[.ca] New York Rock & Soul Revue

Partying Down With Donald Fagen & Friends:
After he released his 1982 debut solo album, "The Nightfly," Steely Dan's Donald Fagen found himself with a case of writer's block, and he took an extended break from the music business, apart from contributing music to the 1988 Michael J. Fox movie, "Bright Lights Big City" (which Fagen still found very difficult to do), and writing the occasional column for the popular movie magazine, Premiere. But come 1991, and Donald *finally* decided to ease himself back into his music career once more, and what better way to do it then to get together with some big-name friends and put on a concert just for fun. "The New York Rock And Soul Revue: Live At The Beacon" captures Fagen live in concert with other greats like Boz Scaggs, Phoebe Snow, Michael McDonald, Charles Brown, and Eddie & David Brigati of the Rascals, performing some of the classic oldies that inspired all of them to become musicians in the first place, as well as some of their original songs, too. In other words, as Fagen says in the liner notes, "the music we'd like to hear at a good party." And the "New York Rock And Soul Revue" is a damn good party, indeed. Donald & friends play this music with great fire, making for a truly rollicking good time. Standout tracks include McDonald & Snow's duet on "Knock On Wood," Snow's dynamic performances of "Shakey Ground" and "At Last," Donald's classy takes on "Green Flower Street" and Steely Dan's "Chained Lightning," Boz Scaggs' smooth rendering of "Drowning In The Sea Of Love," McDonald's cool cover of his hit with the Doobie Brothers, "Minute By Minute," and, of course, the Steely Dan classic, "Pretzel Logic," with Fagen dueting brilliantly with McDonald for a rousing finale. Not long after this concert was performed, Donald Fagen was finally inspired to record his second solo album, 1993's "Kamakiriad," AND to hit the road with his Steely Dan chum Walter Becker for a pair of reunion Steely Dan tours, culminating at last into the Dan's long-awaited reunion album, 2000's Grammy-winning "Two Against Nature." But, very thankfully, this magnificent live album was the spark for all of that. "The New York Rock And Soul Revue: Live At The Beacon" is a wonderful, must-own CD for any fan of Donald Fagen & friends. Put it on, and enjoy the party!

One of the best albums you can buy:
This CD is one of those rare albums you can listen to 100 times and it's always great. The live performances are some of the best from each of these solid performers, but Boz Skaggs absolutely grooves with 'Drowning in the Sea of Love.' Michael McDonald sings 'Lonely Teardrops' like it was made for him instead of Clyde McPhadder. Donald Fagan shines in both vocals and keyboards, but Pretzel Logic is just awesome, especially with McDonald asking, "Where'd you get those shoes?" One of my Island Albums, for sure, and I bet it will be one of yours.

New York Rock & Soul Revue: Live at the Beacon:
Long before CDs' were comenplace I had the fortune to pick this album up on tape. Needless to say it quickly jumped up my personal charts, both as a Donald Fagen fan and a Steely Dan fan as well as being a r & b fan. Soon my old tape gave out. Music shops don't always know how to file this title, so it took a long time to get on CD. This web site is a joy to search, it has everything! Fagen is known for his well recorded and produced albums and this live adventure doesn't disapoint, crisp sounds coming from all over the stage lets you at home sit right in the Beacon. Favorite cuts are all the old Steely Dan ones, done in a downstyled, simplistic manner, just Fagen and McDonald alone at the piano. Cut of the album however is the wonderful R & B standard, "Drowning in the sea of love" by Boz Scaggs. This cut I play time and again. This Gulf War era CD is timeless in its classic music, a must for any musical taste, put it on, shake a martini and enjoy a Friday evening.

Good enuf to bu:
After the first time I listened to this, I asked my friend to borrow it to tape it. It was so good, I felt guilty for not paying for it - so I went out and bought it. Then my ex took it. So I bought it again. Phoebe's "At Last" - wonderful!!!

Fagen - Lighten up!:
Donald Fagen needs to understand that he is not quites as smart or witty as he thinks he is. His unfortunate attitude is reflected in his music, which is no better than one hit wonders like Flock of Seagulls.

• Intro
• Madison Time - Donald Fagen, Jeff Young & The Youngsters
• Knock on Wood - Michael McDonald, Michael McDonald, Phoebe Snow
• Green Flower Street - Donald Fagen
• Shakey Ground - Phoebe Snow
• At Last - Phoebe Snow
• Lonely Teardrops - Michael McDonald, Michael McDonald
• Drowning in the Sea of Love - Boz Scaggs
• Driftin' Blues - Charles Brown
• Chain Lightning - Donald Fagen
• Groovin' - David Brigati, Eddie Brigati
• Minute by Minute - Michael McDonald, Michael McDonald
• People Got to Be Free
• Pretzel Logic - Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Michael McDonald
• Madison Reprise - Donald Fagen, Jeff Young & The Youngsters