In the documentary, "The Making of Aja," One of the studio guys says that Donald and Walter took it "past perfection," so that not only were the performances spot on, the tracks felt as though they were improvised. I thought that was a very interesting comment.
I bought this album when it came out. I was 11 years old. The album blew me away. It changed how I listened to music forever. I cannot recommend the whole album highly enough. In fact, the entire Steely Dan rabbit hole is fantastic. Love your videos!
My old man introduced me to Steely Dan in the mid eighties when I was old enough to appreciate perfection. A studio recording masterpiece! Everytime I hear this I think of my old man.
This album was ground breaking, so far head of it's time. They're not songs, they're pieces of music. Steve Gadd on drums, incredible, and Wayne Shorter on sax, RIP.
You are becoming musically reborn. This is a new genre for you, it's Steely Dan. Mine this rich vein of musical perfection. Black Cow, FM, Gaucho, the list goes on, for 8 years in the 70s.
If someone is playing a solo or a great drum part on a Steely Dan song, rest assured they are one of the greats of the game. That's what Steely Dan became - the two guys creating music with the best session guys in the world.
This came out the summer before my senior year in HS. Played it nonstop. I took my little mini stereo system with me to college the next year, and my fav records including AJA. I remember walking back from classes on Friday afternoons when the weather was nice, and hearing songs from the AJA album blasting out of multiple open dorm windows on my walks back. BLACK COW, DEACON BLUES, JOSIE and AJA of course. It seemed like EVERYONE in college had that AJA album. What a communal experience on a nice fall day before we hit the bars.
"Do it again" is easier to appreciate at first listen, but "Aja" will grow on you and will be remembeted for ages. The sax solo was played by Wayne Shorter who was one of the greatest jazz/ fusion jazz sax players of all time. He died in recent years
@buddystewart2020 young people have come to expect a band to always sound the same and to be confined to a narrow style and sound. Plus, it is pretty wild to jump from early Dan right onto Aja without experiencing their evolution.
@@izzonj ... I hear you, and I don't care about them. They're dullards, as far as musical complexity is concerned, and I have other things to do than waste my time with people that don't 'get it'. I have to weeds to trim down with my weed whacker, that would be better time spent for me.
It seems like Carol likes to dance and move, Aja might have been too complex and laid back, so here are some ones she will love. >FM (NO STATIC AT ALL) (theme to movie soundtrack FM, see SD compilation SHOWBIZ KIDS for best version) >BLACK COW (from AJA album) >JOSIE (from AJA album) >HEY NINETEEN (GAUCHO) >RIKKI DON'T LOSE THAT NUMBER (PRETZEL LOGIC) >MY OLD SCHOOL (COUNTDOWN TO ECSTACY) >BABYLON SISTERS + GLAMOUR PROFESSION (GAUCHO). CAROL, YOU WILL LOVE THESE.
You went for the ultimate Steely Dan track early in your journey. This is a progressive rock jazz funk fusion masterpiece. So many time changes and gorgeous details. And legendary Wayne Shorter's epic tenor sax solo, along with Steve Gadd's incredible drumming.
Steve Gadd on drums. Hails from Rochester, NY. After several other drummers hust didn't work out, Steve was brought in did it in one take. He was also played on 50 ways to Leave your Lover. Aja is a masterpiece.
A lifelong Steely Dan fan here. It’s because of albums like Aja. It’s actually my very favorite. Steely Dan has an album and a cut for every person and every mood.
You two make the music new for us older people! Your enthusiasm reminds us of what it was like when these songs were new to us. Thank you so much. ☺✌🧡, PJ
Steve Gadd steps on the gas illustrating why he was one of the most sought after session drummers in music history. It’s just a joy to listen to and there’s elements and chops that I stole from this along with other Gadd material that were really influential in my playing.
Steely Dan is a deep dive. Known for their musical perfection and amazing lyrics. They are the best example of what we called Adult Oriented Rock back in the day.
Timeless. Played by the finest musicians of their era. B&F are musical geniuses, one of a kind. Aja dropped the same month I went away to college in northern California from So. Cal. Deacon Blues, indeed. Throw a kiss and say goodbye, I'll make it this time. Aja is like an old friend that you never tire of, a warm blanket. A new generation discovers the power and perfection of The Dan. Welcome to the show.
The tenor sax player on this song, Wayne Shorter, had been the sax player in the most important American musical group ever, the second great quintet of Miles Davis. He laughed about doing a little pop solo for a rock band but he was friends with owner of the recording studio so he did it as a favor to him.😮
Steely Dan fadeouts are famous for throwing something new in the mix to make you want to turn it up and hear what they do next. It's often a new guitar lich or the start of a new solo, but in Aja the thing, even after hundreds (or thousands) of listenings, that grabs me in this outro is when Steve Gadd starts that Latin-feel rhythm on the ride cymbal, the only part of the kit he hadn't touched to that point.
The incredible world class drumming of Steve Gadd! Man is amazing. The instrumentation in this song is off the hook. I think this is Donald Fagen's finest composition.
I still have my original copy from 1977. It still sounds good till this day. I'm glad I got to seem the live before Walter Becker passed away. Everyone should listen to that entire album. What a classic.
I was managing a record store/headshop when this album was released, and first heard it while working. My part of the store was quite small, and the sound system was very good, so it was a very intimate listening experience, when there weren't any customers talking loudly to each other over the music. 🙂
The entire album is a series of bangers…you will love “Home at Last”, “Black Cow” and ‘Deacon Blues”….you should also check out The Pat Metheny Group - “First Circle” will start you off on the right track of a deep rabbit hole
LOVE your reactions! Steely Dan is a hypnotic vibe really - multi-textured fusion of smooth jazz and rock music glad to see you guys know top shelf creativity when you hear it.
I remember when this album came out. I was 17 & in high school. FM Rock stations played the entire album! its really a great cruising album! ❤ These songs (all of Steely Dan actually & all 70’s Great Artists), are the music of our lives! So many memories attached to them of when and where!❤ You won’t be disappointed if you experience More Steely Dan!😊
The amazing Wayne Shorter on saxophone. Check out his recording "Speak No Evil" or "Shhh/Peaceful", recorded with Miles Davis, from the damn near perfect "In a Silent Way" album.
Aja (Asia) was a Korean girl they knew in New York. The album has some of the greatest studio musicians in Los Angeles assembled for this album. Masterful mixing.
Hi guys. You’ve just started going down a very deep rabbit hole now. Enjoy your journey - it’s not a dark hole, it’s very bright . Lovely reaction as usual. Stay safe - thinking of you both.
Wow... so cool, your reaction! Not too many people like Aja because it sounds so Jazzy... I love it BECAUSE it sounds so Jazzy! There are tempo change-ups and musical moments that surprise you all along the song. Now, here are two performances that you will fall in love with... 1. Stevie Ray Vaughan doing "Texas Flood" live at The Mocambo ... I swear, his guitar needed a cigarette after that performance!!! 2. Neil Peart drum solo Live in Frankfurt... Rush's drummer doing an 8minute solo. This is the reason he was called "The Professor" and was your favorite drummer's favorite drummer!!! Enjoy Carol & Elie... I wish to make you smile!
It's jazzy because there were many jazz's best musicians playing on this LP on top of the core band. I believe it was Wayne Shorter on the sax for this one and smokin' Steve Gadd on the drums. Steely Dan were so good they took 20 years off ('80-2000) and with thier comeback LP " Two against nature", against all the new artists/trends, still won the Grammy that year.
Should comeback over time to cover the entire album. Not a bad note anywhere. Try the song, Black Cow. (if you haven’t already) Great couple, stay safe guys….. ✨
Side Note: This album is so perfectly recorded and mastered that audiophiles frequently use it as their ‘test source’ when they evaluate new audio equipment for possible purchase.
WELCOME TO SOME OF THE BEST MUSIC EVER,DELVE INTO THE DAN ARCHIVES,AND ENJOY THE RIDE,THIER MUSIC HAS CARRIED ME THROUGH GOOD TIMS AND BAD FOR OVER 50 YEARS ,STILL A TREAT TO LISTIN TO THEM.
Carol likes her Led Zeppelin! No worries, Jimmy Page Lead Guitar of the mighty Zep plays Steely Dan when he has had a long day shredding his guitar. He loves this band, and YOU should too. I love the chemistry between you two. Ahh, yes, to be young again! Thanks for the video!
Steely Dan is one of the rare groups besides the Beatles and a few others , that if you ask 20 of their fans what there best album is , you are most likely to get 5 or more different answers . And to pick their favorite single , you will for sure get 10 or more different responses .
The album AJA is where this jazz/rock group really found their jazz chops - listen to the whole album front to back. I had this on cassette when I was stationed in Monterey, CA (1977/78) and so appropriate to the area overlooking the Bay at night. Donald and Walter engineered this in the studio with some 40 session musicians (with up to 40 takes on this one track). DO IT AGAIN was early Steely Dan, but they evolved quickly throughout the seventies. Try HEY NINETEEN and TIME OUT OF MIND from their Gaucho album (1980).
Goddamn masterpiece. Oh it is more than a "hint' of jazz. It is jazz. Wayne Shorter solo is magic. This is far more advanced than do it again btw. Listen to it again and grow
Hey, fellow rockers! 😀 I love that you're covering Steely Dan! Both songs you guys did are great. Here are a couple of further suggestions - FM (my favorite) and Hey Nineteen. Welcome to the world of smooth jazz!
“Do it Again” and “Aja” are the two ends of the Steely Dan spectrum. More in the middle is “Peg”, “My Old School, and “Kid Charlemagne”. Definitely check those out.
Their albums are just fantastic. You can’t go wrong with The Dan! Their song Third World Man from the Gaucho album is simple and subdued but at the same time deep and complex. Check it out.
'Aja' is a great album. One of the greatest in my opinion. That said, maybe checkout 'Reelin' In The Years' or 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' if you're just getting into Steely Dan, a truly outstanding group.
Wayne Shorter sax solo over the Gadd drums so good. Weather Report and Steely Dan two of my 5 a day. Booked to see Steely Dan supporting the Eagles in Manchester UK. Sadly they lost their Keyboard player but were replaced by the excellent Doobie Brothers who had Michael MacDonald who sings on this Album. What goes around comes around. Great reaction
this is a transcendent piece of art , not meant to be compared to other songs by them written in a pop format .... the drummer is Steve Gadd, and these drum fills are considered some of greatest parts of all time...
Something interesting about this song is that no one could really understand what the lyrics were about before they asked the authors, and the story behind it is really interesting. "Aja" is a way of writing "Asia", and on the authors words, the song tries to transmit the idea of "the tranquility that can come of a quiet relationship with a beautiful woman". That was inspired by a friend of Donald Fagen (the pianist, and one of the lyrics writer), who had just married to a pretty Asian woman who was a quiet and reserved person, and her behaviour molded their relationship. You'll notice a lot of Asian culture references on the lyrics along with some oriental instruments.
They asked Wayne Shorter the saxophonist, to come out over to the studio and listen to this and lay it down... He was in and out in 30 minutes. He just layed it down! It will go on to be one of the most amazing saxophone solos in all of history. The song keeps me alive. The whole album is amazing. As a musician, I can't tell you what a joy it is to see people listening to this for the first time. Have you listened to the discipline album by King Crimson yet. Lol. Also Nektar "Remember the Future" Peace. D
Due to popular demand, the drummer Steve Gadd actually does like seminars on his drumming on Aja. That's just how freakin' amazing his work here is. Is anybody's else's favorite part of the song when Steve does the drumstick click? Do you still "air click" it every time like I am compelled to do? In my book it's right up there with P Collins' drum crash on In the Air Tonight. PS - love the reaction!
Hello CC! Very interesting choice for a second Steely Dan song. This album was a huge success for them. Although I think this whole album is brilliant in writing playing and recording I never quite caught the vibe. I am also a bit more inclined to drift towards the "Do it Again" vibe. Thanks again! Being older I enjoy watching younger folks discover some of these bands as we did. Rock on!
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
This album is perfection from start to finish.
In the documentary, "The Making of Aja," One of the studio guys says that Donald and Walter took it "past perfection," so that not only were the performances spot on, the tracks felt as though they were improvised. I thought that was a very interesting comment.
I bought this album when it came out. I was 11 years old. The album blew me away. It changed how I listened to music forever. I cannot recommend the whole album highly enough. In fact, the entire Steely Dan rabbit hole is fantastic. Love your videos!
WOW!! 11 years old that's freaking amazing! I turned 11 late 1973 and I had a couple 45 rpm's! Grand Funk, Three Dog Night, etc. ☮️
I was 13 when I brought the album in 77
Show biz kid ?
I've heard it all a thousand times and every time I hear something I haven't heard before. Masterpiece.
My old man introduced me to Steely Dan in the mid eighties when I was old enough to appreciate perfection. A studio recording masterpiece! Everytime I hear this I think of my old man.
Steely Dan created their own genre' and it's wonderful.
This album was ground breaking, so far head of it's time. They're not songs, they're pieces of music. Steve Gadd on drums, incredible, and Wayne Shorter on sax, RIP.
One of the most complicated tunes by SD, and when you listen to it multiple times it crawls into your soul. A jazzy masterpiece. Steve Gadd on drums.
The drums during the sax solo and at the end are amazing, and Steve Gadd did it in one take.
while hungover
One of the most elegant songs ever written by Steely Dan.
One of the most elegant and important composition during the history of the world of music.
You are becoming musically reborn. This is a new genre for you, it's Steely Dan. Mine this rich vein of musical perfection. Black Cow, FM, Gaucho, the list goes on, for 8 years in the 70s.
If someone is playing a solo or a great drum part on a Steely Dan song, rest assured they are one of the greats of the game. That's what Steely Dan became - the two guys creating music with the best session guys in the world.
They were the band other musicians listened to when they were at home Love them
The 1970s were a golden cornucopia of musical goodness
This came out the summer before my senior year in HS. Played it nonstop. I took my little mini stereo system with me to college the next year, and my fav records including AJA. I remember walking back from classes on Friday afternoons when the weather was nice, and hearing songs from the AJA album blasting out of multiple open dorm windows on my walks back. BLACK COW, DEACON BLUES, JOSIE and AJA of course. It seemed like EVERYONE in college had that AJA album. What a communal experience on a nice fall day before we hit the bars.
"Do it again" is easier to appreciate at first listen, but "Aja" will grow on you and will be remembeted for ages. The sax solo was played by Wayne Shorter who was one of the greatest jazz/ fusion jazz sax players of all time. He died in recent years
So, they don't get it. Thanks, that saves me from watching it and being disappointed.
@buddystewart2020 young people have come to expect a band to always sound the same and to be confined to a narrow style and sound. Plus, it is pretty wild to jump from early Dan right onto Aja without experiencing their evolution.
The drum work by Steve Gadd is legendary, first time anyone heard that level of skill in a pop song
@@izzonj ... I hear you, and I don't care about them. They're dullards, as far as musical complexity is concerned, and I have other things to do than waste my time with people that don't 'get it'. I have to weeds to trim down with my weed whacker, that would be better time spent for me.
It seems like Carol likes to dance and move, Aja might have been too complex and laid back, so here are some ones she will love.
>FM (NO STATIC AT ALL) (theme to movie soundtrack FM, see SD compilation SHOWBIZ KIDS for best version)
>BLACK COW (from AJA album)
>JOSIE (from AJA album)
>HEY NINETEEN (GAUCHO)
>RIKKI DON'T LOSE THAT NUMBER (PRETZEL LOGIC)
>MY OLD SCHOOL (COUNTDOWN TO ECSTACY)
>BABYLON SISTERS + GLAMOUR PROFESSION (GAUCHO).
CAROL, YOU WILL LOVE THESE.
Title track from the album - one of the three best studio albums of all time, along with Dark Side and Abbey Road. Music as art.
My 3 are Aja, Dark Side & Boston
I didn't really love this til about the 3rd time I heard it. It is challenging. But it's so cool and deep.
A fusion of rock, jazz and funk of the highest order...
You went for the ultimate Steely Dan track early in your journey. This is a progressive rock jazz funk fusion masterpiece. So many time changes and gorgeous details. And legendary Wayne Shorter's epic tenor sax solo, along with Steve Gadd's incredible drumming.
Steve Gadd on drums. Hails from Rochester, NY. After several other drummers hust didn't work out, Steve was brought in did it in one take. He was also played on 50 ways to Leave your Lover. Aja is a masterpiece.
A lifelong Steely Dan fan here. It’s because of albums like Aja. It’s actually my very favorite. Steely Dan has an album and a cut for every person and every mood.
You two make the music new for us older people! Your enthusiasm reminds us of what it was like when these songs were new to us. Thank you so much. ☺✌🧡, PJ
I just wanted Steve Gadd’s effectively drum solo at the end to go on and on - what a master drummer!
Steve Gadd steps on the gas illustrating why he was one of the most sought after session drummers in music history. It’s just a joy to listen to and there’s elements and chops that I stole from this along with other Gadd material that were really influential in my playing.
Has been, and always will be my favorite band
Steely Dan is a deep dive. Known for their musical perfection and amazing lyrics. They are the best example of what we called Adult Oriented Rock back in the day.
Two dudes at the height of their creative power and prowess supported by some of the best session players in music history. Two words: Steve Gadd.
One of if not the best produced albums of all time, love Steely Dan
You guys have just entered a beautiful journey
Timeless. Played by the finest musicians of their era. B&F are musical geniuses, one of a kind.
Aja dropped the same month I went away to college in northern California from So. Cal. Deacon Blues, indeed. Throw a kiss and say goodbye, I'll make it this time.
Aja is like an old friend that you never tire of, a warm blanket. A new generation discovers the power and perfection of The Dan. Welcome to the show.
The tenor sax player on this song, Wayne Shorter, had been the sax player in the most important American musical group ever, the second great quintet of Miles Davis. He laughed about doing a little pop solo for a rock band but he was friends with owner of the recording studio so he did it as a favor to him.😮
Steely Dan fadeouts are famous for throwing something new in the mix to make you want to turn it up and hear what they do next. It's often a new guitar lich or the start of a new solo, but in Aja the thing, even after hundreds (or thousands) of listenings, that grabs me in this outro is when Steve Gadd starts that Latin-feel rhythm on the ride cymbal, the only part of the kit he hadn't touched to that point.
The incredible world class drumming of Steve Gadd! Man is amazing. The instrumentation in this song is off the hook. I think this is Donald Fagen's finest composition.
My top five ALBUMS EVER
They are the best. Check out The Caves of Altamira.
I still have my original copy from 1977. It still sounds good till this day. I'm glad I got to seem the live before Walter Becker passed away. Everyone should listen to that entire album. What a classic.
Some of best drumming by Steve Gadd ever laid down ,along with Shorter's insane sax playing . The song is a timeless masterpiece .
The magic of Steve Gadd...
I was managing a record store/headshop when this album was released, and first heard it while working. My part of the store was quite small, and the sound system was very good, so it was a very intimate listening experience, when there weren't any customers talking loudly to each other over the music. 🙂
The entire album is a series of bangers…you will love “Home at Last”, “Black Cow” and ‘Deacon Blues”….you should also check out The Pat Metheny Group - “First Circle” will start you off on the right track of a deep rabbit hole
Try “Royal Scam” or “Reeling in the Years”!
LOVE your reactions! Steely Dan is a hypnotic vibe really - multi-textured fusion of smooth jazz and rock music glad to see you guys know top shelf creativity when you hear it.
I remember when this album came out. I was 17 & in high school. FM Rock stations played the entire album!
its really a great cruising album! ❤ These songs (all of Steely Dan actually & all 70’s Great Artists), are the music of our lives! So many memories attached to them of when and where!❤
You won’t be disappointed if you experience More Steely Dan!😊
Michael Omartian's piano Steve Gadd's drums, Wayne Shorter's sax - amazing
Gadds drumming was epic sometimes I just keep replaying the drum fills on this track & with headphones its stunning
The great Steve Gadd on drums. So smooth.
Hearing this song still gives me goosebumps.
The amazing Wayne Shorter on saxophone. Check out his recording "Speak No Evil" or "Shhh/Peaceful", recorded with Miles Davis, from the damn near perfect "In a Silent Way" album.
Aja (Asia) was a Korean girl they knew in New York. The album has some of the greatest studio musicians in Los Angeles assembled for this album. Masterful mixing.
Hi guys. You’ve just started going down a very deep rabbit hole now. Enjoy your journey - it’s not a dark hole, it’s very bright . Lovely reaction as usual. Stay safe - thinking of you both.
Aja is a state of mind.
Wow... so cool, your reaction! Not too many people like Aja because it sounds so Jazzy... I love it BECAUSE it sounds so Jazzy! There are tempo change-ups and musical moments that surprise you all along the song.
Now, here are two performances that you will fall in love with...
1. Stevie Ray Vaughan doing "Texas Flood" live at The Mocambo ... I swear, his guitar needed a cigarette after that performance!!!
2. Neil Peart drum solo Live in Frankfurt... Rush's drummer doing an 8minute solo. This is the reason he was called "The Professor" and was your favorite drummer's favorite drummer!!!
Enjoy Carol & Elie... I wish to make you smile!
This takes me back to when I was living in California. Thank you folks from the UK.
It's jazzy because there were many jazz's best musicians playing on this LP on top of the core band. I believe it was Wayne Shorter on the sax for this one and smokin' Steve Gadd on the drums. Steely Dan were so good they took 20 years off ('80-2000) and with thier comeback LP " Two against nature", against all the new artists/trends, still won the Grammy that year.
Should comeback over time to cover the entire album. Not a bad note anywhere. Try the song, Black Cow. (if you haven’t already) Great couple, stay safe guys….. ✨
Side Note: This album is so perfectly recorded and mastered that audiophiles frequently use it as their ‘test source’ when they evaluate new audio equipment for possible purchase.
This song is wonderful! These musicians are top shelf! 😃❤️🙏
Great reaction to a classic tune.
Aja was a challenging listen for me as a teenager.
Gets better and better with each listen.
Thank you both for understanding
an album you just have to absorb into your soul, it takes you on a journey. a masterpiece .
Listen to it again and pay attention to the detail of the instrumentation used. There is layer upon layer of sound. It's truly incredible.
WELCOME TO SOME OF THE BEST MUSIC EVER,DELVE INTO THE DAN ARCHIVES,AND ENJOY THE RIDE,THIER MUSIC HAS CARRIED ME THROUGH GOOD TIMS AND BAD FOR OVER 50 YEARS ,STILL A TREAT TO LISTIN TO THEM.
you've opened the door to music expansion , creativity , expression . enjoy the journey !
Carol likes her Led Zeppelin! No worries, Jimmy Page Lead Guitar of the mighty Zep plays Steely Dan when he has had a long day shredding his guitar. He loves this band, and YOU should too. I love the chemistry between you two. Ahh, yes, to be young again! Thanks for the video!
Steely Dan is one of the rare groups besides the Beatles and a few others , that if you ask 20 of their fans what there best album is , you are most likely to get 5 or more different answers . And to pick their favorite single , you will for sure get 10 or more different responses .
Wonderful reaction. You both bring so much pleasure to your work.
Every song a different story. A lot of them true.... Love it!
The album AJA is where this jazz/rock group really found their jazz chops - listen to the whole album front to back. I had this on cassette when I was stationed in Monterey, CA (1977/78) and so appropriate to the area overlooking the Bay at night. Donald and Walter engineered this in the studio with some 40 session musicians (with up to 40 takes on this one track). DO IT AGAIN was early Steely Dan, but they evolved quickly throughout the seventies. Try HEY NINETEEN and TIME OUT OF MIND from their Gaucho album (1980).
Goddamn masterpiece. Oh it is more than a "hint' of jazz. It is jazz. Wayne Shorter solo is magic. This is far more advanced than do it again btw. Listen to it again and grow
@9:00...Oh my Gadd!
Hey, fellow rockers! 😀 I love that you're covering Steely Dan! Both songs you guys did are great. Here are a couple of further suggestions - FM (my favorite) and Hey Nineteen. Welcome to the world of smooth jazz!
“Do it Again” and “Aja” are the two ends of the Steely Dan spectrum. More in the middle is “Peg”, “My Old School, and “Kid Charlemagne”. Definitely check those out.
Their albums are just fantastic. You can’t go wrong with The Dan! Their song Third World Man from the Gaucho album is simple and subdued but at the same time deep and complex. Check it out.
Drummer Steve Gads accidental "stick click" at 5:20 what's so perfectly timed they just left it on the track..
From the same album, any of the following are great: Peg, Deacon Blues, Josie, Black Cow.
Check out Steely Dan - FM - pure class
The Groovemaster, Jeff Porcaro, on drums. Almost B&Fs favorite drummer. Him and Bernard Purdie, perhaps!
It's a love song... To heroin. Listen to it again.
'Aja' is a great album. One of the greatest in my opinion. That said, maybe checkout 'Reelin' In The Years' or 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' if you're just getting into Steely Dan, a truly outstanding group.
79th independence day, the guardian of nusantara by alffy rev, terima kasih.
Steve Gadd's epic single-take masterpiece.
The more you listen to this, the more you pick different things out!
Wayne Shorter sax solo over the Gadd drums so good. Weather Report and Steely Dan two of my 5 a day. Booked to see Steely Dan supporting the Eagles in Manchester UK. Sadly they lost their Keyboard player but were replaced by the excellent Doobie Brothers who had Michael MacDonald who sings on this Album. What goes around comes around. Great reaction
this is a transcendent piece of art , not meant to be compared to other songs by them written in a pop format .... the drummer is Steve Gadd, and these drum fills are considered some of greatest parts of all time...
The great Steve Gad on drums there... an awesome drummer.
Welcome to one of the greatest pieces of music ever written and performed.
You 2 are good looking couple and your wife is stunning.🤩
Very unique band. Everybody interprets music differently, but I hear a cool fusion of rock and jazz.
“Dude ranch above the sea” and “up on the hill” are allusions to San Francisco, I think.
Something interesting about this song is that no one could really understand what the lyrics were about before they asked the authors, and the story behind it is really interesting.
"Aja" is a way of writing "Asia", and on the authors words, the song tries to transmit the idea of "the tranquility that can come of a quiet relationship with a beautiful woman". That was inspired by a friend of Donald Fagen (the pianist, and one of the lyrics writer), who had just married to a pretty Asian woman who was a quiet and reserved person, and her behaviour molded their relationship. You'll notice a lot of Asian culture references on the lyrics along with some oriental instruments.
Check out "Peg" or "Home at last" next.... theres so many great ones though...Aja is a little more cerebral and slow burning...great reaction thanks!
Drums Drums Drums........MR Steve Gadd
They asked Wayne Shorter the saxophonist, to come out over to the studio and listen to this and lay it down...
He was in and out in 30 minutes. He just layed it down! It will go on to be one of the most amazing saxophone solos in all of history. The song keeps me alive. The whole album is amazing. As a musician, I can't tell you what a joy it is to see people listening to this for the first time. Have you listened to the discipline album by King Crimson yet. Lol.
Also Nektar "Remember the Future"
Peace. D
Donald Fagan is a true genius. You will probably be doing a lot more of Steely Dan.
Amazing song. Incredible drum licks in several places
Peg, Kid Charlemange
Due to popular demand, the drummer Steve Gadd actually does like seminars on his drumming on Aja. That's just how freakin' amazing his work here is. Is anybody's else's favorite part of the song when Steve does the drumstick click? Do you still "air click" it every time like I am compelled to do? In my book it's right up there with P Collins' drum crash on In the Air Tonight. PS - love the reaction!
Pure masterpiece...
This was fun!!! Great job!
Guys you got a good one here, and they are spot on live😄
Hello CC! Very interesting choice for a second Steely Dan song. This album was a huge success for them. Although I think this whole album is brilliant in writing playing and recording I never quite caught the vibe. I am also a bit more inclined to drift towards the "Do it Again" vibe. Thanks again! Being older I enjoy watching younger folks discover some of these bands as we did. Rock on!
Next react "the guardian of nusantara" by alffy rev terbaru