Steely Dan Releases McPartland Recording

Despite their low profile since their last release in 2003, Steely Dan has an album coming out in March. While not exactly “new,” the album is a recording from the group’s February 2003 visit to Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz” show on National Public Radio. The 16-track set will be released on March 15 on Concord and also features group leaders Walter Becker and Donald Fagen discussing their jazz influences and pre-Steely Dan experiences.

McPartland (pictured) joins the group as a pianist, while the rest of the group is filled by bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Keith Carlock. Some of the album’s songs include “Josie,” “Black Friday” and “Chain Lightening.” The quintet also performs “Mood Indigo,” “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be,” “Limbo Jazz,” “Hesitation Blues” and “Star Eyes.”

Originally Published February 23, 2005