Walter Becker of Steely Dan dead at 67

[Dave Bradford]

No mandolin content, but thought his playing might have inspired some others here.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...-at-67-w500956

RIP and thank you for some pretty incredible music.

[MikeEdgerton]

Sad news. RIP.

[Austin Bob]

Wow. RIP Walter. I can still remember hearing the newly released Can't Buy a Thrill album at a party when I was still in school. It made a lasting impression on me, it was such a groundbreaking album.

[Randi Gormley]

A great musician. sad news indeed.

[CarlM]

reelin' in the years.......

[AlanN]

He was an important part of my youth. R.I.P.

[Dave Greenspoon]

Such a loss!

[Teak]

He was an important part of my youth. R.I.P.

Same here. RIP Walter.

[BJ O'Day]

Saw Steely Dan a few years ago. They put on a great show. I was impressed by the players they brought with them on tour. Several talented back-up musicians and three fantastic female vocalists. I have a lot of respect for groups that aren't afraid of giving young artists a place on stage.

[Don Grieser]

Wore out all their records. RIP.

[jesserules]

Great songwriter and musician.

[AMandolin]

I am saddened by the news.
I don't even know what to say.

[journeybear]

Sad news, indeed. I want to commemorate not only his contributions as a member of Steely Dan (though, honestly, I don't how much of that was him or Donald Fagen), but his work as a producer. Specifically, he produced one of my favorite albums of the 90s, Rickie Lee Jones' Flying Cowboys. Yes, it was released in late September 1989, bu I didn't hear it till later. And it informed the rest of the decade for me. Heck, it's still with me to this day. It was, and is, a stellar example of collaboration between artist and producer. Every track resonates with finely attenuated performances, instrumentation, and arrangements. And the results are not the least bit showy, but rather just simply perfectly matched to the material. The songs are fine, the settings for them are fine, but somehow magic is created by the two. Even though I don't always know what she's talking about, I feel she feels deeply about whatever that may be, and Becker does all he can to give her vision substance. Great work by all involved. He could have done nothing more than this and I would still be saddened by his passing. Thank you, Walter Becker, for all the music you created. People will listen to it forever. Your music, and thus you, are immortal.











The official video of the ong "Flying Cowboys is pretty far out there ...

While looking for videos of my favorite songs from this album, I found the following. Fascinating insights into the creative process tht produced this gem of an album. Part 2 has been blocked by NBC/Universal.

[journeybear]

Rickie Lee Jones wrote a touching if rambling (naturally) reminiscence for Rolling Stone.

Donald Fagen wrote a commemorative letter which has been published in a few places. It closes with:

"I intend to keep the music we created together alive as long as I can with the Steely Dan band."

[Jim]

RIP Walter, Steely Dan is still on my regular play list and I don't listen to classic rock.

[Verne Andru]

I was impressed by the players they brought with them on tour. Several talented back-up musicians and three fantastic female vocalists. I have a lot of respect for groups that aren't afraid of giving young artists a place on stage.

As I recall from an interview they always changed up their backline rotating through the best musicians they could find. Never played long with anyone, just the two core guys supported by the best the best-of-the-best.

[fethead]

Rickie Lee Jones wrote a touching if rambling (naturally) reminiscence for Rolling Stone.

Thanks for that. If I had to vote for the best-ever first album by an artist, it would probably be a tie between her and them.

Huge Dan fan. Sad how few can really appreciate their work, but so so glad for those of us that can. IMO they're up there with the Beatles for all-time greats. In fact I dare say it's a 2-horse race.