By GREG SMITH
Norwich Bulletin
MOHEGAN, Conn. — They’re known for their sophisticated studio genius and not their live performances.
In fact, Steely Dan founders Donald Fagan and Walter Becker shied away from the stage even during their most potent years in the 1970s.
But it’s not the promise of stage antics or pyrotechnics that drew a capacity crowd at the Mohegan Sun Arena Monday. It was the music.
And music kept the crowd entertained for more than two hours and wanting more when the show closed with “FM.”
The crisp jazz-influenced music has kept legions of fans content even during a 20-year break from studio recordings before the release of “Two Against Nature,” which won a Grammy for album of the year in 2000.
Precise, and for the most part faithful to the studio versions of songs like “Hey Nineteen,” “Black Cow” and “Babylon Sisters,” Fagan and Becker gave Monday’s crowd their all with amped-up renditions of “Josie,” the funky “Kid Charlamagne,” and staple “My Old School.”
Fagan, ever the recluse, was hidden behind his shades, sitting at his keyboard or standing with the electric piano throughout the show. Becker was statuesque as ever, intent on his guitar and at times sitting on a stool glancing at sheet music.
Let’s face it, they’re not much to look at.
But, as usual, there’s plenty more to see and hear when they takes to the stage. The duo is complimented by three female back-up singers, a four-man horn section, drummer, keyboardist, bassist and guitarist.
Guitarist Jon Herington, a newcomer to the band, seemed a natural for the its blend of styles. Drummer Keith Carlock lit it up with a solo that had the crowd to their feet.
Monday’s show was a romp through well-known classics, but also added just enough to give a taste of their new album “Everything Must Go.” The songs from the new album included “Godwhacker,” “Things I Miss The Most” and “Slang of Ages,” a rare foray by Becker on vocals.
Becker incidentally also sang to the reggae-inspired “Haitian Divorce.” Good song, but we now know why he leaves most of the singing to Fagan.
Steely Dan is tight. They have the ability to meticulously reproduce that studio sound on stage with ease and vitality. Close your eyes during a show and you’re liable to be transported elsewhere.
These guys are a highly recommended taste of nostalgia and a fine example of what a perfect concert could be.
Monday’s set included: “Aja,” “Hey Nineteen,” “Babylon Sisters,” “Kid Charlamagne,” “Caves of e,” “Black Cow,” “Josie,” “Don’t Take Me Alive,” “Haitian Divorce,” “Slang of Ages,” “Things I Miss The Most,” “Godwhacker,” “Old School” and “FM.”
No comments yet.