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| Donald Fagen and Freddie Washington with Steely Dan |
Words by: Jeremy Chrzan
Photos by: David Oppenheimer
As one of the most anticipated reunion shows of the summer,
Steely Dan graced their fans in Asheville, North Carolina by playing a
marvelous show at the world-renowned Biltmore Estate. With the stage adjacent to the majestic
Biltmore House with views overlooking the beautiful grounds and the epic Blue
Ridge Mountains, the venue added a visual element to the concert experience
that was second to none. It had been
drizzling all day, but to everyone’s avail the precipitation held off for the
show which allowed for a truly stunning sunset over the westward mountains facing
stage right. The show was packed,
featuring a sold out crowd of mostly older spectators that looked to be
collectively reliving their youth.
Opening
up for Steely Dan was The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation, which featured jazz composer and guitarist, Bobby Broom.
Their set was reminiscent of 1930’s basement jazz, slow and with heavy
finesse. Everyone in attendance seemed captivated by the musical spectacle that they were taking in.
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| Steely Dan |
They were joining Steely Dan, who was in the midst of
their Jamalot Ever After Tour which takes them through three months and 56
stops in the United States. Despite
being on such a heavy tour, their musical ability remained top-notch. Steely Dan’s style has always been the
perfect union of jazz and funk rhythms presented with a pop and rock approach. Even after forty years they can still command excellence in the translation
of their music to live performance. Core
members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen played with a team of eight outstanding supporting
musicians including Jon Herington on guitar, Keith Carlock on drums, Freddie
Washington on bass, and Jim Beard on Keys.
The band also featured a trumpet, trombone, and baritone saxophone as
well as three harmonic backup singers to really drive the musical vibe
home. This big band style really creates
a dynamic musical experience that leaves the audience no choice but to be
enthralled.
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
The show consisted of twenty songs that spanned the course
of their extended career. Included in
the setlist were most of their smash hit singles throughout the years including "Babylon Sisters", "Reelin’ in the Years", "Hey Nineteen", and "Peg". These songs mostly covered the 1970’s albums,
but they sneaked in their 2003 song "Godwhacker" as well. Highlights from the show included "Aja" and "Kid Charlemagne", which they encored with.. The
musicianship was consistently superb and well-practiced. It seemed as if the entire performance was
perfect down to every last guitar lick and drum beat.
All in all Steely Dan made for a great night at The Biltmore
House. Great tunes, great weather, great
views, and great people all came together to solidify a night that was not to
be forgotten. Be sure to check out one
of their tour dates around the country that extend until late September.
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| Walter Becker with Steely Dan |
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| Walter Becker with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Walter Becker with Steely Dan |
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| Walter Becker with Steely Dan |
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| Walter Becker with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Steely Dan |
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| Steely Dan |
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| Keith Carlock with Steely Dan |
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| Keith Carlock with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Steely Dan |
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| Donal Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation |
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| The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation |
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| Donald Fagen with Steely Dan |
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| The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation |
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| The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation |
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| The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation |
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| The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation |
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| Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate |
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| Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate |
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| Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate |
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| Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate |
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| Biltmore Concert Series at Biltmore Estate |
Biltmore Concert Series
Steely Dan Official Site
Remaining Tour Dates:
August 6th
Bethlehem, PA
August 8th
Niagara Falls, NY
August 9th
Erie, PA
August 11th
Pittsburgh, PA
August 12th
Cincinatti, OH
August 13th
Columbus, OH
August 15th
Springfield, IL
August 16th
Madison, WI
August 17th
Hammond, IN
August 19th
Appleton, WI
August 20th
Interlochen, MI
August 22th
Windsor, ON
August 23rd
Toronto, ON
August 24th
Toronto, ON
August 26th
Ottawa, ON
August 27th
Montreal, QC
August 29th
Bangor, ME
August 30th
Gilford, NH
August 31st
Saratoga Springs, NY
September 3rd
Red Bank, NJ
September 4th
Red Bank, NJ
September 6th
Boston, MA
September 7th
Providence, RI
September 9th
Morristown, NJ
September 10th
Morristown, NJ
September 12th
Atlantic City, NJ
September 13th
Huntington, NY
September 14th
Huntington, NY
September 16th
Wallingford, CT
September 17th
Baltimore, MD
September 19th
Port Chester, NY
September 20th
Port Chester, NY
September 21st
Port Chester, NY
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