My Favorite Donald Fagen Song
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- Hang out with me while I talk and sing about my favorite Donald Fagen song, Maxine.
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The entire album is a masterpiece . " Night fly " one of the best albums ever recorded.
I agree. I've been listening to it for almost 40 years. It is so textured and deep as you can see from Amie's description. Some of Fagan's best lyrics too.
Agreed!
@D MD Great song and Fagan does it great. Howard Jones covered it very lovingly: ruclips.net/video/CYC8Ap_2jfU/видео.html
A Masterpiece...and grossly underappreciated.
Agreed!
That entire album is just a masterpiece
hey there nick
howz it hangin
Josh H hey joshy! ❤️ it’s going eh:/
You mention Donald Fagen or Steely Dan, I watch it.
Hi Aimee, I feel honoured that you used my arrangement for this wonderful video! Thanks, I enjoyed it!
And I KNEW you would comment on the Gm(maj9)/E chord ;-) It has puzzled me for quite some time....
I’m so glad you found this, Hans! I hoped that you would! Thanks for your great work.
The hole song is filled up with crazy but beautiful harmonies! I love it! Don and SD have always inspiring my own play (guitar) the latest 40 years. A soul gift.
Hi @Steven Sedai , Hans' page is here - www.hanskaldeway.nl/wp/portfolio/maxine/ , or maybe you meant Aimee's arrangement of Hans' transcription...
I have that one as Bbmaj7-5/E . Pretty close :-)
The transcript of Grant O'Brien has a E9b5 written there (e-g#-d-f#-a#) which sounds quite good I think.
Donald Fagen is the master. His harmonies are sick. And he always has unexpected progressions with neat voicings. One of my favorite bands of all time. Agree SD the most jazz flavored rock band. I’ve always loved his voice. It’s so unique. There’s just something about it that gets me! Great video Aimee!
Gina Yes! plus a master lyricist
Robert Evvers yesss!
Yes, I was trying to explain to my brother once that the progressions were not typical, except for a few songs like standard blues songs (i.e. Black Friday) his (they're) songs went different directions.
Yes, I was trying to explain to my brother once that the progressions were not typical, except for a few songs like standard blues songs (i.e. Black Friday) his (they're) songs went different directions.
@Terrel Brown Really??? I had no idea... That's lovely!
I was fortunate to see SD perform The Nightfly in its’ entirety and to my surprise at the time, Maxine was a favorite and knocked me out. The background vocals were rich, lush and amazing. Kudos to our reviewer for insightful analysis.
SD never performed that album in its entirety, if at all, but thanks for playing.
@@joe-vz6hx sorry idiot - saw it at the Beacon in NYC - maybe didn’t happen in The sticks where you live
I own the entire SD and DF catalogs. I listen to them all the time. The best musicians in the world played on them
and such unique, complex arrangements. How did he make such quality from scratch? Nobody else from that era came close.
@@MikeMelarkey No one "came close"? Well, Gino Vannelli certainly does.
Just stumbled on this, not only does Aimee musically deconstruct this song perfectly , she GETS It. My favorite line too, is drive to the coast and drive right back again. So glad to see others be impacted by this song as much as I.
"Steely Dan is the most jazz of any of the classic rock bands IMO" - Amiee Nolte
We share the same opinion and the same love for the band Amiee. Thanks for this content...really enjoy it.
Jay Graydon and Randy Goodrum's JaR takes the SD vibe to another level...Jay played the iconic guitar solo on "Peg" by the way.
Listened to this video several times and it gets better each time. Also I realize how great Donald is as a songwriter and also what an amazing breakdown this is . Aimee so glad to see someone who appreciates this song as much as I do.
'You'll be my señorita in jeans and pearls.' How do you get more romantic than this?
Like button immediately for delving into one of the best albums ever
Thank you so much open my eyes for a beautiful harmony Now I look at all Donald Fagen songs differently
Way to go Aimee. Maxine is exactly my favorite Donald Fagan tune. The word graduation in the lyrics strikes me as a tip of the hat to the Four Freshmen. Fagan, a genius.
Interesting! I always wondered if it was a reference to Graduation Day by the Four Freshmen!!
Good ear on the Four Freshmen nod. Brian Wilson would agree I'm sure.
How about Teach me tonight..... Graduation is almost here.
By Diana Washington and Amy Winehouse with Jools Holland.
This song is absolutely, positively an homage to The Four Freshmen.
I'm a pianist and I love Donald in every way. This is the best harmonic analysis I have ever heard. Better even than some of the interviews Donald gave explaining "josie" for example. You're very good.
This video is unbelievably enjoyable. It’s adding all these new dimensions to a song I’ve listen to for decades.
Thank you for this video..❤ its an affirmation of Donald Fagen’s genius… a lot of talent, patience, creativity, uniqueness to create a masterpiece… a gift to us to really work meticulously on a song… thanks D.F.👏👏👏
Great song, excellent breakdown. This is my favorite DF love song( he didn't write that many). I used to put this on and ask my lovely wife to dance. Many times. Eventually she would say you "going to play Maxine later" and laugh. Great memories..
Aimee is the best. She absolutely nails both Donald’s motives and his ingenious lyricism. His most perfect album, with the most perfect song on it. Many thanks for this excellent analytical breakdown.
ikr, it's amazing, she's amazing
Wow Aimee, that was quite an analysis. Thanks for that. Some people say his music is "over-produced" or something. I think it is superbly "invented" and excellently played and produced. Indeed there are many, many beautiful chords in many of his creations. I cannot read notes, although I do play bass on a mid-level. But I do "feel" the beauty of these awesome chords, as found on many of Donald's albums. I have tried to explain Donald's music (used chords, instrumentation etc.) to quite some people, but not even a handful seem to understand, or like it. That's a little sad, but I am glad I discovered his sound way back.
Thank you for sharing your love for this music. You thoughts and pleasure in sharing this are rather infectious. I have been a fan of Steely Dan since my days as a rock musician; and the more local level. I have done Steely Dan tunes and had to work out the songs by simply listening to the records. I never really understood the voicing; just knew they were beautiful and unique. When this album came out I was truly blown away. Hard to even choose which songs are my favorite. I now have a deeper appreciation for this song. Thanks again.
Whenever I feel like I want to get in a "down" mood I get my favorite cognac and glass with a stogie and keep on listening to Maxine. Such wonderful pitifulness on oneself.
Totally agree, Aimee! Well, as a piano player. In general, it's Babylon Sisters. But Maxine...so good.
My favorite *moment* on that album is the line, "Tonight you're still on my mind," in The Nightfly.
But that one is Steely Dan! ;) Today was only about DF. I adore Babylon Sisters.
A play along to Babylon Sisters literally got me back into playing piano after decades. The keyboard voicings and progressions are incredible. Fagan and Becker are wizards
Indepth insights mixed with the music analysis, I love it!
This song has such beautiful chord changes. With his jazz background, he had a brilliant take on chordal structures for his songs. You captured that well. And how you picked up on his high school fantasies of his life.
So glad I woke up to this in my suggested videos. My love for Donald Fagen and Steely Dan came from long car rides with my dad. I appreciate your very thoughtful take on the lyrics and music. This song always struck me like a photograph... The way he describes the emotional world of these characters just as they are... All the innocence and warmth. The Nightfly is a great album. Thanks!
So simple, but so perfect...
Still clever girls in the world.... Thanks
Fascinating! Thank you. How can anyone be churlish enough to dislike this?!
Churlish indeed. Probably more into T Swift. Oh well. One has a right to be wrong in the U.S.
Love that record. Sounds great on any format. My fave is green flower street
I love that song. The bridge is so amazing and love the chords
masterpiece and one of the best albums of the 80s
Agreed
Cinematic lyrics always.
What a wonderful analysis of Maxine. You are so cool. You break it down in several different levels - sophisticated harmonies, voicings, strange chord substitutions, voice arrangements, horn arrangements. Then you segue into deeper meanings of lyrics, teenage angst, teenage love, hope, and dreams. Then you point out that aspect of Fagen's songwriting genius - a 34 year old man recapturing his teen years, his penchant for jazz radio and other obscurities...it reminds me a bit of myself.
44 people gave this a thumbs down?? Are they deaf?
Love your analysis of this masterpiece. Great stuff.
Also the social and emotional context...wow!
YES, MA'AM
You have impeccable taste Aimee. A fabulous album and homage to the incredible musicality of Messrs Fagen and Becker. Thank you. For the next generation...
THANK YOU! I Very much Enjoyed that!!
Aimee is absolutely correct about pinning down A Favorite Song.....so many to pick from......
Love your analysis of this - such a great song!
Thanks for this, very thoughtful & informative. Made my evening!
Wow my uni big band has just started rehearsing arrangments of the entire nightfly album. Crazy lol
NICE
Wow I’d love to get hold of those charts. Are they readily available?
@@alanhowell3646 I'm not sure where the bandleader got them to be honest.
kevs musicandstuff ok thanks
@@alanhowell3646 I think I just have the guitar charts but I can have a look through my emails to see if I have the other parts. If so I would be happy to email them to you.
Great work, talking it through. Rooted in reality and good ears!
You are so right about Darn that Dream. Brava!
One of the best jazzy song of all time. But my favorite is «I.G.Y», because i still remember the chock of that new modern sound.
I will forward a link of this video to my friend Carol Leonhart. She is a backup vocalist for Fagan/ Steele Dan and has alway said that it was an amazing experience to watch Donald and Walter in the studio. Hopefully, if not to busy, she may have some insights to this song that she could share with you.
Frank Ferguson Their back up vocalist are insane!!!!!
Wow! I’ve always adored Carol’s artistry. I hope someone can do the interview with her “the Dan.”
I am so jealous. She is my favourite SD backup singer. Voice of an angel.
Post the link here too Frank
Carolyn Leonhart! - haven't heard her name in years. She's so good, and eye catching when she performs. Say hi for me.
Gee unbelievably complex chord arrangements by Donald Fagen. Such a wonderful Ballad. Well summarised Aimee.
my go to all time fine recording
Aimee my piano teacher has said I am ready to give this a go! I have conquered the intro and working on the main tune! This video is helpful! Thanks!!
This album ‘The Nightfly’ was for me, an instant classic. I had an instant emotional connection, akin to a distant memory.
garry brown I agree. I bought the cassette for $2 and played it in the car and was blown away! I've played it so many times, I purchased it 5 times. It was also a gift for all my friends that they loved. A timeless masterpiece!
Wow when you explain all the different chords it Elevates the song even higher 🔥❤️😎
This is a beautiful deconstruction of an amazing song off one of my all times favorite albums. In so glad this came up in my recommendations. Your voice is wonderful and I'm not the jazz player you are but I got the basic points of the chordal discussion (i could watch this 20 times and keep getting more from it) and your enthusiasm is infectious. Thank you, please do more of his songs!
Almost a decade ago, I was studying guitar with a teacher that is now a great friend - mostly blues/rock/pop stuff - but I have always loved Steely Dan and Donald - specifically Aja - sooooo... my teacher taught me all these crazy chords and I had no idea why - they turned out to be the chords to Deacon Blues. THAT moment led me down the jazz pathway and I haven't turned back. Since then I added piano to my study and I am lucky to learn from the best! ^^^^
You did a wonderful Work. A lot of thanks
Great. Also my favourite Fagen tune since 1884!
I want to hear Aimee play and sing the whole tune. She knows and appreciates the brilliant and key elements of Maxine. She could bring in some other musicians and give us a beautifully done cover. Do this for us Aimee! Do it for yourself.
I have a cover on RUclips :)
Wonderful analysis that demonstrates the genius that is Donald Fagan. Way more than a rock n roll guy with some jazz tendencies. He knows what sells and made plenty, but he writes songs like Maxine for himself. I wish he got more recognition from jazz traditionalists, but maybe it's good we rock guys kinda get him to ourselves. It's SO much easier to soar like an eagle when one flies with turkeys!
thanks for such a real contribution to analyzing Donald Fagan's songwriting - I got the album when it came out as a cassette and was wowed by the sound and arrangements of this fine work ... your assessment of the chord movements and lyrics was superb :) many thanks Jake
Maxine is the 'pinacle', it's the best ! Wonderful work here, and with The Beach Boys around... you're the top, you Lady !
It's delightful, it's delovely ! ! !
Thank you so much for this, and the other video.
For me, his penchant for harmonization is his trademark, even more, creative genius.
Aimee, an amazing deconstruction. I wish I could play it!
Thank You! !Greetings from nearby the Arctc Circle/Finland
Such a beautiful video, thank you.
I love that song so much I named my daughter Maxine ;) Great choice and skills! TY
Yes, yes, nightfly posseses a kind of eternal beauty. Strangely enough I have sung both MAXINE and DARN THAT DREAM at an open-mike in Mountain View California. I KNEW this music was great.
Thank you for confirming my instincts.
Fagan's breadth of style on the keyboard is something to marvel at.
"It spoke to me then and it speaks to me now." Yes indeed Aimee, I second that emotion. Wonderful music that evokes memories and feelings from a time gone by but very real today. I am more Fagen's age and also grew up in NJ, so can relate very much to the sentiment. So cool to think that a California girl like yourself also feels what he was communicating. Ah, the universal language! BTW, it's Lincoln Mall in the lyric. Thanks for reminding us how great this song is.....
Lincoln MALL! Whoa!! Lol thanks!
You're a true talent Aimee
The whole album is a masterpiece, I think Walk Between the Raindrops is my current favourite
So glad to hear that you are a Steely Dan and Donald Fagan fan! I've been a Steely Dan fan for years and we usually do 1-2 Steely Dan charts every year. Ironically, we are doing Green Earrings in a rehearsal tonight for our weekend show. (Early Steely Dan) LOVE Maxine...it's been one of my favorites for years. Mad props to you for the Donald Fagan shout out! :)
What a relief is is to hear someone ELSE nerd out over Dan/Fagen for a change 😂
Good spot on Darn that Dream but I'm not surprised you couldn't find interviews that mention it. Donald & Walter learned the hard way not to talk to interviewers about music that "inspired" them - just ask Keith Jarrett.
This is my favourite Album, loved, Ruby, Maxine and DO IT AGAIN ❤, thanks for breaking it down.
Max_Aimee....
Clever girl, clever music
Thanks for your kind touch on Fagen's heart ❤️
Here I am again. I just can't get enough of this song. Your passion and explanation of why you love it so much take the words right out of my mouth and I enjoy listening to you explain your feelings about it as well as the genius behind its creation. I enjoy watching you lose yourself in this masterpiece almost as much as I love listening to the original.
Thank you very much for this!
Qué bello análisis haces Aimee de este clásico de ese músico impresionante de Donald Fagen. Además tienes una hermosa voz. Saludos 🖖🏼🌸❤️🌸🇲🇽
Very proud to have known and gone to school with one of Fagan & Becker's favorite drummers, Jeff Porcaro. Him playing on this album makes it even more special and sentimental to me. An absolute gem for the ages. Even Mel Torme covered The Goodbye Look!
One of the best tunes from THE best album ever made, as far as I'm concerned. Great video as always, Aimee!
Maxine will always be my favorite Donald Fagen song. I get the same emotional experience every single time. It’s one of those songs I like to listen by myself so I’m not distracted because it deserves all of my attention.. even the sax solo is flawless.
What a fantastic analysis of that wonderful piece. Super enjoyed it! Thank you.
Superb Album, one of the best of the 80s, with very good session musicians.
I was 12 years old at the time, and I remember well, we heard the songs from this album every day on French radio, on Tv's,, on commercial jingles, etc.
It was a good time.
Thank you, Amy!
I’m at least an octave short of the chops needed to analyze this tune. But it’s also one of my all-time favorites. It was such a joy to hear your articulate breakdown. And now...I know what’s going on with those changes!! It’s a great day.
Great song and great album for sure. I’ve always loved the Kamakiriad album as well, and “On the Dunes” in particular. Steely Dan and Donald Fagen are pure magic - perfection and grace. 😊
Kamakiriad is vastly underrated.
This is just perfect… I love Donald Fagen and Steely Dan’s music, and to hear someone get it and articulate that passion so clearly is delightful. This is so well observed and deconstructed with thoughtful commentary through out. I’m so glad I stumbled across your video!
New Frontier is my all time favourite song - however the whole album is a masterpiece. Lovely piano playing here!
Hi Aimee! Sorry for my English😊 I'm French, I've been a subscriber to your channel for a long time but I've never left a message. When I saw this video and you like Steely Dan and Donald Fagen I couldn’t resist writing to you because I also love this band and this artist. My father was crazy about Steely Dan, I listened to all their albums every day until I left to study😎
My favorite album of Steely Dan is Pretzel Logic and my favorite song is Any major dude will tell you!👌
Thank you for all your video🙏
You’re great ! 👍😘
I also agree.. Been drumming it for many years.. So simple and precise. Nice call Aimee.
That 7th chord is what makes that song super special.
thank you
Excellent analysis of this song where I love these harmonious transitions and great song writing!!
My favourite song - period. And that intro ... gorgeous!
You're brilliant!!! Great analysis!!!
Thanks so much for this Aimee, I finally learnt it all. Not sure if I'll ever get it up to speed but I so love playing it. Such a blessing hearing what can be done with 12 notes; totally ear-opening!
I've always loved this tune as well. I play my own arrangement of it on guitar.
Loved! I will listen again this album!!! Thank you so much!!!!
I love Donald Fagen and of Course Steely Dan. Seen Steely Dan in concert twice once when Becker was still alive and once after. Love the Fusion sound that Fagen and Becker bought to the world of music. Always loved Donald's bluntness and his style of writing along with Becker of Course.
Nice Video. Always love hearing a fellow lover of cool cat Donald Fagen break down his genius in songwriting and his delivery of song with that sexy accent....PEACE
This is absolutely great! Although it is maybe my 3rd favorite song on this album. So glad I found your wonderful channel. Really appreciate that you told us about Hans’s arrangement/transcription.
YES! I just picked up this on vinyl. Great tune for sure. The organ line in the second verse gets me every time.
Brilliant rundown and great playing thank you:)I love r Donald Fagan's music:)
Nice to find a fellow traveler who likes SD and DF as much as I do. I wore the grooves out on my copy of The Nightfly while in college, and it is still one of my all time favorite recordings. I especially like this particular tune, and I really enjoyed your detailed and insightful appreciation of the music and the lyrics. Thanks so much, Aimee!
Ray Pfeiffer Same.
Great Pagoda of Fun. My favorite!
Loved your exploration of my favourite album. Thanks for doing this.
Loved this offering, Aimee. Thanks for reminding me of the rich harmonies, voices, and instrumentations of Donald Fagen whether recording/performing as an ensemble or soloist.