Steely Dan Newsletter | Issue 51
The ingenious chord invented by Steely Dan
The ingenious chord invented by Steely Dan
It was called the Mu Major, and it was similar to a suspended second chord; however, it contained a major or minor third, which you don’t tend to see when dealing with suspended chords. This meant that they could play standard minor and major chords, but give them more texture without making the track sound too jazzy.
Christopher Cross Was Once Asked To Play On A Steely Dan Album But Didn’t
Christopher says they made a wise choice not using him in the end. “As it turns out, I found out later that the song they wanted me to play on was a song called ‘Third World Man’ off ‘Gaucho’ and all I said when I found out was ‘thank God I did play on it’ because Larry Carlton took the place, arguably one of the most incredible soloists of all time. I certainly wouldn’t have brought that to it”.
Were Steely Dan really responsible for changing music?
Several bands and artists will frequently get credited with having changed the course of musical history, either due to their endless striving to inspire and innovate or due to their impressive cultural impact around the world.
8 Songs That Show Walter Becker’s Brilliance
From “Pretzel Logic” to “Slang of Ages,” the Steely Dan co-founder’s sharp style always resonated.
Steely Dan's "Gaucho" Is a Masterpiece About Being Past Your Prime
"Gaucho" is an album about people who are all past their prime. We all feel that way right about now.
💬 The excellent Expanding Dan newsletter
Donald Fagen spins '70s favorites on 'Desert Island Discs'
In a rare recording, the Nightfly plays castaway, selecting the songs he'd want to have with him if he were stranded.
📷 The awesome Barney Hurley X account
Barney Hurley might be gone now, but his X account will forever be must-see.
Steely Dan performing at the Terrace Ballroom, Salt Lake City, Utah on their 1973 U.S. tour
💿 Steely Dan: Every Song Ranked
There’s no story anywhere in music like Steely Dan.
Have a GREAT day! 😎