by psmurph (contributing writer, fellow musician and long time friend)You know I'm a Steely Dan Fan. I just got a chance to review my new copy of "Morph the Cat" by Donald Fagen. It's his third solo album, thirteen years in the making.
Production is as Hi-Q as any Donald Fagen production. It has a very mellow overall feel with lots of groove tracks plus imaginative progressions and vocal harmonies. The solo work is all par excellence. The lyrics while ranging into the contextually bizarre are well-laced with the ambiance and imagery of Fagen's (obviously) favorite town; New York City.
Overall, the work misses the memorable (easy) "pop-hooks" in the melody line that have pushed many of his compositions over the top into that "mass-hit" category. There are some simpler pop elements to be found in the bluesy WHAT I DO that is almost ballad-like in it's smooth feel. For any self-respecting pop to jazz musician (or above-the-norm aficionado) however, this recording is another Donald Fagen 'must have!'
I have always thought that Fagen is as much a lyricist as a musical composer (if we can break up and look in upon the creative process). He has done us the major favor of giving us an introduction in the liner notes for each of his songs in tangible language so that we can share where he's coming from. In the past, I have felt that these editings were just a bit too scant to really let the listener in on the joke or terror to which he was referring in his lyrics.
Personally, this recording is a definite A+. I could go on, but I'm gonna stop here 'cuz I'm not being paid for this and the rest is in your own experience...or not.
The CD, just released, is also packaged with a DVD version of the album in 5.1 surround sound.
donaldfagen.com
Sideman Highlights:
From the studio lineup in this project, I would like to highlight Freddie Washington, bass. He was featured in the April, '06 issue of Bassplayer Magazine, p.26 with a special interview reviewing his work with Fagen on MORPH THE CAT. Read about his work in that issue or let me know if you like more "Sideman Highlights."
The CD, just released, is also packaged with a DVD version of the album in 5.1 surround sound.
donaldfagen.com
by psmurph (contributing writer, fellow musician and long time friend)
Related Tags: Steely Dan, Morph the Cat, Donald Fagen, psmurph, Music, Rock and Roll, CybersMusic, Music Review
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