Steely Dan’s aversion to touring has long been a cornerstone of their narrative. The duo, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, cultivated an image of studio perfectionists, seemingly allergic to the unpredictable nature of live performance. But is this reputation entirely accurate? Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, former Steely Dan guitarist, challenges this widely held belief. “I’m not sure that’s actually 100% true,” Baxter reveals. “I know Becker and Fagen enjoyed the concept of saying that, but we toured a lot in the beginning.” This statement opens up a fascinating exploration of Steely Dan’s complex relationship with the road, contrasting the perceived disdain with the band’s early touring experiences.
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter: A Musical Journey Beyond Steely Dan
Baxter’s musical journey extends far beyond his tenure with Steely Dan. His prolific studio work includes collaborations with a constellation of music icons, from John Mellencamp and Carly Simon to Ringo Starr and Joni Mitchell. However, his extended stints with both Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers cemented his place in music history, thanks to his distinctive guitar work and, yes, his iconic mustache. Now, Baxter is on tour himself, sharing stories from his remarkable career and supporting his debut solo album, Speed of Heat, released in 2022. The unexpected success of this solo venture has even sparked thoughts of a sequel, further demonstrating Baxter’s enduring passion for music.
Revisiting “My Old School”: A Thermonuclear Rendition
One of the standout tracks on Speed of Heat is Baxter’s reimagining of Steely Dan’s “My Old School.” This isn’t just a nostalgic revisit; it’s a full-blown, energetic transformation. Baxter explains, “I used to sing it live with Steely Dan. For some reason, Donald wanted me to do it… The more we played it, the more energetic it got.” This new version, as Baxter describes it, is “pretty thermonuclear,” showcasing his desire to push the song’s boundaries.
An Unexpected Vocal Turn: Steven Tyler’s Influence
Originally, Baxter intended for Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler to sing on his rendition of “My Old School.” “Steve’s one of the best rock singers I know,” Baxter states, highlighting his rationale for choosing Tyler. However, Tyler, after hearing Baxter’s scratch vocal, encouraged him to take the lead. This unexpected turn speaks volumes about Tyler’s artistic sensibility and his ability to recognize what serves the song best. Baxter acknowledges Tyler’s wisdom, saying, “He knows more about this stuff than I do.”
The Art of Knowing When Less Is More: A Studio Musician’s Insight
Baxter’s experience as a seasoned studio musician provides him with a unique perspective on the creative process. He recounts a story involving Steely Dan producer Gary Katz, who once asked Baxter to analyze a finished album and suggest additions. After careful listening, Baxter concluded, “Gary, it doesn’t need anything. It’s just fine.” Katz’s response, “That’s why I pay you triple scale,” underscores the value of discerning when a piece of music is complete, resisting the urge to overcomplicate or overproduce.
Embracing Challenges: The “East St. Louis Toodle-oo” Experiment
Baxter’s willingness to embrace musical challenges is evident in his approach to Steely Dan’s rendition of “East St. Louis Toodle-oo.” The band decided to reinterpret Duke Ellington’s original by assigning each member an instrument from the original recording to play on a different instrument. Baxter chose the trombone part and decided to play it on pedal steel, a testament to his adventurous spirit and desire to push his musical boundaries.
Michael McDonald’s Vulnerability: A Departure from the Familiar
Speed of Heat also features a collaboration with Michael McDonald on the track “My Place in the Sun.” Baxter initially envisioned the album as an instrumental project, but McDonald’s offer to contribute led to a beautiful and unexpected result. Baxter encouraged McDonald to step outside his comfort zone, and the resulting performance showcases a vulnerability rarely heard in McDonald’s previous work. This creative risk paid off, revealing new facets of McDonald’s talent.
Deconstructing “Do It Again”: A Steely Dan-esque Approach
Baxter’s cover of Steely Dan’s “Do It Again” captures the essence of the duo’s innovative spirit. Their penchant for deconstructing and reimagining musical conventions resonates in Baxter’s interpretation, demonstrating a shared musical philosophy that goes beyond mere imitation. This approach harkens back to jazz giants like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, who explored the infinite possibilities within a single note or chord.
Sharing the Stage with Frank Zappa: A Mutual Respect
Steely Dan’s shared shows with Frank Zappa in their early days offer another glimpse into their evolving musical identity. Baxter recalls a sense of mutual curiosity and respect between the two acts, highlighting a shared “New York musician attitude.” This encounter underscores Steely Dan’s willingness to engage with diverse musical influences and their open-mindedness during their formative years.
The Touring Myth Revisited: Smokin’ Gigs and the Pursuit of Perfection
Returning to the question of Steely Dan’s touring reluctance, Baxter reiterates his skepticism. He cites instances of the band enjoying themselves on stage, particularly during a performance of “My Old School” on Midnight Special. While acknowledging the duo’s pursuit of sonic perfection, Baxter suggests that the “we don’t tour” narrative might have been exaggerated, perhaps even a deliberate construct.
The Best: A Supergroup Born from Camaraderie and Musical Exploration
Baxter’s involvement in the supergroup the Best, alongside Joe Walsh, Keith Emerson, and John Entwistle, further illustrates his collaborative spirit and musical adventurousness. The band’s formation was organic, stemming from their shared experiences as the house band at the China Club in L.A. Their performances were characterized by spontaneous musical explorations, seamlessly blending various genres and influences. Baxter recounts a memorable rehearsal where a playful rendition of “Boris the Spider” morphed into the theme from Jaws and then into classical pieces, showcasing the band’s impressive musical dexterity and shared sense of humor. This freedom to experiment and push boundaries defined the Best’s unique identity.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into the Steely Dan Story
Why did Steely Dan gain a reputation for hating touring? While the band cultivated an image of studio perfectionists, suggesting a preference for controlled environments, former guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter questions the absolute truth of this narrative. He points to their early touring experiences as evidence that they did, in fact, perform live frequently and seemingly enjoyed it.
What led to the formation of the supergroup the Best? The Best emerged organically from the camaraderie and shared musical experiences of Jeff Baxter, Joe Walsh, Keith Emerson, and John Entwistle while playing as the house band at the China Club in L.A. Their jam sessions and impromptu performances evolved into a full-fledged supergroup, showcasing their individual talents and collaborative synergy.
How did Steven Tyler influence Skunk Baxter’s solo album? Initially, Baxter intended for Tyler to sing on his rendition of “My Old School.” However, after hearing Baxter’s scratch vocal, Tyler encouraged him to sing the song himself, recognizing the unique quality and authenticity of Baxter’s interpretation. This exemplifies Tyler’s artistic generosity and his ability to prioritize the song’s needs over ego.
We encourage readers to share their own questions and insights about Steely Dan and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter’s remarkable musical journey. The conversation continues, and we invite you to be a part of it.
