Steely Dan played two shows in San Jose and three shows in San Francisco, CA on their Rent Party 2009 tour. The albums Aja and Royal Scam were featured two of the nights, with the third night reserved for Internet Requests. Each ticket holder was encouraged to request their favorite song. These requests were compiled for a most enjoyable performance. Was it faked, or was it legit? Either way, it was an effective marketing ploy that worked. There was excitement in the air! What a creative idea! However this required the band to be fresh on their entire catalog, a vast amount of songs. The audience felt involved. It was as though Donald Fagan and Walter Becker were talking personally to each and every person. Most artists would have refused to even attempt such a feat, not Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. They accomplished this with humor and the turn of the page. Yet there was never a time that either of them seemed to be sight reading. It seemed that a glance at the music enabled the memories to flood back.
Donald Fagan seemed relaxed, joking with the audience and Walter Becker, hiding quietly in the shadows played guitar and actually sang on one number in the Aja show. He has a great voice making us wonder why we have never heard him sing before? Fagan's voice is still strong and expressive.
There is something iconic about Fagan's signature sunglasses with prominent eyeteeth and the the way Becker bobs his head while he plays his guitar.
Definitely musical genius', their music blends many genres. Still fresh, Fagan and Becker are still on their game. Sharp and witty the years melted away, their performance was as good, if not better than in their hay day of the early '70s.
Rent Party 2009 Tour
Oct 12 - Seattle WA - Paramount Theatre | Aja (Plus)