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Nightfly
The Life of Steely Dan's Donald Fagen
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Nightfly
$6499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Donald Fagen will forever be associated with Steely Dan, the band he formed with Walter Becker and four other musicians in 1972.
The smooth, radio-friendly veneer of the duo's songs made Steely Dan internationally popular and famous in the 1970s, but the polish glossed over the underlying layers of anger, disappointment, sleaze, and often downright weirdness lurking just beneath the surface. The elliptical lyrics were—and continue to be—an endless source of fascination. What kind of person was capable of writing such songs?
Fagen has always kept his true self hidden behind walls of irony, confounding most journalistic enquiries with a mixture of obscurity and sarcasm. Nightfly cracks open the door to reveal the life behind the lyrics and traces Fagen's story from early family life in suburban New Jersey, to his first encounter with Walter Becker at Bard College, their long struggle for recognition as songwriters, and the formation of Steely Dan. The band's break-up in 1981, re-formation in 1993, and Fagen's parallel solo career are covered in detail.
Author Peter Jones seeks to explain the public's continuing fascination with Fagen's music, both in collaboration with Becker and as a solo artist.
'In Nightfly, Peter Jones has done an impeccable job illuminating one of music's most mercurial and mysterious figures. Exhaustive research, rich storytelling and keen observations make this a must-read not just for Fagen fans and Steely Dan devotees, but any music fans that relish compelling inside stories from the vinyl era. A comprehensive, critical biography that will also help you listen to classic albums like Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, Aja and others with fresh new ears.' - Chris Epting, author of James Dean Died Here and other books
Nightfly is a must-read for every Steely Dan fan. In this book Peter Jones covers all aspects of Donald Fagen's career, both with his band Steely Dan and as a solo artist. I am amazed at the level of detail in the descriptions of the recording sessions and the analyses of the lyrics of the songs. There is no doubt Jones has put a lot of work into doing accurate research. Being an avid film noir buff myself, I can only agree with Peter's note, 'Steely Dan were the closest thing in rock music to film noir.' - Jay Graydon, Grammy-award winning songwriter and musician
'Fagen fans will find this detailed account a worthy complement to the singer's own memoir, Eminent Hipsters.' - Publishers Weekly
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Nightfly by Peter Jones is praised for its in-depth exploration of Steely Dan and Donald Fagen, offering a detailed account that appeals to both fans and those interested in music history. Critics commend Jones's musicianship and jazz knowledge, which enrich the book's analysis of the band's distinctive sound and production techniques. The book is noted for its exhaustive research and storytelling, making it a compelling read for music enthusiasts.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781641606875
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 13 September 2022
Country: United States
Imprint: Chicago Review Press
Edition: New edition
Illustration: Illustrations
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 33.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 228.0mm
Weight: 698g
Pages: 368
Collections
About the Author
Peter Jones is a jazz musician, journalist, and author. His two recent books are This Is Hip: The Life of Mark Murphy and This Is Bop: Jon Hendricks and the Art of Vocal Jazz. He performs regularly at jazz clubs in his hometown of London and throughout the UK.
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