Steely Dan graces WAMU Theater in Seattle, July 2, 2011
It’s not possible to exaggerate when describing Steely Dan’s show in Seattle last week. Called the “Shuffle Diplomacy Twenty Eleven” tour, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker and their group couldn’t have played a more astounding concert. Are they Jazz? Rock? Funk? Blues? Pop? The definition of Fusion.
Classics like the poignant “Hey 19,” the simultaneously driving and haunting “Aja,” and a very funky “When Josie Comes Home,” all hit the groove beyond our wildest dreams. With the first notes of each song I was amazed at the breadth and depth of Steely Dan's body of work. No wonder the Wamu Theater was packed to the rafters with about 2,000 lucky fans.
I was mesmerized by Fagen’s tremendous writing and arranging, as all the players proved they are the absolute best of their class, from the crisp horn section to the thunderous bass and spot-on lead guitar of Jon Herington. I happen to love Walter Becker's warm sounding Fender expression, too. And it was fun to watch the three backup singers dance and groove while they added their rich soprano harmonies. It was hard to believe this was the first show of their tour, they were so incredibly sharp and tight.
I was mesmerized by Fagen’s tremendous writing and arranging, as all the players proved they are the absolute best of their class, from the crisp horn section to the thunderous bass and spot-on lead guitar of Jon Herington. I happen to love Walter Becker's warm sounding Fender expression, too. And it was fun to watch the three backup singers dance and groove while they added their rich soprano harmonies. It was hard to believe this was the first show of their tour, they were so incredibly sharp and tight.
The group of top players dubbed the “Miles High Band” (ode to Miles Davis?) feature the “Embassy Brats.” The “Band” and “Brats” include Jon Herington (guitar); Freddie Washington (bass); Keith Carlock (drums); Michael Leonhart, Walt Weiskopf, Roger Rosenberg and Jim Pugh (horns); Jim Beard (keys); with singers Tawatha Agee, Carolyn Escoffery and Catherine Russell.
Check out their new song, “The Bear” on YouTube.
Check out their new song, “The Bear” on YouTube.
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