I.G.Y. (Donald Fagen) Bass Cover Playalong

Anthony Jackson was a master of the arranged bass part. He would come up with lines unlike any other bassist, lines that would often bypass bass line conventions with unexpected and spectacular results.
This is one such bass line. Mimicking Jackson's robotic touch and staying consistent throughout the six minutes of music here was the main challenge.
I'm not sure which drummer I'm playing along to here. Both Jeff Porcaro and James Gadson are credited on the track, and the extreme consistency of the drum beats over the six minutes suggest that Roger "The Immortal" Nichols' "Wendel II" drum machine had something to do with it as well.
Any way you look at it (or listen to it), I.G.Y. is an excellent track that kicks off The Nightfly in perfect, cool-as-you-like fashion. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, which epitomizes Fagen's art of wrapping his quirky, yet relatable, lyrics in carefully measured accompaniment.
I love it.

[@Darwinknows]

Apart from the spot on playing, i'm glad to see someone who's as obsessed by Fagen and The Dan as I am. 😂😂

[@drew6237]

We stan the Dan

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thanks, Kareem 😊 It's a lifestyle.

[@Darwinknows]

@@LarsErikDahle yes, that's exactly what it is.

[@andrewtrotter9023]

Many of us out here. An obsessed Steely Dan nerd for 45 years. I’ve seen them four times. Hoping for a few more. 🙏🏼

[@raulnovoa6098]

Great job. Dig. This. Song. 💯💯💯💯

[@drew6237]

He's back and grooving as ever!

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thanks, Drew 😊 Need to shake off the dust and get back down to it.

[@daaaav4122]

I didn't know big show could groove like that!

[@WTHFX]

First verse was spot on. Second Chorus was in the pocket. Hardest part of playing this track is holding back and letting the note duration ring out just enough to feel a sophisticated sense of restraint - it's very easy to get excited and let the staccato get overly jumpy. You can hear how you settle in and listen more sensitively as the song progresses. Really nice job.

[@bassiclogic]

This is the best bass cover of this song I have heard!

[@lucasdasilvamatiassilva2067]

Master 🙏🏾🙏🏾🔥🔥

[@LarsErikDahle]

🙏🙏🙏

[@KlevonOfJesup]

Perfect groove and articulation!

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you 😊

[@anthonymoedano03]

Really good wow

[@Fabio_Enne]

A perfect job! My compliments!!!

[@hellofromrob]

Welcome back Lars-Erik! You and your videos have been sorely missed these last six months. Hope you are well and continue to provide your fans with your excellent playing and thought-provoking musical commentary. Having been a huge fan of Steely Dan since ‘72 (was in high school then so yes, I’m old 👴🏻), I.G.Y. has always been a favorite. Thanks for the great playing and for making my day!

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you, Rob! Much appreciated.

[@erinwilson8478]

I love your energy. I hope to soon be as smooth and joyful in my bass playing as you are ☺️

[@mistersample]

Great job covering this bass part. Excellent Feel.

[@LeandroFerreiraBass]

What a coincidence! I was just studiyng this tune yesterday! Amazing playing my friend. Cheers from Brazil

[@LarsErikDahle]

Cool! It's such a fun one to play. Lots of tiny touches that are fun to get just right 😊 I'm glad you liked it. Muito obrigado.

[@MrGul]

Nailed it!

[@LarsErikDahle]

🙏🙏🙏

[@MrRdmiller]

Magnificent!!!!🎶👍🏻

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you, Randy 😊

[@Darwinknows]

Need i add that Fagen is a true genius ?

[@hellofromrob]

If you feel you need to state the obvious! 😁

[@LarsErikDahle]

As Rob said, goes without saying. The funny thing is that Fagen didn't feel very confident about The Nightfly after completing it, and considered shelving the whole project. Good thing he didn't.

[@Darwinknows]

@@LarsErikDahle my life would have been totally different if he did.

[@olavfossheim3288]

Du är ju helt grym Lars-Erik !!!

[@LarsErikDahle]

Tusen takk, kompis ❤️

[@douweooijevaar1154]

where can i find the bass tab?

[@janegilverkil9507]

You nailed it, bro. As always! Grooving with the Jeff! ❤️

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thanks, bro! Magical tune.

[@AJP9585]

So happy to see another video from you! Hope you're well and just know that your videos are greatly appreciated by your subs!

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thank you, Allan. I'll record some new ones soon.

[@lechiffre7284]

Браво!

[@kalangobass5543]

🎶🎶😍😍😍😍😍🎸

[@LarsErikDahle]

🙏🙏🙏

[@stevemartinez6284]

Very good

[@TheBjornThomassen]

En nytelse as always!🤩🎶🙏🙏

[@LarsErikDahle]

Tusen takk, Bjørn 😊

[@tatax85]

Excelente groove amigo. Saludos desde Argentina. PD: tiene la tab?

[@martinolssonbass]

Grymt bra! AJ är en hjälte.

[@LarsErikDahle]

Tusen takk, Martin 😊 Vilket geni!

[@flabassdrum9023]

Great.

[@LarsErikDahle]

Thanks 🙏🙏

[@geater8744]

👏👏😊

[@LarsErikDahle]

🙏🙏🙏

[@josejesus6507]

Simplesmente perfeito 🤩

[@prokhinalexis520]

Possible to have tab??

[@michaellyluc6372]

Do you have the tabs for this I've been trying to transcribe it for awhile

[@LarsErikDahle]

Sorry! Did it all by ear.

[@bartekkalusbass]

Great! 😁

[@brotherjames6401]

Hey really smooth bass playing there! Sound wise your bass tone sits really well in the mix too! Which P-bass model did you use at the time of the recording?

[@Empyrean55]

What strings do you use?