Walter Becker Media continues to unveil intriguing rarities and previously unheard material from Steely Dan’s late guitarist, bassist and producer. The latest is a live take on “My Waterloo” from 1994’s brilliant and sublime 11 Tracks of Whack, one again recorded live on April 7, 1995, at Boz Scaggs’ Slim’s venue in San Francisco.
This isn’t a reimagining of the original – most of Becker’s solo work does not require refreshing – but “My Waterloo” does benefit from the passionate playing of Becker’s handpicked band.
Steely Dan touring band alum Bob Sheppard and John Beasley, on sax and keyboards, add fire to the reggae-infused song. The most recent Steely Dan touring band addition, Adam Rogers, does the original Dean Parks guitar touches justice, while the tried and true rhythm section from the Lost Tribe (Ben Perowsky on drums and Fima Ephron on bass) provided an urgency not present on the drum machine-dominated original version.
The guitars by Becker and Rogers are captured with remarkable clarity by Dave Russell, as are Becker’s lead vocals. Beasley and Rogers even contribute backing vocals, adding an extra touch of passion.
The guitar solo, presumably played by Becker, is too short and the sprinkling of Bob Sheppard’s saxophone could have also been extended. Still, this live update of “My Waterloo” – excavated from the vaults in late February to celebrate Water Becker’s birthday – is a fun romp and surpasses the version Steely Dan played on tour in 1996.
- Walter Becker, “My Waterloo [Live at Slim’s]” (2026): One Track Mind - March 28, 2026
- Mark Wade Trio – ‘New Stages’ (2026) - March 21, 2026
- Fernando Perdomo – ‘Clouds 2’ (2026) - March 7, 2026
