Zay! Steely Dan was well renowned for using the very best session musicians, after their 1974 album "Pretzel Logic"! Most of the group disbanded by then, because Donald Fagen & Walter Becker didn't want to be constantly touring! They wanted to concentrate more on the studio side of song making, while the rest of the group wanted to tour! The drummer on the Aja track is the incomparable Mr. Steve Gadd, and on saxophone the Jazz great Mr. Wayne Shorter! Who performed with the who's who of the Jazz genre, as there are far too many to mention! You've got 3 more songs to go to complete the "Aja" album, as you have done 4 so far! They are "Black Cow", "Home At Last" & "I Got The News"! Steely Dan's golden period is 1972 to 1980 which comprises 7 albums, and there are so many songs that you could react to which I'm sure will not disappoint you! Enjoy the journey! Peace my Brother!!!
Donald Fagen's stage-fright, really. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter did not want to quit touring. He departed and joined the Doobie Brothers (pre-Michael McDonald) and became even MORE legendary, THERE! (He had, already, done some studio work on Doobies albums, prior). Denny Dias (the guy who, apparently, put the ad up which led to thr initial formation OF Steely Dan (in N.Y.C.)), pretty much, stayed w/the band. He was the only one of the original members who did, throughout their tenure. Victor Feldman (the genius vibraphonist and percussionist) is the only player to play on EVERY Steely Dan recording (except for: Walter Becker & Donald Fagen). ...although he was never an "official" member of the band. His contributions are indelible. Jim Hodder was a fine drummer, but, of course: who can, really, compete with legends (or: at the time that he first recorded w/Steely Dan "soon-to-be-legend" for a, then, 17- or 18-year-old Jeff Porcaro!) such as: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie or, even, a pre-Toto, pre-Boz Scaggs, pre-michael jackson (rapist) Jeff Porcaro. It was, absolutely, Mr. Roger Nichols, the audio Engineering genius, who worked with Becker and Fagen's "insane" perfectionism (and shared it) which permitted Steely Dan albums to become "the gold standard" in that: "1974-1980 window." 🤘🤘
IMO their finest piece, an absolute masterpiece from an album masterpiece. The great Steve Gadd on drums, the legendary Wayne Shorter on sax & the amazing Larry Carlton on guitar, what can you say? Virtuosos all. Cheers
Yes, it was an incredible lineup! To me, Steve Gadd’s drumming on this is just off the charts. I believe I read or heard that he did this on his second take or something and it was all transcribed, so coming in cold and just playing this straight away in the studio. Regardless he puts on a clinic on the drums. And Shorter on the sax has such an incredible presence. And as a guitar player myself I remember always being entranced by whoever they chose to play on any particular album.
One of those songs that transports me back to 1978 or so, driving around with nothing to do and nowhere to go except maybe hanging in the woods with a keg of beer or someone’s basement. Kid Charlemagne should be next.
I grew up exposed to this as a young boy in the late seventies by my dad & uncles. They force you to use both sides of your brain at the same time. Each individual instrument by a master and everything seamlessly and elegantly produced. It took age and some maturity to understand the lyrics and the messages, however. Home at Last is the song on Aja that that stirs me but my favorite line is from Deacon Blues. “I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets, make love to these women, languid and bittersweet.” Thankfully my dad and uncles are still here and we discuss these lyrics regularly even in 2022. Impossible to have a favorite but if I am in a great mood and ready to celebrate I always play Time Out Of Mind from Gaucho. Peace and thanks for posting this video.
So much fun to see your reaction, The Dan are cream. Black Cow is the first song from this album and sets the tone for what follows. Has one of the funkiest grooves ever. And FM (No Static At All) is the epitome of Dan magic. Two must hears among the oh so many to come.
@@SoundlabStudios63 I don't know what I was trying to say because I don't even know what "are cream" means. Cream of the crop, rises to the top? I usually re-read my posts to check spelling, grammar, and clarity of thought but I guess I just didn't this time! Cream and Steely Dan are both fantastic but totally worlds apart. I'm as confused as you are.
Donald Fagen - lead vocals, synthesizer, police whistle, backing vocals Steve Gadd - drums Chuck Rainey - bass guitar Larry Carlton, Walter Becker, Denny Dias - guitars Joe Sample - Fender Rhodes Michael Omartian - piano Victor Feldman - percussion Wayne Shorter - tenor saxophone Timothy B. Schmit - backing vocals
the GREAT Dr Steve Gadd did that drum track in one take... there are so many greats out there that so many people do not know... another reason I'm grateful for the internet
50 years later this song, and Steely Dan never tires. Is there a song that even gets close to this quality production, and Rock/Jazz/Blues/Funk that Steely Dan provides? No. Name the song and it's a compound of those four descriptions. SD is their own genre, and flawless in their execution. Headphones required on the Aja album. But the Cracker Jack surprise is that ALL their albums are the prize.
Steely Dan was formed by a bunch of studio musicians getting together. Studio musicians have to be able to play any form of music. They are very tight musically speaking.
I thought there was something wrong with me because every Steely Dan song brings me to tears. But I guess it just hits my soul like you said. I get drawn into the music and it’s like I’m in a trance. No other band does that to me.
Back in the 70’s my girl played this and I was hooked forever. Got every album they released! So excited to see this generation appreciate. Long live Steely Dan!
Steve Gadd is an obviously amazing drummer...this track shows off the jazz and blues influences of both Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. My favorite Steely Dan track, by far. Great reaction.
A Steely Dan classic staple that is a must for anyone wanting to get into the Dan… knew it was coming soon just like ‘Black Hole Sun’ was for Soundgarden. Silky smooth in your reaction Zay matching the soothing silky music vibes! Keep it coming, bro’!
Quite simply, whatever Steely Dan did was the work of absolute genius. Each band member was a master of his instrument and together, they all produced sheer jazz magic. You could say, a match made in heaven.
So many great songs they do not ever disappoint your face at the end when the drums were served like a 5 course meal says it all they are perfectionists
You are right to love them Man - one of the most talented bands of the last 50 years,. Great musicians, clever and often funny lyrics, jazz and rock and blues influences...and totally unique. Listen to all their work. Pretzel logic and Katy Lied are underrated albums imo. But they are all just brilliant. Keep up the good work. Its so good to see younger cats getting into this tremendous work.
The Aja album is a timeless classic. The song is one of their best. Zay, if you haven’t already, please do a reaction of the song Peg. Jay Grayson’s guitar solo is considered by professional musicians and listeners alike, as one of the very best, period. Big shoutout to both you and Zel. Love the choices and the channel. Regards to all.
Great reaction to one of the most intelligent bands of the '70s and early 80s. Best session musicians jammed with them. Always in my top three along with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Any order will do! They're all incredible.
This was groundbreaking when it came out, and still reverberates after all these years. For some hard hitting rock check out Black Friday by Steely Dan and some stellar guitar work.
I've Loved this song from the first time hearing this back in highschool. I was shock to fall for this Jam being I was Hardcore Heavy Metal Head 😂 Low key, It got me emotional. Imagine that. 😉😎✌️☮️ Peace Lil Brother.
Love your reaction to this. Walter Becker referred to the song Aja as dangerously ambitious. This is the epitome of late 70s pop music. And it stands the test of time!
Aja is a perfect album. So perfect that studio engineers still use it to test out their monitors (speakers). Sonically gorgeous, intricate and phenomenal!
As I've said before, all of Steely Dan songs are epic. They're all different. AJA is one of my favorites because of its complexity. Two more songs that you have to listen to are Black Cow and FM. Both are awesome.
Some more great SD songs: Kid Charlemagne, Green Earrings, Bodhisattva, Any Major Dude, Black Cow, My Old School, The Caves of Altamira, The Fez and so many more!
All their songs are great. This one was a peak though!. Do more - I defy you to find one that you dislike. America's Beatles (1970s) with more cryptic and darker lyrics and insane levels of quality control. Donald has *the* perfect voice and phrasing too: What's not loveable about that?
I can't tell you how many times me and my business partner listened to hours of Steely Dan while on your floor jobs. Of course, being in my 60's I had the privilege of hearing them as they evolved. Aja is a particularly exquisite jazz/rock masterpiece about an oriental woman, the wife of Donald Fagan's friend, with whom he was impressed and inspired to write this song. Truly incredible drum work, the sax, the synth, the Larry Carlton guitar work. Never gets old. So glad that it touches your young soul like it does my old one. Steely Dan is as much lyrical art as the music. Check out Don't Take Me Alive, Kid Charlamagne. Mr. Parkers Band - a tribute to Charlie Parker. One thing that you will notice about Steely Dan is the cast of unwholesome characters that populate their imaginative lyrical landscape. For instance - Daddy Don't Live in New York City No More - a tale of some hood rat fat cat who disappears "Daddy can't get no fine cigars but we know you're smoking wherever you are. Daddy don't live in that New York City no more. Don't Take Me Alive describes the scene of a guy who "crossed my ole man back in Oregon, don't take me alive" I got a case of dynamite. I could hold out here all night". Charlie Freak had but one thing to call his own. Three weighed ounce, pure golden ring, O precious stone. A tale of a homeless man, told by the guy who bought his ring "for chicken feed" who uses the money to live large for a day and OD's. Kid Charlamagne is about a meth cooker. Bodhisattva is about blindly following a religious guru. Reeling in the Years - Fagan wrote about his girlfriend who had broken up with him after a long relationship. FM - "nothing but blues and Elvis and somebody else's favorite song" "FM, no static at all" The sordid characters list goes on and on. Steely Dan always included superb guitar, drums, bass, keyboard etc.
Donald Fagan (piano and vocals) and Walter Becker (guitar and vocals) really comprised Steely Dan - all of the other musicians were session players. Aja was released in 1977. It was an instant hit. Donald Fagan is still living - Walter Becker died in 2017.
The drummer was the incomparable Steve Gadd. The saxophonist was the legendary Wayne Shorter. Every song you listen to by Steely Dan (with the possible exception of "With a Gun") will be a delight. All of the music was written by Donald Fagen, and all of the amazing lyrics were written by the late Walter Becker. Those two (along with their producer Gary Katz) WERE Steely Dan.
Whole lp, MFSL half speed mastered is amazing. Steve Gadd ..😳 all their early stuff is legend. You've never heard nothing like Steve Gadd. This is the door. Listen for more of his stuff.
Another one of my favorites, of course they don't have one bad song that l know of. Again l'm going to say that my kids used to call this Sunday morning music 🎶 🎵 👌 can't wait to see Zel's reaction when you show him this one 👍
I was 17 years old when this album came out and it changed the trajectory of my musical tastes. All these years later, it's still one of my all-time favorites. It's a joy to watch someone fall in love with the music of my life (and it's quite obvious that you love it). Thanks for your video, it made me smile with understanding. 😉
Great reaction! Reminds me of the first time I listened to it many years ago. My roommate thought I was having a seizure, lol. What a great song, thanks for sharing!
Glad you appreciate the amazing talent of Steely Dan. Please listen to "Don't Take Me Alive" from The Royal Scam album. You'll love the first two songs on that album. Thanks for listening to these amazing song.
Wayne Shorter initially didn't want to do this gig. He's the sax player for the solo's. This is a super heavy weight jazz cat. This guy has had many seminal jazz albums out, he's played with Miles Davis, he's played with Weather Report. This is a serious freaking jazz dude. He was afraid they were going to try and tell him what to play, and he didn't want any part of that. He finally agreed to do the gig. He went into the studio, and they started telling him what the changes were etc., he just said, play the track down where you want me to solo on. They did. Roll tape, and he nailed it, knocked it out of the park. He was golden. It was a keeper.
EVERY...SINGLE...SONG on this album was straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Make sure you get to Black Cow, and especially Home At Last. The intro to Home AT Last will make u do a stank face!!!!!!
Steve Gadd from here , Rochester New York on drums , Wayne Shorter on sax.. 2 among the best ! Rochester is home to the Eastman Scool of Music and hosts an International Jazz Festival every summer
As much art as it is music. Hard to put Steely Dan into words that don't come up short. They are in a league of their own.
ABSOLUTELY BROTHER
So Many 🔥Hits
Fair statement, well said.
Zay! Steely Dan was well renowned for using the very best session musicians, after their 1974 album "Pretzel Logic"! Most of the group disbanded by then, because Donald Fagen & Walter Becker didn't want to be constantly touring! They wanted to concentrate more on the studio side of song making, while the rest of the group wanted to tour! The drummer on the Aja track is the incomparable Mr. Steve Gadd, and on saxophone the Jazz great Mr. Wayne Shorter! Who performed with the who's who of the Jazz genre, as there are far too many to mention! You've got 3 more songs to go to complete the "Aja" album, as you have done 4 so far! They are "Black Cow", "Home At Last" & "I Got The News"! Steely Dan's golden period is 1972 to 1980 which comprises 7 albums, and there are so many songs that you could react to which I'm sure will not disappoint you! Enjoy the journey! Peace my Brother!!!
Donald Fagen's stage-fright, really.
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter did not want to quit touring.
He departed and joined the Doobie Brothers (pre-Michael McDonald) and became even MORE legendary, THERE! (He had, already, done some studio work on Doobies albums, prior).
Denny Dias (the guy who, apparently, put the ad up which led to thr initial formation OF Steely Dan (in N.Y.C.)), pretty much, stayed w/the band. He was the only one of the original members who did, throughout their tenure.
Victor Feldman (the genius vibraphonist and percussionist) is the only player to play on EVERY Steely Dan recording (except for: Walter Becker & Donald Fagen). ...although he was never an "official" member of the band.
His contributions are indelible.
Jim Hodder was a fine drummer, but, of course: who can, really, compete with legends (or: at the time that he first recorded w/Steely Dan "soon-to-be-legend" for a, then, 17- or 18-year-old Jeff Porcaro!) such as: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie or, even, a pre-Toto, pre-Boz Scaggs, pre-michael jackson (rapist) Jeff Porcaro.
It was, absolutely, Mr. Roger Nichols, the audio Engineering genius, who worked with Becker and Fagen's "insane" perfectionism (and shared it) which permitted Steely Dan albums to become "the gold standard" in that: "1974-1980 window."
🤘🤘
Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' In the Years, Black Friday, Kid Charlemagne
Ditto
IMO their finest piece, an absolute masterpiece from an album masterpiece. The great Steve Gadd on drums, the legendary Wayne Shorter on sax & the amazing Larry Carlton on guitar, what can you say? Virtuosos all. Cheers
Yes, it was an incredible lineup! To me, Steve Gadd’s drumming on this is just off the charts. I believe I read or heard that he did this on his second take or something and it was all transcribed, so coming in cold and just playing this straight away in the studio. Regardless he puts on a clinic on the drums. And Shorter on the sax has such an incredible presence. And as a guitar player myself I remember always being entranced by whoever they chose to play on any particular album.
@@IDriveAnAudi ... The Dan never cheaped out on guitar work, never.
Denny takes the solo...his last appearance with the group he founded, sublime as always.
One of my favorite performances by drummer Steve Gadd
Long live the king!🫅
Steely Dan's greatest song is whichever one you've just listened to. That's how good they were.
Here's the thing...
Steely Dan doesn't REALLY have a single shitty song! 💯😎 They're just THAT DAMNED GOOD!
I love watching peoples reaction when Wayne Shorter and Steve Gadd solo together...pure magic right there.
Two Master musicians practicing the Craft!
You get it!!!! Some people don't even realize how good the drumming is on this track!!!!
Pink Floyd "Shine on you crazy diamond" has one of the best sax solos I've ever heard. It was played by a studio musician...
It is, but I like the sax in Us And Them even more 😊
They are truth! The GOATS of Jazz/Rock Fusion! 😎👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
One of those songs that transports me back to 1978 or so, driving around with nothing to do and nowhere to go except maybe hanging in the woods with a keg of beer or someone’s basement. Kid Charlemagne should be next.
I grew up exposed to this as a young boy in the late seventies by my dad & uncles. They force you to use both sides of your brain at the same time. Each individual instrument by a master and everything seamlessly and elegantly produced. It took age and some maturity to understand the lyrics and the messages, however. Home at Last is the song on Aja that that stirs me but my favorite line is from Deacon Blues. “I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets, make love to these women, languid and bittersweet.” Thankfully my dad and uncles are still here and we discuss these lyrics regularly even in 2022. Impossible to have a favorite but if I am in a great mood and ready to celebrate I always play Time Out Of Mind from Gaucho. Peace and thanks for posting this video.
So much fun to see your reaction, The Dan are cream. Black Cow is the first song from this album and sets the tone for what follows. Has one of the funkiest grooves ever. And FM (No Static At All) is the epitome of Dan magic. Two must hears among the oh so many to come.
Black Cow is a great one. FM. Green Earrings. Kid Charlemagne. Many others
🤨??? I could have Sworn Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker were Cream
@@SoundlabStudios63 I don't know what I was trying to say because I don't even know what "are cream" means. Cream of the crop, rises to the top? I usually re-read my posts to check spelling, grammar, and clarity of thought but I guess I just didn't this time! Cream and Steely Dan are both fantastic but totally worlds apart. I'm as confused as you are.
It was a joke 😝
@@SoundlabStudios63 LOL, got it!!! 😁
Donald Fagen - lead vocals, synthesizer, police whistle, backing vocals
Steve Gadd - drums
Chuck Rainey - bass guitar
Larry Carlton, Walter Becker, Denny Dias - guitars
Joe Sample - Fender Rhodes
Michael Omartian - piano
Victor Feldman - percussion
Wayne Shorter - tenor saxophone
Timothy B. Schmit - backing vocals
the GREAT Dr Steve Gadd did that drum track in one take... there are so many greats out there that so many people do not know... another reason I'm grateful for the internet
Now you’re onto the cream of the crop! You have excellent musical taste! That Steve Gadd drum solo at the end and throughout is incredible!!!!!🔥🔥🔥
Beautiful, complex, mystical soul song. Love your reactions!
✊🏽❤️
The outro on Aja is one of the best and leaves you wanting more. And you are right that Steely Dan's music IS deep.
Steve Gadd on drums did that tune in one take! It's legendary in the industry
50 years later this song, and Steely Dan never tires. Is there a song that even gets close to this quality production, and Rock/Jazz/Blues/Funk that Steely Dan provides? No. Name the song and it's a compound of those four descriptions. SD is their own genre, and flawless in their execution. Headphones required on the Aja album. But the Cracker Jack surprise is that ALL their albums are the prize.
Steely Dan was formed by a bunch of studio musicians getting together. Studio musicians have to be able to play any form of music. They are very tight musically speaking.
there's a documentary on CZcams about the making this album and it's really good it's the band members
I thought there was something wrong with me because every Steely Dan song brings me to tears. But I guess it just hits my soul like you said. I get drawn into the music and it’s like I’m in a trance. No other band does that to me.
This entire album is a masterpiece! And when you consider this was recorded in 1977 the production is unbelievable!
Back in the 70’s my girl played this and I was hooked forever. Got every album they released! So excited to see this generation appreciate. Long live Steely Dan!
Can't Buy a Thrill is my favorite Steely Dan album. Anything from that would be a groove.
They have the best session musicians; only the best.
Steve Gadd is an obviously amazing drummer...this track shows off the jazz and blues influences of both Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. My favorite Steely Dan track, by far. Great reaction.
A Steely Dan classic staple that is a must for anyone wanting to get into the Dan… knew it was coming soon just like ‘Black Hole Sun’ was for Soundgarden. Silky smooth in your reaction Zay matching the soothing silky music vibes! Keep it coming, bro’!
you summed up your feelings very well. Many of us have felt the same way for 50 years.
Quite simply, whatever Steely Dan did was the work of absolute genius. Each band member was a master of his instrument and together, they all produced sheer jazz magic. You could say, a match made in heaven.
So many great songs they do not ever disappoint your face at the end when the drums were served like a 5 course meal says it all they are perfectionists
You are right to love them Man - one of the most talented bands of the last 50 years,. Great musicians, clever and often funny lyrics, jazz and rock and blues influences...and totally unique. Listen to all their work. Pretzel logic and Katy Lied are underrated albums imo. But they are all just brilliant.
Keep up the good work. Its so good to see younger cats getting into this tremendous work.
The Aja album is a timeless classic. The song is one of their best. Zay, if you haven’t already, please do a reaction of the song Peg. Jay Grayson’s guitar solo is considered by professional musicians and listeners alike, as one of the very best, period. Big shoutout to both you and Zel. Love the choices and the channel. Regards to all.
And Michael McDonald’s singing backup!
@@TheDivayenta So true Karen. There really is no mistaking his voice, or denying his huge talents. Hope this finds you well. 🤘😎
@@ronaldelliott4373 Thankyou so much! I wish you the same fellow Danster!
@@TheDivayenta Right on Karen! Your friend in all things music. See ya round the neighborhood. 👈
He did Peg already. Loved it!
The only problem with this song is that it ends.
This song is pretty musically complex, but smooth and groovy at the same time..
Great reaction to one of the most intelligent bands of the '70s and early 80s. Best session musicians jammed with them. Always in my top three along with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Any order will do! They're all incredible.
Steve Gadd played only two takes for the out fade drumming the first one is what you here on the record that’s how amazing this solo really is !
The perfect intersection of brilliant song writing and excellent musicianship 😎🙏👍♥️
This was groundbreaking when it came out, and still reverberates after all these years.
For some hard hitting rock check out Black Friday by Steely Dan and some stellar guitar work.
Yes sir.
This one "checks all the Boxes"...the entire album that is - on top of this ridiculous track .
At 3:36 in the song they have a whistle. I thought that was a nice touch.
I've Loved this song from the first time hearing this back in highschool. I was shock to fall for this Jam being I was Hardcore Heavy Metal Head 😂 Low key, It got me emotional. Imagine that. 😉😎✌️☮️
Peace Lil Brother.
I love that lyric where he asks the guy "Where'd you get those shoes?"😆
Love your reaction to this. Walter Becker referred to the song Aja as dangerously ambitious. This is the epitome of late 70s pop music. And it stands the test of time!
Recommending a few SD gems, “Bodhittsava, Ricki Don’t Lose that Number, Haitian Divorce, Sign in Stranger”. Solid mind-blowers.
"Aja"........an all time top 5 GOAT album for me.
This is Perfection a Masterpiece from the Great Steely Dan 💫❤️☝️ thanks for the reaction bro 💫☝️
This album has been blowing me away for over 40 years.
THANKS BRO!!!!! STEVE GADD ON DRUMS HERE, ONE OF THE VERY BEST ON THE PLANET!!!!!👍
Aja is a perfect album. So perfect that studio engineers still use it to test out their monitors (speakers). Sonically gorgeous, intricate and phenomenal!
It only hits your heart and the soul if you have your heart and soul invested in Jazz and Blues. They pull you in on those levels.
As I've said before, all of Steely Dan songs are epic. They're all different. AJA is one of my favorites because of its complexity. Two more songs that you have to listen to are Black Cow and FM. Both are awesome.
Now you doing it Bra!! Prepare to blown away by the Dan! Go heels
Some more great SD songs: Kid Charlemagne, Green Earrings, Bodhisattva, Any Major Dude, Black Cow, My Old School, The Caves of Altamira, The Fez and so many more!
Loved your reaction zay, you can't go wrong with their music, been a big fan since the beginning till now , just great MUSIC ,
Love your passion to my generations greatest band
Steve Gadd on drums ..Wayne shorter on sax 🎷
Really Love your genuine, heartfelt reactions to these incredible musicians, performances and compositions / recordings!
Thank you.
It brings Joy!
"Black Cow" off this album, is stellar too!
utter brilliance
That's how it works you can't get get enough. Rip Walter Becker.
'The gift that keeps on giving...'
Look for Steve GADD drum solos,
BLOW YOUR MIND!!!!
Welcome to the rabbit hole that is, Steely Dan.
STEELY DAN - "Home At Last"
(based around Homer's "The Odyssey")
😘😘😘😘💋💋💙💜💗💓💕🤯🤯🤯
Great band in a class of their own. You also need to do "Black Cow"
This song is sooo meditative !
Best band EVER !!!!!!
That entire album is #1
In my eyes……. Definitely
My favorite !!!!!! 😘
All their songs are great. This one was a peak though!. Do more - I defy you to find one that you dislike. America's Beatles (1970s) with more cryptic and darker lyrics and insane levels of quality control. Donald has *the* perfect voice and phrasing too: What's not loveable about that?
I can't tell you how many times me and my business partner listened to hours of Steely Dan while on your floor jobs.
Of course, being in my 60's I had the privilege of hearing them as they evolved.
Aja is a particularly exquisite jazz/rock masterpiece about an oriental woman, the wife of Donald Fagan's friend, with whom he was impressed and inspired to write this song.
Truly incredible drum work, the sax, the synth, the Larry Carlton guitar work. Never gets old.
So glad that it touches your young soul like it does my old one.
Steely Dan is as much lyrical art as the music.
Check out Don't Take Me Alive, Kid Charlamagne. Mr. Parkers Band - a tribute to Charlie Parker.
One thing that you will notice about Steely Dan is the cast of unwholesome characters that populate their imaginative lyrical landscape.
For instance - Daddy Don't Live in New York City No More - a tale of some hood rat fat cat who disappears "Daddy can't get no fine cigars but we know you're smoking wherever you are. Daddy don't live in that New York City no more.
Don't Take Me Alive describes the scene of a guy who "crossed my ole man back in Oregon, don't take me alive" I got a case of dynamite. I could hold out here all night".
Charlie Freak had but one thing to call his own. Three weighed ounce, pure golden ring, O precious stone. A tale of a homeless man, told by the guy who bought his ring "for chicken feed" who uses the money to live large for a day and OD's.
Kid Charlamagne is about a meth cooker. Bodhisattva is about blindly following a religious guru.
Reeling in the Years - Fagan wrote about his girlfriend who had broken up with him after a long relationship.
FM - "nothing but blues and Elvis and somebody else's favorite song" "FM, no static at all"
The sordid characters list goes on and on. Steely Dan always included superb guitar, drums, bass, keyboard etc.
Donald Fagan (piano and vocals) and Walter Becker (guitar and vocals) really comprised Steely Dan - all of the other musicians were session players. Aja was released in 1977. It was an instant hit. Donald Fagan is still living - Walter Becker died in 2017.
And Steve Gadd KILLS the drums :)
Probably my favorite album of all my life. Never get tired of listening to any and all cuts on this album.
Fantastic Album... probably the best song on it.... beautiful, jazzy! Home at Last on this album is a must to listen asap!!
Steve Gadd is a genius. His work here is incredible.
To me, the most epic song EVER in pop music. Period.
Third World Man is chill af!
The drummer was the incomparable Steve Gadd. The saxophonist was the legendary Wayne Shorter. Every song you listen to by Steely Dan (with the possible exception of "With a Gun") will be a delight. All of the music was written by Donald Fagen, and all of the amazing lyrics were written by the late Walter Becker. Those two (along with their producer Gary Katz) WERE Steely Dan.
Whole lp, MFSL half speed mastered is amazing. Steve Gadd ..😳 all their early stuff is legend. You've never heard nothing like Steve Gadd. This is the door. Listen for more of his stuff.
Another one of my favorites, of course they don't have one bad song that l know of. Again l'm going to say that my kids used to call this Sunday morning music 🎶 🎵 👌 can't wait to see Zel's reaction when you show him this one 👍
I was 17 years old when this album came out and it changed the trajectory of my musical tastes. All these years later, it's still one of my all-time favorites. It's a joy to watch someone fall in love with the music of my life (and it's quite obvious that you love it). Thanks for your video, it made me smile with understanding. 😉
That song is a masterpiece in its musicianship and its perfectly executed technical beauty.
"FM" is the definition of smoooth.....
Love Steely Dan and the Tar Heels!!
Another good blues rock funk mix is Sugarloaf - Green Eyed Lady ........awesome tune
Great reaction! Reminds me of the first time I listened to it many years ago. My roommate thought I was having a seizure, lol. What a great song, thanks for sharing!
Dig deep. Love it!
You can't un-know that! Welcome to the Dan. First time I heard this was in the dorm at UNC, 1978. Go Heels!
epic musicianship... epic everything
and the ending drum solo 💯💯
Home at last and Aja are my 1A and 2A tracks on this album.
I loved watching your joyous reaction to this incredible recording--peak Dan!
Glad you appreciate the amazing talent of Steely Dan. Please listen to "Don't Take Me Alive" from The Royal Scam album. You'll love the first two songs on that album. Thanks for listening to these amazing song.
My favorite Steely Dan song. Looking forward to this : )
Watching you lose your mind at the outro was worth it all!
Wayne Shorter initially didn't want to do this gig. He's the sax player for the solo's. This is a super heavy weight jazz cat. This guy has had many seminal jazz albums out, he's played with Miles Davis, he's played with Weather Report. This is a serious freaking jazz dude. He was afraid they were going to try and tell him what to play, and he didn't want any part of that. He finally agreed to do the gig. He went into the studio, and they started telling him what the changes were etc., he just said, play the track down where you want me to solo on. They did. Roll tape, and he nailed it, knocked it out of the park. He was golden. It was a keeper.
EVERY...SINGLE...SONG on this album was straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Make sure you get to Black Cow, and especially Home At Last. The intro to Home AT Last will make u do a stank face!!!!!!
thats the way i felt when i heard this in the day🤘
Steve Gadd from here , Rochester New York on drums , Wayne Shorter on sax.. 2 among the best ! Rochester is home to the Eastman Scool of Music and hosts an International Jazz Festival every summer