Just when I think I’m not going to blog a band, I find myself doing just that! But that’s ok! Had it not been for coming across the set list for this show, I probably wouldn’t have, as I tend to stick with what I know. As I continue to expand my musical horizons, it reinforces my background as a rock music blogger. It’s easy to stay in a comfort zone, but in order to grow, one has to expand on experience. The 80’s was my era, majority of my followers know that. Prior to that, I had limited opportunity to hear much music. Too young to have a job, I had no monies to purchase albums. With limited access to a radio, what I did hear came from ‘external’ sources, usually outings with friends, which was few and far between. It wasn’t until I was in high school in the late 70’s that I was exposed to more of this style of music. There were numerous 70’s bands that I really liked, so I was somewhat familiar with Steely Dan. I certainly don’t mind researching some to blog, some of those more than others, but again this helps to stretch my knowledge of everything rock ‘n’ roll. It would be nice to think I could be considered an expert in the blogging realm, even though it’s just a hobby for me. I don’t get paid for doing this, folks…I just love to write, and I love rock ‘n’ roll! Plus it’s a great way to promote local talent. Ok, ok….enough of that….on with the review!
I always pay attention to the crowd, age group, interaction with performers and patrons, etc. There were a lot of older folk there really jamming, it was great to see! Mr. Fagen himself is 69, and I understand all the band members are under the age of 28! I like the exposure of ‘old school’ to a new generation…I believe it helps keep the music alive. It seems to be a trend, and I am convinced that has to be beneficial to the music industry as a whole. I certainly don’t want to see it fade into the sunset. Back in the day, Steely Dan encompassed a plethora of genres; crossover jazz, Latin music, blue-eyed soul, R&B, boogie and pop, so hearing Donald Fagen is no different, the influence is obvious in his solo career, which transpired in 1982 after Steely Dan broke up in ’81. Fagan’s bandmates the Nightflyers have embarked on an 8-show North American fall tour. Indianapolis was one of their stops at the Old National Centre in the heart of the city. For nearly two hours they captivated the audience with several Steely Dan tunes, many which received standing ovations. I actually remember more SD songs than I realized! Following was the night’s set list:
Green Flower Street (1982)
New Frontier (1982)
Hey Nineteen (Steely Dan 1980)
Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover – 1978)
The Nightfly (1982)
Kid Charlemagne (Steely Dan – 1976)
FM – No Static At All (Steely Dan 1978)
Time Out of Mind (Steely Dan 1980)
Twin Peaks Theme
Third World Man (Steely Dan 1980)
Dirty Work (Steely Dan 1972 – lead vocals Connor Kennedy)
Black Friday (Steely Dan 1975)
Green Earrings (Steely Dan 1976)
Peg (Steely Dan 1977)
My Old School (Steely Dan 1973)
Bodhisattva (Steely Dan 1973)
Encore: Reelin In The Years (1972)
Photo credit: Bob Drew
Band Members:
Donald Fagen – vocals/keyboards (including melodica)
Connor Kennedy – guitar/vocals
Will Bryant – keyboards/vocals
Lee Falco – drums/vocals
Zach Djanikian – guitar/saxophone/percussion/vocals
Brandon Morrison – bass/vocals
I was unable to find a website or FB page for Mr. Fagen, but I did come across a link you can check out for their upcoming tour dates. (https://www.jambase.com/article/donald-fagen-nightflyers-announce-summer-tour-2017) Because of this writing, I now know more about Steely Dan, and co-founder Donald Fagen. I enjoyed the performance, and I would recommend catching one of their upcoming shows. You may not hear it, but you just might want to do it again!
