Miswanderlust
Ann 1Steely Dan
August 27th 2008 04:41
In the '70s Steely Dan were two kinds of bands. The first incarnation delivered perfectly crafted pop-rock hits while the second included a jazz and funk flavor. But perfectionist founders Fagen and Becker thought the line-up never gelled as a touring band. They retreated to the studio to create a more pristine sound with assistance from some of the world's top session players.
Recently the Woz and I had the opportunity to see Steely Dan in Dallas. We were amused by the droves of middle aged men ready to rock, sporting Hawaiian shirts and white socks with sandals. We giggled when the lady seated next to me asked why the Shriners chose a Steely Dan concert for a meet up.
Steely Dan's show definitely skewed toward their jazz influences as opposed to the studio versions of their work. In their prime, Becker and Fagen had an untouchable knack for disguising complex, challenging jazz as easily digestible pop. And you may never have noticed, but within those ultra-polished groove lurks a shadow world of drugs, creeping sexual desire, and world-weariness. The evening began with the Dan’s eight-piece orchestra performing instrumental versions of "Everyone’s Gone to the Movies" and "The Fez." Becker and Fagen entered, leading three backup singers to the stage and offering "The Royal Scam." They clearly played more to the true Dan fans and ignored the Rikki or else crowd. We were impressed with their rendition of "Kid Charlemagne", “Aja”, “Black Cow”, and "Deacon Blues," as the songs were reproduced almost note-for-note.
The musicianship was immaculate: tenor, alto, trombone and trumpet all get to the chance to show their chops on solos even before Becker and Fagen took the stage. The jaw dropping special effects of guitarist Jon Herington and drummer Keith Carlock paid for the price of the tickets. The audience went wild as the set closed. Steely Dan returned for their encore of 'Pretzel Logic' and the classic 'My Old School' and both songs had the crowd on their feet.
We had a question about Becker’s midsong celebration of the libidinous powers of Cuervo Gold. Goofy. The Woz was put off about the extended jams (although integral part of their stage performance). We both agreed that Donald's voice was fading with age and his lyric memory spotty (not that the crowd cared as they “helped” Fagen all along the way). No matter, the lyrics are the thing. Gotta love the Yacht Rock. It’s the sweet glaze on a poisoned donut.
Pretzel Logic
pic by Indienote protected under Creative Commons license
Recently the Woz and I had the opportunity to see Steely Dan in Dallas. We were amused by the droves of middle aged men ready to rock, sporting Hawaiian shirts and white socks with sandals. We giggled when the lady seated next to me asked why the Shriners chose a Steely Dan concert for a meet up.
Steely Dan's show definitely skewed toward their jazz influences as opposed to the studio versions of their work. In their prime, Becker and Fagen had an untouchable knack for disguising complex, challenging jazz as easily digestible pop. And you may never have noticed, but within those ultra-polished groove lurks a shadow world of drugs, creeping sexual desire, and world-weariness. The evening began with the Dan’s eight-piece orchestra performing instrumental versions of "Everyone’s Gone to the Movies" and "The Fez." Becker and Fagen entered, leading three backup singers to the stage and offering "The Royal Scam." They clearly played more to the true Dan fans and ignored the Rikki or else crowd. We were impressed with their rendition of "Kid Charlemagne", “Aja”, “Black Cow”, and "Deacon Blues," as the songs were reproduced almost note-for-note.
The musicianship was immaculate: tenor, alto, trombone and trumpet all get to the chance to show their chops on solos even before Becker and Fagen took the stage. The jaw dropping special effects of guitarist Jon Herington and drummer Keith Carlock paid for the price of the tickets. The audience went wild as the set closed. Steely Dan returned for their encore of 'Pretzel Logic' and the classic 'My Old School' and both songs had the crowd on their feet.
We had a question about Becker’s midsong celebration of the libidinous powers of Cuervo Gold. Goofy. The Woz was put off about the extended jams (although integral part of their stage performance). We both agreed that Donald's voice was fading with age and his lyric memory spotty (not that the crowd cared as they “helped” Fagen all along the way). No matter, the lyrics are the thing. Gotta love the Yacht Rock. It’s the sweet glaze on a poisoned donut.
Pretzel Logic
pic by Indienote protected under Creative Commons license
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Wish I'd been able to see them here in Sydney.
Yacht Rock rocks!
I adore the singles FM, Hey Nineteen and Do It Again.
Can't get any better than that.
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One of my closest friend's daughter is named Aja. Chinese music under Banyan trees...
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Comment by Miswanderlust
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I am glad you liked it. The Dan is the Man! (men?)
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I fuckin' love Steely Dan.
Me too!
Wish I'd been able to see them here in Sydney.
If they get down under you gotta see 'em! (Wow that sounds dirty...sorry....ha!)
Yacht Rock rocks!
In the early 80s I worked with a concert company who would book Yacht rock bands at various venues. I worked closely with many of them. They were very nice actually and at the time had a sense of humor. They called it the "Elevator tour." They knew that in the future, their work would be relegated to elevators worldwide. I am guessing that they are pleased with their popularity especially thanks to JD Ryzner
I adore the singles FM, Hey Nineteen and Do It Again.
Can't get any better than that.
True that! The Dan's rendetion of "FM" was out of this world!
So glad to see you!
Mis
PS: Glad you like the banner!
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
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So nice to see you. Thanks for visiting, reading, and commenting. Your kind words are greatly appreciated. I noticed that the Dan was staying in the states. I am sorry that you missed them.
One of my closest friend's daughter is named Aja. Chinese music under Banyan trees...
Very interesting...I had no idea. I think it is a beautiful name!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Great to see you!
When it comes to the 70s it's hard to say who I liked. Kinda like who had the hit that week.
Me too friend.
I am going to see the Eagles next week so I will be sure to throw up a review on the blog.
I hope you are well
Mis
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
they did play down under, but I couldn't get to see them. [big sigh]
Who exactly is JD Ryzner? Did he coin the term "yacht rock" ...?
And when you say "rendition" it implies they've done a cover version ... I don't think Steely Dan have ever covered anyone. Well actually Donald Fagan covered Ruby Baby on his sublime The Nightfly solo album ...
Comment by Danceswithwords
Poetic Sedition
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Great post! I really (fucking) love Steely Dan too, and grew up with their music - literally. There isn't a Dan song that doesn't remind me of my childhood til now.
I saw the Dan in Glasgow, 2000 on their Two Against Nature tour, and so what you wrote made me smile hugely. They had Ricky Lawson playing drums on that tour, and he's a very scary piece of work, in terms of his Jazz & Soul / R&B prowess, accolades and sublime performance. Jon Herington would be a treat on his own, especially when you have fill the session musicians shoes who performed the tracks back in the 70's - the likes of Larry Carlton etc. And the surprise package for me was Jim Pugh - who played of all things trombone!! I always wondered what a trombone could do at tight eclectic jazz gig that isn't a 'big trad band'. Wow he didn't disappoint in leading a wonderful horn section, complete with saxophonist Cornelius Bumpus - who (and get this) jams in New York subways for practice ;o) Nice.
You captured their essence, and I liked that you added the part about the creepy sexual desire. I'm not sure if you've seen the Two Against Nature DVD, though both Fagen & Becker have moments where I went, gee my heroes are just a couple of dirty old men. Of course this is also demonstrated in their lyrics too...And the voyeuristic song Cousin Dupree on that album - watching his "hot" twenty something cousin waxing her skis... Hmmm.
I thought you may have mentioned these guys solo careers. No nothing illustrious - only a couple of albums each. In saying that Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" is probably one of my favourite albums of all time. "Kamakiriad" has its moments and its Fagen's voice that really gives Steely Dan it's fingerprint vocally.
Walter Becker has just released a new album this year called "Circus Money", which on first listen has some great toe tapping beats and of course his unmistakable Dan-esque guitar licks. There was also his earlier album - "11 Tracks of Whack", though IMO its more whack than track. ;o)
Thanks for this awesome post, and hi to all the Dan fans out there.
Dances
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
they did play down under, but I couldn't get to see them. [big sigh] So sorry you missed them
I first got turned onto JD on Channel 101 videos that made fun of the lives of artists known for yacht rock: Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, etc... but Ryznar started this short lived career with a love of Steely Dan
Link to more Wiki info
Here is a link to episode one of Yacht Rock videos for your viewing pleasure YouTube link
When I referred to the "rendition" of FM, it was a smarty pants remark. The Dan were "in it" 10 minutes before the crowd recognized they were playing the song "FM". (Played at the end of the concert....alcohol affect I am guessing). It was awesome!
Well actually Donald Fagan covered Ruby Baby on his sublime The Nightfly solo album ...
I will check it out!
Thanks for being such a good sport!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
So nice to meet you! Thanks so much for your kind words
There isn't a Dan song that doesn't remind me of my childhood til now.
I'm with 'ya there (for me it's my teenaged years)
Thanks for sharing your Dan experience in Glasgow with us. You are so right about the brass section. I come from a family of musicians so I for one was awestruck by their musicianship.
Speaking of dirty old men: I left out some of "intimate details" of Donald's between song banter. Creepy you ain't kidding!
Thanks so much for the reminder about their solo endeavors. I totally forgot about it! Walter played a couple of tracks from "Circus Monkey." The crowd got a bit restless (they were total plebs)
. There was also his earlier album - "11 Tracks of Whack", though IMO its more whack than track. ;o)
HAHAHAHA! I agree!
See you soon!
Mis