Hey Nineteen (Steely Dan) Bass Cover (and some vocals)

Day two of my "Gaucho in one week" project, song two on the record, "Hey Nineteen".
This is Walter Becker playing bass. The part is economical, controlled and in the pocket - just the way the composer of the part would like it played. Becker explained in Brian Sweet's SD biography "Reelin' in the Years":
"The B band is me and Donald. The A band is anyone else - professionals. I prefer to have someone else play bass - someone I know who's better than me - unless all else fails. The way I feel about my guitar playing, is that it's to be used only as necessary or 'taken as directed'. If there's anybody else we think can do it, we get him first."
I'm fine with the last resort, when it comes out as nice as this. Also, Rick Marotta is credited on the track, but most of the actual drum beat is done by regular Dan engineer Roger Nichols' invention, Wendel the drum machine. Or Wendel II, as it was radically redesigned with 16-bit circuitry at the end of the 70s. It was the highest of high end studio gear, one crash cymbal sample would require $12,000 worth of memory.
More from Brian Sweet's book: "This was pretty much an all Wendel track, but wherever possible, a live drummer was credited and Nichols' invention got credit for sequencing and special effects."
I really love the background vocals in the bridge, so much that I decided to remove them with Spleeter and have a crack myself. Quick and dirty, three dubs of three parts with my AKG 414, no pop filter.
The bass is my 1973 Precision going through my Avalon U5 into Logic. One whole take, captured with my Canon M50. Enjoy!

[@lelandsklar6363]

Excellent!

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you, Lee. You're an inspiration.

[@yuichituba]

@@LarsErikDahle Dude, that's when you know you've arrived. You got a comment by Lee Sklar himself. (Lee, his Steely Dan covers really are excellent!)

[@Relicsun]

Superbly done ! Sir!!!

[@drew6237]

Lars: the quadruple threat! Awesome as always

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you, Drew 😊

[@ollenaktergal902]

Välspelat som vanligt! Och på den här låten även fin stämsång. Härligt!

[@LarsErikDahle]

Tusen takk, Olle 😊

[@johnandrewmunroe]

Great playing and scintillating insights. Great bridge.

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you, John. That bridge is fun 😊

[@markyates8399]

Impeccably well played Lars-Erik.

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you, Mark 😊

[@NozmoKing]

again, excellent performance, and that bass tone is near perfect. It sits in the mix exactly where it should

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thanks! Much appreciated. I like shaping the tone with my hands as much as I can, don't really like using pedals or gadgets.

[@hellofromrob]

I've always liked the simplicity of this bass line. Very well played! Also, the triple dubs of the background vocals was great! Now, if it were just that easy to clone one's self when there are chores to be done.... Or you could learn three new songs at once. Not quite sure how one's spouse might react, though.... Maybe 😳 or 😜

[@LarsErikDahle]

I seem to remember a Michael Keaton movie from the 90s with that exact plot. Didn't go super smooth, as I recall 😂😂

[@Julia-i5q8z]

darn I thought you were gonna do the "sho' looks good! ... skate a little lower now" parts too =D

[@dvened]

excellent!

[@dvened]

oh wow turns out Mr Leland Sklar thought the exact same ^^ I guess I should be quiet

[@LarsErikDahle]

Haha, you're both entitled to have an opinion. I'm just glad you both agree 😂🙏🙏

[@potetofly]

Of course, your performance was great, but most of all, I think your smile is the best.

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you 🙏🙏

[@niklasframnes6315]

Very impressive! (Er du norsk?)

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you so much! (Ja, det er jeg 😉)

[@digeratadesign]

sweet. in the pocket always Lars

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you! I like it there.

[@yuichituba]

2:10 "Nice"