The songs of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, AKA Steely Dan, stood alone in 1970s rock; musically sophisticated, lyrically cryptic and deeply influenced by, in their own words, “the best jazz players of the ‘50s and ‘60s”.

Any Dan aficionado will tell you there has always been a strong jazz element in Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s songs, and the duo always sought to call upon the talents of top-drawer session musicians from the jazz and contemporary music world, including Michael Brecker, Bernard Purdie, Larry Carlton, Freddie Washington and Steve Gadd.

Chris Ingham’s Steely Jazz re-examines the comprehensive Dan canon, illuminating the singular melodies, rich harmonies and exploring the small jazz group possibilities of an incomparably opulent songbook. This Steely Jazz concert, highlights tracks from the quintet’s new recording Walter, Donald and features well-known pieces – “Don’t Lose That Number” and “Josie”, alongside classic tracks and deep cuts from the masterpiece albums “Aja”, “Gaucho”, “Countdown To Ecstasy”, “Katy Lied” et al.

“Brings Becker and Fagen’s work to life in a small jazz group context in a really remarkable way.” – UK Jazz News

” . . . wonderful songs carefully turned . . . drawing out their humanity.” – Richard Williams, The Blue Moment