Rewritten Content
A Former Steely Dan Guitarist Questions the Band’s Antitouring Narrative
Steely Dan, the legendary jazz-rock band, has long been perceived as a group that hated touring. This narrative has been widely accepted for decades. However, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, the band’s former guitarist, challenges this notion in a recent interview. According to Baxter, the accepted story may not be entirely accurate.
In a conversation with Ultimate Classic Rock, Baxter shared his thoughts on Steely Dan’s touring days. He revealed that the band actually toured a lot in the beginning, and everyone, including Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, enjoyed the experience. Baxter cited an instance where the band appeared on the TV show "Midnight Special" to perform "My Old School." The footage shows Donald Fagen having a great time, which contradicts the commonly held belief that the band hated touring.
Speed of Heat and the Solo Album
Baxter has been touring recently, sharing stories from his lengthy career as part of his debut solo album, "Speed of Heat," released in 2022. He expressed his enjoyment of the experience and revealed that he’s considering releasing a sequel album. During the conversation, Baxter discussed the making of "Speed of Heat," which features a guest appearance by Michael McDonald on the track "My Place in the Sun."
The Making of "My Old School"
Baxter recounted the story behind the band’s recording of "My Old School," which was originally intended for Steven Tyler to sing. However, when Tyler declined, Baxter took on the vocals himself. He discussed the importance of capturing the right energy and dynamics in the song, which led to a thermonuclear version that’s even more energetic than the original.
Influences and Collaborations
The conversation touched on Baxter’s collaborations with other legendary musicians, including John Mellencamp, Carly Simon, Ringo Starr, and Joni Mitchell. He discussed his work with Gary Katz, Steely Dan’s producer, who tasked him with listening to every track of an album and telling him what it needed. Baxter recalled a particular instance where he listened to an entire album and concluded that it didn’t need anything, earning him triple scale for his honesty.
Steely Dan’s Touring Days with Frank Zappa
Baxter spoke about Steely Dan’s touring days with Frank Zappa, saying that there was no conflict or strange juxtaposition between the two bands. He remembered enjoying the opportunity to share the bill with Zappa, who was a kindred spirit with a similar New York musician attitude.
The Supergroup The Best
Baxter formed the supergroup The Best with Joe Walsh, Keith Emerson, and John Entwistle. The conversation touched on the band’s origins as the house band at the China Club in Los Angeles, where they played with various musicians, including Elton John and Bruce Springsteen. The group’s music was a unique blend of classical and rock influences, with Keith Emerson’s arrangements and Baxter’s pedal steel playing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter’s comments challenge the widely accepted narrative about Steely Dan’s touring days. The band’s history is complex and multifaceted, and it’s possible that the story has been oversimplified over time. Baxter’s experiences and insights offer a new perspective on the band’s touring days, highlighting the importance of energy, dynamics, and collaboration.
FAQs
Q: Did Steely Dan really hate touring?
A: According to Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, the band’s former guitarist, Steely Dan actually toured a lot in the beginning and enjoyed the experience.
Q: What was the story behind "My Old School"?
A: The song was originally intended for Steven Tyler to sing, but when he declined, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter took on the vocals himself.
Q: What was the supergroup The Best like?
A: The Best was a unique band that blended classical and rock influences, featuring Joe Walsh, Keith Emerson, John Entwistle, and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.
Q: Did Frank Zappa and Steely Dan get along?
A: According to Baxter, the two bands had a great time touring together, with no conflict or strange juxtaposition.
Q: What is the meaning of "Speed of Heat"?
A: The album is a solo effort by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, featuring a mix of rock and classical influences.
