Steely Dan's AJA: Rock Drummer Reacts and Reviews

[@martindarin5832]

As Fagen recalled, the drummer, Steve Gadd, came into the studio, looked at the sheet music, spent about 15 minutes on a couple of the drum fills, then played that track straight thru, in one take. Amazing.

[@llarose]

That is serious talent. Fagen would often bring in a guitarist & say 'just do it' and even though he was a perfectionist, he just picked the right people for the job. Thanks for sharing.

[@martindarin5832]

@@llarose Yes, he was a undebatably the master of that.😁👍

[@joannerichards1750]

After more than 40 years Aja still moves me.

[@llarose]

"Aja" is timeless. It's amazing how it still resonates after all these years. Thanks for watching!

[@SeaMark782]

Hey from south of the Canadian border. Nice review, Aja is a masterpiece, a gem. Being a drummer and a fan of Steely Dan, you may enjoy my story. I went to school with the great drummer, Jeff Porcaro and got to see him play with SD a few times in 1974, when he toured with them. Jeff was 19. He just kills on his first recording with SD, Night By Night from Pretzel Logic. It was recorded right before the tour, late 1973. He also double drums with Jim Gordon on Parkers Band. Coincidently, Jim Gordon also went to my school. He was a drumming prodigy who was actually first recorded in 1971 when he was 17, double drumming with Jim Keltner on a rare album of LA studio players. I got to hear him play a lot in school along with his brothers Mike and Steve and Steve Lukather and David Paitch, they would later become Toto.

[@llarose]

Hey there! Thanks for sharing such an incredible story. Jeff Porcaro, at 19? Wow. It's amazing that you got to witness his early performances and see him grow as a musician. His work with Steely Dan and Toto, having some similar smooth songs like "Rosanna" as well, left a lasting legacy, and it's fascinating to hear about his early days and connections with other legendary musicians. "Night By Night" is a standout track, and knowing the background makes it even more special. Thanks for adding such personal history to the conversation-much appreciated! Thank you for watching!

[@richkurl]

The guitar interlude before the Wayne Shorter sax/Steve Gadd drum solo is 3 guitarists, Denny Dias, then Walter, then Larry Carlton. Steely Dan hired more than 40 session musicians for Aja, and you'll see a completely different lineup for each track, with some overlap. If you love Walter Becker's beautiful guitar work, he's featured on Home at Last from Aja.

[@llarose]

"Aja" showcases incredible talent with that interlude - Denny Dias, Walter Becker, and Larry Carlton all shine. The rotating lineup of session musicians really makes each track unique. Thanks for watching! Hot off the press, "Do It Again" kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPQnWt4l7-ka9U

[@alanFconrad]

The GREAT Steve Gadd from Syracuse NY on the amazing DRUMS

[@llarose]

Steve Gadd's drumming on Aja is legendary. precision, groove, and pure magic. A masterclass from Syracuse's finest! Thank you for watching! 😊

[@franklassek3132]

I see Aja as being similar to Gaucho and Babylon Sisters, all master works of a separate Steely Dan genre, different from the genre of all other Steely Dan work. So much jazz infused into Aja. And Steve Gadd's drumming on Aja, on a scale of 1-10 is a 15. The tom rolls on separate toms, the stick click, the great ride on the outtro, and his solo throughout Wayne Shorter's sax solo had to inspire that sax solo. I can only imagine the smiles after they finished this recording. Victoer Feldman's vibrophone and percussion fills so many spaces throughtout the song. Chuck Rainey's bass playing is superb. Also Larry Carlton, Denny Diaz, and Walter becker on guitars added so much to this track. Also, let's not forget Joe Sample and Michael omartian on the electric piano and piano. What a wonderful assembling of master musians on a masterpiece of music. Oh, by the way, another great work by Steve Gadd is Paul Simon's Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover. Thanks Larry, great Video. Have a great weekend. Look forward to seeing more from you soon.

[@llarose]

Thank you for such an in-depth breakdown! The musicianship on "Aja" is indeed extraordinary, and you’ve captured the essence of what makes Aja so special. Steve Gadd’s drumming is absolutely sublime, and it’s amazing how all those elements come together to create something timeless. I’m glad you enjoyed the video, and I appreciate your insights. Have a great weekend, and thank you for watching!

[@donkunes8630]

always liked prog like early Genesis, Pink Floyd, EL&P Yes, Focus ( Eruption) even Uriah Heep's Salisbury , Brand X and fusion like Weather Report, Steely Dan & others. Thanx

[@llarose]

You've got an incredible taste for intricate, genre-pushing music! From prog legends to fusion pioneers. Thanks for sharing your appreciation for these iconic sounds! 🎶🎸

[@savariaxa]

Denny Diaz on Guitar amazing track and Steve Gadd on drums !

[@llarose]

Denny Diaz on guitar and Steve Gadd on drums truly make Aja an incredible track! Diaz's guitar work is impeccable, and Gadd's drumming is nothing short of legendary - no wonder it’s still celebrated today. Thank you for watching!

[@brunacamara2844]

😍👏🏾👏🏾