The last line from our Steely Dan Sunday review of the studio version of “Hey Nineteen” was “Growing old sure does suck, don’t it?” But this song has aged reasonably well.
One of the hits from 1980’s Gaucho, “Hey Nineteen” didn’t appear on 1995’s Alive in America but it’s been on every Steely Dan setlist since 1993, as well as Fagen solo tours and the Dukes of September sets.
All of the versions I’ve heard are fine. The most significant distinctions between the live takes I’ve listened to over the years happened during mid-song solos from Walter Becker, who never played the same way twice. Jon Herington’s lead licks were faithful to the original guitar work, but Becker always got a few moments in the past to shine on guitar.
Connor Kennedy’s solo on the update from 2021’s Northeast Corridor is full of twangy richness, and the rhythm section adds just enough textures to create the vibe the old Wendel drum machine, while keeping the sound real. Jim Pugh steps to center stage for a rather funky trombone solo, which is almost enough to make you forget that “Hey Nineteen” is now missing the excellent mid-song rap/spoken-word section that Walter Becker used to provide.
Those delightful rants were previously available on WalterBeckerMedia.com, but unfortunately have since been removed.
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