Northeast Corridor only has 12 songs, but seven appear for the first time on a live Steely Dan album. The song selection provides a reasonably representative look at the band’s catalog.
Sure, I would want to hear “Janie Runaway” or “Cousin Dupree” to represent 2000’s overlooked Two Against Nature. I would gladly pay the price of admission for “Dr. Wu” or “Black Friday” from 1975’s Katy Lied, but most fans of the band would be pleased with this abbreviated setlist.
“Glamour Profession,” reproduced in all its ’80s glory, is a fun look back. Keith Carlock, ever the groove master, locks into disco mode as Freddie Washington enthusiastically brings the funk on bass. The horn section, again copying the original arrangement, is much appreciated, as is Fagen’s confident vocal. Jim Heard does not bother to recreate Rob Mounsey’s fantastic piano solos, yet what he gives is equally inspired and works perfectly.
Guitar wise, the filtered rhythm guitars, and clear lead guitars shine. The end solo sounds like Jon Herington is equally up to the task – though I’m only guessing it’s Herington, since the vinyl has lousy liner notes compared to Steely Dan’s Alive In America.
“Glamour Profession” was first played during the 1996 tour, then periodically played in 2000, 2008, 2009, 2013 and ’19. Maybe disco isn’t dead.
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