Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Back on Top: Steely Dan

Donald Fagen and Freddie Washington with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen and Freddie Washington with Steely Dan
Words by: Jeremy Chrzan
Photos by: David Oppenheimer

As one of the most anticipated reunion shows of the summer, Steely Dan graced their fans in Asheville, North Carolina by playing a marvelous show at the world-renowned Biltmore Estate.  With the stage adjacent to the majestic Biltmore House with views overlooking the beautiful grounds and the epic Blue Ridge Mountains, the venue added a visual element to the concert experience that was second to none.  It had been drizzling all day, but to everyone’s avail the precipitation held off for the show which allowed for a truly stunning sunset over the westward mountains facing stage right.  The show was packed, featuring a sold out crowd of mostly older spectators that looked to be collectively reliving their youth.

Opening up for Steely Dan was The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation, which featured jazz composer and guitarist, Bobby Broom.  Their set was reminiscent of 1930’s basement jazz, slow and with heavy finesse. Everyone in attendance seemed captivated by the musical spectacle that they were taking in.
Steely Dan
Steely Dan
They were joining Steely Dan, who was in the midst of their Jamalot Ever After Tour which takes them through three months and 56 stops in the United States.  Despite being on such a heavy tour, their musical ability remained top-notch.  Steely Dan’s style has always been the perfect union of jazz and funk rhythms presented with a pop and rock approach.  Even after forty years they can still command excellence in the translation of their music to live performance.  Core members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen played with a team of eight outstanding supporting musicians including Jon Herington on guitar, Keith Carlock on drums, Freddie Washington on bass, and Jim Beard on Keys.  The band also featured a trumpet, trombone, and baritone saxophone as well as three harmonic backup singers to really drive the musical vibe home.  This big band style really creates a dynamic musical experience that leaves the audience no choice but to be enthralled.  

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

The show consisted of twenty songs that spanned the course of their extended career.  Included in the setlist were most of their smash hit singles throughout the years including "Babylon Sisters", "Reelin’ in the Years", "Hey Nineteen", and "Peg".  These songs mostly covered the 1970’s albums, but they sneaked in their 2003 song "Godwhacker" as well.  Highlights from the show included "Aja" and "Kid Charlemagne", which they encored with..  The musicianship was consistently superb and well-practiced.  It seemed as if the entire performance was perfect down to every last guitar lick and drum beat. 
All in all Steely Dan made for a great night at The Biltmore House.  Great tunes, great weather, great views, and great people all came together to solidify a night that was not to be forgotten.  Be sure to check out one of their tour dates around the country that extend until late September.

Walter Becker with Steely Dan
Walter Becker with Steely Dan

Walter Becker with Steely Dan
Walter Becker with Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

Walter Becker with Steely Dan
Walter Becker with Steely Dan

Walter Becker with Steely Dan
Walter Becker with Steely Dan

Walter Becker with Steely Dan
Walter Becker with Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

Steely Dan
Steely Dan

Steely Dan
Steely Dan

Keith Carlock with Steely Dan
Keith Carlock with Steely Dan

Keith Carlock with Steely Dan
Keith Carlock with Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan


Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan


Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

Steely Dan
Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donal Fagen with Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation
The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation

The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation
The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation

Donald Fagen with Steely Dan
Donald Fagen with Steely Dan

The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation
The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation

The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation
The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation

The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation
The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation

The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation
The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation

Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate 

Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate 

Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate 

Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate 


Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate 

Biltmore Concert Series

Steely Dan Official Site

Remaining Tour Dates:

August 6th Bethlehem, PA
August 8th Niagara Falls, NY
August 9th Erie, PA
August 11th Pittsburgh, PA
August 12th Cincinatti, OH
August 13th Columbus, OH
August 15th Springfield, IL
August 16th Madison, WI
August 17th Hammond, IN
August 19th Appleton, WI
August 20th Interlochen, MI
August 22th Windsor, ON
August 23rd Toronto, ON
August 24th Toronto, ON
August 26th Ottawa, ON
August 27th Montreal, QC
August 29th Bangor, ME
August 30th Gilford, NH
August 31st Saratoga Springs, NY

September 3rd    Red Bank, NJ
September 4th         Red Bank, NJ
September 6th         Boston, MA
September 7th         Providence, RI
September 9th         Morristown, NJ
September 10th Morristown, NJ
September 12th Atlantic City, NJ
September 13th Huntington, NY
September 14th Huntington, NY
September 16th Wallingford, CT
September 17th Baltimore, MD
September 19th Port Chester, NY
September 20th Port Chester, NY
September 21st Port Chester, NY

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