The Seneca Niagara Casino’s Summer Rush Concert schedule pulled off a major accomplishment when they booked jazz rock pioneers Steely Dan to play their casino. The show was immediately sold out as the area’s following of the band goes way back to it’s formation in the early 1970’s. Rhythm guitarist Walter Becker and keyboardist Donald Fagen still lead the band as they were accompanied by a huge ensemble of players that included a 4 piece horn section, 3 backup singers, a lead guitar player, another keyboardist, a drummer and bassist.
The stage was very spread out and both Fagen and Becker each had their sides of the stage. Fagen took most of the vocals for the night but Becker had his turn with the song, “Daddy Don’t Live in That NYC No More.” Fagen spent most of the time sitting behind his keyboard but did venture out occasionally to play a hand-held miniature one a few times during the show. Fagen’s vocals held up strong as the band played various tunes throughout their much acclaimed musical history. A real treat was when the band played “Razor Boy” from the “Countdown to Ecstasy” album. Drummer Keith Carlock was very solid and provided a strong foundation for the evening’s performance. Fagen didn’t say much as he let Becker handle the presong banter along with the band introductions. I have never seen the Events Center so crowded. People were also lined up around the back of the room to take in these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. A 2 hour and 17 song set most certainly appeased the appetite of Steely Dan fans even though they dropped a personal favorite of mine “Do It Again” from the setlist.
I must say I was happy to finally get to see this band in a live setting although it didn’t hold up to my expectations. Becker didn’t add much to lead guitarist Jon Herinton’s guitar parts. Before he started to tell a story about how “Hey 19” was written, he stated he would keep it short. After rambling on for about 4 minutes the story was lost and it didn’t mesh at all with what was going on within the song. Also from where I was sitting I couldn’t fully hear a crisp sound and it seemed as if the vocals were a tad bit distant and somewhat muddy. Regardless of some technical difficulties, overall I am glad I was able to take in these Rock and Roll Hall Fame members.
Setlist:
Cubano Chant
Black Cow
Aja
Hey Nineteen
Black Friday
Show Biz Kids
Time Out of Mind
Razor Boy
Bodhisattva
Daddy Don’t Live in That New York City No More
I Want To (Do Everything for You) (Joe Tex cover)
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin’ in the Years
Encore:
Kid Charlemagne
Untouchables Theme (Nelson Riddle cover)
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for the credentials to review the show.
