Their music is characterized by dark, witty lyrical narratives, obscure lyrical allusions and complex, jazz-influenced instrumentation and chord sequences, overlying more ordinary popular song structures. Their fastidious standards in the studio and use of world-class sessions players has also been a hallmark of their work. For this, special credit should be given to their long-time producer Gary Katz and engineer Roger Nichols.
The band was originally a six-piece consisting of Fagen, Becker, David Palmer (vocals), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (guitar), Denny Dias (guitar) and Jim Hodder (drums), but by 1975, only Fagen and Becker remained.
The band's history can be divided into three stages. In its original conception, the group was a relatively conventional rock band that toured from 1972 to 1974, releasing the singles-chart successes, 'Do It Again', 'Reelin' in the Years', 'My Old School' and 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number'. The group's name was derived from a series of dildos in the 1959 novel, 'Naked Lunch' by the avant-garde writer, William S. Burroughs; the phrase first used in the lyrics of an early, pre-Steely Dan Fagen/Becker song, Soul Ram.
In its second stage (1975 - 1980) the group, now consisting solely of Fagen and Becker, became a purely studio-based act, their album releases showing a growing obsession with polished production values, and whose output became increasingly jazz-orientated, culminating in the highly successful 'Aja' (1977) and 'Gaucho' (1980). The two split in 1981 following a tumultuous recording process for the latter album, and personal problems for both members.
In the Eighties, Fagen released his seminal debut album, 'The Nightfly', and took time away from the music industry, whilst Becker, after recovering from drug dependence, was in frequent work as a producer.
The third stage came when Fagen and Becker reunited in 1993, followed by a world tour (their first touring dates in 20 years). In 2000, the Grammy-award-winning 'Two Against Nature' was released to critical and surprising commercial success. Its successor followed swiftly, 'Everything Must Go' being released in 2003. The two albums show a more relaxed attitude to production, less morbid lyrical themes and an upbeat jazz pop sound, but with the characteristic wit and musical complexity of their 20th century work remaining.
Walter Becker passed away on September 3, 2017. This was followed by legal action between Becker's estate and Fagen over ownership of material. Fagen with additional bandmates continues to tour as Steely Dan.
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Wikipedia article
Parker's Band
Steely Dan Lyrics
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It's Parker's band with a smooth style of syncopation
Kansas City born and growing
You won't believe what the boys are blowing
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's band
You'll be riding by, bareback on your armadillo
Suddenly the music hits you
It's a bird in flight that just can't quit you
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's band
We will spend a dizzy weekend smacked into a trance
Me and you will listen to
A little bit of what made the preacher dance
Bring your horn along and you can add to the pure confection
And if you can't fly you'll have to move in with the rhythm section
Either way you're bound to function
Fifty-Second Street's the junction
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's
Clap your hands and take a piece of Mister Parker's
Come on man and take a piece of Mister Parker's band
The lyrics to Steely Dan's song Parker's Band are an invitation to listeners to come and join in on the music of the legendary jazz saxophonist, Charlie Parker, and his band. The opening lines of the song, "Savoy sides presents a new saxophone sensation, it's Parker's band with a smooth style of syncopation", refer to Parker and his band as a sensation in the jazz world, known for their unique style of playing.
The song celebrates the Kansas City roots of Charlie Parker, and the lyrics describe how the boys in his band blow away audiences with their music: "Kansas City born and growing, you won't believe what the boys are blowing." The invitation to come and join in on the music is repeated throughout the song: "You got to come on man, and take a piece of Mister Parker's band."
The lyrics also evoke the feeling of being transported by the music: "You'll be riding by, bareback on your armadillo, you'll be grooving high or relaxing at Camarillo." The invitation extends to musicians as well, with the suggestion that they bring their own horns and add to the "pure confection" of the music. Overall, the song is a celebration of Charlie Parker and his band, and an invitation to listeners to come and join in on the joy and energy of their music.
Line by Line Meaning
Savoy sides presents a new saxophone sensation
Listen up, there's a new saxophone player in town and it's something special
It's Parker's band with a smooth style of syncopation
These talented musicians are led by Parker and their music has a unique rhythm and style
Kansas City born and growing
The leader of the band, Parker, is from Kansas City and has grown as a musician
You won't believe what the boys are blowing
Their music is so good, you'll be amazed by the sounds they're making
You got to come on man
You need to join in and be a part of this experience
And take a piece of Mister Parker's band
Don't miss out on hearing this amazing music by Parker's band
You'll be riding by, bareback on your armadillo
As you listen to their music, you'll feel a sense of adventure and excitement
You'll be grooving high or relaxing at Camarillo
Their music can take you on a journey, from feeling lively and energized to calm and relaxed
Suddenly the music hits you
The power of their music will hit you unexpectedly and deeply
It's a bird in flight that just can't quit you
Their music is like a bird soaring through the air, captivating and impossible to ignore
We will spend a dizzy weekend smacked into a trance
You'll be so lost in their music that the whole weekend will feel like a blur
Me and you will listen to
Together we'll listen and experience this incredible music
A little bit of what made the preacher dance
Their music has a powerful effect that can make anyone want to dance and move
Bring your horn along and you can add to the pure confection
If you play an instrument, bring it along and add to the already incredible sound of their music
And if you can't fly you'll have to move in with the rhythm section
If you're not a musician, you can still join in and dance along with the pulsing rhythm
Either way you're bound to function
However you choose to participate, you'll be able to feel the energy and enjoyment of the music
Fifty-Second Street's the junction
This is where it's all happening and where you need to be to experience this amazing music
Clap your hands and take a piece of Mister Parker's
Get involved and show your appreciation for this incredible music by clapping and participating
Come on man and take a piece of Mister Parker's band
Don't miss out on the chance to hear and experience the amazing music of Parker's band
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER, DONALD FAGEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind