{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"You'll Hear It","title":"Steely Dan's \"Aja\": A Perfect Album?","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/c750297c\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2738,"description":"From the hypnotic grooves of “Black Cow” to contributions from jazz legends Wayne Shorter, Steve Gadd, and Victor Feldman, Steely Dan’s 1977 masterpiece Aja reigns amongst the best—and best-produced—albums of all time. In this episode, Peter and Adam break down Fagen and Becker’s jazz-infused harmonies, their precision recording process, and the album’s audiophile-worthy engineering. Tune in for stories, stem breakdowns, and a brand new segment where Kaleb Kirby and Bob DeBoo join us to play through Aja hits. Whether you’re a Steely Dan devotee or just here for the yacht-rock controversy, get ready to kick off the new YHI season with one of the 70s’ most iconic sonic journeys._____show notes:(00:00) Intro & avoiding nautical references(03:11) Introduction to Aja (1977) and its Grammy nods(06:01) \"Black Cow\" keys analysis (Joe Sample & Victor Feldman)(07:36) Isolation of Paul Humphrey's drum tracks(11:01) Breakdown of Victor Feldman's Rhodes solo(14:37) Deep dive into title track \"Aja\"(18:11) Analysis of Wayne Shorter solo w/Steve Gadd \"comping\"(25:49) \"Peg\" analysis(27:27) Breakdown of McDonald's background vocal arrangements(30:23) Album sequencing discussion(31:31) Chuck Rainey's bass contributions across the album(33:11) \"Home at Last\" analysis(35:35) \"Deacon Blues\" discussion(39:44) Snob-o-meter rating(42:34) Preview of Open Studio member exclusive content🟠 Open Studio Members -> Nerd NookTry OS Membership today! → https://osjazz.link/aboutLooking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further!https://youllhearit.com/Check out AJA by Don Breithaupthttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/steely-dans-aja-don-breithaupt/1100758984","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/evtpiVE5f5XU5bPNhAOFJa4z6IrO5HSB8k7TYIk8zcU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iMWM0/OTk5ZGM0ZTgzMWUw/YjAyMGEzYjAzZDUx/YWViZS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}