[Gaucho]

As an avid fan of Steely Dan, I really want to like every album album Donald Fagen and Walter Becker produce, both as a band and as solo artists.
I want to - and with Fagen's solo work that's not a problem - but with Walter Becker's last solo album, 11 Tracks of Whack, way back in 1994, I found one snag . . . he can't sing.
Or should I say he couldn't sing?
Walter has obviously been having singing lessons because on his latest album, Circus Money, the old croak has gone - to be replaced by something resembling a singing voice.
In many ways the new album could be passed off as one of the more recent Steely Dan albums if it wasn't for Walter performing the vocals. It has the same blend of smooth, sophisticated jazz rock, with clever lyrics and impeccable musicianship. Walter's fondness for West Indian music is evident, with a strong reggae feel to many of the tracks.
Now that the voice problem has been (largely) solved, Walter's main stumbling block seems to be his difficulty coming up with a catchy tune. With Fagen's work that's rarely a problem.
Still, Circus Money is a very listenable album. Most of the tracks are co-written by Larry Klein, who produced the album and was also responsible for Herbie Hancock's River: The Joni Letters.
Let's hope we don't have to wait 14 years for the next Walter Becker album.

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

As an avid fan of Steely Dan, I really want to like every album album Donald Fagen and Walter Becker produce, both as a band and as solo artists.
I want to - and with Fagen's solo work that's not a problem - but with Walter Becker's last solo album, 11 Tracks of Whack, way back in 1994, I found one snag . . . he can't sing.
Or should I say he couldn't sing?
Walter has obviously been having singing lessons because on his latest album, Circus Money, the old croak has gone - to be replaced by something resembling a singing voice.
In many ways the new album could be passed off as one of the more recent Steely Dan albums if it wasn't for Walter performing the vocals. It has the same blend of smooth, sophisticated jazz rock, with clever lyrics and impeccable musicianship. Walter's fondness for West Indian music is evident, with a strong reggae feel to many of the tracks.
Now that the voice problem has been (largely) solved, Walter's main stumbling block seems to be his difficulty coming up with a catchy tune. With Fagen's work that's rarely a problem.
Still, Circus Money is a very listenable album. Most of the tracks are co-written by Larry Klein, who produced the album and was also responsible for Herbie Hancock's River: The Joni Letters.
Let's hope we don't have to wait 14 years for the next Walter Becker album.

Hey Gaucho,

I liked his last solo effort..I really liked the songwriting and arrangements
and Beckers laid back but assertive style of electric guitar.
And his singing was stylistic for the goove of the album.

Looking forward to hearing this new one.
Where did you find it?

[Gaucho]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Hey Gaucho,

I liked his last solo effort..I really liked the songwriting and arrangements
and Beckers laid back but assertive style of electric guitar.
And his singing was stylistic for the goove of the album.

Looking forward to hearing this new one.
Where did you find it?

I have a promo copy.

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

I have a promo copy.

Good for you....enjoy....

I will have it soon enough...

[Gaucho]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Good for you....enjoy....

I will have it soon enough...

You'll enjoy it. It features two amazing musicians - drummer Keith Carlock and guitarist Jon Herington - who I saw on Steely Dan's last tour. They were incredible.
I set high standards for Steely Dan stuff. If this album was by somebody I hadn't heard of I'd be raving about it.

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

You'll enjoy it. It features two amazing musicians - drummer Keith Carlock and guitarist Jon Herington - who I saw on Steely Dan's last tour. They were incredible.
I set high standards for Steely Dan stuff. If this album was by somebody I hadn't heard of I'd be raving about it.

I believe Herington also worked with Phil Lesh and Friends doing
Dead material in the past.

[Gaucho]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

I believe Herington also worked with Phil Lesh and Friends doing
Dead material in the past.

You're probably right. I know Keith Carlock has toured with several top acts, including Sting. When he played with Steely Dan in London, the Guardian described his drumming as "like Buddy Rich, Keith Moon and Clyde Stubblefield rolled into one lethal package." They weren't exaggerating.

[Starcat]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

You're probably right. I know Keith Carlock has toured with several top acts, including Sting. When he played with Steely Dan in London, the Guardian described his drumming as "like Buddy Rich, Keith Moon and Clyde Stubblefield rolled into one lethal package." They weren't exaggerating.

Wow, that`s high praise indeed for a drummer!

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

You're probably right. I know Keith Carlock has toured with several top acts, including Sting. When he played with Steely Dan in London, the Guardian described his drumming as "like Buddy Rich, Keith Moon and Clyde Stubblefield rolled into one lethal package." They weren't exaggerating.

Sorry can you tell me about Clyde Stubbenfield ???

[Gaucho]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Sorry can you tell me about Clyde Stubbenfield ???

Isn't he James Brown's drummer who played on the track Funky Drummer, the most sampled track ever?