. This happened, in a VERY large part, due to the support of Walter Becker. He heard our "demo" tape - given to him by Ben Perowsky - and, if memory serves, about "five minutes" later, we were signed. He brought the band to his incredibly beautiful studio in Maui to produce and record us for 2 weeks in 1993. He then asked a few of us to play on his first solo record, the recording of which commenced a few months later. We spent about 6 weeks exploring and recording the music for that record - "11 tracks of whack"- which I think is a subtle masterpiece. Words can't describe what a thrill it was to hang and make music with him in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I am SO grateful to have had these experiences. They are some of the most memorable in my life and, through them, I got to know Walter. I learned many valuable lessons about music working with him which I will always remember. His was among the most intelligent, biting and interesting WITS I have had the pleasure to interact with. He was an incredible conversationalist and.. off the hook hysterical. His and Donald's music have had a profound effect on me since I was very young when I first heard "Peg" on AM radio in NYC. The sophistication in their music was a revelation to me.
It's been difficult these last few days as I am very, very sad to hear of his passing. I am also so grateful to have been able to spend as much time with him as I did. Rest in peace Walter. You will be so missed.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/adam.rogers.9634/posts/1634026450005430
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Lost Tribe Interview with Adam in Metal Leg
From August 1993 Metal Leg:
INTRO: As most of you are aware, Walter Becker has been producing various jazz projects for a roster of artists on the Triloka and Windham Hill record labels. The New York-based Lost Tribe, whose debut CD (Windham Hill 10143-2) was recently released, is Walter’s latest production effort. Lost Tribe’s music defies definition as rigorously as it insinuates itself into your mind and body. From the deep funk rhythms of Sly Stone and James Brown to the hard beats and rap of Public Enemy, from the ferocious guitar blasts of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and contemporary thrash, to the harmonic inventiveness and improvisational spirit of Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman, the band forges what drummer Ben Perowsky calls “mutation” music or “hardcore-hip hop-jazz-chromatic-dance music.”
Full interview
https://steelydanreader.com/1993/08/01/metal-leg-22/?fbclid=IwAR1sSoFbQW5XehAriXN6yWtjLdrMuuWR9RvTyqYZlmrSoQHej7WpKDTmUWE#9
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: All About Jazz: Adam Rogers: Tonal Beauty
By David Miller
September 12, 2005
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/adam-rogers-tonal-beauty-adam-rogers-by-david-miller
His resume reads like a veritable pot luck of jazz, pop, and everything in between. He has worked with everyone from John Zorn and Giora Feidman to Michael Brecker and Chris Potter to Elvis Costello and Norah Jones. With an immediately recognizable tone, Rogers has all of his influences and priorities in order and is ready to break into the mainstream. I got a chance to talk with him at his apartment in New York City.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Adam Rogers, Randy Brecker Perform "New Frontier"
Randy Brecker, "Randy Pop!", 2015 featuring Adam Rogers
Full version for full context:
https://youtu.be/w5Nj597qt1Y
Cut to the chase: Adam Rogers' solo
https://youtu.be/hDIVemfQzYs
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Recent Items from Walter Becker Media Project
"Red Guitar"; "Medical Science (Demo)"; and a couple of entries for "Love in the 4th" (known to some as "Lies I Can Believe") are all recent revelations and discussions of rarities and the unreleased at the Walter Becker Media Project,
Check it out at
https://www.walterbeckermedia.com/forum/rarities-unreleased
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Berklee School Honors Chuck Rainey at 2022 Commencement
The legendary Chuck Rainey, received an honorary doctorate, along with Ringo Starr, Lalah Hathaway, and James Newton Howard for their immeasurable impact on music, film and television, and popular culture.
From Berklee's official site:
One of the most ubiquitous and influential bass players in American music, Chuck Rainey earned honors from Berklee for advancing intricate techniques still employed by bassists today. President Muhl related how Rainey quickly became a coveted fixture of major recording studios and touring acts of the ’60s and ’70s, playing with the Quincy Jones Big Band, Sam Cooke, Etta James, the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, and Steely Dan, and how his lasting grooves on the themes of Sanford & Son and The Jeffersons helped shape an era of television.
“As long as you love what you’re doing, you’re going to be appreciated and taken care of,” said Rainey, reflecting on his 60-plus years as a professional musician. “In my career, I ran into so many situations where I thought it was the end for me. I’m a cancer survivor, I’m a stroke survivor, and a lot of that survival is because of the love from my family.” Rainey cited nature as having a profound effect on his artistic development, and encouraged students to remain receptive to the melodies of the natural world: “Next time it rains, be still and listen to it…there’s a bass line in there.”
Read the rest:
https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/berklee-honors-ringo-starr-lalah-hathaway-james-newton-howard-and-chuck-rainey-at-commencement
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Linda Hoover Album Released After 50+ Years
Unissued Gary Katz-produced 1970 album featuring members of the original Steely Dan line-up.
In the summer of 1970, Linda Hoover, then 19, entered Manhattan’s Advantage Sound Studio to cut her first album with Gary Katz, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen leading a team that also included guitarists (and future Steely Dan members) Denny Dias & Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, and Eric Weissberg, saxophonist Jerome Richardson, plus members of the Dick Cavett Orchestra.
I Mean To Shine includes three original compositions by Linda...Almost half of the album was penned by the pre-Steely Dan songwriting duo of Becker and Fagen, including what would become the album’s title track. After creating a wonderful record, album cover photos were taken and then it all fell apart. After more than half a century, the album is finally ready for release from Omnivore with full approval and cooperation from Linda Hoover and Gary Katz.
The album will get a vinyl release for Record Store Day Drop June 19, 2022 with CD and Digital available the following week (June 24).
CD / LP / DIGITAL TRACK LIST:
I MEAN TO SHINE
• TURN MY FRIEND AWAY
• THE ROARING OF THE LAMB
• ROLL BACK THE MEANING
• AUTUMN
• JONES
• IN A STATION
• MAMA TEARS
• CITY MUG
• 4+20
• THE DOVE
More details, including how to buy:
http://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/i-mean-to-shine/
Trailer for the album:
https://youtu.be/IbyZM1GQM0w
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject; UPDATE: New Music & Shows from Jeff Baxter
Jeff Baxter's upcoming album, "Speed of Heat," is due on June 17, 2022 In addition to his new version of "My Old School," the album also features Jeff's version of "Do It Again."
Jeff has also been playing some club dates in the US Northeast with two shows remaining this weekend, May 13-15 in Natick, MA, Portland, ME; and Derry, NH. For more deets, https://www.jeffskunkbaxter.com/tour-dates
Here's more about the album:
https://www.rockandbluesmuse.com/2022/03/24/legendary-guitarist-jeff-skunk-baxter-announces-solo-album-speed-of-heat-shares-single/
Here's a direct link to the first single, Jeff's "My Old School." David Paich is featured on keyboards. There are other videos from the new album on YouTube as well.
https://youtu.be/0MtLJqmxxzU
Jeff's official web site is at https://www.jeffskunkbaxter.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
SuSubject: TOP OF THE CHARTS! Catherine Russell's "Send For Me"
For the second week in a row, Catherine Russell's "Send For Me" tops the "Jazz Week' Charts!
Buy the album and see what the buzz is all about. And if you are lucky enough, be sure to catch Catherine at one of her upcoming shows near you.
Here's hoping this is the album that does trick and gives Catherine the Grammy she has so richly deserved all these years.
ORDER THE LIMITED EDITION CD:
Direct from Dot Time Records:
https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/catherine-russell-send-for-me
ORDER/STREAM/LISTEN/BUY
in all sorts of formats:
https://hypeddit.com/fl0s2j
OFFICIAL VIDEOS of TRACKS FROM "SEND FOR ME"
"At The Swing Cats Ball"
https://youtu.be/jvIew8xZQe0
"Make It Last"
https://jazztimes.com/audio-video/premieres/jt-video-premiere-make-it-last-by-catherine-russell/
“Blue and Sentimental”
https://www.jazziz.com/joel-ross-simona-smirnova-more-new-release-cheat-sheet/
LIVE PERFORMANCES
See https://www.catherinerussell.net/tour for a full list of many tour dates over the coming weeks and months.
SOME RECENT INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES
Classic jazz revitalized in new release by Catherine Russell
by Avery Jeffry
CapRadio (California State University, Sacramento Public Radio)
Thursday, May 12, 2022
http://www.capradio.org/music/jazz/2022/05/12/classic-jazz-revitalized-in-new-release-by-catherine-russell/
'All About Jazz" on "Send For Me"
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/march-2022-sent-for-me-catherine-russell
ROCHESTERFIRST.COM
1-on-1 with Catherine Russell: Jazz singer, Rochester favorite
with Dan Gross
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/features/1-on-1-with-catherine-russell-jazz-singer-rochester-favorite
CATHERINE RUSSELL ON NPR TINYDESK
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/11/1076098017/catherine-russell-tiny-desk-home-concert
Pretty much her entire CATalogue including her latest, the Grammy-nominated
"Alone Together"
Buy at: http://www.catherinerussell.net/listen.php
There's a lot more...check out http://www.catherinerussll.net
Links to all of Catherine's social media channels can be found at the bottom of the page at http://www.catherinerussell.net ; Her Facebook artist page, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerussellmusic ; and her official Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/crussellsinger
------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: JAZZ TIMES on MLO's "Normyn Suites"
"Each component of the suite is sufficiently distinctive... it’s impossible not to get swept up in its grandeur, or to appreciate the love that went into its creation."
Read all about it here: bit.ly/MLOJazzTimes
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: OUT NOW! MLO's "The Normyn Suites"
Michael Leonhart Orchestra's "New One," "The Normyn Suites", is OUT NOW! "The Normyn Suites" features MLO's cadre of fine musicians with contributions from Elvis Costello, Larry Goldings, Bill Frisell, Chris Potter, JSWISS, Walt Weiskopf, and Donny McCaslin.
From promotional material:
"The Normyn Suites is both a requiem and celebration, inspired by the life and death of the bandleader’s 15-year-old dog, a female mini dachshund named Normyn. The third album by the Michael Leonhart Orchestra features a pair of suites - the first of which is an exploration of the stages of grieving, while the second is a reflection on love and loss.
'The Normyn Suites' is an elegy; to listen is to spend time in that space of loss, reckoning, questioning, and mourning. At the same time, though, with each note, each phrase, we are propelled back into life,” reflects author Alexandra Horowitz in the stirring liner notes. The first part is titled 'The Normyn Suite #1: (Soundtrack to the Five Stages of Grieving)', and was inspired by 'The Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle', a model introduced by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book 'On Death and Dying. The Five Stages of Grief' is a critically acclaimed study on how humans handle loss."
Facebook followers can preview the album with the track” Part 4 of “THE NORMYN SUITE #1” (Soundtrack To The Five Stages Of Grieving) featuring Walt Weiskopf on the MLO Facebook page.
READ MORE...AND ORDER CD & DIGITAL FORMATS at...
https://michaelleonhart.bandcamp.com/album/the-normyn-suites
Ever the prolific artist and in-demand collaborator, explore and buy selections from Michael Leonhart and MLO at https://michaelleonhart.bandcamp.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: New Walt Weiskopf European Quartet Music, More!
"Other Jewels" is the first tune from from the WWEQ new release is coming May 20, pre-order is available today!
https://weiskopf.lnk.to/jewels
Other Walt Weiskopf News
"Introspection, V, 2.0," more
Walt Weiskopf European Quartet announces v. 2.0 of their most recent release, "Introspection." Featuring six additional tracks, the new version is out now.
New Walt Weiskopf Master Class Video
https://www.mymusicmasterclass.com/premiumvideos/walt-weiskopf-jazz-standards-lesson-exploring-invitation/
Walt's website, including links to all of his social media outlets can be found at https://waltweiskopf.com
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jon Herington: Arrangements For Guitar – Jazz Guitar Life Book Review
http://www.thejazzguitarlife.com/2022/02/21/jon-herington-arrangements-for-guitar-jazz-guitar-life-book-review/
For further detail on Jon's "Arrangement For Guitar," his performances, and workshops, as well as The Hypothetical House Band, please check out his official site at http://www.jonherington.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jim Beard/Jon Herington "Chunks and Chairknobs"
It still sounds great! If you haven't checked out "Chunks and Chairknobs", do it right away!
Overview: http://www.jonherington.com/beardherington.html
Buy at: http://www.jonherington.com/store.html
A Great Interview with Jim & Jon: "How did this come about?"
https://youtu.be/euklbIfq414
More information at http://www.jonherington.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Keith Carlock News
Check out this recent solo b Keith with The Band Of Other Brothers at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis:
https://youtu.be/4bTWZtvak1s
Buy All Kinds of Stuff including "IN THE JAM: NYC Funk" 10 Multi-Track Video Jams--You Control The Mix" with Carlock/Jenkins/Buono. Multiple titles from Rudder. And more.
http://keithcarlock.com/buy/
Keith has a great web site and store at http://keithcarlock.com. When you are there, be sure to sign up for his email newsletter. And don't miss his Twitter feed for the up-to-the-minute news and appearances from Keith --http://www.twitter.com/KeithCarlock
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: LaTanya Hall Notes
The latest from LaTanya at
http://latanyahall.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Roger Rosenberg Notes
Roger Rosenberg
"Baritonality"
Buy at: https://www.amazon.com/Baritonality-Roger-Rosenberg/dp/B002F3BPF4
Also: Here's Roger working his magic in 2002 with Bob Mintzer Big Band, back in 2002 on "Timeless."
https://youtu.be/A6Qsj_-MoG8
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REDUX! Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
Don Breithaupt talks "Aja" with the "Sound Logic" guys in Toronto. Don is, of course, a mastermind behind the music of Monkey House as well as an acclaimed expert on "Aja," most notably his 33-1/3 book on "Aja,"
The "Sound Logic" episode is over an hour long and available on numerous podcast and streaming platforms. Even seasoned Steely Dan fans will hear a few new things.
Here's the link: https://anchor.fm/soundlogic/episodes/63-Aja-by-Steely-Dan-with-our-Special-Guest--Don-Breithaupt-e1fauuu
While you're at it, get Don's "Aja" book,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
Don with the rest of Monkey House have a new album due out later this year. Stay tuned for more info...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
The Dandom Digest would like to support your new album release by sending a special edition of the Dandom Digest. The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your labor of love. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email jjmckay at me.com for info when the release is approaching. Thank you!
-------------------------------------------------------------
PRETZEL LOGIC
"When Black Friday comes..."
---------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES:
* Submissions? Posts? Email jjmckay AT me.com
* Bugs? Problems? Legal issues? Email jjmckay AT me.com
* TO GET THE DANDOM DIGEST at a new email address, send a message with the words "Add Me" in the topic to ADD-ME AT dandom.com from the address/email account you wish to add.
* TO STOP your subscription, send a message with the words "Remove Me" in the topic to REMOVE-ME AT dandom.com
* Use any email account you want for a removal request, but please include the address you want deleted in the body of the message.
* Alternatively, email jjmckay AT me.com to achieve similar results.
DISCLAIMER:
For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by, for and about 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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com, and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
U.S. Postal Service Mailing Address:
Dandom.com
c/o James J. McKay
P.O. Box 8224
Chicago, IL 60680-8224
USA
Email address:
jjmckay at me dot com
----------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Becker
1950 - 2017
----------------------------------------------------------------
END OF DIGEST
----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, May 13, 2022, 17:52:00 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown
Skunk Baxter playing tonight at The Center For Arts In Natick, MA
https://www.natickarts.org/performance/jeff-skunk-baxter-steely-dan-and-doobie-brothers-featuring-cj-vanston-2022-05-13
https://www.boston.com/things-to-do/concerts/get-on-down-to-tcan-for-some-great-guitar/
Date: Wed, May 11, 2022, 22:42:49 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
https://i.redd.it/nmqeamkgfvy81.jpg
Date: Wed, May 11, 2022, 14:18:32 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
Adam Rogers has officially announced his position in the SD touring band. can't wait to hear what he brings to the festivities!
Date: Tues, May 10, 2022, 12:10:39 ET
Posted by: Josey, Mass
So I went ahead and pulled the trigger on two tickets to the July 2nd show in Mansfield, MA. yesterday. The last concert I attended was SD at the Orpheum in Boston three years ago or so. I think this is the only band I ever buy tickets to see anymore, with the exception of some smaller jazz bands that you can still see for a reasonable price.
Looking forward to it - again!
Date: Sun, May 08, 2022, 08:38:53 ET
Posted by: Roy, USA
If I was ever asked what the best SD song is of all time, I'd answer My Rival.
Date: Thurs, May 05, 2022, 21:21:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
Fantastic live recording of My Rival:
Funky!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pm0SgnH59E
Date: Wed, May 04, 2022, 13:31:08 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
OK, Kidz - I may start a series paroxysmally that links song you might not expect to have the Steely Dan mu chords in them. The add2, add9 Mu-major types.
First, you love 'em, you hate 'em: Journey. What happens when a jazz fusion band who broke out of Santana sell out and now fuse a harder rock and blues with a guy who sings like Sam Cooke.
Most of their hit songs were simple. The won't go away Don't stop Believin' only has 5. Lights has 6. Later songs like I'll be Alright Without You infused a little R&B, fake jazz with more complicated chord progressions with sus4's and a Bmadd11/G stack.
The SD chord containing song is one of their most sophisticated in the Perry era with nearly 30 chords including diminished, suspended, stacked, and some add9 mu-type chords at the end of the chorus and in instrumental break.
Mother Father (hey, it's not that bad):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kx24YtwPKA
I promise - no more Journey in this series.
Any more news about the next Fagen solo album?
Date: Tues, May 03, 2022, 16:42:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Stryker - yes, the 355 has a beautiful tone, doesn't it?
The star of the trio is the drummer easily: McClenty Hunter
Wow - after the drum solo Skyler is really in the pocket. TBH he wasn't quite there early in the recording.
It's fine. I'd rather have a Mamas Gun as the opening act. I just noticed that the Austin show has no opening act. Ticket$ are really high on the secondary markets (corporations buy them specifically for resale). Thinking about the Fort Worth Show at Dickies instead. No way we're going to Cynthia Woods. Temps are running 7°F above normal. I just hope Donald and the band and stay hydrated!
Date: Tues, May 03, 2022, 16:20:54 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Marvin Gaye lives!
Your weekly dose of Mamas Gun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-jVAf4G_E8
MG are touring Europe now. Any SD tour dates in Europe? I heard something about Euro dates, but don't see any info on the SD home page or Ticket Bastard.
Date: Mon, May 02, 2022, 20:39:00 ET
Posted by: Back Jack, LV
... not to mention CHEAP.
No use in giving away any extra pennies, don'tcha know...
Date: Mon, May 02, 2022, 00:15:23 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Chris, you are right, Stryker doesn't have the name recognition of the acts you name. But he is right in line with several Dan openers: Sam Yahel, Bobby Broom, etc.
Seems much more in line with what they have done with compared to Aimee Mann, who IMO really didn't fit the bill with SD.
Plus he's pretty darn good!:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fvaXxn9hio
Date: Sun, May 01, 2022, 11:50:50 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
No disrespect to Dave Stryker who is someone I'd love to see in a jazz club ... but that's quite a difference from Steve Winwood, Aimee Mann and Snarky Puppy.
Date: Sun, May 01, 2022, 01:41:18 ET
Posted by: Yep, 3 weeks away
Live Nation $25 ticket sales next week! Steely Dan is part of it again.
https://www.livenation.com/promotion/concertweek
And speaking of being a part of it, The Dave Stryker Trio has been announced as the opening act starting June 21st. Snarky Puppy still listed for earlier dates.
Date: Sat, April 23, 2022, 17:43:30 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Sunny Indy on Record Store Day
Hello Dandom!
Add (if ya haven't) Amazing Educator to Miss Hall's long list of talents! She's working with our young people, and I salute each of them in this workshop video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkO-wn3CxKU
Anyone caught/gonna catch Keith and The Band of Other Brothers?
https://relix.com/blogs/detail/band-of-other-brothers-babko-carlock-coffin-felder-lee-announce-new-album-share-the-rabbit/
Hoops, thanks for all you do. It's always great to get The Digest, and know I Got the News.
Bless Ups Everybody!
Support your local independent Ma and Pop music shop!
Peace!
Date: Sat, April 23, 2022, 14:44:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Art Crimes Rehearsal. Fab Soundboard rec.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJPb9d6jkm4
Date: Wed, April 20, 2022, 11:00:25 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Forgot to post that we had a new edition of the Dandom Digest for March 24-31, 2022! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 30, No. 3) was sent and you should now have it. It covers January 1-March 23, 2022. The previous regular Dandom Digest covered January 1-March 23, 2022 with a special Digest for Michael Leonhart's new one on March 25. Ok...so a few bits of info (like Jon Herington's Apr 2 show) are dated, but here it all is below....
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. 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. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com.
If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest/index.html
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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
As the Dandom Digest begins its 30th year, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------
DANDOM DIGEST
March 24-31, 2022
Yr. 30, No. 3
-------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST
*****
NEW ALBUM OUT 4/1! Catherine Russell's "Send For Me"
*****
Celebrating Walter with "Medical Science" Demo
NEW! Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
UPDATE: New Music from Jeff Baxter
REDUX: Repeats from our last Dandom Digest
OUT NOW! MLO's "The Normyn Suites"
4/10: First NYC MLO Shows in Over 2 Years!
Jon Herington News
Jon Herington: Arrangements For Guitar – Jazz Guitar Life Book Review
Jim Beard/Jon Herington "Chunks and Chairknobs"
Keith Carlock News
LaTanya Hall Notes
Roger Rosenberg Notes
Walt Weiskopf News
Walt Weiskopf, "Introspection, V, 2.0," more
Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
New Dates Added to "Earth After Hours" Tour
Followed by
PRETZEL LOGIC
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: NEW ALBUM OUT 4/1! Catherine Russell's "Send For Me"
There's an incredible buzz and wealth of activity around Catherine Russell's newest album, "Send For Me" which is due out 4/1/22. Hopefully the next few items will give you an overview of what the excitement is all about--but really, JUST BUY THE ALBUM. I've been blessed to already have my copy and I can't stop playing it. It's a great respite during these challenging times. Here's hoping this is the album that does trick and gives Catherine the Grammy she has so richly deserved all these years.
ORDER THE LIMITED EDITION CD:
Direct from Dot Time Records:
https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/catherine-russell-send-for-me
ORDER/STREAM/LISTEN/BUY
in all sorts of formats:
https://hypeddit.com/fl0s2j
OFFICIAL VIDEOS of TRACKS FROM "SEND FOR ME"
"At The Swing Cats Ball"
https://youtu.be/jvIew8xZQe0
"Make It Last"
https://jazztimes.com/audio-video/premieres/jt-video-premiere-make-it-last-by-catherine-russell/
“Blue and Sentimental”
https://www.jazziz.com/joel-ross-simona-smirnova-more-new-release-cheat-sheet/
LIVE PERFORMANCES
See https://www.catherinerussell.net/tour for a full list of many tour dates over the coming weeks and months.
SOME RECENT INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES
'All About Jazz" on "Send For Me"
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/march-2022-sent-for-me-catherine-russell
ROCHESTERFIRST.COM
1-on-1 with Catherine Russell: Jazz singer, Rochester favorite
with Dan Gross
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/features/1-on-1-with-catherine-russell-jazz-singer-rochester-favorite
CATHERINE RUSSELL ON NPR TINYDESK
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/11/1076098017/catherine-russell-tiny-desk-home-concert
Pretty much her entire CATalogue including her latest, the Grammy-nominated
"Alone Together"
Buy at: http://www.catherinerussell.net/listen.php
There's a lot more...check out http://www.catherinerussll.net
Links to all of Catherine's social media channels can be found at the bottom of the page at http://www.catherinerussell.net ; Her Facebook artist page, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerussellmusic ; and her official Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/crussellsinger
------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Celebrating Walter with "Medical Science" Demo
For Walter's birthday on 2/20/22, the Walter Becker media project put out a pretty well-developed version of "Medical Science", created before the final version that came out on the Japanese version of "11 Tracks of Whack."
https://youtu.be/fUDCqY9HyJE
Here's a link to the discussion.
https://www.walterbeckermedia.com/.../medical-science-demo
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: NEW! Don Breithaupt Talks "Aja" with "Sound Logic"
Don Breithaupt talks "Aja" with the "Sound Logic" guys in Toronto. Don is, of course, a mastermind behind the music of Monkey House as well as an acclaimed expert on "Aja," most notably his 33-1/3 book on "Aja,"
The "Sound Logic" episode is over an hour long and available on numerous podcast and streaming platforms. Even seasoned Steely Dan fans will hear a few new things.
Here's the link: https://anchor.fm/soundlogic/episodes/63-Aja-by-Steely-Dan-with-our-Special-Guest--Don-Breithaupt-e1fauuu
While you're at it, get Don's "Aja" book,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
Don with the rest of Monkey House have a new album due out later this year. Stay tuned for more info...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject; UPDATE: New Music from Jeff Baxter
Additional information about Jeff's upcoming album, "Speed of Heat," including release date (June 17, 2022) and tracks. In addition to his new version of "My Old School," the album also features Jeff's version of "Do It Again." A you
Here's more information:
https://www.rockandbluesmuse.com/2022/03/24/legendary-guitarist-jeff-skunk-baxter-announces-solo-album-speed-of-heat-shares-single/
Here's a direct link to the first single, Jeff's "My Old School." David Paich is featured on keyboards.
https://youtu.be/0MtLJqmxxzU
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: OUT NOW! MLO's "The Normyn Suites"
Michael Leonhart Orchestra's "New One" is out this Friday, March 25, 2022. "The Normyn Suites" features MLO's cadre of fine musicians with contributions from Elvis Costello, Larry Goldings,
Bill Frisell, Chris Potter, JSWISS, Walt Weiskopf, and Donny McCaslin.
From promotional material:
"The Normyn Suites is both a requiem and celebration, inspired by the life and death of the bandleader’s 15-year-old dog, a female mini dachshund named Normyn. The third album by the Michael Leonhart Orchestra features a pair of suites - the first of which is an exploration of the stages of grieving, while the second is a reflection on love and loss.
'The Normyn Suites' is an elegy; to listen is to spend time in that space of loss, reckoning, questioning, and mourning. At the same time, though, with each note, each phrase, we are propelled back into life,” reflects author Alexandra Horowitz in the stirring liner notes. The first part is titled 'The Normyn Suite #1: (Soundtrack to the Five Stages of Grieving)', and was inspired by 'The Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle', a model introduced by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book 'On Death and Dying. The Five Stages of Grief' is a critically acclaimed study on how humans handle loss."
Facebook followers can preview the album with the track” Part 4 of “THE NORMYN SUITE #1” (Soundtrack To The Five Stages Of Grieving) featuring Walt Weiskopf on the MLO Facebook page.
READ MORE...AND ORDER CD & DIGITAL FORMATS at...
https://michaelleonhart.bandcamp.com/album/the-normyn-suites
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: 4/10: First NYC MLO Shows in Over 2 Years!
Michael Leonhart Orchestra celebrates the beloved Normyn and the 3/25/22 release of "The Normyn Suites" with a special performance you won't want to miss!
First New York City show in over 2 years!
Rizzoli Bookstore
Sunday April 10th
5pm show
EventBrite deets: http://tinyurl.com/2p98s3u5
MLO will be joined by:
- E.J. Strickland Donny McCaslin
- JSWISS
- Joe Martin Elizabeth Pupo-Walker Robbie Mangano Jason Marshall
- John Altieri Chris Bullock, Carter Yasutake, Jamie Leonhart Freddie Hendrix and many more…
#bsidegraphics
From the EventBrite description of the Rizzoli Bookstore event:
"The Normyn Suites is both a requiem and celebration, inspired by the life and death of the bandleader’s 15-year-old dog, a female mini dachshund named Normyn. The third album by the MLO features a pair of suites—the first of which is an exploration of the stages of grieving, while the second is a reflection on love and loss. Leonhart's friend and author Alexandra Horowitz ("Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know) writes in the liner notes: "The Normyn Suites is an elegy; to listen is to spend time in that space of loss, reckoning, questioning, and mourning. At the same time, though, with each note, each phrase, we are propelled back into life."
In keeping with the MLO’s eclectic musical palette, the album features collaborations with Elvis Costello, Bill Frisell, Larry Goldings, Nels Cline, and rapper JSWISS as well as two bonus offerings with Donny McCaslin.
The show at Rizzoli Music Aperitivo will feature E.J. Strickland (drums); Joe Martin (bass); Robbie Mangano (guitar); Elizabeth Pupo-Walker (percussion); Freddie Hendrix, Jordan McLean and Carter Yasutake (trumpets); Adam Dotson (trombone); John Altieri (tuba); Donny McCaslin and Jason Marshall (saxophones); and Ludovica Burtone (violin)."
Ever the prolific artist and in-demand collaborator, explore and buy selections from Michael Leonhart and MLO at https://michaelleonhart.bandcamp.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jon Herington News
The Jon Herington Band RIDES AGAIN
Dennie Espantman, Jon Herington, Frank Pagano
Saturday, April 2, 2022
The Cover Upstairs
Greenwood Lake, NY
http://www.CoveCastleNY.com
No Cover Charge but reservations recommended.
845.477.5599
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jon Herington: Arrangements For Guitar – Jazz Guitar Life Book Review
http://www.thejazzguitarlife.com/2022/02/21/jon-herington-arrangements-for-guitar-jazz-guitar-life-book-review/
For further detail on Jon's "Arrangement For Guitar," his performances, and workshops, as well as The Hypothetical House Band, please check out his official site at http://www.jonherington.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jim Beard/Jon Herington "Chunks and Chairknobs"
It still sounds great! If you haven't checked out "Chunks and Chairknobs", do it right away!
Overview: http://www.jonherington.com/beardherington.html
Buy at: http://www.jonherington.com/store.html
A Great Interview with Jim & Jon: "How did this come about?"
https://youtu.be/euklbIfq414
More information at http://www.jonherington.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Keith Carlock News
Keith is very active in a couple of different touring projects this spring.
RUDDER
featuring Cheek/Hey/Carlock/LeFebvre
March 27, 28 & 29, The Rex, Toronto
March 30, 31 & April 1, The 55 Bar, NYC
April 2, The Stone Church, Newmarket, NH
-----
BAND of OTHER BROTHERS
Jeff Coffin, Nir Felder, Jeff Babko, Will Lee, and Keith
April 19, Songbirds, Chattanooga
April 20, City Winery, Nashville
April 22 & 23, The Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis
April 24, St. Louis, Off Broadway
For tickets, check out http://www.keithcarlock.com
Buy All Kinds of Stuff including "IN THE JAM: NYC Funk" 10 Multi-Track Video Jams--You Control The Mix" with Carlock/Jenkins/Buono. Multiple titles from Rudder. And more.
http://keithcarlock.com/buy/
Keith has a great web site and store at http://keithcarlock.com. When you are there, be sure to sign up for his email newsletter. And don't miss his Twitter feed for the up-to-the-minute news and appearances from Keith --http://www.twitter.com/KeithCarlock
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: LaTanya Hall Notes
The latest from LaTanya at
http://latanyahall.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Roger Rosenberg Notes
Roger Rosenberg
"Baritonality"
Buy at: https://www.amazon.com/Baritonality-Roger-Rosenberg/dp/B002F3BPF4
Also: Here's Roger working his magic in 2002 with Bob Mintzer Big Band, back in 2002 on "Timeless."
https://youtu.be/A6Qsj_-MoG8
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Walt Weiskopf News
"Tenor Gladness"
Interview with Walt Weiskopf
by Ed Joffe, Joffee Woodwinds
Ed Joffee writes:
"Walt Weiskopf has been a longtime friend and colleague of mine. We initially met on the Broadway show Victor Victoria and have since shared many musical, educational and golfing experiences together. Walt is an extremely articulate individual who gives his all in every situation. Whether in a big band, jazz combo, commercial gig, recording date, or working with Steely Dan, Walt is always on top of his game—a contributing team player and fantastic soloist. This flexibility as an artist has allowed him to develop an approach to sharing his knowledge through his many publications, his website, and teaching endeavors. His desire to continue to evolve as a jazz artist has resulted in a wealth of original compositions that allow him to explore new avenues of expression. Walt’s latest album, Introspection, is evidence of that. Please visit his website for more information on purchasing his music as well as his latest video teaching masterclasses: www.WaltWeiskopf.com.
Hear the interview at:
https://joffewoodwinds.com/videos/walt-weiskopf-tenor-gladness/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Walt Weiskopf, "Introspection, V, 2.0," more
Walt Weiskopf European Quartet announces v. 2.0 of their most recent release, "Introspection." Featuring six additional tracks, the new version drops at the usual digital music sources on October 15, 2021. The first of these six tracks, "When Your Lover Has Gone," is available now at https://waltweiskopf.lnk.to/gone
Walt's website, including links to all of his social media outlets can be found at https://waltweiskopf.com
Walt Weiskopf European Quartet Live In Concer at Marburgt, January 2022.
https://youtu.be/0rekBF8b2cI
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
The Dandom Digest would like to support your new album release by sending a special edition of the Dandom Digest. The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your labor of love. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email jjmckay at me.com for info when the release is approaching. Thank you!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REDUX: New Dates Added to "Earth After Hours" Tour
The Steely Dan Earth After Hours Tour 2022 has added seven new dates, now on sale. These include Franklin, TN, Durham, NC, Atlantic City, NJ, Bridgeport, CT and three dates in Port Chester, NY. See http://www.steelydan.com/events for links to the full OFFICIAL schedule and tickets.
-------------------------------------------------------------
PRETZEL LOGIC
"And I'm never going back to my old school."
---------------------------------------------------------------
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For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by, for and about 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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com, and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
U.S. Postal Service Mailing Address:
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----------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Becker
1950 - 2017
----------------------------------------------------------------
END OF DIGEST
----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, April 20, 2022, 10:51:54 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
The remix of "The Bear" sounds great...the best one yet. (Yeah, I'm fairly certain Fagen wouldn't like some of the echo reverb but I think it's great.)
This is directed to general audiences and not at Dr. Mµ: I believe it as around 2006 that Donald first said *the name* Rikki was inspired by Rikki Ducornet and I seem to remember Donald did explain she was attractive. But don't forget Walter! There are other takes, including a couple times Walter has suggested, off the record and in his very delightfully, elusive way. When Walter's involved, the lyrics often have more of a Rubik's cube aspect to them.
Date: Wed, April 20, 2022, 00:25:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Oh, wow - The Bear demo on steroids...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwghDRDzxfQ
Date: Wed, April 20, 2022, 00:21:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Even better music...
Very nice recent restoration of Kulee Baba.
What a shame CDs weren't invented so Gaucho could be CD length...or a double album, or even a 3 sided album. It's staggering KB didn't make the final cut.
KB more than every is my favorite Gaucho outtake. The Bear, I Can't Write Home About You in addition to 2nd A.
https://youtu.be/zEVdpkOHuu8
Date: Tues, April 19, 2022, 12:21:38 ET
Posted by: finally, finally
some good music
Date: Tues, April 19, 2022, 06:14:38 ET
Posted by: dirk, somewhere in the western world
Linda Hoover - Jones
written by DF/WB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxxb6MnY93w
From the upcoming recordstore day release of
"I need to shine"
Date: Mon, April 18, 2022, 15:57:35 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL
I went with my wife to 2 shows with John Mayer. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but he won me over with his cover of Jimi Hendrix "Voodoo Child". He really had his guitar wailing on that one !
Also when I looked at the band and saw that Steely Dan's superb drummer, Keith Carlock, was his drummer, I knew this was going to be a great night of music.
Date: Sat, April 16, 2022, 16:05:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Steve M: That's no Mayer lemon, indeed!!
I was reminded of a famous line from Rikki Don't Lose That Number this morning: "...send it off in a letter to yourself." Something done back in the day by writing a letter with a date and a postmark memorialized something for posterity that was precious or needed proof of creation. This strategy was used many years ago for patentable inventions or evidence for a legal case, will, or for security.
Today, on an email we often cc ourselves if emailing an important document, especially one with fiscal ramifications.
this morning, I discovered a discrepancy in funding for a small grant. Because I cc'd myself and/or for an upload memorialize the contents, I have the evidence on my side to rectify things.
In Rikki:
"Rikki Don't Lost that Number (yes, it's a phone #)
You don't want to call nobody else
Send it off in a letter to yourself
You might use it when you feel better"
"When you get home."
The assumption here is that the protagonist's phone number is so important that receiving the letter would be a reminder to keep it sealed and/or in a safe place later on.
note: "anybody" would be correct English, and Donald was an English major I believe, but it doesn't really work for the song and connotes familiarity, maybe an emotional tether.
"when you get home" is not clear whether that means later that night (so why write a letter?)..or when the student moved back home?
Walter in a 1985 interview stated the number isn't a joint (seems obvious from the lyrics). Donald in one interview it was about Rikki Ducornet, an older Bard grad (1964) who wanted to be a visual artist, but was married. Paul Shaffer had a cousin named Rikki of their age who allegedly knew Donald.
Later, Walter and Donald said in an interview they didn't really know who Rikki was about anymore or what the song was about and implied they didn't want to play the song. Rikki was off the playlist for a decade, maybe longer (?) before reappearing on setlists. Rikki is on the NE Corridor live CD of course.
Having said that, a song or situation of unrequited crush works in general. There's accessibility and emotion, particularly in the guitar solo or burst of frustration and pleading in the bridge...it's unusual for most SD songs to be this personal.
"You tell yourself you're not my kind
But you don't even know your mind
And you could have a change of heart."
These emotive connections with people are probably why Rikki was their highest charting single (#4), even with Irving Azoff greasing the wheel after Royal Scam.
Date: Sat, April 16, 2022, 03:28:11 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Can't take the credit for the Mayer Hawthorne link, it was somebody here on the Blue that originally posted about him about 5+ years ago. I've discovered so much good music over the years from recommendations and links posted here!
Date: Fri, April 15, 2022, 21:02:03 ET
Posted by: EC, NY
Steve M - Now THERE'S a Mayer I could vote for! Never heard that track before - made me smile. Thanks!
What about the "new" SD touring guitarist? Is it who I thought it was? Has any announcement been made, officially or otherwise? Or did I over-infer and over-react? Based on SDV's post, I immediately thought of Mr. 335. Was it just me??
Date: Fri, April 15, 2022, 20:06:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Steve M: Nice! Mayer live long and prosper!
Like a hybrid groove between Miss Marlene and the Cars.
Funky Rhodes and guitar solo with that Marvin Gaye falsetto.
...which segues into our Mamas Gun video du jour. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-jVAf4G_E8
Date: Fri, April 15, 2022, 19:21:53 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, I May Be The Mayer Of Simpleton
Steve M - That was one link well worth checking out. Never heard of Mayer Hawthorne before today, but that was fun. Who sez ya can't learn stuff here on The Blue??
Date: Fri, April 15, 2022, 06:43:35 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
This is my Mayer of choice....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4iIsE1PBhE
Date: Thurs, April 14, 2022, 16:44:51 ET
Posted by: Gene, PA
Mayer, Dangentially.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe87Ih-YOcU
Date: Wed, April 13, 2022, 21:41:06 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Not Exactly The Mayer Of Casterbridge
As far as the John Mayer thing goes, I really don't have a particularly firm opinion either way. Sure, I've heard the guy's name before, here and there - apparently some years ago he got a lot of tacky/tawdry Celebrity Notoriety for repeatedly sticking his wiggly into Brittney Spears and then bragging about it publicly - but as far as I can tell I am one of the very few people fortunate enough to have never knowingly heard a John Mayer song.
OK, maybe some derivative-but-inexplicably-popular John Mayer music-product was once played in the Home Depot, over the PA, in the background, when I was shopping in the seasonal aisle, that one time, sure, of course, it's possible. But I promise you that I can't name a John Mayer song/can't even hum a John Mayer tune. And if anyone here thinks I'm gonna Goggle [sic] his name and then actually listen to whatever it is he does, on the YooToob or anywhere else, well, you'd be very sadly mistaken. Life's too fucking short, and all that. As they say.
I guess if I were placing my drive-through order, I'd probably say, "I'll have the Steely Dan - hold the John Mayer, please".
Date: Sun, April 10, 2022, 19:11:39 ET
Posted by: Dez, onl
If John Mayer interrupts a Steely Dan concert they better have good security because otherwise I'm running up there and unplugging everything so none of us have to hear that shit
Date: Fri, April 08, 2022, 23:44:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
I would be OK with John Mayer if he only played a 10 minute version of Gravity and then exited stage left.
Date: Fri, April 08, 2022, 23:43:17 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Steve M,
Very nice!
Swing Out sister is/was another band with the chops and jazz/pop fusion sound many here migrate toward.
Simply Red/Mick Hucknall had their moments. Picture Book, Life, and especially the underrated Stay got some good soul.
Speaking of Andy Platts/Young Gun/Silver Fox/Mamas Gun...MG dropped their new album Cure the Jones in Europe this week. the American release is 4/29. No Buzz - The album was recorded in less than a week on analog tape only in Andy Platts studio (courtesy of writing 3 #1 K-pop hits). Mamas Gun members pay the rent as studio musicians on the side and it shows - righteous, tight slow-burn grooves. I had previously posted the double sided single Looking for Moses and Party for One.
There's a sneak peak out there now. It sounds even more retro than Golden Days, but in a nebulous way rather than the late 70s time capsule of Young Gun Silver Fox.
https://youtu.be/_Gwc1i4fDxg
Lush, 1970 Thom Bell-like Delfonic-like production with some slick chord changes. What Silk Sonic attempted to do and not badly, but they added a far too heavy dose of cute and 4th wall breakage.
https://youtu.be/1AH9GK-HxHw
Mamas Gun would actually be a great fit with The SD Band and as the opening act they would be introduced to America. MG are crack musicians live!
An Al Green / Ike Turner groove here:
https://youtu.be/0iOxBNM8UuE
Shoulda been massive hit from their last album:
https://youtu.be/tKq4SXlKwEU
Seriously, who's doing the booking?!
Date: Wed, April 06, 2022, 22:07:06 ET
Posted by: EC, NY
Apologies to Napoleon/UK, but what M/O/D/P said about Elvis Costello I would apply to John Mayer...several times. And I guess I'm a "graying millennial". For whatever that's worth.
If the guitarist I think we're now talking about is the one I think we're talking about, holy sh*t. Even if it's just one summer tour. Holy sh*t.
Date: Wed, April 06, 2022, 13:49:15 ET
Posted by: Rie, rie
half his shows anyway have been Steely Dan stories, so I'm game.
Date: Wed, April 06, 2022, 13:43:12 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
John Mayer has already ruined one of my favorite bands, thanks very much.
from what I hear, Connor has been replaced by one of the best players alive and a member of the Dan family tree. not sure if an official announcement will be made or if he'll just take the stage on opening night but I CAN'T WAIT
Date: Tues, April 05, 2022, 19:34:58 ET
Posted by: Napoleon , Uk
Hello everyone,
Another opinion splitter I know but John Mayer guesting for a few shows would hit a sweet spot for ticket sales and taste. Appeals to the greying Millennials who are in to the Dan and he has the chops for Black Friday, Pretzel, anything bluesy.
Also plays with the Grateful Dead
Okay bye
Date: Thurs, March 31, 2022, 20:20:17 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Reflogging an already-very-dead horse/Giant-Sized Aimee Mann-Thing #5/I don't need no opening act/"Or Maybe..."
Editor's Note: I know the thorny/prickly/contentious Aimee-Mann-dropped-as-opener non-issue has been done-with here for a while, but since I didn't get a chance to chime in when it was current, I figgered I'd throw up this "or maybe" bit anyways.
_______________________________________________________
...Or maybe Steve Winwood - remember when he was supposed to be part of the proceedings? - was actually a big ticket-selling point. And maybe Aimee Mann just wasn't. And maybe some refunds were requested. No "sexism" or any other trendy "ism" either. Sometimes a non-fan-friendly clumsy mismatch is just a non-fan-friendly clumsy mismatch. I'll take Doc Mu's word for it that Aimee Mann is a legit artist & singer, but that's as far as I go.
there are, however, examples of how sometimes things can sometimes go the other way...
Despite his obnoxious, grating stage presence, his weak back-catalog, and his irritating monotonous delivery (not to mention how annoying he is), Elvis Costello very likely did positively affect ticket sales on the tour he did with SD. I can't stand the guy, but I know I'm in the minority. Clearly, he has fans, and they were/are willing to pay to see him, so his presence likely helped the viability of that particular SD tour.
By contrast, any one of those organ trio openers we used to see so often over the years probably had no effect at all on ticket sales, good or bad. I personally liked all of them, especially the Deep Blue Organ Trio guys, but, again, I suspect I'm in the minority, even here on The Blue. I know for certain I'm in the minority whenever I'm in the audience at a Steely Dan live show, though. If you're reading this on The Bluebook, you're also likely in the minority when taking in a Steely Dan show. I don't need to explain this, so of course I will.
At the venue, many treat what they perceive to be an unknown/uninteresting opening act as an excuse to talk constantly and loudly about work/things/stuff/The Big Game/the drive in to the venue/anything but the goddamned music, all while the performer is performing ("of course"). Hell, at a lot of the SD shows I've been to, those very same ADHD-afflicted/I-am-the-center-of-the-universe "fans" also blabber uncontrollably during the dozen-plus SD songs they don't recognize from their beloved Classic-Rock-Totally-Rocks-Dude radio station's stunted playlist.
On the other hand, maybe, in some cases, a dud of an opener induces those same chatty, drunken clods to line up (during the opener's performance, of course) for [even] more $20.00 Big Gulp beers and hilariously-overpriced "official tour merchandise", thus bumping up overall revenue. Again, maybe - I don't have the statistics.
But really, if an opening act doesn't boost the bottom line, why even have an opening act?
My best guess is that the evening - any evening - would benefit from a nice 7:30 pm/8:00 pm start by the feature ("only") act, a roughly two-plus-hour set plus an encore or two, with the whole thing all neatly wrapped by around 10:30 pm or so. For younger concertgoers, HEY! - it's time to hit the bars!! For those more [ahem] geriatric attendees - some of whom may very well have been brought into the venue on slabs - if it's 10:30 pm, it's time to hit the sack.
M/O/D/P
Date: Wed, March 30, 2022, 21:18:35 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Just received and listened to Cat Russell's new album Send for Me. Great as always!!
Peace
Date: Wed, March 30, 2022, 14:39:48 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Over the years on the Blue there's been a lot of love for some of the more 'adult' sophisticated British pop music from late 80's to early 90's. China Crisis have loomed large for obvious reasons, Prefab Sprout, Love and Money, Danny Wilson, Eye to Eye etc etc. I can't however remember anyone mentioning this duo, there's even a slight hint of the current sound from Mama's Gun/ Young Gun Silver fox.
Anyway, have a listen, see what you think
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLyKTrBAbck&list=RDEMydA59o_8yBQs1ArZcM0KDw&start_radio=1
ps: regarding the previous uncredited post: I think we've found David Palmer's Bluebook login.....
Date: Tues, March 29, 2022, 08:39:31 ET
Posted by: ,
Steely Dan unceremoniously removing a musician from the band? I'm shocked, *shocked* I tell you! That doesn't sound like the Steely Dan I know!!
Date: Sun, March 27, 2022, 16:55:55 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL
I finally got a chance to buy my copy of "Northeast Corridor" yesterday at a record store here in Tampa.
I was really delighted when I had a chance to listen to it today. I love that it has some songs that over the years have been more like B sides or rarely played tunes like "Things I Miss the Most" and "Glamour Profession". Even "Rikki..." and "Any Major Dude.." while being major hit songs for SD haven't always been Live favorites, so I was very pleased that they were included too. "Kid Charlemagne" and "Black Cow", of course, had to be included as they are, IMO, the 2 best Live songs they do in most or every show.
I will go back and get "The Nightfly" sometime soon and can't wait to hear Donald's new album whenever that gets a release date. Until then, I'll count down the days till their big show in St. Pete that we'll be attending in a few short months.
Date: Sat, March 26, 2022, 11:34:03 ET
Posted by: Sam, NH
Thanks Don. Very colo(u)rful.
Date: Sat, March 26, 2022, 10:29:33 ET
Posted by: DonB, Los Angeles
Hey, that's me on the new Sound Logic podcast, talking about my favo(u)rite* subject! It's nice to be the author who gets consulted whenever Aja comes up...
https://anchor.fm/soundlogic/episodes/63-Aja-by-Steely-Dan-with-our-Special-Guest--Don-Breithaupt-e1fauuu
Meanwhile, I should have a firm release date (and some other tantalizing info) for the new Monkey House album this week. So proud of this one — can't wait for it to drop. The title, Remember The Audio, has to do with never forgetting what it was like being hit with the magic sound the first time it got through to you, whether it was out of a transistor radio or your best friend’s older brother’s record collection. It's also a wee pun on Remember The Alamo...
*The (u) is for Brits or Canadians who may be present.
Date: Thurs, March 24, 2022, 17:11:38 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
The Dandom Digest is back! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 30, No. 1) was sent and you should now have it. It covers January 1-March 23, 2022. The previous regular Dandom Digest covered October 4-25, 2021, with no digest for the rest of 2021.
Had both technical and non-technical issues over the past several months. In fact, a fresh technical issue meant that the Dandom DIgest was sent out last night at 9 PM NYC time, is timestamped about 3 AM, and not delivered until Noon today. Etc. Etc. Etc. Don't bother making a flow chart of all that--just look for it. in your email box (or spam filter?)
One other little goof...about three items were left out by accident, but will appear in our next edition covering March 24-31, 2022. But if you think your post is missing, contact me at jjmckay AT me DOT com.
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. 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. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com.
If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest/index.html
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 steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.
As the Dandom Digest begins its 30th year, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------
DANDOM DIGEST
January 1—March 23, 2022
Yr. 30, No. 1
-------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST
The Dandom Digest is Back
New Dates Added to "Earth After Hours" Tour
Opening Act Changes
Connor Kennedy Announces He's No Longer With Steely Dan
REDUX: Donald Fagen Album on the Way!
REDUX: "Landmark Interview" With Donald Fagen
REDUX: Don't Miss: DF Interview on Detroit Radio
New Music from Jeff Baxter
NEW! OUT 3/25: MLO's "The Normyn Suites"
4/10: First NYC MLO Shows in Over 2 Years!
NEW ALBUM! Catherine Russell's "Send For Me"
- How to Listen
- Official Videos
- Live Performances
- Some Recent Interviews & Articles
- Catherine on NPR TinyDesk
Jon Herington News
Jon Herington: Arrangements For Guitar – Jazz Guitar Life Book Review
Jim Beard/Jon Herington "Chunks and Chairknobs"
Keith Carlock News
LaTanya Hall Notes
Roger Rosenberg Notes
Walt Weiskopf News
Walt Weiskopf, "Introspection, V, 2.0," more
Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
5/5-6: Live For Live Tribute To Steely Dan in New Orleans
Steely Musicians On New Wendel Album
New Monkey House on the Way & More
REDUX: 33 1/3 Podcast Kicks Off w/Don Breithaupt's "Aja"
Followed by
PRETZEL LOGIC
------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: The Dandom Digest is Back
Due to various complications, the Dandom Digest has been on hiatus since our last edition of October 4-25, 2021. There is no Dandom Digest for October 26-December 31, 2021.
Thanks for your inquiries, interest, and support, especially as the Dandom Digest begins its 30th year.
Best,
Jim
aka hoops
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Subject: New Dates Added to "Earth After Hours" Tour
The Steely Dan Earth After Hours Tour 2022 has added seven new dates, now on sale. These include Franklin, TN, Durham, NC, Atlantic City, NJ, Bridgeport, CT and three dates in Port Chester, NY. See http://www.steelydan.com/events for links to the full OFFICIAL schedule and tickets.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Opening Act Changes
The Steely Dan After Hours Tour 2022 has undergone some changes in the opening act. Steven Winwood was originally scheduled for the tour dates in 2020. Steve is stepping back and Snarky Puppy will open for most, if not all, shows through June's date at Tinley Park, IL outside of Chicago. There was also some confusion--and even some controversey--about Aimee Mann opening for much of the remaining dates. Howerver, she is no longer on the bill. Details about the mixup are summarized in this L.A. Times piece: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-03-17/steely-dan-aimee-mann-donald-fagen-tour
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Connor Kennedy Announces He's No Longer With Steely Dan
Connor Kennedy recently announced on his Instagram account that he is no longer with Steely Dan. The amazingly talented guitarist joined the Steely Dan Orchestra in 2018, after the passing of Walter. Most recently, Connor played with Jim Vivino, Will Lee, and other A-list musicians, performing on "Learning to Fly" on March 10 at the Love Rocks NYC charity performance. He's a video of that performance. https://youtu.be/xBcWcY6pebI
We wish the best to Connor--the best is yet to come.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Date: September 30, 2021
Subject: REDUX: Donald Fagen Album on the Way!
It's true. And one of the working titles is "Stellar Bartender."
Rolling Stone checked in with Donald to see what's up...
Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen Spent the Pandemic Writing Songs for a New Album
Musician says he’s already recorded demos for what will be his first solo effort since 2012’s Sunken Condos
“After [the pandemic] went on for a while, I ended up writing almost an album’s worth of tunes for a solo record,” Fagen says in a new interview. “It was actually a really good period for me.”
Continues...
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/steely-dan-donald-fagen-new-album-1235132/
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Subject: REDUX: "Landmark Interview" With Donald Fagen
Date: September 23, 2021
Paul Grimstad's interview with Donald Fagen will definitely will be a reference point for years to come. Don't miss it.
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/conversation-with-donald-fagen
After you are done, be sure to revisit Leo Sidrans's interview with Donald Fagen published July 30, 2019.
http://www.third-story.com/listen/donaldfagen
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REDUX: Don't Miss: DF Interview on Detroit Radio
Date: September 27, 2021
Donald Fagen talks with FM 94.7's about the new live albums and the fall tour.
https://wcsx.com/episodes/jim-bits-9-27-21-donald-fagen-interview/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject; New Music from Jeff Baxter
Jeff Baxter is coming out with a new album and, if it's correct, a tour is also on the horizon.
Here's the first single, Jeff's new rendition of "My Old School." David Paich is featured on keyboards.
https://youtu.be/0MtLJqmxxzU
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Subject: NEW! OUT 3/25: MLO's "The Normyn Suites"
Michael Leonhart Orchestra's "New One" is out this Friday, March 25, 2022. "The Normyn Suites" features MLO's cadre of fine musicians with contributions from Elvis Costello, Larry Goldings,
Bill Frisell, Chris Potter, JSWISS, Walt Weiskopf, and Donny McCaslin.
From promotional material:
"The Normyn Suites is both a requiem and celebration, inspired by the life and death of the bandleader’s 15-year-old dog, a female mini dachshund named Normyn. The third album by the Michael Leonhart Orchestra features a pair of suites - the first of which is an exploration of the stages of grieving, while the second is a reflection on love and loss.
'The Normyn Suites' is an elegy; to listen is to spend time in that space of loss, reckoning, questioning, and mourning. At the same time, though, with each note, each phrase, we are propelled back into life,” reflects author Alexandra Horowitz in the stirring liner notes. The first part is titled 'The Normyn Suite #1: (Soundtrack to the Five Stages of Grieving)', and was inspired by 'The Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle', a model introduced by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book 'On Death and Dying. The Five Stages of Grief' is a critically acclaimed study on how humans handle loss."
Facebook followers can preview the album with the track” Part 4 of “THE NORMYN SUITE #1” (Soundtrack To The Five Stages Of Grieving) featuring Walt Weiskopf on the MLO Facebook page.
READ MORE...AND ORDER CD & DIGITAL FORMATS at...
https://michaelleonhart.bandcamp.com/album/the-normyn-suites
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Subject: 4/10: First NYC MLO Shows in Over 2 Years!
Michael Leonhart Orchestra celebrates the beloved Normyn and the 3/25/22 release of "The Normyn Suites" on with a special performance you won't want to miss!
First New York City show in over 2 years!
Rizzoli Bookstore
Sunday April 10th
5pm show
EventBrite deets: http://tinyurl.com/2p98s3u5
MLO will be joined by:
- E.J. Strickland Donny McCaslin
- JSWISS
- Joe Martin Elizabeth Pupo-Walker Robbie Mangano Jason Marshall
- John Altieri Chris Bullock, Carter Yasutake, Jamie Leonhart Freddie Hendrix and many more…
#bsidegraphics
From the EventBrite description of the Rizzoli Bookstore event:
"The Normyn Suites is both a requiem and celebration, inspired by the life and death of the bandleader’s 15-year-old dog, a female mini dachshund named Normyn. The third album by the MLO features a pair of suites—the first of which is an exploration of the stages of grieving, while the second is a reflection on love and loss. Leonhart's friend and author Alexandra Horowitz ("Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know) writes in the liner notes: "The Normyn Suites is an elegy; to listen is to spend time in that space of loss, reckoning, questioning, and mourning. At the same time, though, with each note, each phrase, we are propelled back into life."
In keeping with the MLO’s eclectic musical palette, the album features collaborations with Elvis Costello, Bill Frisell, Larry Goldings, Nels Cline, and rapper JSWISS as well as two bonus offerings with Donny McCaslin.
The show at Rizzoli Music Aperitivo will feature E.J. Strickland (drums); Joe Martin (bass); Robbie Mangano (guitar); Elizabeth Pupo-Walker (percussion); Freddie Hendrix, Jordan McLean and Carter Yasutake (trumpets); Adam Dotson (trombone); John Altieri (tuba); Donny McCaslin and Jason Marshall (saxophones); and Ludovica Burtone (violin)."
Ever the prolific artist and in-demand collaborator, explore and buy selections from Michael Leonhart and MLO at https://michaelleonhart.bandcamp.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: NEW ALBUM! Catherine Russell's "Send For Me"
There's an incredible buzz and wealth of activity around Catherine Russell's newest album, "Send For Me" which is due out 4/1/22. Hopefully the next few items will give you an overview of what the excitement is all about--but really, JUST BUY THE ALBUM. I've been blessed to already have my copy and I can't stop playing it. It's a great respite during these challenging times. Here's hoping this is the album that does trick and gives Catherine the Grammy she has so richly deserved all these years.
ORDER THE LIMITED EDITION CD:
Direct from Dot Time Records:
https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/catherine-russell-send-for-me
ORDER/STREAM/LISTEN/BUY
in all sorts of formats:
https://hypeddit.com/fl0s2j
OFFICIAL VIDEOS of TRACKS FROM "SEND FOR ME"
"At The Swing Cats Ball"
https://youtu.be/jvIew8xZQe0
"Make It Last"
https://jazztimes.com/audio-video/premieres/jt-video-premiere-make-it-last-by-catherine-russell/
“Blue and Sentimental”
https://www.jazziz.com/joel-ross-simona-smirnova-more-new-release-cheat-sheet/
LIVE PERFORMANCES
3/24/22
Carnegie Hall Tickets (As Part of Tribute To Duke Ellington)
https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2022/03/24/American-Symphony-Orchestra-0800PM
3/26/22
Jazz at Lincoln Center Tickets
https://2022.jazz.org/what-is-the-blues-with-catherine-russell
See https://www.catherinerussell.net/tour for a full list of many tour dates over the coming weeks and months.
SOME RECENT INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES
'All About Jazz" on "Send For Me"
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/march-2022-sent-for-me-catherine-russell
ROCHESTERFIRST.COM
1-on-1 with Catherine Russell: Jazz singer, Rochester favorite
with Dan Gross
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/features/1-on-1-with-catherine-russell-jazz-singer-rochester-favorite
A short excerpt:
DAN GROSS: Talk to me about this new release you have coming out in April.
CATHERINE RUSSELL: It’s called “Send For Me,” the theme is a jazz and blues theme as usual. And it’s just a collection of songs that I like and have been trying out. So if I try them out, and I get a positive response, then I record them; then we go on from there. It’s kind of a rolling thing. People like something, then I continue to do it.
DAN GROSS: 2006 was the first solo album, and you spent a lot of time working as a, you know, as someone as a backup singer. What did you learn from your time working as a backup singer collaborating with all these musicians?
CATHERINE RUSSELL: I’m still a backup singer, I work with Steely Dan. So very proud to say that...
See the full interview at https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/features/1-on-1-with-catherine-russell-jazz-singer-rochester-favorite
CATHERINE RUSSELL ON NPR TINYDESK
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/11/1076098017/catherine-russell-tiny-desk-home-concert
Pretty much her entire CATalogue including her latest, the Grammy-nominated
"Alone Together"
Buy at: http://www.catherinerussell.net/listen.php
There's a lot more...check out http://www.catherinerussll.net
Links to all of Catherine's social media channels can be found at the bottom of the page at http://www.catherinerussell.net ; Her Facebook artist page, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerussellmusic ; and her official Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/crussellsinger
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jon Herington News
The Jon Herington Band RIDES AGAIN
Dennie Espantman, Jon Herington, Frank Pagano
Saturday, April 2, 2022
The Cover Upstairs
Greenwood Lake, NY
http://www.CoveCastleNY.com
No Cover Charge but reservations recommended.
845.477.5599
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jon Herington: Arrangements For Guitar – Jazz Guitar Life Book Review
http://www.thejazzguitarlife.com/2022/02/21/jon-herington-arrangements-for-guitar-jazz-guitar-life-book-review/
For further detail on Jon's "Arrangement For Guitar," his performances, and workshops, as well as The Hypothetical House Band, please check out his official site at http://www.jonherington.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jim Beard/Jon Herington "Chunks and Chairknobs"
It still sounds great! If you haven't checked out "Chunks and Chairknobs", do it right away!
Overview: http://www.jonherington.com/beardherington.html
Buy at: http://www.jonherington.com/store.html
A Great Interview with Jim & Jon: "How did this come about?"
https://youtu.be/euklbIfq414
More information at http://www.jonherington.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Keith Carlock News
Keith is very active in a couple of different touring projects this spring.
RUDDER
featuring Cheek/Hey/Carlock/LeFebvre
March 27, 28 & 29, The Rex, Toronto
March 30, 31 & April 1, The 55 Bar, NYC
April 2, The Stone Church, Newmarket, NH
-----
BAND of OTHER BROTHERS
Jeff Coffin, Nir Felder, Jeff Babko, Will Lee, and Keith
April 19, Songbirds, Chattanooga
April 20, City Winery, Nashville
April 22 & 23, The Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis
April 24, St. Louis, Off Broadway
For tickets, check out http://www.keithcarlock.com
Buy All Kinds of Stuff including "IN THE JAM: NYC Funk" 10 Multi-Track Video Jams--You Control The Mix" with Carlock/Jenkins/Buono. Multiple titles from Rudder. And more.
http://keithcarlock.com/buy/
Keith has a great web site and store at http://keithcarlock.com. When you are there, be sure to sign up for his email newsletter. And don't miss his Twitter feed for the up-to-the-minute news and appearances from Keith --http://www.twitter.com/KeithCarlock
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: LaTanya Hall Notes
The latest from LaTanya at
http://latanyahall.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Roger Rosenberg Notes
Roger Rosenberg
"Baritonality"
Buy at: https://www.amazon.com/Baritonality-Roger-Rosenberg/dp/B002F3BPF4
Also: Here's Roger working his magic in 2002 with Bob Mintzer Big Band, back in 2002 on "Timeless."
https://youtu.be/A6Qsj_-MoG8
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Walt Weiskopf News
"Tenor Gladness"
Interview with Walt Weiskopf
by Ed Joffe, Joffee Woodwinds
Ed Joffee writes:
"Walt Weiskopf has been a longtime friend and colleague of mine. We initially met on the Broadway show Victor Victoria and have since shared many musical, educational and golfing experiences together. Walt is an extremely articulate individual who gives his all in every situation. Whether in a big band, jazz combo, commercial gig, recording date, or working with Steely Dan, Walt is always on top of his game—a contributing team player and fantastic soloist. This flexibility as an artist has allowed him to develop an approach to sharing his knowledge through his many publications, his website, and teaching endeavors. His desire to continue to evolve as a jazz artist has resulted in a wealth of original compositions that allow him to explore new avenues of expression. Walt’s latest album, Introspection, is evidence of that. Please visit his website for more information on purchasing his music as well as his latest video teaching masterclasses: www.WaltWeiskopf.com.
Hear the interview at:
https://joffewoodwinds.com/videos/walt-weiskopf-tenor-gladness/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Walt Weiskopf, "Introspection, V, 2.0," more
Walt Weiskopf European Quartet announces v. 2.0 of their most recent release, "Introspection." Featuring six additional tracks, the new version drops at the usual digital music sources on October 15, 2021. The first of these six tracks, "When Your Lover Has Gone," is available now at https://waltweiskopf.lnk.to/gone
Walt's website, including links to all of his social media outlets can be found at https://waltweiskopf.com
Walt Weiskopf European Quartet Live In Concer at Marburgt, January 2022.
https://youtu.be/0rekBF8b2cI
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alumns
The Dandom Digest would like to support your new album release by sending a special edition of the Dandom Digest. The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your labor of love. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email jjmckay at me.com for info when the release is approaching. Thank you!
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Subject: 5/5-6: Live For Live Tribute To Steely Dan in New Orleans
Some pretty great New Orleans musicians pay tribute to Our Favorite Duo:
Live For Live Music Presents: Steely Dan Tribute featuring
Members of Turkuaz, The Motet, Ghost-Note, The Nth Power & More
Band: Joey Porter (keys, The Motet), Lyle Divinsky (vocals), Tim Palmieri (guitar, Lotus), Nate Edgar (bass, The Nth Power), Michelangelo Carubba (drums, Death Kings/Formerly Turkuaz), Craig Brodhead (guitar, Formerly Turkuaz), Shira Elias (vocals, Formerly Turkuaz), Sammi Garett (vocals, Formerly Turkuaz), Josh Schwartz (bari sax, Formerly Turkuaz), Greg Sanderson (sax, Formerly Turkuaz), Chris Brouwers (trumpet, Formerly Turkuaz), Nate Werth (percussion, Snarky Puppy/Ghost-Note), Bryan McNamara (sax)
Date: Thursday, May 5th, 2022 (technically early AM May 6th)
Venue: Howlin’ Wolf – 907 S. Peters St., New Orleans, LA, 70130
Time: Doors 1:00 AM / Show 2:00 AM
More details at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-for-live-music-presents-steely-dan-tribute-fest-by-nite-tickets-159741399827
------------------------------------------------------------
From: Tom Welch, tomdavidwelch AT gmail.com
Subject: Steely Musicians On New Wendel Album
Date: Wed, March 16, 2022, 9:42 pm
The band Wendel has a new album featuring Steely Dan Orchestra alumns
Two tracks featuring Keith Carlock and another track features Elliott Randall.
Wendel - These Times (with Keith Carlock on drums)
https://youtu.be/Pcd6QBWH6P0
Wendel - I Would Be King (with Keith Carlock on drums)
https://youtu.be/_ltMl4zfCVc
Wendel - Rolling Stony (with Elliott Randall on Guitar)
https://youtu.be/ZP5bhCbS_jI
Dan Fan community regular, keyboardist Nathan Adams, is also featured.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, September 08, 2021, 14:54:29 ET
Subject: New Monkey House on the Way
It's pretty much a wrap on the new album from Don Breithaupt and Monkey House. Look for a new release very soon, hopefully REALLY SOON!
In the mean time, if you haven't already, be sure to pick up Monkey House's most recent release, "Friday" (featuring a cover of "Book of Liars"). Buy at http://www.almarecords.com/releases/#26 or Amazon.com
And if you have done that, check out this delightful whirlwind interview with Don on with Bonnie Anderson, Andrea Lyons & Jorge Molina on SNAK. Don talks Monkey House, Brass Transit, how he and his brother Jeff write songs--all in under 4 minutes!
https://youtu.be/e47n-wsZG_U
-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REDUX: 33 1/3 Podcast Kicks Off w/Don Breithaupt's "Aja"
Date: Friday, September 10, 2021
Just a reminder about the inaugural 33⅓ podcast, wherein hip hop icons Prince Paul and Posdnuos (De La Soul) discuss Steely Dan's "Aja", using excerpts from Don Breithaupt's 2007 book!
Link to the podcast:
https://https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MRRwDUxz95bo9ZoPNWB4T?si=7BAjrkgJTEiIMLg0t_2cOA&dl_branch=1
Purchase the book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA
-------------------------------------------------------------
PRETZEL LOGIC
"I never seen you looking so bad my funky one..."
---------------------------------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Becker
1950 - 2017
----------------------------------------------------------------
END OF DIGEST
----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thurs, March 24, 2022, 13:00:42 ET
Posted by: Gene, PA
Maybe with Keith and Carolyn turning 50 last year, they get some kind of AARP tax break by dumping Connor?
Yeah, that's it.
Ok, come at me gatekeepers.
Date: Thurs, March 24, 2022, 10:40:32 ET
Posted by: LTK, Western World
Now that Connor Kennedy is not touring with the band who will be the second guitarist? Skunk Baxter?
Date: Thurs, March 24, 2022, 00:24:19 ET
Posted by: Maywltalowmtpd, Kc
52nd street’s the junction.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTd5x7hGv/
Date: Wed, March 23, 2022, 14:28:44 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu , with your man make up
So, I was thinking about the grip Walter and Donald had on human nature, especially the darker side, and expressed in their discography. Seemingly prophetic at times because human nature is twisted and persistent.
Even The Walter produced China Crisis and the rise of veiled and not so veiled plutocracy and autocracies with a close shaven face...and your man make up...
King in a Catholic Style from Flaunt the Imperfection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_5RsTT5CFc
Date: Sun, March 20, 2022, 19:58:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Left of the Rio Grand at ACL
2:52
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcEi0nlc4ao
Date: Sun, March 20, 2022, 17:05:03 ET
Posted by: Connor, Western World
in 2018, after touring with the nightflyers; donald fagen asked me if i'd like to come out and start sitting in with steely dan
that july, i was playing a gig with amy helm in woodbridge, nj and we realized that the steely dan bus routing would have them rolling past woodbridge that evening
after the gig with amy, i sat and waited to be intercepted by donald and his bus
sometime around 1am i got a call that they were nearing, the bus pulled up, i got on, and so began to roll a snowball, which ultimately led to me joining steely dan as a member of the ensemble
this past tour, after covid sidelined things for two years, i made a point to play every show like it was my last with the band - enjoying every note of the shows and every minute of the time on the road
having practiced that mindset,
i am nothing but grateful for the memories i've consolidated to mind, all the experiences i've had
and all the things i've learned
despite not knowing what
great memories were yet to be,
the end of my tenure
with steely dan
leaves me satisfied
i will be focusing on what i was doing before all this started; writing and performing songs of my own with musicians i love playing with - and with my community at @levonhelmstudios - last year i began work on a new record, which i hope to release later this year
i'd like to thank anyone who has
enjoyed my contribution from the crowd
the band and crew, who showed me nothing but kindness and generosity from day one
and donald and walter for the eternal soul music that is
steely dan
gratefully,
ck
Date: Sun, March 20, 2022, 16:07:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Dean - Any World recording appears to have been from the 2006 Milwaukee concert. Date and setlist match up. I found another post. Very nice sound.
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/steely-dan/2006/henry-w-maier-festival-park-milwaukee-wi-5bc7c794.html
I like this take a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irAXP9K0Hq0
Date: Sun, March 20, 2022, 15:53:57 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Sorry to hear about Connor.
Bizarre about the Aimee Mann situation. Not sure if part of the "screw up" was an HR, 3rd party thing. Aimee Mann is a legit artist and singer. Not sure why we need the same perceived "style" from an opening act.
I don't know - may SD fans have become too cranky and are afraid of change...like the meltdown over the hyperdrive Here at the Western Word ca. 2006. I love it because new possibilities are open in the solos. Ironically, from the Martha thing...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYEDZnreoVQ
Welp, speaking of change. Faster, Harder, Deeper, Older. Skunk Baxter releases a new Rockin' version of My Old School:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MtLJqmxxzU
Actually, a few interesting and unexpected power pop licks in the intro and around 2:43 Coming to a Russian missile tracking station near you. It's a "Banger!"
Date: Sun, March 20, 2022, 12:17:07 ET
Posted by: Pete , Palm Desert, Ca
Hey Gene! I predict you're 100% wrong.
Date: Sun, March 20, 2022, 07:59:35 ET
Posted by: Gene, PA
I'm predicting he's not the only band member cut. Not everyone posts on social media.
Date: Sun, March 20, 2022, 00:31:42 ET
Posted by: InstaBud,
Connor Kennedy announced on his Instagram that he's no longer with Steely Dan.
Date: Fri, March 18, 2022, 23:51:26 ET
Posted by: TIMES, L.A.
The most interesting part is when it's reported that Walter Becker says he takes the blame for this mistake. 😂😇 (The mistake was later corrected by the LA Times.)
LA Times, 3/17/2022
"Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen apologizes to Aimee Mann after she accuses band of sexism"
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-03-17/steely-dan-aimee-mann-donald-fagen-tour
Date: Fri, March 18, 2022, 23:50:10 ET
Posted by: TIMES, L.A.
The most interesting part is when it's reported that Walter Becker says he takes the blame for this mistake. 😂😇
LA Times, 3/17/2022
"Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen apologizes to Aimee Mann after she accuses band of sexism"
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-03-17/steely-dan-aimee-mann-donald-fagen-tour
Date: Fri, March 18, 2022, 20:27:24 ET
Posted by: Sara,
Uggh! Ole = all
Date: Fri, March 18, 2022, 20:26:34 ET
Posted by: Sara,
Aimee Man is a bit of a diva. Wouldn't surprise me if she wasn't bringing in extra interest. I don't know why they signed her in the first place. She's a good musician and Ole, but not really a good match. It could very well be that her contract was that she would only be the opener if she brought in additional ticket sales. No one saying officially, so we're just supposed to guess. Speaking of guesses, that's what 90% of what's written below is. All guesses and speculation.
Date: Fri, March 18, 2022, 14:52:50 ET
Posted by: ugh, ugh
the second hideous part is those high school jazz band dorks from Snarky Puppy stepping in, the worst shit. The camp really fucked up here.
Date: Fri, March 18, 2022, 08:46:52 ET
Posted by: Gene, PA
The opening act conflicts, first Winwood and now Aimee Mann, makes me believe it's getting harder to keep the tours in the black. 2016 was my last show, and I'm a lot younger than some of their fans who have followed them since the 70s. No doubt many others have signed off too.
Date: Fri, March 18, 2022, 04:54:16 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hund, Hanging Valley Wall, CO
Sorry, but DF screwed up even if his team did by misinforming as to how firm the commitment was or whatever. He should have just rolled with it. It’s not like they booked Air Supply. Geesh. And sorry again…and with all due respect… but Aimee can write and sing circles around Phoebe Snow and Rickie Lee Jones.
The only explanation is Aimee’s intuition is correct. Not the female singer-songwriter thing and btw she phrased that as a question (in a cute comic) asking if “they thought their audience wouldn’t like”. DF sounded defensive in responding to it. In the same comic though she says, “But you know what? People are allowed to not like you for whatever reason.” Bingo.
I guess DF does have great respect for Aimee as a writer and performer as he states, but that doesn’t mean he likes her music that much. If he did, he would just let her play. I wish he was as fastidious in managing the setlists. And you know Donald hasn’t even heard most of her music. I actually believe he would like a lot of it…or at least some of it. I bet he’d like Freeway. How could he not like those lyrics? It’s like a modern Steely Dan SoCal character observation with dark lined humor in catchy song craft. But maybe Donald has never gotten past Voices Carry.
Date: Thurs, March 17, 2022, 21:26:51 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Corrections Dept.
QUOTE: "...these useless bunts"
DAMNED autocorrect!!
Date: Thurs, March 17, 2022, 21:21:19 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, The Devil Is In The Details - as always.
QUOTE: "The "Dirty Work" singer went on to admit..."
So - Apparently, (and somewhat incredibly/by direct inference) none other than David Palmer is the real bad guy here. According to "People Magazine", that is.
Or, perhaps even more inaccurately, he's the "admitter" guy. According to "People Magazine", that is. Although they don't actually [and/or inaccurately, of course] mention the guy by name...
But of course, it's the predictably-asinine & consistently-wretched "People Magazine", isn't it?
Somebody thought it would be clever to "google" Steely Dan, then come up with a recognizable song title, then inject that song title into the story for "credibility". So the dipshit "writer" could clearly show his/her readers that he/she was knowledgeable about the subject he/she was writing about.
Not, y'know, actual "journalism" - assuming that actual journalism still exists, out there, somewhere.
More like "cut 'n' paste/internet journalism".
Of the lowest order.
Or what we used to call "garbage".
Even celebrity (and pseudo-celebrity) fluff deserves better than the crapola disseminated by these useless bunts.
M/O/D/P
Date: Thurs, March 17, 2022, 19:49:54 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's St Pat's Day Happy Hour! HELP!
My (information free) guess is Don is really embarrassed by this---and probably really pissed off at someone.
I like Amie a bit, but also thought it was an odd fit. It's very unfortunate it unfolded this way.
Anyone know what show that Any World clip is from? Thanks for the link.
Date: Thurs, March 17, 2022, 18:26:43 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, ok
"I thought it might not be the best matchup in terms of musical style" ... So why was she booked in the first place?
p.s. I was looking forward to her as the opener when I see SD this summer.
Date: Thurs, March 17, 2022, 16:18:25 ET
Posted by: THE Donald, Saw-reeeeee
Steely Dan's Donald Fagen Apologizes for 'Screwup' After Aimee Mann Said She Was Dropped from Tour
https://people.com/music/steely-dan-donald-fagen-apologizes-after-aimee-mann-dropped-from-tour/
** "Well, first of all, the idea that I would make any decision based on the gender of a performer is ridiculous," he said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "That's something that would never even occur to me."
The "Dirty Work" singer went on to admit that there was "a communication problem on our end," and said that he had been "misinformed as to how firm the commitment was to any particular opening act."
"Although I have the greatest respect for Aimee as a writer and performer, I thought it might not be the best matchup in terms of musical style," he said. "But I can't pass the buck. I'll take the blame for the screwup. I apologize for any distress this has caused Aimee and her fans." **
Date: Thurs, March 17, 2022, 13:23:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
I missed the live performance of Any World live somehow...love the reggae retooling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV20Sh3CN4g
Date: Thurs, March 17, 2022, 13:17:09 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh
Disappointed that Mann is no longer opening - she's an artist who has a handful of songs I really like, that I'd probably never go see on her own, but would be happy to see a 45min-1hr set at a show I'm already going to. Seems like it was handled poorly. Interested to see who her replacement will be, though. I liked the fact that they decided not to go the nostalgia route (or maybe Gen X nostalgia instead of Boomer nostalgia in the case of Amy). An organ trio isn't going to get any more butts in seats at the sheds ...
Date: Wed, March 16, 2022, 22:20:00 ET
Posted by: More tour!, +7
Steely Dan has announced seven new dates for the 2022 Earth After Hours Tour in Franklin, TN, Durham, NC, Atlantic City, NJ, Bridgeport, CT and three dates in Port Chester, NY. Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 17 at 10am ET.
The 2022 Earth After Hours Tour kicks off on May 20 in Portland, OR. The 28-city outing will feature Snarky Puppy starting May 20th in Portland on all dates through June 19th. Tickets for all shows are on sale now and available on the events page.
https://www.steelydan.com/#!/events?page=1
Date: Wed, March 16, 2022, 22:15:56 ET
Posted by: Mann oh man., Nowhere now
** Aimee Mann was set to open for Steely Dan during a run of tour dates this summer, but it appears that’s no longer the case. In the below comic posted on Instagram, she revealed that she recently found out that she’s no longer set to perform with the band.
“I was supposed to open for Steely Dan this summer. I just found out that they took me off the bill. No one is entirely sure why, but it seems they thought their audience wouldn’t like a female singer-songwriter? As it happens, Steely Dan is the one band that I 100% love, with no reservations, so it really sucks. But you know what? People are allowed to not like you, for whatever reason.”
The comic ends with one sentence presented in a thought bubble: “Good luck to all bands.” Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Steely Dan and Mann for further comment. **
Date: Sat, March 12, 2022, 22:25:55 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicagoland
The Dandom Digest has been on hiatus for the past four months or so because of a techical difficulty. However, I believe that problem is now fixed. Look for a new Dandom Digest in your email inbox in the next few days. Among the highlights will be an overview of new music from Steely Dan Orchestra members and alumns, as well as a recap of news highlights. If you don't already subscribe or if you have items you would like included, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com. The Dandom Digest goes out to something like 1,700 hardcore SD fans. Heartfelt thanks for your support as the Dandom Digest is about to begin its 30th year.
http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest/
Date: Sat, March 12, 2022, 22:23:21 ET
Posted by: From Jeff Baxter's page.,
"The latest issue of The New Yorker has a story on The Lemonheads. In it they talk about the recording of their “It’s A Shame About Ray”. An excerpt from the story…. “The Robbs recruited some unexpected players for the “Ray” sessions, including Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, a guitarist turned defense consultant who had been a founding member of “Steely Dan” and a guitarist with the Doobie Brothers. It is almost impossible to imagine a band less germaine to the disheveled alt-rock vibe than Steely Dan , yet Baxter’s pedal-steel parts on ‘Hannah and Gabi’ —- a pretty, fragile song about being a terrible partner (‘I’m out wandering around/You’re but one thing I’ve found’)—- are warm and rubbery, giving the song a lilt that recalls Gram Parsons”."
Date: Mon, March 07, 2022, 11:11:06 ET
Posted by: Tony, P
So I'm on Tik Tok and scroll upon this piano teacher live streaming and taking requests.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jvendamusic
I tipped him a few dollars and requested Donald Fagen just to see what the response might be. Was expecting something along the lines of "who's he?" or "I don't know any but can play Rikki Don't Lose that Number." But without hesitation he belted out a (the?) verse of True Companion.
Then saw on youtube he's no stranger to SD covers and True Companion was one of his first uploads years ago as a teen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obxk0GIOGQY
Date: Sun, March 06, 2022, 08:06:20 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
M/O/D/P, I take your tawdry point!
Date: Fri, March 04, 2022, 22:17:28 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Incorrigible
Big Trev - Thanks for posting the video of Helen Newby doing Peg. That was pretty cool. So is the Vince Guaraldi tune she did, and a few of her other ones are also quite good for that matter. As an aside, though, her Van Halen bit leaves me cold - shivering, in fact. For me, anyways, "classical" versions of meat-head rock songs fall into some pretty dangerous territory and it makes me wonder if maybe the talented player is perhaps one of those notorious "Big Camp" cellists we sometimes hear about...if so, might we soon expect to see multi-part cello adaptations of Journey's epic "We Built This City"? or Bon Jovi's ubiquitous monster hit, "Rock Rock Baby Baby!"?...or, heaven forfend, any song originally recorded & released by a certain much-revered ("but elsewhere") performer who repeatedly insisted back in his heyday that he was - despite compelling evidence to the contrary - "Born to run in the USA"...?? Hopefully, not. For everyone's sake.
And although I'm generally not a big fan of Steely Dan covers, that Peg/cello performance isn't really a cover - more of an interesting and respectful interpretation. Most of what I've seen or heard SD cover-wise over the years has fallen into three categories - the oh-so-earnest slavish imitations ("no thanks"), the drab attempts at total reconstruction (again with the "no thanks"), and the wretched, plagiaristic ("sampled") garbage...you know, where some no-talent/contrived image/pretend-street-gang-member takes part of a recording of a Steely Dan song and then bleats 'n' belches over top of it? No thanks.
On the rare occasion where I have happened to stumble upon/accidentally hear/am unduly subjected to the likes of Kanye West [snicker] or that one goofball from the '90s - you know, the guy with the cartoonish/non-stop/amusingly-clumsy hand-&-arm gestures - or any of the other non-musician novelty performers who've gotten credit (admittedly only from their admittedly-huge diminished-capacity audience) for shit they begged ("Kanye West" - hopefully you all know the KW/SD story 'cause it's a damned funny one), borrowed, or stole - but certainly didn't actually "compose" - on the rare occasion when I've been exposed to this fraudulent & regrettable audio diarrhea, I find myself making my own little impromptu run to my own little "Concession Stand" for a shot or two of El Jimador Anejo (or similar medication) to help wash the bad sounds out of my brain.
M/O/D/P
Date: Fri, March 04, 2022, 21:56:16 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Insensitive
Also Very Good Indeed to see The Dean posting again. Of course, like most of us here, I much prefer a slightly-cranky or even downright ornery The Dean - as opposed to an agreeable/semi-complacent The Dean...either of which are preferable to no The Dean at all, of course. It always makes for better reading here on The Blue when we have fewer of those sugary "Thanks for sharing" posts and more carefully-placed shivs-to-the-pancreas-type contributions, no? No??
Date: Fri, March 04, 2022, 21:38:02 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Incredulous
Surely no credible future Bloobook Historian worth his-or-her salt would ever dare to question the importance or validity of the presence here of long-time BB Voice Of Reason Nicholas Urfe. Unless at some point in the far-distant future the word "tawdry" - like so many of yesteryear's perfectly good words - ends up being stripped of its traditional meaning and has come - then, in those heady-but-idiotic days to come - to mean something entirely different,
Date: Fri, March 04, 2022, 20:29:07 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Gen
Some others have posted about the younger generations appreciation for SD. One poster mentioned a female that made a video about Almost Gothic. There was also a good online article that noticed the fandom among the younger crowd.
Perhaps here is some further proof:
https://youtu.be/Bz_b4Nudh8w
m.e.
Date: Fri, March 04, 2022, 18:02:18 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
I have nothing to add but a hearty hear! hear! - but there has been such a spendid run of posts by Bluebook Bigwigs that I wanted to have my tawdry byline somewhere in the mix so that when future historians look back, they will at least wonder, "What is this Nicholas Urfe doing here?"
Date: Thurs, March 03, 2022, 03:43:16 ET
Posted by: Stevie Dan, Denver
Oh and he had Keith on this part of tour!
Carlock solo: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.sklar.9/videos/1209364649469493
Black Cow: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.sklar.9/videos/345291920818107
Josie: https://www.facebook.com/1674369064/videos/489172346060785/
Date: Thurs, March 03, 2022, 03:36:16 ET
Posted by: Stevie Dan, Denver
Speaking of Larry Carlton: Caught him at The Soiled Dove 9/11/21. Clip posted to FB LC talking/playing Kid Charlemagne https://www.facebook.com/1674369064/videos/4638239116273827/
Date: Wed, March 02, 2022, 18:09:29 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, Everywhere
Happy birthday, Larry Carlton!
Date: Wed, March 02, 2022, 12:16:18 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Dean: Hear, Hear.
That's what I saw in Dallas '03. When Walter sung, it was a bathroom break in between the steeped in the '70s hits and AOR cuts.
On the tangentially Dan front, when we last left master Dan-lite Brit songwriter Andy Platts he was dipping his toe into Becker zeitgeist on Things We Left Unsaid from the latest Nouveau "Yacht Rock" (R&B really) of the latest album (Canyons) by the Young Gun Silver Fox collaboration with Shawn Lee. Canyons is more of a 1980 vibe that the 70s retro AM Waves, which is a near masterpiece. Check out the unexpected bridge near the end of the 2nd verse on Things We Left Unsaid - with Circus $ emotional elements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umi1U32tOec
Platts is back with his homeboy band Mamas Gun composed of R&B studio musicians. They do tour together and the band feel is palpable on the last album Golden Days and new tracks from an upcoming album.
Golden Days and previous Mamas Gun (named after the Erykah Badu song) albums have that retro R&B - acid jazz fusion (ex. Swing Out Sister) feel. Nice chord changes, and Platts is a consistently good songwriter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKq4SXlKwEU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1JiTkufJgY
The new Mamas Gun album is due in May. Meanwhile, there are a "double side A" singles out with Pandemic messages.
Party of One - A DEEP R&B groove and strut. Nite really dub like much of Circus $, but more like one of the R&B tracks (ex. Girlfriend) from 11 ToW produced but live tracked like C$ with more of a Larry Klein production with a touch of Philly soul. There are little figures (ex. minimalist) horn theme that remind me a little of Walter.
The groove is interrupted by a few WB-like minor 7th chords or something like that, before resetting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-8y8l1Unjc
The flip side, Waiting for Moses, features more of a Bill Withers, pre-acid jazz groove that's more melodic. Bill Withers was a National Treasure, so they can't go wrong. There is a very nice bridge between verses and chorus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzEx0xTwStA
Also, very nice LIVE in ISOLATION version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzsIFL7irZ4
Date: Wed, March 02, 2022, 11:01:02 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
Nik, it may interest you to know that in the '94 tour, the Walter Becker tunes also led to a charge to the concessions/bathroom/wherever--at least at the show I attended. I've heard the same accounts from other shows.
You know what else seems to cause a temporary exodus? Any new SD song or unknown (by many) rarities.
I'm just saying, IMO the fault is with the fans in attendance. How could they possibly be open to Martha when you they don't even give SD/WB songs a chance?
Notice how Don doesn't like to do anything to unfamiliar? Maybe that's why.
Date: Tues, March 01, 2022, 12:22:37 ET
Posted by: Good news, Hi
Lost Linda Hoover album out this summer
Date: Tues, March 01, 2022, 08:03:02 ET
Posted by: Stan, etc.
This is exactly the kind of jazz nerd girl Fagen fantasized about on New Frontier.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicalaurenradio/video/7069443482347277614
Date: Tues, March 01, 2022, 07:57:42 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Big Trev: And she didn't slap the bass part either. Donald and Walter would surely approve!
Date: Tues, March 01, 2022, 01:43:04 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF
Dan Belcher, I just went straight to that song like you did and imo, it's not only out of place but also annoying, standalone or not. Especially in the end, it sounds butchered. Not sure, it's fair to even squeeze her in there.
TG they didn't bring her out on tour, the Oakland show had an amazing, organic flow to it.
Ricky Lee Jones didn't even feel comfortable to be anything else but the opener for SD at the Beacon, according to what was reported.
Date: Tues, March 01, 2022, 01:06:46 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Regarding the 2006 Beacon Donald Fagen show with guest Martha Wainwright.: What Frank said.
Date: Mon, February 28, 2022, 20:46:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Big Trev: That may be the greatest thing I've ever seen on the interwebz.
Date: Mon, February 28, 2022, 20:39:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
You would think with one disaster in the rearview, with another on fire in front that it would trigger King of the World flashbacks.
Nope, it's Selfish Gene.
Why - Must every time I turn my ship around'
Some bastard come and knock my skyline down
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z_OVotMrLM
Date: Mon, February 28, 2022, 16:01:20 ET
Posted by: Big Trev, Barcelona
I'm sure some of you have seen and heard this already. For those of you who haven't I can't recommend this enough. Beautiful, quite sublime. Fantastic musicianship and wonderful sensitivity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyDcm5B0uJ8
Date: Sun, February 27, 2022, 14:16:05 ET
Posted by: Nik, Northeast
I was at the Marthagate show and she was a boon to the concession sales. Never had I seen such a mass exodus to the lobby during a performance.
If you're still wondering how that whole fiasco came about, her mother was Canadian folk singer Kate McGarrigle who was friends with Libby Titus.
Date: Sun, February 27, 2022, 09:21:03 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY
I think Frank summed up Marthagate pretty well. I listened to that performance many times when I was working on remastering the video someone got of that show. Whenever I would just go straight to that song, I really enjoyed it. Whenever I was already in the middle of the concert and Year of the Dragon came up, it just felt so jarring and out of place. Here's a link for anyone who hasn't seen it yet BTW https://youtu.be/TYEDZnreoVQ
Date: Sat, February 26, 2022, 21:08:43 ET
Posted by: Frank, Again
Mistake in my last post. Instead of fog, the word should be folk, as in folk music. Nothing wrong with folk music by the way… But it was out of place at a Donald Fagen concert.
Date: Sat, February 26, 2022, 21:07:28 ET
Posted by: Frank,
Darryl:
No one saying Martha Wainwright sounded shitty then or now; rather she was completely a different vibe and inappropriate for the show. There's a difference. The show was your typical fantastic Steely Dan jazz rock blues event… Then there was a sudden shift into fog. It killed the vibe And the momentum. I don't know who you're calling babies, but learn about subtlety, nuance, and appropriateness.
Date: Fri, February 25, 2022, 09:08:11 ET
Posted by: Philippe, Pau
You can order a copy of the Donald Fagen Jazzmagazine issue by sending a message here : abonnements.jazz@lva.fr
Date: Fri, February 25, 2022, 06:21:03 ET
Posted by: Philippe, Pau France
hello friends, for those of you who can read french, the new Jazzmagazine issue has 20 page on Donald Fagen for the 40th birthday of the Nighfly, including an exclusive Michael Leonhart interview .I suppose you can order a copy on Jazzmagazine website, I've just asked them , I'll let you know :
https://www.facebook.com/fred.goaty/posts/10160275544204026?__cft__[0]=AZUwpVujHIau78qEw7SAqpc4IuZk2jkkYcQgWrBfUTjYdkZvthW47FpkoN2CWzn7JcHUfFo9OJUjiKACK4d2bRb5CCq1WDJ4ZLZ62C6IJhQcYiMpWOE2PXOLWgVjcW1fiwBztvD7wSkTiG3q50KwZH5QEhU54FCgCe90lFwRBxmYLu5UawB19ggcbLn3pqGy74dUVbL_7xttnafwumYVd6Z7&__tn__=-UK-R
Date: Fri, February 25, 2022, 03:52:38 ET
Posted by: dirk, western world
The fearless flyers covering Reelin' in the years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzujhMx3_mM
Mark Lettieri on baritone guitar, Cory Wong on
rhythm guitar.
Like it.
Date: Thurs, February 24, 2022, 10:45:05 ET
Posted by: Daryl, ooh
OK I just heard Martha Wainwright do Year of the Dragon from the 2006 solo Fagen show and you dopes were wrong, that song was great. Babies.
Date: Mon, February 21, 2022, 18:23:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,
M/O/D/P, Beato does good breakdowns, but that one was a little bit aggravating.
I got the Donald Fagen Concepts for Jazz/Rock Piano DVD awhile back and that breaks down Josie quite well. Can't get enough of that kind of stuff, you know, the concepts behind how a song you like was constructed.
Good stuff.
Date: Mon, February 21, 2022, 17:41:19 ET
Posted by: Hat2Flat, Phoenix
Happy birthday week, Walter!
Date: Sun, February 20, 2022, 22:56:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Happy Birthday Walter! An eternal legacy. The music that keeps on giving.
Something I missed upon release of the latest Crowded House album Dreamer's are Waiting. Over the decades Neil Finn with CH and on solo efforts has meandered and morphed their way from the best Rubber Soul outtakes never heard to a psychedelic Wilco (not that there's anything wrong with that) meets Macca.
I haven't listened to their latest that much, but loaded up my favorite recording on album on Spotify...and noticed (I suspect a subconscious) reference to Glamour Profession:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMJOyW_sEGQ&list=OLAK5uy_mgKccvFj02DU7lN-V08wCblu9rw4fsPFQ&index=4
It's been a wait
At Mr. Chow's for Peking duck
It's just enough right now
To put that madness in your heart
Sweet tooth
And you don't remember
Can't find anyone
To tell your troubles to
Sweet tooth
You can't resist it
How could anyone
With that sugar in their mouth
Date: Sun, February 20, 2022, 14:35:12 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Sunny Indy
Cheers and Happy Birthday Vibes in Walter’s honor today!
As more grooves are released from the WB archives vault, the more I realize how much I love his solo stuff-please keep it coming!
Date: Sun, February 20, 2022, 01:00:07 ET
Posted by: From WB Media,
New demo of Medical Science from Walter Becker media:
"And all the jiveasses and the true believers
The bullshit givers and receivers
Here today tomorrow gone
To the triage tent in the great beyond
Wherein the angel tangoes with the infidel"
Walter Becker - Medical Science (Demo)
http://youtu.be/fUDCqY9HyJE
Date: Sun, February 20, 2022, 00:00:06 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, Everywhere
Happy Birthday, Walter!
👏🎈🍾🥂🍷🎂🍧🚙🏎🎺🎷🎹🎧🎼🎸🌹🙏☮️💟
Thanks for everything!
We miss you more than ever...
Date: Sat, February 19, 2022, 17:12:48 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Delayed reaction [videos]
QUOTE: "Good breakdown but the constant screaming "OOOOH!" and exaggerated facial, as if he hasn't heard Josie a thousand times before, was hard for me to take."
I have to admit I don't spend much time - maybe two, three hours, total, per calendar year - watching random crap - any subject/any crap - on the YooToob. Not against it, don't "hate" it...just not my thang. Those ubiquitous reaction videos? My general reaction is, mostly, "Can someone please "react" by deleting this stupid/sophomoric/obviously-contrived shit?"
However...it's a few times now that this Rick Beato guy has come up, and I kinda like his presentation. While I agree with Michael about the exaggerated stuff - no need for that, really - the guy seems genuinely enthusiastic enough and knowledgeable enough for me to excuse the occasional bout of hyperactivity.
That DF/Paul Shaffer clip posted here a while back, though? The sweat-sock big enough to plug that guy's yap has yet to be knitted. I stopped watching a few minutes in, rather than watch more.
Date: Fri, February 18, 2022, 14:39:01 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Re: "Steve Lukather has never done anything interesting in his life outside of deciding what brand of toner to color his goatee with".
Miaow! This must be an early hot favourite for the inaugural award for most snarky (but not untrue) Blue Book comment of 2022?
TBF, I think never having an actual session credit with SD seriously bugs Lukather and equally, I think Donald and Walter are the ultimate arbiters of good judgement and taste.
Date: Fri, February 18, 2022, 11:44:12 ET
Posted by: listen, listen
Steve Lukather has never done anything interesting in his life outside of deciding what brand of toner to color his goatee with.
Date: Thurs, February 17, 2022, 10:38:24 ET
Posted by: OrangeTom, NoLongerBackwoods
Beato did a real interesting interview with Steve Lukather during the pandemic. Thirty minutes. Steve must have mentioned Steely Dan at least five times
Date: Sun, February 13, 2022, 16:00:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
Dang it - TIX sold out both nights at ACL Austin.
I've been busy lately and missed out. I Hate to go secondary market.
Snarky Puppy is the lead-in both nights.
Date: Sun, February 13, 2022, 15:57:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,
Fagen and Piano in Concert: My best guess is Occam's Razor. Donald likes playing the Rhodes. It's a smaller instrument that allows the audience to see Fagen easily behind the instrument and at an angle. He can pick up the melodica and be in front of the band. That's a bit more cumbersome with a grand piano stage front.
Besides, Beard is a fantastic pianist and keyboard player and can be positioned near the back.
Date: Sat, February 12, 2022, 01:53:18 ET
Posted by: Anachronistic (but nice), Virginia
Date: Fri, February 11, 2022, 10:15:00 ET
Posted by: Chris,
I lurk but enjoying the Steely reads. Thanks!
Date: Fri, February 11, 2022, 07:16:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Good breakdown but the constant screaming "OOOOH!" and exaggerated facials, as if he hasn't heard Josie a thousand times before, was hard for me to take.
Date: Thurs, February 10, 2022, 20:55:11 ET
Posted by: miray eel, I
The Josie breakdown, for me, is the salvation of the internet. This is the type of content that I wanted to find when I first heard SD. I would classify myself as a keyboard owner, rather than a keyboard player; however, videos like this drive me to my keyboard to play along as best I can.
m.e.
Date: Thurs, February 10, 2022, 14:46:48 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hund, Hanging Valley Wall, CO
Thanks Shark. Wow, that seemed ez peezy for DF….lol. That sob. Shows you how perfectionist they are. He could have played that on the recorded version. Why wouldn’t you? You wrote it, played it. If someone….well not someone but the fucking best musicians those studio rats hired at will, layed it down better…they went with that. Just like Brian Wilson did.
Date: Thurs, February 10, 2022, 14:00:46 ET
Posted by: Shark, de Ville
for Dr. Hund... jump to 3 mins
https://youtu.be/a3Sds_m0xT8
Date: Thurs, February 10, 2022, 12:23:35 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Re: the Rick Beato/Josie thing
I'm probably guilty of suffering from over-familiarity with tracks like Josie. I still love it and enjoy listening to it after 40 plus years but I tend to see it as one of the more straight-forward Steely Dan songs albeit with a great groove. How wrong I was! The Beato thing shows just how complex and supremely crafted Josie actually is. Probably the reason I can still listen to it and enjoy it after all this time is down to all those really incredible parts that Beato documents. Part of Donald and Walter's genius was making those radio-friendly 'pop' songs that anyone can groove/sing along to but scratch under the surface and there so much more rewarding stuff going on. There's a lot of these 'isolated' bass/drum/guitar/whatever tracks doing the rounds on YouTube, the Rush ones are kinda fun (if you like Rush!) but I could probably loose a year if that was available on the SD catalogue (The making of Aja doc gave a glimpse I suppose).
Anyway, great to see Beato's enthusiasm for the Dan, thanks for the link
Date: Thurs, February 10, 2022, 07:09:28 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Stevie,
Amazing hair, amazing music. Especially horn sections.
Date: Wed, February 09, 2022, 19:35:25 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Chi
Rick Beato breaks down Josie. Amazing.
https://youtu.be/e9sR7kdh_qs
Date: Wed, February 09, 2022, 08:19:08 ET
Posted by: Vernon, L
I'm in the not-necessarily-a-fan-of-SD-covers crowd, but I have to tip my cap here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYtI2bfGAQs
Date: Tues, February 08, 2022, 19:55:02 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR
Sorry to see Steve Winwood taken off the bill. SW & SD did amazing shows together in the past, and we were really looking forward to his opening set (and joining SD for an encore).
I'm optimistic that the replacement opening acts will also be very enjoyable.
But overall, I suspect that there's less public demand/interest in a Steely Dan/Aimee Mann than a Steely Dan/Steve Winwood show. The former would also carry a lower ticket price. Will SD or the promoters offer a partial refund after removing Winwood from the bill? Just wondering . . .
Date: Mon, February 07, 2022, 19:15:10 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hund, Hanging Valley Wall, CO
Aimee will perform a most interesting set and I’m sure appreciates the high brow rarified air of SD music aficionados ready and willing to past judgement on these dates. She will pick up new valuable fans.
The Dean: of course it’s not the lack of a good piano player. I just have a feeling DF doesn’t want to do a song where people may question why he is not tickling the keys (many who even know the song believe it’s him on piano). He’s not WB and not in the studio. What would he do during a live performance true to the original? Sing it like Sinatra? No air for a second keyboard unless it’s a revamped reinvented version. I’m sure he can play it himself but probably would prefer not to. Not easy, it would take some rehearsal, and the original standard is so high. And it’s not a priority with him nor the arena/shed live audience taken as a whole is what I believe DF is thinking…if he gives it a thought at all.
Date: Mon, February 07, 2022, 17:49:15 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour
I think Aimee Man is an interesting choice as an opener. If she performs as interesting a set as Madeleine Peyroux, I'd be happy.
But Snarky Puppy? That's unbelievable! I'm going to do my best to get to the Atlanta show, if no closer dates are available with Puppy as the opener.
And, Dr Hund, unless he decides to share a reason, we never know why Don doesn't play/like to play certain songs. But the lack of a good piano player can't be the reason, can it. Jim Beard is still in the band, right?
Date: Mon, February 07, 2022, 13:14:30 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hund, Hanging Valley Wall, CO
Aimee Mann is a great opener. If the Dan…I mean the Donald Fagen Orchestra (the Dan has to have Becker and Fagen) comes over here, I hope she is the opener.
Why did DF not play the piano in Here at the Western World? You really can’t get any better than what Michael Omartian layed down so I think I answered my own question but maybe this is why DF never plays it live except a revamped version.
Date: Sun, February 06, 2022, 22:21:03 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF
Larry Carlton is playing some concerts in Fl, Ca, Hawaii. "Greatest Hits / Steely Dan"
It's billed under "Farewell Tour"
Hope, Larry is ok.
Maybe he'll bring Keith along again!
Date: Sun, February 06, 2022, 17:01:09 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland
Michael
Great Buddy Rich link but by God the 70's were a shocking era for hair styles weren't they?
......especially horn sections!
Date: Wed, February 02, 2022, 20:22:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,
For those of you Dan fans out there who appreciate incredible jazz, and who doesn't, you must check out the Buddy Rich cover of McCartney's Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwyOhQVApR4
If D&W had collaborated with Buddy back in the day, that would've been something. Jeff Beck, Jaco Pastorius, Alan Holdsworth, Steve Morse, Herbie Hancock, Jean-Luc Ponty. Many other great players. I would've loved to hear what they could contribute to a SD album.
Date: Wed, February 02, 2022, 12:04:48 ET
Posted by: Stevie, Wearing High Heals
Snarky Puppy (May 20 - June 19) and Aimee Mann (June 21 - July 3) will provide support instead.
Date: Wed, February 02, 2022, 07:01:58 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, ,
Steve Winwood has pulled out of Steely Dan's 2022 tour, he just announced.
Date: Tues, February 01, 2022, 10:43:10 ET
Posted by: Ange Comb,
Re Paul Shaffer's interview with DF:
1) Paul interrupts DF constantly.
2) He asks the same tired hackneyed questions that ALL the interviewers ask.
These are some new, perhaps ballsier questions to pose to DF that will never be asked of DF because a) they would disrupt the facade that we, as fans, like to uphold because of its quasi-pretentious mystical qualities; b) DF would never allow them; and c) they may reveal a personal weakness in him that he doesn't want revealed.
Possible new, more revelatory questions for DF:
So, consequently we diehard fans are left hearing the same old, boring questions and answers.
Here are a few new ones for DF to answer:
1) What kind of kid were you?
Did you write short stories, poetry or music?
2) Did you play in your High School band? If so, what did you like and/or dislike about it?
3) What was a typical saturday night like for you at 16 years old?
4) Did you have your own band or belong to a "garage" band in your teens?
5) Your music is so spirited (as evidenced in, say, "Peg", "Kid Charlemagne", "Hey Ninteen").
Yet you personally in interviews seem the exact opposite of that. What is the closest to the real you?
These are just a few considerations, maybe.
Date: Fri, January 28, 2022, 18:27:24 ET
Posted by: Artie, This is
Paul Schaffer Plus One ft. Donald Fagen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj9gl7O3AtY
** In this episode of Paul Shaffer Plus One, Paul Shaffer is joined by Donald Fagen of Steely Dan. Paul and Donald discuss songwriting, Donald's relationship with Steely Dan's Co-Founder Walter Becker, and Paul gets a music lesson. **
(Filmed October 13, 2019)
Date: Fri, January 28, 2022, 12:36:47 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, East
One of the coolest experiences was attending Fagen’s first solo show near Rutgers in NJ with no set list spoilers and having him open a revamped Western World.
Date: Wed, January 26, 2022, 21:26:11 ET
Posted by: Tony, tony
Western World also gets credit for the novelty in which you heard it. This isn't just another album track or first single for radio, you may have even heard Western World long after you listened to the first seven albums. It takes you back to the first time you really sat down with Katy or Aja.
Any generation can glom on -- vinyl LP on the greatest hits or waiting for the Gold expanded compilation CD in the 1990s, or grabbing it on Napster or at a used record store, YouTube, your phone, whatever. It gets extra points because it was left to shine, out there, by itself.
Date: Wed, January 26, 2022, 20:00:36 ET
Posted by: Stevie Dan, Denver, CO
Been meaning to post this link since Sept. Caught Larry Carlton and his band (with none other than Keith Carlock on drums) at The Soiled Dove in Lowry Colorado. This is a six minute clip of him telling the Kid Charlemagne story and playing it. https://www.facebook.com/1674369064/videos/4638239116273827/
Date: Mon, January 24, 2022, 17:43:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,
It is a superb song DonB, no question about it. Other artists would've been proud had they wrote that gem, but because it's a SD tune it flew under the radar. It's one of those songs which would've benefited from radio exposure.
Date: Mon, January 24, 2022, 09:49:57 ET
Posted by: DonB, Los Angeles
Michael, exactly right re "Here at the Western World": *brilliant* song, but melodically/harmonically much more akin to, say, Pretzel Logic than Aja.
Date: Sun, January 23, 2022, 08:00:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Steve, I think the reason Josie was emphasized in prior tours was because Walter loved playing the tune. From my understanding Donald doesn't play Doctor Wu live for emotional reasons, but I could be wrong.
Here At The Western World fills some sort of strange space in the SD zeitgeist in that it was much closer in feel to some of their earlier efforts although it was released around the time of Aja. Wasn't it from The Royal Scam sessions? IDK but either way it is a pleasant tune with a nice melodic flow and gorgeous changes.
In trying to decipher what invisible barrier prevents some people from enjoying SD's music I decided to investigate and the results were startling. The general sentiment is that D&W are viewed as cynical pseudo-hipsters who are insincere about what they do. Accusations range from derision, such as that Donald's nasaly vocal delivery is an immediate turn-off, to being 'yacht rock' phonies who plagiarized other artists (no, we need not delve into this vapid pit), among other insipid reasons. Even though many acknowledge the obvious skill and craftsmanship that went into making the music, there's always some hang-up preventing them from enjoying it. "It's too slick." "They're too smooth jazz for my palette." Etc.
Yes, they liberally borrowed ideas from those who came before them, but then what art is created in a void? They introduced a richer harmonic vocabulary to the pop-rock idiom. So what? I fail to understand how that's a bad thing. Most of their contemporaries at the time were using much simpler chord structures and melodies. SD were also pioneers with regards to studio engineering and overall production quality.
I guess in the end I'm right back where I started.
Date: Sat, January 22, 2022, 22:10:02 ET
Posted by: Steve, Gennarelli
Michael, I know what you mean. I will say this. I think its interesting the ride the "Steely Dan" songs have taken since the boys returned to touring in the 90's.
Around the time of "Alive in America", I felt that easily the best tune on that album was "Josie". Now they've played it on tour in the 2000's, but that song has been deemphasized in more recent tours.
"Rikki Don't Lose.." was played on the '96 tour and then sporadically since 2010...but its been played much more on tour in the past 5 years or so. This is one song that I've never heard them do live and I've seen them about 6 times. I would love to see them play this in St Pete when I see them this Summer.
They have such a great catalog...The only song that they haven't given fair due on the tours is one of my all time favorites "Here at the Western World", which they have rarely played live. "Pearl of the Quarter" is another that sounds so magnificent when they play it but rarely do. Same for "Dr. Wu".
Date: Sat, January 22, 2022, 18:13:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,
When I say 'criminally underrated' I am speaking with regards to the general public, not the die-hard SD fans, who tend to overlook their non-radio staples. For instance, I have relatives who enjoy the hits they remember fondly but are indifferent about tracks such as Doctor Wu, The Caves of Altamira or Only A Fool Would Say That. Why? Simple, they weren't radio hits, which really irks me. And anything from their last two albums, forget about it. This has nothing to do with victimization, whatever that entails.
It goes without saying that die-hard SD fans enjoy deeper cuts from their back catalog. Sure, we enjoy stuff like Almost Gothic or The Second Arrangement, but how much of the general public have heard those songs before? Probably not too many, at least not in comparison to their hits.
Date: Sat, January 22, 2022, 17:31:07 ET
Posted by: Tony, tony
on his website where he double posted
the one with the Christmas banner still up
Date: Sat, January 22, 2022, 17:29:23 ET
Posted by: tony, tony
yeah Michael buzz off your post wasn't good enough for hoops
Date: Sat, January 22, 2022, 12:22:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago
Michael:
At this point, I don't think anybody here in this group for diehards under-appreciates any Steely Dan track. As far as listing tracks you just happen to think might be underappreciated (without evidence of why it's underappreciated), It's much more helpful people just simply offer their appreciation of songs and why they're so great. Just listing songs as if they're somehow examples of victimization because one think so, it's pointless. At least, if you're gonna say a song is underappreciated explain why it's underappreciated by diehard fans which is the audience here.
Date: Sat, January 22, 2022, 11:44:20 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago
Michael:
At this point, I don't think anybody here in this group for diehards under-appreciates any Steely Dan track. As far as listing tracks you just happen to think might be underappreciated (without evidence of why it's underappreciated), It's much more helpful people just simply offer their appreciation of songs and why they're so great. Just listing songs as if they're somehow examples of victimization because one think so, it's pointless. At least, if you're gonna say a song is underappreciated explain why it's underappreciated by diehard fans which is the audience here.
Date: Fri, January 21, 2022, 17:40:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,
Criminally underrated SD track from their formative years? There are quite a few but I'll go with Only A Fool Would Say That.
Most underappreciated SD track? Easy, Almost Gothic.
Best unreleased SD track? Perhaps The Second Arrangement, but then I haven't heard all their unreleased stuff.
Favorite SD track? Trick question, there are too many gems in their oeuvre to pick just one.
Date: Tues, January 18, 2022, 20:04:55 ET
Posted by: Of Possible Interest, eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334294366602?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e11021.m43.l1120&mkcid=7&ch=osgood&euid=db005951bf524eb6b61e7a3898a7ecd1&bu=43897301733&ut=RU&osub=-1%7E1&crd=20220118083557&segname=11021&sojTags=ch%3Dch%2Cbu%3Dbu%2Cut%3Dut%2Cosub%3Dosub%2Ccrd%3Dcrd%2Csegname%3Dsegname%2Cchnl%3Dmkcid
Not merely another copy of Aja, apparently. Just check out the detailed description in the eBay listing:
"THE BOX HAS TRACE IN GOOD CONDITION"
"ALL TAPES ARE RECORDED IN 70-80 YEARS GENERATION FROM MASTER TAPE"
"Sourced from original Tape One Mastering Studio Master"
...and, as if all that's still not enough...
"Sticked Hi Quality Color Copy Of The Master"
"No sticky-shedding"
....But WAIT!...if you order now, you also get...
"SOUND GREAT!!!"
"SORRY NO REFUND"
Date: Tues, January 18, 2022, 13:20:00 ET
Posted by: Tony, tony
thought it was Walter getting whacked in that photo
Date: Mon, January 17, 2022, 13:43:52 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill
Ange-
we know why there's 12 tracks, Walter explained it.
as for the photos:
front cover, a picture of Walter. seems self-explanatory
back cover, a smashed windshield which also appears in the booklet and on the CD itself. see the first definition of "whack" from the booklet
"punch" photo of DF. see the first definition of "whack" and DF co-produced the album
as with most things Dan-related, it's good to remember there's some humor involved.
Date: Sat, January 15, 2022, 15:20:39 ET
Posted by: Milton, W
Anyone know if the Kamakiriad mix for the Rhino trilogy collection is the original or a later one?
Date: Sat, January 15, 2022, 14:02:37 ET
Posted by: Ange Comb,
Bluebookers, forget about why there's 12 tracks instead of 11, for now.
Why are those particular pictures on the CD' front and back cover and the one of DF in the booklet?
Date: Sat, January 15, 2022, 12:16:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,
DVD-A has the same stereo Scheiner mix...and I can attest it's "Nice!"
"Naturally, my favorite version of Gaucho remains the 24-bit/96kHz 5.1 mix done by Scheiner for both its 2003 SACD and 2004 DVD-Audio"
The DVD-A stereo mixes for The Nightfly and Kamakiriad sound far more organic. Kamakiriad sounds like almost a different recording. Countermoon's mix is crazy good.
Date: Sat, January 15, 2022, 10:29:45 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
As I've mentioned here and in our sister Dandom forums many times before, the 2003 SACD Hybrid is definitive. Because it is hybrid, it does include a stereo layer ("version," if you will). It sounds great even on a standard CD player. If you can still find it, it's the one to get. At any rate, it's articles like these that explain why I (and probably many of us here) have a couple dozen copies each of both "Aja" snd "Gaucho."
Thanks for posting this article, Mike.
Date: Sat, January 15, 2022, 10:27:45 ET
Posted by: Mike,
Pretty thorough article on all the different audio formats of "Gaucho."
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/remaster-class-steely-dan-gaucho?fbclid=IwAR0bEFosFq0My_Mnlhm-aESEs30SkHvaeicx40XfYMyUzc8FSQCA_5oE_Ak
Date: Sat, January 15, 2022, 02:20:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Left of the Rio Grande
0:16 - 1:57
Everything in the history of Western Music led up to this moment. Prove me wrong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YitZ3PhFqO0
Date: Fri, January 14, 2022, 22:51:06 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!
M/O/D/P, thanks for the Duke recommendation. I made a note to pick it up.
But please, don't make me go scrambling to look up words. I'm far too old to learn new stuff. "hagiography" my ass. I didn't go to Catholic school, damnit!
Date: Fri, January 14, 2022, 07:27:41 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
M/O/D/P, I imagine that even in death you'll not escape mention of your not insignificant role in the Springsteen Dust-Up.
Date: Thurs, January 13, 2022, 22:32:25 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Musically Adrift
Terry Teachout also wrote a pretty good ("I know, because I read it") Duke Ellington biography that, apparently, rubbed some jazz fans/historians the wrong way, mostly because, apparently, it wasn't the usual expected hagiography. That assessment alone should recommend the book.
Nicholas Urfe - Well said, my friend. For my part, I certainly hope that I have lived my life such that my unabashed [sic] love for all things Steely Dan will be noted, along with (of course) my well-documented reluctance for getting into prolonged online discussions about the "music" of Bruce Springsteen, upon my eventual passing.
Date: Thurs, January 13, 2022, 18:44:20 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos
Terry Teachout, theater critic for the Wall Street Journal, died today at the young age of 65. This is from the WSJ tribute: "On Twitter, he described himself as a 'critic, biographer, playwright, director, unabashed Steely Dan fan, ardent philosemite.'"
I'm guessing that we denizens of the blue have lived such that our unabashed SD fandom will be noted when we go on to the big roundup, whatever.
Date: Tues, January 11, 2022, 18:58:07 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, CO
<<Why are there 12 tracks on 11 Tracks of Whack? >>
I’m sure there are people here who remember Fagen addressing that on that great 1994 tour introducing a WB cut from that album. Something like quintessential Walter having 12 tracks on an album called 11 Tracks of Whack. Maybe it was just the Colorado stop….I doubt it though. What a show. Huge anticipation/pent up demand. Two new WB songs. New Fagen. Two killer sets. The band was on fire.
SEP
6
1994
Steely Dan Setlist
at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, CO
Set 1:
The Royal Scam / Mr. Parker's Band / The Fez
Aja
Reelin' in the Years
Josie
Hey Nineteen
Down in the Bottom
(Walter Becker song)
Sign in Stranger
Peg
Babylon Sisters
Black Friday
Set 2:
Chain Lightning
Green Earrings
Bodhisattva
Deacon Blues
Tomorrow's Girls
(Donald Fagen song)
Hard Up Case
(Walter Becker song)
Green Flower Street
(Donald Fagen song)
Third World Man
Kid Charlemagne
Encore:
My Old School
FM (No Static at All)
Date: Mon, January 10, 2022, 15:48:24 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, Everywhere
Happy 74th birthday to Donald Fagen!
https://youtu.be/DznqCMpcQxQ
Date: Sun, January 09, 2022, 13:38:20 ET
Posted by: Ange Comb,
Why that pic on the back of the CD? Why the pic of DF in the booklet?
Date: Sat, January 08, 2022, 18:09:28 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, .
Why are there 12 tracks on 11 Tracks of Whack?
Because WB didn't think that the twelfth song was whack.
("Little Kawai")
Date: Sat, January 08, 2022, 17:15:26 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, still here
Hey Ange Comb. I have no idea of the origins of the photo. But what I see is tracks on the left and a big whack on a window with a bat on the right. Someone's attempt at creativity maybe?
My question is...why are there 12 tracks on 11 Tracks of Whack?
A belated Happy New Year! to all here.(even the Bruce haters!) Hope everyone is healthy as we await a return to normal times and more shows.
Cheers
Date: Sat, January 08, 2022, 13:19:37 ET
Posted by: Ange Comb,
This is the pic I'm referring to:
https://images.app.goo.gl/pYoUwD3ckrEBicQa8
Date: Sat, January 08, 2022, 13:12:58 ET
Posted by: Ange Comb,
Bluebookers:
Why this image on the back cover of 11 TOW?
Just curious about your takes
Date: Wed, January 05, 2022, 17:53:42 ET
Posted by: Ange Comb,
What was Walter trying to tell us with the pictures both on and in the booklet of 11TOW?
Date: Wed, January 05, 2022, 15:06:47 ET
Posted by: Dan, Research
Pretty sure this has everything you need to know.
tinyurl.com/2s38fztw
Just so you know where it points:
https://www.academia.edu/44062845/Kelley_J_L_in_press_West_of_Hollywood_Humor_as_Reparative_Work_and_Cross_Cultural_Bridge_in_the_Life_and_Work_of_Walter_Becker_Prereview_manuscript_submitted_for_publication
Date: Tues, January 04, 2022, 22:29:43 ET
Posted by: Mr. LaPage, In the den
Hope this helps:
https://walterbeckerway.com/
Date: Tues, January 04, 2022, 20:24:17 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, .
WALTER BECKER WAY ... Street Naming Ceremony
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=278858912740943
Date: Tues, January 04, 2022, 18:39:18 ET
Posted by: Daniel, NYC
Walter Becker lived on the Upper West Side.
Date: Tues, January 04, 2022, 17:25:59 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Nothing but blues & Elvis
I have no idea if this publicly-available clip answers any questions about WB's post-Hawaii NYC neighborhood, but it sure looks to me like a guy who just ducked out into the street for a quick guitar solo...then right back inside...who knows?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWLwDVjE-PY
Funny thing...this wonderfully-cool FM/Empire State Building/WB busking video has been up for almost four years now, and yet - inexplicably - has just barely hit the one thousand views mark. Hardly "Shawn Mendes" [snicker]-style numbers...or even "Housecat vs. ball-of-string"-style numbers. I attribute this obvious YooToob computer-glitch to what you'd call a "YooToob computer glitch".
As I listen - right now, at this very moment - to the absolutely brilliant Circus Money, all the way through, yet again, I can't seem to come to any other rational conclusion...
Date: Tues, January 04, 2022, 12:43:37 ET
Posted by: Mike in NYC, NYC
Chris, Thanks. I'll look for that interview. I'm curious if he lived on the Upper East Side, like Donald, or perhaps the Upper West Side, which is where I live. I was fortunate to attend the naming of the street in Forest Hills. It was sad but celebratory.
Date: Tues, January 04, 2022, 11:37:34 ET
Posted by: Chris , nh
Mike, I believe that song isn't autobiographical - he mentioned in an interview that the inspiration was (paraphrasing) an adolescent fantasy about living in a downtown loft.
Not sure where he lived in NYC post-Malibu but there's a street named after him in is Queens neighborhood ... https://walterbeckerway.com/
Date: Mon, January 03, 2022, 13:32:18 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA
Also mildly Dangential about Licorice Pizza is that Bradley Cooper played the non-fictional character Jon Peters who (as he explains in the movie)dated Barbara Streisand.
Date: Mon, January 03, 2022, 07:31:24 ET
Posted by: Stan, ee
Mike: Find the charmer, ask him which floor, add one.
Date: Sun, January 02, 2022, 15:05:40 ET
Posted by: Mike in NYC, NYC
Can anyone tell me where in Manhattan Walter lived? I've been listening to Circus Money and I'm just wondering what neighborhood he lived in. He mentions Greene Street in Downtown Canon (as in Black Cow) but I don't know if that song is autobiographical and anyway the protagonist moves out. Thanks for any info.
Date: Sat, January 01, 2022, 22:26:23 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl
Happy New Year to you Hoops. And everyone on the Blue.Good to see posts from my buddies M/O/D/P and the Dean. Desperately in need of a Danfest. Let's hope 2022 is kinder to us. Peace
Date: Sat, January 01, 2022, 21:23:40 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago
Happy new year! 🎈🎆🎊 🧨🎉🥂✨
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