Steely Dan at Nokia Theater

Having always loved their quirky style of jazz-tinged rock but never seeing them in person, I eagerly anticipated their show in the intimate and quality-sound environs of the Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie, Texas last night.  I was not disappointed in the least.  The four-piece horn section was top-notch and the other musicians were exemplary.  Tight doesn't come close to describing how they worked as a band.  Standouts were the excellent guitarist Jon Harrington, who handled the difficult-to-reproduce leads on "My Old School," "Peg," and "Kid Charlemagne" with amazing ease, and the drummer Keith Carlock who shined brightly on the challenging "Aja" and "Green Earrings."  Becker and Fagan looked so comfy on stage it's hard to believe they haven't been touring constantly over their career together.  Michael McDonald joined them for rousing versions of "Do it Again," "Don't take me alive," and "Show Biz Kids."  Add great versions of "Bodisattva," "Dirty Work," "Time out of Mind," "Hey, Nineteen," and "I heard the news" and you've got yourself a great concert.  If you've never heard them live do yourself a favor and try to catch them on this tour that just started.  The quality of musicianship displayed will satisfy even the jazz purists among you and you'll find yourself singing right along with the audience on most every tune.  I highly recommend it.

I agree about Carlock totally.  A band is only as good as its drummer and that kid played with powerful enthusiasm and flair.  I hope other proggers take advantage of the tour and catch this first class act when they come through their town.  It's money well spent.

Oh, yeah.  That woman drummer is hell on wheels.  Saw her with McDonald two years ago at Smirnoff and she blew the drummers for Hall & Oates and Average White Band off the stage.  She's no lightweight, that's for sure.  She can hold her own.

Sorry, I'm a card-carrying Appliantologist.  We worship kitchen refrigerators as well as washers and dryers.

It's the only religion that comes with a warranty.

Must give credit where's it's due.  I think it was Zappa that came up with the concept of Appliantology.  One funny dude, that Frank.