Steely Dan to play eight New York City shows
Move over, Allman Brothers Band. Another staple of the '70s is moving into the Beacon Theatre tomorrow. That's when Steely Dan - Donald Fagen and Walter Becker - kick off an eight-night run of shows that will really reel in the years.
Over the coming two weeks, the jazzy rock duo - which was influenced as much by Charlie Parker as it was by Bob Dylan - will play three of its landmark albums - "Aja," "Gaucho" and "The Royal Scam" - live on different nights. They also will throw in three Internet request shows, one of which closes the residency on Aug. 11.
THE ALBUMS
"Aja" (originally released in 1977) - The seven-song album includes the hit "Peg." Is there really anything more you need to know? Oh, yeah, Long Island hip-hop royalty De La Soul sampled heavily from the song for 1989's "Eye Know." Performed Tuesday and Aug. 3. (On the nights they play an album, the band will round things out with other favorites.)
"Gaucho" (1980) - The album that gave us "Hey Nineteen" was the last the band would make until "Two Against Nature," which was released in 2000. Fagen and Becker broke up the band the year after "Gaucho" came out and got back together in 1991. To be performed Wednesday.
"The Royal Scam"(1976) - Ugly album cover, but it did have that guitar solo by Larry Carlton on the first song, "Kid Charlemagne." To be performed Friday and Aug. 10.
THE REQUESTS
For the three nights, Steely Dan doesn't tackle an album, the pair will play requests in what's billed as "Takin' It to the Seats" Internet request nights. It's perhaps a nod to onetime band member Michael McDonald, who later recorded the song "Takin' It to the Streets" with the Doobie Brothers.
THE EXTRAS
For even more, watch "Steely Dan: Rent Party '09" on the MSG Network Monday night at 7:30 and 10:30 and also on Fuse Sunday at 8 p.m. The half-hour documentary features exclusive interviews and footage. Also check out msg.com
/steelydan for other interviews and your chance to contribute to a set list.
When | Where: 8 p.m. Tuesday and Aug. 3 ("Aja"); Wednesday ("Gaucho"); Friday and Aug. 10 ("The Royal Scam"); Saturday, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11 (Internet request night) at the Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, Manhattan.
Tickets: $74-$240 through Ticketmaster, 631-888-9000. Find available tickets at NY Tickets Online.
