The drummer was Steve Gadd, considered one of the best jazz drummers alive. The sax was played by Wayne Shorter, who played with Miles Davis and in the group Weather Report.
This song was like Steve Gadd’s coming out party: if you didn’t know who he was before, you sure did now. To couple his solo with Wayne Shorter’s was genius. I couldn’t believe my ears when I would hear rock, jazz, and r&b radio stations all playing this song… amazing crossover appeal.
At the time, 1977, Aja was the most expensive album to have ever been produced. It won the Grammy for best Engineering/Production and is still the standard today for stereophiles.
So far we’ve heard 3 songs off the album and I must say they are engineered and produced very well. Their sound soothes my soul!! Thanks for watching!!
Money well spent too for sure. Was born in 1964 and when CDs first came out this was easily one of the first ones I bought. Avalon by Roxy Music and Diamond Life by Sade. Roll up a big fattie and play them all night long. Timeless music
“Chinese music” was a slang word given to be-bop jazz by folks who didn’t understand or get the beauty of that jazz genre. Steely Dan were huge jazz fans
@@cameron_fairchild During the depression , and even after, girls would go to certain clubs where guys would pay a dime a dance to enjoy their company .
There’s ABSOLUTELY structure to the parts you thought had no structure. In fact it’s SO structured that it SOUNDS unstructured. All of the studio musicians in those moments new EXACTLY where they were in the music and the song, because they were THAT professional and top notch. There’s a big difference between “so structured it SOUNDS unstructured ”and a “musical train-wreck” which this song definitely isn’t. It’s simply a beautifully inspired and ambitious piece of music, and a true masterpiece. 👍🏼🎸❤️😎
Amazing, for a band of Pro Session Players hired to play the complex Fagan/Becker Arrangements, and they ALL Fit in their Space.....Perfectly! Cutting Edge Music Arrangement met with Pros that rise to a daunting Challenge. The Swells, the Fades, the Horn Stabs, the Guitar,and Bass Solos, and the EPIC Steve Gadd Drum Samba......there is no weak tracks anywhere on this Album. Masterpiece, performed by Virtuosos.
Rick Beato does an incredible breakdown on this song. I was thrilled to learn that final iconic chord ! New sub! Keep enjoying the greatness that is Steely Dan- the entire album is flawless. This song’s musical journey is very much jazz.
I just watched an interview with the piano player the other day and he told us that they didn't know what he was going to do. Donald just told him to "do some fill's" in this part etc. Classic!!
All Rise! - to get Wayne Shorter to play AND Steve Gadd together - genius. Explore Wayne Shorter. Weather Report w Jaco Pastorious. Wayne Shorter from another world - eddie Harris, Ben Webster, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett w Miles had the privilege to see them w Daryl Jones twice in a small room. PDX. You guys do a great job.
You got it - this is the kind of album made for smoking with your buddies - turn down the lights and chill. It won the Grammy for 'Best Engineered Recording' - the use of space in the arrangement and in the mix is mind-blowing. The album was produced by Gary Katz, and master engineer Roger Nichols. It's still used as a reference recording by engineers today. Thanks for the reaction!
Donald Fagen - lead vocals, synthesizer, police whistle. Steve Gadd - drums. Victor Feldman - percussion, vibraphone. Chuck Rainey - bass guitar. Walter Becker, Denny Dias and Larry Carlton - guitars. Michael Omartian - piano. Joe Sample - electric piano. Save the rest of AJA for your live, but check out some of their other work..."Kid Charlemagne ", "Don't Take Me Alive", "Ba ylon Sisters", "Time Out of Mind", "Bodhisattva", "Sign In Stranger", "Bad Sneakers", Everything Must Go", to name just a few.....
This is the first reaction i've seen where someone actually understands how complex the musical arrangement is, and how it is basically several songs mashed together, where you never know where it's going. This isn't my favorite Steely Dan song, but it's definitely the most complex and interesting. This is actually a masterpiece that i've come to appreciate more and more with each new listen.
Well except for the first album, maybe two, when they had a set band before Donald and Walter went off on their own. Remember that Skunk Baxter was a founding member of Steely Dan before he left and joined the Doobie Brothers.
I would agree that Wayne Shorter Sax and Steve Gadd drums are the feature musicians in this master class performance. However, let's give some love to Denny Dias for his amazing guitar work. It was subtle but healthy. So glad you enjoyed! that means more to come! Home at Last, Deacon Blues and Josie are also excellent. All the best
I stumbled across an interview (print) with Donald Fagen about the song Aja. He described it as a "trip through San Fransico". Up and down the hills, through different neighborhoods, hearing all the sounds as they go. Including a police whistle.. Who knows if he was kidding or not. Steve Gadd is just fantastic...
The tenor player is Wayne Shorter(he played with Miles) he was a beast! He died today... 😪 The drummer is Steve Gadd. Monster drummer! Dime dancing is the term used in my day where you’re looking for heroin.
This is my first time watching you guys. I have been a Steely Dan fan since Reeling in the Years first hit the radio when I was 19. (That really shows my age! Let's just say I am over 70 now.) What a joy it is to see you enjoying this music for the first time! Some of your observations about how many rides this song takes you on were right on point. I enjoyed reliving that realization so much, I laughed in complete delight. Re: your remarks on the great three songs of AJA that you heard so far - Hang on to your hats. Fagan and Becker never wrote a mediocre song. They were all at the top of their game. So, yes, Donald Fagan and Walter Becker started Steely Dan, (which is British slang for a cold dildo.) They were an actual band for the first two (?) albums, if I remember correctly. Then they stopped playing live and worked only in the studio with all the best session players. EVERYONE wanted to play on their albums. I remember the rumors going around when they were in the studio recording AJA. There were little whispers here and there about who would be the next sax player they would try out for the solo, etc. Their superlative sound is credited to the master, Roger Nichols, their engineer and producer, who was originally a rocket scientist - I kid you not! He was a complete genius, and one of the funniest people you ever wanted to meet. I had the tremendous good fortune to work in the studio with him several times, and came to love him dearly as a friend. I worked on the album Gaucho which, on many days, is my favorite Dan song. I remember sitting in front of the monitors, listening to the final mix of Gaucho for the first time. I felt the energy of it moving up my spine. It was a transcendent few minutes, to say the least. So I have a request for you. I would like you to compare Steely Dan's Gaucho with Little Feat's Gringo. You might find some interesting parallels there. If you are unfamiliar with Little Feat, they were a band which was started by Lowell George, who came out of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. Zappa was another genius (though not my particular cup of tea, so to speak.) who insisted on using only the very best musicians. The story goes that Frank gave Lowell his walking papers. He told Lowell that he was far too talented to be a sideman in his band, so he cut him loose to sink or swim. Well, he swam beautifully for a time. But sadly, Lowell passed early on. Little Feat went on without him, and they were a REALLY fun band, but the edge was gone. I would be really interested to hear what you have to say about these two songs. And who knows, you just might add another band to your favorites. Thanks for your enthusiasm in what you do. :)
Thank you so much for your insight and experiences with the Dan. Being with them in the studio must have been like getting an audience with the pope, so I hope you continue to share your memories with us. And yes, La & Che have reacted to Little Feat, but not Gringo as you suggested.
I have played this track since I was 8 years old. It’s tricky. Steve is such an amazing drummer. I thank them for making me a good drummer. Like everything, it takes hard work.
One of the guitarists on this album said that Donald and Walter wanted to take the performances on this record "beyond perfection" so that they "sounded almost improvised." I'd say they accomplished what they set out to do! Glad you dudes like it.
This album was considered by many to be close to perfection. I love every song on this album. Every one. Having said that, I can't tell you that this is my favorite Steely Dan album! That distinction would go to The Royal Scam album which preceded this one by a year. You'll likewise appreciate the music, albeit a more rock like fusion. Check it out,(do yourself a favor),I suggest Kid Charlemagne, and Green Earrings first. I'm with you. Newly subscribed and along for the ride! I had both of the aforementioned albums when they were current. Both are fantastic masterpieces. Dive deep and enjoy the music!
Thanks for watching!!! We are 3 songs deep in to the Aja album. We might go live and listen to the rest but I am really enjoying this dive. I actually have heard the Royal Scam. A couple songs. I’m sure there are more on that album we can dive into as well. Thanks again!!
I'd say R&B. Steely Dan used rock instruments, especially on the first 4 albums...but they were always R&B with jazz accents IMO. In other words, nothing to do with the Beatles or Zeppelin.
The name AJA comes from a friend of Walter Beckers joined the Army,and when he returned after the Army he brought a Vietnimise Wife back with him named Aja, Donald Fagan became fascinated with the name and named the Album ( And hence the title Track) AJA in honor of her name
Yes, there's Asian-sounding melodic lines, along with chinese instrumentation. Just beautiful! ❤️ I have the original vinyl and played it a lot, back when it came out, but it still sounds fresh and vibrant to me. Wonderful memories of that time. One more thing: what a stupendously stunning outtro. I didn't want it to end.
If I have a favorite song, Aja is it. As a drummer I can tell you - that drum part is legendary. You guys are great to watch because you get it. The nuances aren't wasted on you guys at all. Fun video.
Also a drummer here. Between this song and Gaucho, you have two of the best examples of drumming ever put on record-and at both extremes. Aja with an all-out solo, and Gaucho with Porcaro’s incredible sense of timing, groove, and holding back when needed to create tension. Fantastic both. 🙌🏼
Aja means “of Magdala”, “torch”, “beautiful”, “light”, “bright” and “shining” (from Alena), “cold spring” in Sami, “east” in Afro-American” and “he-goat” or “she-goat” (from Sanskrit). In Greenland, Aja means “maternal aunt” and in Hebrew it means “hawk” or “buzzard”.
I saw Steve Gadd play with Chuck Mangione in 82' at SPAC .They played for 3 hours of every kind of Jazz that Chuck had in the bag.His drumming split the night with clear precision.Chuck intro him as The world's greatest drummer.I wouldn't argue
When they talk about music as art, this is by far the best example! Supreme masters of their craft all at the top of their game. Just brilliantly done!!!!!
Youngsters today don't understand, they really don't know good music till they know old good music, this is possibly one of the three greatest albums of all time, a musical masterpiece, get familiar, you gone elevate your whole understanding of jazz and composure with this album
I was just thinking the same!! Almost all YES songs take you through several transitions... movements and a weaving of stories through each melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic change. Lots of intricate time signatures.
I love Anita Baker who I saw as a return to the stage back in the early 2000’s after bringing up her young children. Yes there is a similarity there though The DAN took the music to an even higher level. No weed needed for me just high on the great music back in the day!
Hey guys, I recently discovered your channel and I have absolutely loved every one of your reactions to this album. It’s nice to see guys with musical knowledge who appreciate excellent music, no matter what genre, era or musicians. BTW, some people have probably mentioned this, but the is drummer on the song Aja is Steve Gadd, who is a legendary session drummer who has played on hundreds of songs by a multitude of artists in multiple genres. He’s the one who played the very recognizable and unique drum intro to Paul Simon’s 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover. The sax solo is by the equally legendary Wayne Shorter, who is probably best known for his time with the jazz-fusion band Weather Report (their album Heavy Weather would be a GREAT album to react to, especially it also features “the man, the myth, the legend”, Jaco Pastorius, on bass). Also, I believe the guitar solo is by Denny Dias, who is an underrated killer player (he played the smoking electric sitar solo on the Steely Dan song Do It Again).
This album came out when I was a freshman in art school and it was on everyone's turntable throughout my dorm. My dad loved jazz when I was a kid, but this was jazz+ RB + RR, amazing sophisticated. It was almost the opposite of what was popular then (free wheeling music) this is so carefully crafted. You said it right, its a set of journeys best listened to in the dark. Just found your channel and am loving your reviews. Carry on!
Guys, when you do "Kid Charlemagne" You really must get the Lyrics to it. It is a true story about the invention of LSD, the claim to fame, and the crash and burn. All told in a up-tune beat of a song... But the lyrics are cryptic, so hard to know what the story is about without the back-story. Many songs are of True Life folks that hit bottom. Great example is Deacon Blues.
The incredible drummer was Steve Gadd. Jazz drummer extraordinaire! It's like coming face to face with Gadd. And yes, Steely Dan has been a jazz band. Fusion/avante garde band masquerading as a pop band. When I was in high school in the 70s, this stuff was on pop/rock radio!
Love it when Steely's unique musical mastery is appreciated. Their music both spans and defies musical genres. Saw them in an amphitheater and this was one of the best concerts I've seen. Lot's of good info. on various musicians playing on various tracks, but don't miss the backing vocals from Michael McDonald to many amazing female vocalists (see "Dirty Work" live). These albums deserve to be heard with songs in succession....keep cruis'n the Steely highway and great reaction!
@@AirplayBeats by the way, to add to the band's sick sense of humor; I'm sure you already know this, but if you don't, the band is named after an electric dildo.
You cats nailed it!!! I am a 65 year old musician who played many many of these tunes w/cover bands in the 70's and 80's. We never got Aja good enough to perform. (No surprise huh?) I gotta say you guys have impressive ears! I love your reactions. I don't know if it's been said here before. There is a great quote from an LA studio guy, don't remember who, this minute, but I thought it appropriate to lay this quote on you..... Before pro tools There were Pros.... I dig you guys
I found you guys just about two days ago, and I think I've watched about 50 of your videos so far... your appreciation for Steely Dan and Stevie Ray Vaughan have me hooked... keep making great content, can't wait to explore all the rest.
They talked Wayne Shorter into plugging into the break... yeah, unreal... absolute greatness... the drummer was Steve Gadd. What can you say about that?
He sight read the chart for it, and his part with Shorter was improv. Gadd has impeccable sight reading skills, honed in part via his education at the Eastman School of Music in his hometown of Rochester, NY.
I love the title trac to this album …..I was totally fascinated with the DAN … And I didn’t even need refer to do it !!! This group is totally amazing, my brother-in-law who was a professional drummer….. once asked me if I liked this music, and I said hell yeah …..He played jazz, so I looked at him and said, yup, u got me hooked on the jazzy influence of pop music at that time …. Also love Pat Metheny, Jazz guitarist, phenomenal !!!!!!! Love to u both 😘😘😘
True story ..now I've written you guys a few times love you guys...I looped this ONE song on cassette for 6 months...it speaks to me like a religion....
You need to watch the documentary "The Making of Aja" on RUclips, it will enlighten you on the process of this Album. First head Stelly Dan back in 1978, I was eighteen years old at the time. Music of my youth, music of coming to age, music of our lives! We still love this stuff!
I came back to watch this again, it may be even better than the first 20 or so times I watched! lol I am so Thankful for ya'll doing reacts! As I am sure has been said before, is such fun to see and hear younger peeps get into music we have known since it came out-- It isn't like hearing for the first time but is pretty close! Keep on keepin on!
Wayne Shorter, sax solo. Iconic. Steve Gadd, drums. I think this is Steely Dan's masterpiece, their epic. Its the definitive SD song. If someone is completely unfamiliar with SD, THIS is the tune that best represents what Steely Dan is all about. I think this is true jazz. I love that it takes its time, its not rushed. It's not a typical rock song beat, its really progressive jazz fusion with its multipart structure, its musical changes. Its a journey like you said, its a moving landscape. Since its piano led, not guitar lead, it gently takes you along the journey and through different moods. Hearing this tune live never failed to impress and MOVE me. I was always stunned at how they pulled off this complex multi instrument soundscape live without mistakes. Every single time. Perfect. Jazzy. And live, the drum solo at the end is lengthened and enhanced. Fantastic stuff. And how about that whistle they throw in during the lengthy instrumental, lol. THE ULTIMATE STEELY DAN TUNE IMO.
Yeah you really have to stretch to fully appreciate the brilliance of this song and so glad you guys were willing to do just that. Can’t wait for your next Aja song reaction.
We had a mural painted show van (went to van shows all the time) and would hot box the van listening to Steely Dan. Best days of my life. Grew up in So Cal and moved to Nor Cal at 14. Steely Dan is my teen year experiences in California.
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This in my humble opinion is the best album in history
In your humble opinion...you are right sir!!!!!
Yup !! Along with wish you were here!! Lol
Gotta be at least top ten
Maybe top five
Always been in my top ten 'desert island ' albums
Tied for first with Close To The edge by YES, WHO’s Next by the WHO, and The first BOSTON album!
The drummer was Steve Gadd, considered one of the best jazz drummers alive. The sax was played by Wayne Shorter, who played with Miles Davis and in the group Weather Report.
Wow. Thank you for that info!! That’s good stuff
@@AirplayBeats all their drummers are incredible well all the players that have passed thru
This song was like Steve Gadd’s coming out party: if you didn’t know who he was before, you sure did now. To couple his solo with Wayne Shorter’s was genius. I couldn’t believe my ears when I would hear rock, jazz, and r&b radio stations all playing this song… amazing crossover appeal.
Apparently he did the entire drum track in ONE TAKE.
Listen to 7:11 where Gadd is doing fills and raps his sticks together one time. Who does that? The guy is amazing.
At the time, 1977, Aja was the most expensive album to have ever been produced. It won the Grammy for best Engineering/Production and is still the standard today for stereophiles.
So far we’ve heard 3 songs off the album and I must say they are engineered and produced very well. Their sound soothes my soul!! Thanks for watching!!
Spot on. This is my go to LP when I check out loudspeakers.
Money well spent too for sure. Was born in 1964 and when CDs first came out this was easily one of the first ones I bought. Avalon by Roxy Music and Diamond Life by Sade. Roll up a big fattie and play them all night long. Timeless music
It was money well spent, the album does actually sound expensive!
Gaucho is even better - as an album and as the epitomy of engineering.
“Chinese music” was a slang word given to be-bop jazz by folks who didn’t understand or get the beauty of that jazz genre. Steely Dan were huge jazz fans
😮 Thanks so much for this insight. 🔥
Thank you, sir! After all these years, I finally understand.
"Aja. When all my dime-dancing is through, I run to you."
@@tmartin2039 Do you know what dime-dancing refers to?
They turned me into a jazz fan
@@cameron_fairchild During the depression , and even after, girls
would go to certain clubs where guys would pay a dime a dance to
enjoy their company .
Steely Dan: Your favorite band's favorite band.
There’s ABSOLUTELY structure to the parts you thought had no structure. In fact it’s SO structured that it SOUNDS unstructured. All of the studio musicians in those moments new EXACTLY where they were in the music and the song, because they were THAT professional and top notch.
There’s a big difference between “so structured it SOUNDS unstructured ”and a “musical train-wreck” which this song definitely isn’t.
It’s simply a beautifully inspired and ambitious piece of music, and a true masterpiece.
👍🏼🎸❤️😎
For sure a masterpiece
@@AirplayBeats love your videos, keep up the good work!
👍🏼🎸😎
Amazing, for a band of Pro Session Players hired to play the complex Fagan/Becker Arrangements, and they ALL Fit in their Space.....Perfectly! Cutting Edge Music Arrangement met with Pros that rise to a daunting Challenge.
The Swells, the Fades, the Horn Stabs, the Guitar,and Bass Solos, and the EPIC Steve Gadd Drum Samba......there is no weak tracks anywhere on this Album. Masterpiece, performed by Virtuosos.
That's right! this music was written out. These cats are Pros!! Gadd is an animal!! And Wayne Shorter is a Master of the Tenor Sax!
Steely is a sample goldmine
Rick Beato does an incredible breakdown on this song. I was thrilled to learn that final iconic chord ! New sub! Keep enjoying the greatness that is Steely Dan- the entire album is flawless.
This song’s musical journey is very much jazz.
Magnificent record and band!
Dr Steve Gadd needed ONLY ONE TAKE in the studio, all that amazing drum work recorded on the first try... he's a legend!
I just watched an interview with the piano player the other day and he told us that they didn't know what he was going to do. Donald just told him to "do some fill's" in this part etc. Classic!!
Jazz great Wayne Shorter, soloist on "Aja", died today. RIP Wayne....
This is pure art of the highest order. Sophisticated and yet so accessible. One of the greatest albums ever made.
Absolutely!
All Rise! - to get Wayne Shorter to play AND Steve Gadd together - genius. Explore Wayne Shorter. Weather Report w Jaco Pastorious. Wayne Shorter from another world - eddie Harris, Ben Webster, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett w Miles had the privilege to see them w Daryl Jones twice in a small room. PDX. You guys do a great job.
You got it - this is the kind of album made for smoking with your buddies - turn down the lights and chill.
It won the Grammy for 'Best Engineered Recording' - the use of space in the arrangement and in the mix is mind-blowing. The album was produced by Gary Katz, and master engineer Roger Nichols. It's still used as a reference recording by engineers today.
Thanks for the reaction!
I know I'm not the only one that gets teary eyed when this song is on. It's just so good!
This song definitely starts it off, but the ride takes you to places, u didn’t even
know existed …. This entire album gets me….. it’s magical !!!!
I will take this ride every time. It never gets old.
Donald Fagen - lead vocals, synthesizer, police whistle.
Steve Gadd - drums.
Victor Feldman - percussion, vibraphone.
Chuck Rainey - bass guitar.
Walter Becker, Denny Dias and Larry Carlton - guitars.
Michael Omartian - piano.
Joe Sample - electric piano.
Save the rest of AJA for your live, but check out some of their other work..."Kid Charlemagne ", "Don't Take Me Alive", "Ba ylon Sisters", "Time Out of Mind", "Bodhisattva", "Sign In Stranger", "Bad Sneakers", Everything Must Go", to name just a few.....
Don't leave out Wayne Shorter on sax.
Joe Sample and Larry Carlton... my oh my! 💖
This is the first reaction i've seen where someone actually understands how complex the musical arrangement is, and how it is basically several songs mashed together, where you never know where it's going.
This isn't my favorite Steely Dan song, but it's definitely the most complex and interesting. This is actually a masterpiece that i've come to appreciate more and more with each new listen.
They never had the same band. Always used different studio musicians on every song. Completely unique
Well except for the first album, maybe two, when they had a set band before Donald and Walter went off on their own. Remember that Skunk Baxter was a founding member of Steely Dan before he left and joined the Doobie Brothers.
Often, they brought in numerous people to play the same parts, choosing which combination worked the best in the mix.
I would agree that Wayne Shorter Sax and Steve Gadd drums are the feature musicians in this master class performance. However, let's give some love to Denny Dias for his amazing guitar work. It was subtle but healthy. So glad you enjoyed! that means more to come! Home at Last, Deacon Blues and Josie are also excellent. All the best
Thanks for watching!! Yes, much more to come.
Most of the first lead guitar is the great Lary Carlton.
The best drummer solo ever….
This was the last song Denny played with Steely Dan
Agreed, but so many other elements are great as well. Like Michael Omartian's and Joe Sample's piano, and Victor Feldman's vibraphone to name a few.
Masterpiece
I stumbled across an interview (print) with Donald Fagen about the song Aja. He described it as a "trip through San Fransico". Up and down the hills, through different neighborhoods, hearing all the sounds as they go. Including a police whistle.. Who knows if he was kidding or not. Steve Gadd is just fantastic...
Well he obviously liked Chinatown while he was there
That's exactly the impression I've always had with this song! It's a journey across the city and it's districts. ❤
The tenor player is Wayne Shorter(he played with Miles) he was a beast! He died today... 😪 The drummer is Steve Gadd. Monster drummer! Dime dancing is the term used in my day where you’re looking for heroin.
Steely dan's Aja? A better track you will not find, Perfection! The whole damn Album is Pure Perfection!
This is my first time watching you guys. I have been a Steely Dan fan since Reeling in the Years first hit the radio when I was 19. (That really shows my age! Let's just say I am over 70 now.) What a joy it is to see you enjoying this music for the first time! Some of your observations about how many rides this song takes you on were right on point. I enjoyed reliving that realization so much, I laughed in complete delight. Re: your remarks on the great three songs of AJA that you heard so far - Hang on to your hats. Fagan and Becker never wrote a mediocre song. They were all at the top of their game.
So, yes, Donald Fagan and Walter Becker started Steely Dan, (which is British slang for a cold dildo.) They were an actual band for the first two (?) albums, if I remember correctly. Then they stopped playing live and worked only in the studio with all the best session players. EVERYONE wanted to play on their albums. I remember the rumors going around when they were in the studio recording AJA. There were little whispers here and there about who would be the next sax player they would try out for the solo, etc.
Their superlative sound is credited to the master, Roger Nichols, their engineer and producer, who was originally a rocket scientist - I kid you not! He was a complete genius, and one of the funniest people you ever wanted to meet. I had the tremendous good fortune to work in the studio with him several times, and came to love him dearly as a friend. I worked on the album Gaucho which, on many days, is my favorite Dan song. I remember sitting in front of the monitors, listening to the final mix of Gaucho for the first time. I felt the energy of it moving up my spine. It was a transcendent few minutes, to say the least.
So I have a request for you. I would like you to compare Steely Dan's Gaucho with Little Feat's Gringo. You might find some interesting parallels there. If you are unfamiliar with Little Feat, they were a band which was started by Lowell George, who came out of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. Zappa was another genius (though not my particular cup of tea, so to speak.) who insisted on using only the very best musicians. The story goes that Frank gave Lowell his walking papers. He told Lowell that he was far too talented to be a sideman in his band, so he cut him loose to sink or swim. Well, he swam beautifully for a time. But sadly, Lowell passed early on. Little Feat went on without him, and they were a REALLY fun band, but the edge was gone. I would be really interested to hear what you have to say about these two songs. And who knows, you just might add another band to your favorites. Thanks for your enthusiasm in what you do. :)
Thank you so much for your insight and experiences with the Dan. Being with them in the studio must have been like getting an audience with the pope, so I hope you continue to share your memories with us. And yes, La & Che have reacted to Little Feat, but not Gringo as you suggested.
I have played this track since I was 8 years old. It’s tricky. Steve is such an amazing drummer. I thank them for making me a good drummer. Like everything, it takes hard work.
You guys are terrific. Really.
No reefer, no weed, no drugs needed. This music IS the drug.
Not needed...but very much appreciated.
One of the guitarists on this album said that Donald and Walter wanted to take the performances on this record "beyond perfection" so that they "sounded almost improvised." I'd say they accomplished what they set out to do! Glad you dudes like it.
This album was considered by many to be close to perfection. I love every song on this album. Every one. Having said that, I can't tell you that this is my favorite Steely Dan album! That distinction would go to The Royal Scam album which preceded this one by a year. You'll likewise appreciate the music, albeit a more rock like fusion. Check it out,(do yourself a favor),I suggest Kid Charlemagne, and Green Earrings first. I'm with you. Newly subscribed and along for the ride! I had both of the aforementioned albums when they were current. Both are fantastic masterpieces. Dive deep and enjoy the music!
Thanks for watching!!! We are 3 songs deep in to the Aja album. We might go live and listen to the rest but I am really enjoying this dive. I actually have heard the Royal Scam. A couple songs. I’m sure there are more on that album we can dive into as well. Thanks again!!
@@AirplayBeats keep diving into Aja, there are more great songs there. Home at Last comes to mind. The Gaucho album is nice also. Dive deep.
I'd say R&B. Steely Dan used rock instruments, especially on the first 4 albums...but they were always R&B with jazz accents IMO. In other words, nothing to do with the Beatles or Zeppelin.
i am with you. Aja got the the acclaim but my two fav songs from the dan are on royal scam: caves of altimara and green earrings
The name AJA comes from a friend of Walter Beckers joined the Army,and when he returned after the Army he brought a Vietnimise Wife back with him named Aja, Donald Fagan became fascinated with the name and named the Album ( And hence the title Track) AJA in honor of her name
Yes, there's Asian-sounding melodic lines, along with chinese instrumentation. Just beautiful! ❤️ I have the original vinyl and played it a lot, back when it came out, but it still sounds fresh and vibrant to me. Wonderful memories of that time. One more thing: what a stupendously stunning outtro. I didn't want it to end.
That outro is why my Aja album got worn out. Trying to learn Steve Gadd's drum part on this is an eternal task
Seen them live 13 times! My fave live track by far
Hey guys, there's a live version of Aja from their 2006 concert. The drummer goes crazy on the drums. It's worth checking out.
If I have a favorite song, Aja is it. As a drummer I can tell you - that drum part is legendary. You guys are great to watch because you get it. The nuances aren't wasted on you guys at all. Fun video.
Also a drummer here. Between this song and Gaucho, you have two of the best examples of drumming ever put on record-and at both extremes. Aja with an all-out solo, and Gaucho with Porcaro’s incredible sense of timing, groove, and holding back when needed to create tension. Fantastic both. 🙌🏼
My all time favorite song by Steely Dan among forty others that I love!❤
Aja means “of Magdala”, “torch”, “beautiful”, “light”, “bright” and “shining” (from Alena), “cold spring” in Sami, “east” in Afro-American” and “he-goat” or “she-goat” (from Sanskrit). In Greenland, Aja means “maternal aunt” and in Hebrew it means “hawk” or “buzzard”.
I saw Steve Gadd play with Chuck Mangione in 82' at SPAC .They played for 3 hours of every kind of Jazz that Chuck had in the bag.His drumming split the night with clear precision.Chuck intro him as The world's greatest drummer.I wouldn't argue
When they talk about music as art, this is by far the best example! Supreme masters of their craft all at the top of their game. Just brilliantly done!!!!!
Youngsters today don't understand, they really don't know good music till they know old good music, this is possibly one of the three greatest albums of all time, a musical masterpiece, get familiar, you gone elevate your whole understanding of jazz and composure with this album
steve gadd on drums wow. this album is art and genius.
Steely Dan is AMAZING!!! I love listening to great music with you guys!
Steve Gadd!!! So damn smooth. Sonic perfection!
Masterpiece! How about some love for Michael Omartian's piano work on this. This track was done in 2 takes.
11:00 “…Have you ever heard a song that’s taken you on that many journeys?”
Yes
Close to the Edge
I was just thinking the same!! Almost all YES songs take you through several transitions... movements and a weaving of stories through each melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic change. Lots of intricate time signatures.
@@lindazee I’m sure we’ll get to see a lot of Yes here. Judging from their interest in Steely Dan, and the strive for virtuosity. 👍🤓
The word to describe this - ethereal, perhaps?
Aja may be my favorite album of all time and the song Aja ranks very high in my list of favorite songs.
"Dope record"... jeez. No. It's a MASTERPIECE.
I'm 75 and my generation loved head music
I love Anita Baker who I saw as a return to the stage back in the early 2000’s after bringing up her young children. Yes there is a similarity there though The DAN took the music to an even higher level. No weed needed for me just high on the great music back in the day!
To this day I couldn't name a better song or production
dope band amazing music obscure lyrics 😎
Hey guys, I recently discovered your channel and I have absolutely loved every one of your reactions to this album. It’s nice to see guys with musical knowledge who appreciate excellent music, no matter what genre, era or musicians. BTW, some people have probably mentioned this, but the is drummer on the song Aja is Steve Gadd, who is a legendary session drummer who has played on hundreds of songs by a multitude of artists in multiple genres. He’s the one who played the very recognizable and unique drum intro to Paul Simon’s 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover. The sax solo is by the equally legendary Wayne Shorter, who is probably best known for his time with the jazz-fusion band Weather Report (their album Heavy Weather would be a GREAT album to react to, especially it also features “the man, the myth, the legend”, Jaco Pastorius, on bass). Also, I believe the guitar solo is by Denny Dias, who is an underrated killer player (he played the smoking electric sitar solo on the Steely Dan song Do It Again).
SD... is ride on a ride... pure top notch musicianship
..ending drum solo is legendary... 🔆💥👍🎹
This album came out when I was a freshman in art school and it was on everyone's turntable throughout my dorm. My dad loved jazz when I was a kid, but this was jazz+ RB + RR, amazing sophisticated. It was almost the opposite of what was popular then (free wheeling music) this is so carefully crafted. You said it right, its a set of journeys best listened to in the dark. Just found your channel and am loving your reviews. Carry on!
Guys, when you do "Kid Charlemagne" You really must get the Lyrics to it. It is a true story about the invention of LSD, the claim to fame, and the crash and burn. All told in a up-tune beat of a song... But the lyrics are cryptic, so hard to know what the story is about without the back-story. Many songs are of True Life folks that hit bottom. Great example is Deacon Blues.
The incredible drummer was Steve Gadd. Jazz drummer extraordinaire! It's like coming face to face with Gadd. And yes, Steely Dan has been a jazz band. Fusion/avante garde band masquerading as a pop band. When I was in high school in the 70s, this stuff was on pop/rock radio!
I need more sax & drum solos! 💜💜💜
Aja is actually the name of one of their friend's Korean girlfriend.... That's where they got the name
The AJA album is a musical treasure. Keep going. Great commentary, guys!
Love it when Steely's unique musical mastery is appreciated. Their music both spans and defies musical genres. Saw them in an amphitheater and this was one of the best concerts I've seen. Lot's of good info. on various musicians playing on various tracks, but don't miss the backing vocals from Michael McDonald to many amazing female vocalists (see "Dirty Work" live).
These albums deserve to be heard with songs in succession....keep cruis'n the Steely highway and great reaction!
Thanks for watching. We are enjoying this Steely journey we are on.
@@AirplayBeats by the way, to add to the band's sick sense of humor; I'm sure you already know this, but if you don't, the band is named after an electric dildo.
I heard Steely Dan first on a pop station, it get played on rock, jazz stations now.
I'm a technology deprived old school man who still uses his 6 disc player in his car, and this is the only CD that never gets changed out.
STEELY DAN HAS A GREAT SMOOTH URBAN VIBE
Steely Dan man!...You gotta have big balls to stand up and say "yeah! we can do jazz too!" ✌
Man I was on that ride when this came out back then, what a beautiful ride it was and still is.
YOU WEREN'T LOOKING FOR PSYCHEDELIC THE WORD YOU WANT IS TRANSCENDENTAL
I'm sitting kicking back with my reefer today!.....
You cats nailed it!!! I am a 65 year old musician who played many many of these tunes w/cover bands in the 70's and 80's.
We never got Aja good enough to perform. (No surprise huh?)
I gotta say you guys have impressive ears! I love your reactions.
I don't know if it's been said here before. There is a great quote from an LA studio guy, don't remember who, this minute, but I thought it appropriate to lay this quote on you.....
Before pro tools
There were Pros.... I dig you guys
I found you guys just about two days ago, and I think I've watched about 50 of your videos so far... your appreciation for Steely Dan and Stevie Ray Vaughan have me hooked... keep making great content, can't wait to explore all the rest.
They talked Wayne Shorter into plugging into the break... yeah, unreal... absolute greatness... the drummer was Steve Gadd. What can you say about that?
Gadd once talked about this session, he said he was coked out and did this song pretty much impromptu.
He sight read the chart for it, and his part with Shorter was improv. Gadd has impeccable sight reading skills, honed in part via his education at the Eastman School of Music in his hometown of Rochester, NY.
@@gasaholic47 yeah, something like that.
I love the title trac to this album …..I was totally fascinated with the DAN …
And I didn’t even need refer to do it !!!
This group is totally amazing, my brother-in-law who was a professional drummer….. once asked me if I liked this music, and I said hell yeah …..He played jazz, so I looked at him and said, yup, u got me hooked on the jazzy influence of pop music at that time …. Also love Pat Metheny, Jazz guitarist, phenomenal !!!!!!!
Love to u both 😘😘😘
I've heard Steely Dan described as a "jazz band disguised as a mischievous rock band". What is true, is they are truly in class by themselves.
This one album gets them into the RRHOF.
True story ..now I've written you guys a few times love you guys...I looped this ONE song on cassette for 6 months...it speaks to me like a religion....
You need to watch the documentary "The Making of Aja" on RUclips, it will enlighten you on the process of this Album. First head Stelly Dan back in 1978, I was eighteen years old at the time. Music of my youth, music of coming to age, music of our lives! We still love this stuff!
I have to look that documentary up for sure. Thanks for watching.
You tube search AJA and Rick Beato if you are interested in how this song is structured musically and chord wise
Great review fellas , appreciate ya
I came back to watch this again, it may be even better than the first 20 or so times I watched! lol I am so Thankful for ya'll doing reacts! As I am sure has been said before, is such fun to see and hear younger peeps get into music we have known since it came out-- It isn't like hearing for the first time but is pretty close! Keep on keepin on!
Wayne Shorter, sax solo. Iconic.
Steve Gadd, drums.
I think this is Steely Dan's masterpiece, their epic. Its the definitive SD song. If someone is completely unfamiliar with SD, THIS is the tune that best represents what Steely Dan is all about.
I think this is true jazz. I love that it takes its time, its not rushed. It's not a typical rock song beat, its really progressive jazz fusion with its multipart structure, its musical changes. Its a journey like you said, its a moving landscape. Since its piano led, not guitar lead, it gently takes you along the journey and through different moods.
Hearing this tune live never failed to impress and MOVE me. I was always stunned at how they pulled off this complex multi instrument soundscape live without mistakes. Every single time. Perfect. Jazzy. And live, the drum solo at the end is lengthened and enhanced. Fantastic stuff.
And how about that whistle they throw in during the lengthy instrumental, lol.
THE ULTIMATE STEELY DAN TUNE IMO.
One of the best bands on the planet they're insanely talented. So are Dire Straits and a host of others from my era.
🤗 AJA! 🥰 Let's go! 😁🐰
Yes you are right i was 17 and always rolling one and inhaling when this album came out
Watchin this wit moms, she know the song! Super proud of yall brothers!!!
Thanks brother!!
I live in Phillipines..my wife Filipina
.she LUVS you guys!!
Steve Gadd on drums,unbelievable
Stevie 🥲 ♥ and
Waynie ♥🥲
Been jammin to Steely Dan forever , an AWESOME compilation of artists
Their best tune 😮
I had this album playing constantly!
The incomparable Dan......many many thanks!!!!!!
Yeah you really have to stretch to fully appreciate the brilliance of this song and so glad you guys were willing to do just that. Can’t wait for your next Aja song reaction.
Best music to chill. Played it many times snow plowing endlessly. So much talent with an insane musical ride is my pleasure to take. ENJOY
I have heard it said that Steely Dan is your favorite band's favorite band.
Steve Gadd on drums.....1 of the BEST EVER.....he played as a studio drummer..so he played on all kinds of records........go back and listen to DRUMS
Backseat of my 1970 torino bumpin uglies with a girl from school...Steely Dan on the 8 track! Worked every time
This album was so good, I named my daughter "Aja" ❤
Beautiful name!!
My 1st. Foray with steely was the theme song from the movie FM. ,then I bought the album pretzel logic.....awesome.....
Greates drum track ever. Steve Gadd.
We had a mural painted show van (went to van shows all the time) and would hot box the van listening to Steely Dan. Best days of my life. Grew up in So Cal and moved to Nor Cal at 14. Steely Dan is my teen year experiences in California.