I remember the first time I heard Steely Dan's 'Aja', I was in middle school and over a friends house whose Dad was a huge Steely Dan fan. I remember him putting it on and telling us to be quiet so we could hear "real" music. Little did he know that I was already familiar with Steely Dan (thanks Dad). It was quite a change from 'Pretzel Logic' and 'Royal Scam'. More of a diverse sound that incorporates the elements of jazz, rock, rhythm, and blues. Now, almost thirty years later the folks at Eagle entertainment have released, CLASSIC ALBUMS: Steely Dan's 'AJA' on DVD. What a great idea! You have Steely Dan, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen along with commentary and insight from the legendary session musicians who worked on 'Aja' breaking it all down for you. 'Aja' was the first British Top 10 hit for Steely Dan and was also the first album by Becker and Fagen as a duo. Becker and Fagen, renowned for their relentless perfectionism in the recording studio, recall the history of an album that was a year in the making and was rewarded by a three major hit singles, "Peg", "Deacon Blues" and "Josie". They also break down my personal favorite Steely Dan tunes, "Black Cow". I remember after reading the lyrics to the song, asking my Dad, 'What the heck is a Black Cow?'. Insights also from Michael McDonald, later of the Doobie Brothers, who did guest backing vocals on Aja, the late British musician and songwriter Ian Dury and record producer Gary Katz. Aja carried the added indignity of its increased focus on sophisticated jazz models and musicianship, which carried the Steely Dan's ambitions even further in terms of suave harmonies, intricate song structures, and brilliant playing. Time has proven them wiser than their detractors: These seven songs abound in knotty plots, sneaky imagery, and drop-dead brilliant performances from a blue chip studio repertory studded with first-call jazz players epitomized by Wayne Shorter's towering sax solo on the title song. This is a vivid portrait of a 70’s record that is still as fresh and as memorable more than two decades after its release, a true Classic Album.
ESSENTIAL
