“Peg” has been part of every set list since Steely Dan resumed touring in 1993, as well as the Dukes of September dates and Donald Fagen solo shows. So, it’s an expected yet welcome treat to find it on 2021’s Northeast Corridor.
The biggest difference between this version, recorded during one of the Steely Dan band dates at Boston’s Orpheum Theater, and the version from 1995’s Alive in America is that George Wadneius’ 1994 solos are not as faithful to the original solo as Jon Herington is on Northeast Corridor. (Well, that and the detailed liner notes: We know the earlier take was taped on Aug. 27, 1994 in Clarkston, Mich.)
Rhythmically, Freddie Washington and Keith Carlock groove just as hard as Tom Barney and Dennis Chambers did on Alive in America. Small horn and rhythm guitar variations are noticeable upon back-to-back spins, which make for interesting listening. But they don’t detract from – or add to – the song’s greatness.
