During the 1993 and 1994 Steely Dan Tours, this classic-rock stalwart was re-imagined as a saxophone trio replacing the iconic guitar solos and riffs. It rocked, but mostly it swung.
As the years progressed and the Steely Dan band settled into a narrower range of setlists steeped in the ’70s, ironically their biggest hits “Rikki Don’t Lose that Number” and “Reelin’ in the Years” were relegated to the back of a milk carton. Only recently have the two most recognizable and best-selling Steely Dan tunes been played some nights on the road again. The latest update of “Rikki” on 2021’s Northeast Corridor emphasizes its salsa beat, with a tip of the hat to Horace Silver’s Song for My Father.
However, Steely Dan’s latest live la vida for “Reelin’ in the Years” is as a banger romp. The crowd noise allowed to leak into the introduction is ebullient – and morphs into an enthusiastic stomp and handclaps locked into the beat. Kick off the high-heeled sneakers, it’s party time. What’s lost in sarcasm and Walter Becker’s bite is paid back with interest in the joyride of the moment.
Jon Herrington is more than up to task of emulating Elliott Randall’s guitar licks with nearly effortless ease. It’s got buzz, it’s got groove, it’s got smooth. Herington recapitulates Denny Dias’ “no bend” phrasing impeccably. On some recent live shows (ex. Beacon Theater, 2018), there has been an extended back and forth during the instrumental break between Herington and Connor Kennedy (apparently not in attendance at Mohegan Sun?) that is unfortunately missing here.
Keith Carlock and Freddie Washington propel the festivities with a shuffle/romp that cements the groove and flow of the performance. Jim Beard on piano reconstitutes those staccato chords that Donald Fagen made famous decades ago … and the saxophones (Walt Weiskopf and Ari Ambrose), trumpet (Michael Leonhart), and trombone (Jim Pugh) infuse additional layers of aural flavor like Bobby Flay grilling on Iron Chef.
Donald Fagen’s vocals are spot on, if a little hoarse, while still a smooth retsina. The harmony choir of Carolyn Leonhart and Catherine Russell ride the wave and bring that upper register froth to the party. At this point, a live “Reelin'” experience with would be a singalong, sans beach balls bouncing around the crowd. The modern soundboard recording is clean, but immediate.
The delivery is everything you could imagine, but not re-imagine, of a live performance of “Reelin’ in the Years” by the current Steely Dan band. No mood ring or pet rock needed. Bon appetit!
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