AKA (A Smooth Jazz Tribute To Steely Dan) - Various Artists

Advantages: Classic Steely Dan sound, wonderful to have Fagen and Becker together.
Disadvantages: Take this opinion with a grain of salt - I am a RABID Steely Dan fan.

...in the late ‘60’s, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, Steely Dan (named for a character in “The Naked Lunch,” by William S. Burroughs,) has provided a unique, jazz/blues sound for over 30 years. Producing such incredible classics as “Hey Nineteen” and “F.M.” has made Steely Dan a critical part of contemporary music history, reaching that level where many people have heard the music and even sing it in the shower at times without ever really knowing who wrote or performed it. While originally, the duo assembled a band and went on tour, for the most part, they stayed in the studio and produced classic after classic, using set musicians as accompaniment. Then they went their separate ways, Donald Fagen to release two hit solo albums and Walter Becker to become an avocado farmer (go figure . . .) eventually coming together again to produce Two Against... Read review

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Advantages: An individuality and style unlike others, superior orchestration and great lyrics
Disadvantages: Very few people seem to have heard of them.

...Have you heard of Steely Dan? I have to ask this question of you, for if your answer is no, you are missing out on some of the finest musical talent ever. This album 'Alive In America', is very different from other albums, every performance has an individuality which really enhances the listening experience. This music has a definite jazz influence, the orchestration is fantastic and complex. I must mention the drums on this album, they may not normally be an outstanding feature, but in this case all I can really say is WOW! Some of their finest songs are included on this album, Reelin' in the Years, Babylon Sisters, Josie and Kid Charlemagne to name but four. My personal favourite being Babylon Sisters, quite a mellow song with very effective percussion, and great lyrics. This is one of those albums which is very hard to describe... Read review

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Advantages: Attractive melodies, odd rhythms, novel lyrics in sophisticated blend of jazz, pop, rock and funk.
Disadvantages: Very restricted availability of out-of-print album on vinyl and CD.

...Vela's low-key, Steely Danesque piece sung just above a whisper, with no guitars in the mix - just springy synthesizers and subtle percussion. 'Magic Smile' would be an instant hit with me, since its attractiveness stemmed from the same place whence came those long cherished songs on the Becker-Fagen (Steely Dan) albums, 'Aja' and 'Gaucho'. Curiously, most of the songs on 'Zazu' seem to slip unnoticed into one's consciousness from nowhere. Ms Vela's complex compositions eschew the typical pop format of verse-verse-chorus-verse. Instead, they present a more jazz-like, natural sophistication born of intriguing shifts in key and tempo. Melodically, the songs evoke Joni Mitchell - if Ms Mitchell were to tread a delineated, more jazzy, funky path. The songs offer no real musical hooks, but phrases do stick in one's memory. In fact... Read review

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