Marian McPartland Piano Jazz With Steely Dan CD

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 A real treat for Steely Dan fans...
If you like Steely Dan, you will enjoy this discussion/interview with Donald and Walter about how they write songs and other topics. Marian, the interviewer, seems a bit out of it, but D and W are very respectful. They also play some great accoustic versions of old jazz classics and some Steely Dan tunes.
Submitted by rmd1064 (Frederick MD) 
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 very refraiching
sorry i am french
Submitted by lemale.alain (france) 
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 too much talking/not enough music
Marian Mcpartland interviews Fagen and Becker; the conversation is stilted, not very interesting, and maybe kinda "overly respectful." When the three play together, it's pretty stiff and uncoordinated. Not recommended except for those fans who want absolutely everything Steely Dan ever recorded.
Submitted by spotorbilly (Lake Toxaway, NC, USA) 
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 Steely Dan mislay irony shock
It's rare to hear Donad Fagen and Walter Becker talking frankly, openly and even coyly without their trademark irony and wit overwhelming the interview. On this release, a recording of a radio show hosted by octagenarian jazz dame Marian McPartland, they do just that. Clearly humbled by her presence, the Dan duo respectfully do their best to answer MM's questions honestly and sincerely - indeed they seem at times a lttle in awe of a woman who has traded licks with so many of their jazz heroes. You can feel the weight of her history affecting on Fagen in particular. Okay, they aren't given the third degree in the interview, and at times it's a little awkward, even stilted, but it's a refreshing chat all the same. Interspersed with the interview, the duo, with help from a wonderful rhythm section, offer some undemanding but entertaining takes on a few numbers from their auspicious back catalogue as well as a few jazz numbers, the best of which is a terrific take on WC Handy's 'Hesitation Blues', sung beautifully by Fagen(not a word one normally associates with Donald Fagen). clearly a fun time was had by all, and it is great fun for us too; though I don't think the interview will bear repeated listens.
Submitted by sydgeorge.blair (Belfast, Northern Ireland) 
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 A fine and different workout for our heroes
The slick jazz revue gets down and (nearly) acoustic with Marian McPartland! Donald Fagen and Walter Becker talk Ellington and Charlie Parker (and not that much else) with the jazz radio hostess, and play several jazz tunes on piano and electric guitar respectively, along with acoustic bass and drums, and McPartland playing along on a few numbers (and one solo version of "Star Eyes" where she turns neo-classical). The interview questions are not inspired, but the music is fine, and rather different to hear the main men of the Dan working out on some of the tunes that inspired them - along with a few classic Steely tracks as well. Not a typical SD album, but worth the listen.
Submitted by markz (Plano, TX, USA) 
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