Album Information:

About Steely Dan:

Steely Dan is an American rock band that was formed in 1972 by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Over the years, the band's sound has been described as a fusion of elements from rock, pop, R&B, jazz, and funk music. Throughout their career, Steely Dan has been known for their unique and complex songwriting, which often features cryptic lyrics and jazzy chord progressions.

Donald Fagen and Walter Becker first met at Bard College in New York and began playing music together in various bands. They eventually moved to New York City and began working as session musicians, playing on albums for artists like Barbra Streisand and Carly Simon. In 1972, the duo decided to form their own band and named it Steely Dan after a sex toy mentioned in the novel 'Naked Lunch' by William S. Burroughs.

Steely Dan released their debut album, 'Can't Buy a Thrill,' in 1972, which included the hit singles 'Do It Again' and 'Reelin' In the Years.' The album was a critical and commercial success, and set the tone for the band's future releases.

Over the next few years, Steely Dan continued to release a string of critically acclaimed albums, including 'Countdown to Ecstasy' (1973), 'Pretzel Logic' (1974), and 'Katy Lied' (1975). The band's music during this period was characterized by their intricate arrangements, witty lyrics, and unusual song structures.

In 1977, Steely Dan released their landmark album 'Aja,' which featured the hits 'Peg' and 'Deacon Blues.' The album is widely regarded as one of the band's greatest works, and was a commercial and critical success.

After the release of 'Aja,' Steely Dan went on a long hiatus, with Fagen and Becker pursuing solo careers and other projects. The band reunited in 1993 and released their first album in over a decade, 'Two Against Nature,' which won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The band went on to release two more albums, 'Everything Must Go' (2003) and 'Sunken Condos' (2012).

Throughout their career, Steely Dan has been known for their meticulous attention to detail in both their songwriting and recording process. They often worked with a rotating cast of talented musicians, including jazz greats like Wayne Shorter and Phil Woods.

Unfortunately, Walter Becker passed away in 2017, ending a long and fruitful partnership with Donald Fagen. Despite this loss, Steely Dan's music continues to live on, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who have been inspired by their unique and timeless sound.

About the album Aja:

Aja is the sixth studio album by the American jazz-rock band Steely Dan, released in 1977. The album has earned critical acclaim and is considered one of the band's best works. It features a blend of jazz, pop, and rock influences, with a production style that emphasizes intricate, sophisticated arrangements and musical textures.

The opening track, 'Black Cow,' sets the tone for the album with its smooth vocals, tight grooves, and memorable hooks. 'Aja' is a sprawling, seven-minute masterpiece that showcases intricate instrumental arrangements and complex harmonies, featuring solos from top jazz musicians such as Wayne Shorter on saxophone and Steve Gadd on drums.

'Peg' is one of the album's purest pop moments, with infectious melodies and a memorable chorus that has become a classic. 'Deacon Blues' is a contemplative, introspective track that features introspective lyrics and bluesy piano riffs.

The album's second half is just as strong as the first, with 'Josie' featuring a catchy guitar riff and upbeat rhythms that epitomize Steely Dan's signature sound. 'Home at Last' is a soulful track that features intricate guitar solos, and 'I Got the News' is a funky, groove-driven number that showcases the band's impressive instrumental chops.

Overall, Aja is a truly unique and virtuosic album that showcases Steely Dan at the peak of their abilities. Its meticulous production, unforgettable melodies, and intricate arrangements have made it a classic in the world of popular music, and it remains a landmark of the jazz-rock genre.

Members:

Steely Dan was formed by songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Although they occasionally collaborated with other musicians, Fagen and Becker remained the core members of the band throughout its history. Here are brief biographies of each:

Donald Fagen: Born on January 10, 1948, in Passaic, New Jersey, Donald Fagen grew up in a household filled with music. His parents were both jazz fans, and Fagen began playing piano at an early age. In the late 1960s, he met Walter Becker at Bard College, and they began writing songs together. In 1972, they released their debut album, 'Can't Buy a Thrill,' which included the hit single 'Do It Again.' Over the next decade, Steely Dan became known for their intricate, jazz-infused pop songs, such as 'Reelin' in the Years' and 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number.' However, the band dissolved in 1981. Fagen went on to record several solo albums and collaborated with Becker on various projects. He also became known as a producer and worked with artists such as Rickie Lee Jones and Diana Ross.

Walter Becker: Born on February 20, 1950, in Queens, New York, Walter Becker also grew up in a household that valued music. He learned to play the guitar and bass and attended Bard College with Fagen. The pair formed Steely Dan and released their first album in 1972. Along with Fagen, Becker wrote some of the band's most popular songs, including 'Deacon Blues' and 'Hey Nineteen.' In addition to his work with Steely Dan, Becker collaborated with a variety of musicians and produced albums for several artists, including China Crisis. Becker passed away on September 3, 2017, at the age of 67.

Other notable members of Steely Dan include:

Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter: Born on December 13, 1948, in Washington, D.C., Jeff Baxter joined Steely Dan in 1974 as a guitarist and stayed with the band until they disbanded in 1981. Baxter had previously played with the Doobie Brothers and went on to collaborate with a variety of other musicians, including Elton John and Dolly Parton. He also became interested in national security and technology and worked as a defense consultant for the U.S. government.

Michael McDonald: Born on February 12, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, Michael McDonald joined Steely Dan as a backup singer and keyboardist in the mid-1970s. He later became a member of the Doobie Brothers and had a successful solo career. McDonald's distinctive voice can be heard on many Steely Dan songs, including 'Peg' and 'Babylon Sisters.'

Track List for Aja:

Sure, here are all the tracks in the album 'Aja' by Steely Dan listed in order, along with their play time and a brief description:

1. 'Black Cow' (5:10) - The opening track of the album, 'Black Cow' features the smooth vocals of Donald Fagen as well as a catchy horn riff. The song tells the story of a woman who has moved on from a past relationship, leaving the narrator in the dust.

2. 'Aja' (7:56) - The title track of the album, 'Aja' is a jazz instrumental with some impressive solos from various band members. The song takes its name from a character mentioned in a work by Beat writer Jack Kerouac.

3. 'Deacon Blues' (7:36) - One of Steely Dan's most popular songs, 'Deacon Blues' is a melancholy tribute to those who aspire to greatness but are destined to fall short. The track features a standout guitar solo from jazz legend Larry Carlton.

4. 'Peg' (4:00) - Possibly best known for its distinctive guitar riff, 'Peg' is a catchy pop tune featuring the vocals of Michael McDonald. The song is about a woman who is determined to make it big in the entertainment industry.

5. 'Home at Last' (5:34) - 'Home at Last' is a bluesy track with a distinctive shuffle beat and some impressive guitar playing. The song tells the story of a man returning to his hometown after a long absence.

6. 'I Got the News' (5:06) - The penultimate track on the album, 'I Got the News' is an upbeat rocker with some great guitar work. The lyrics describe a man who is determined to make a new start after a difficult breakup.

7. 'Josie' (4:30) - The final track on the album, 'Josie' is a funky tune with some groovy saxophone and keyboard solos. The song tells the story of a man who is enamored with a woman named Josie, but is unable to win her affections.

Overall, 'Aja' is considered one of Steely Dan's finest albums, showcasing the band's impressive musicianship and sophisticated songwriting. Each track is a standout, with memorable melodies and intricate arrangements that reward repeated listens.

Discography for Steely Dan:

Here is a complete discography for Steely Dan:

Albums:
1. 'Can't Buy a Thrill' - November 1972
2. 'Countdown to Ecstasy' - July 1973
3. 'Pretzel Logic' - February 1974
4. 'Katy Lied' - March 1975
5. 'The Royal Scam' - May 1976
6. 'Aja' - September 1977
7. 'Gaucho' - November 1980
8. 'Two Against Nature' - February 2000
9. 'Everything Must Go' - June 2003

Singles:
1. 'Do It Again' - October 1972
2. 'Reelin' in the Years' - March 1973
3. 'My Old School' - November 1973
4. 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' - March 1974
5. 'Black Friday' - October 1975
6. 'Kid Charlemagne' - June 1976
7. 'Peg' - December 1977

Other releases:
1. 'Gold' (compilation) - November 1982
2. 'A Decade of Steely Dan' (compilation) - November 1985
3. 'Citizen Steely Dan' (box set) - November 1993
4. 'Greatest Hits' (compilation) - July 1998

Note: This discography includes all of Steely Dan's studio albums, singles that reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and major compilation and box sets.