Twenty-four hours after the New Zealand Music Awards held their annual bash at Auckland’s Vector Arena; the place was full again, this time with a more mature and more sober crowd.
Steely Dan last played here in September of 2007. That show found the band concentrating on their later output (Aja and Gaucho) and eschewing many of their biggest hits. This time around was different.
The evening started with a 30 minute set by Anika Moa and her band, although, sadly I missed all but her final song, as she took the stage at 6:30 as was off by 7.
Steve Winwood and his 4-piece band took the stage, almost unnoticed, just before 7:30, with the lights still up in the arena. This unassuming start to the set began with a version of I’m A Man, originally recorded by Winwood when he was with the Spencer Davis Group back in 1967. The band consisted of a drummer (Richard Bailey) and percussionist (Kafe), Jose Neto on guitar and Paul Booth who played sax, flute, clarinet and keyboards. Winwood himself sat behind a Hammond B-3 organ (he also played guitar during the set).
At age 63, Steve Winwood sounds and looks as good as ever. His stripped down band (no bass player and no synths) seemed tailor-made to play his earlier material, and that’s just what they did. With the exception of two songs from his most recent solo album, 2009’s Nine Lives, and his 1986 hit, Higher Love, the songs came from the late 60s and early 70s when Winwood was a member of the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith.
Winwood first came out from behind his organ to play guitar on Can’t Find My Way Home, the song he recorded in 1969 with Eric Clapton and Blind Faith. Then, after playing some tasty guitar on Dirty City, from Nine Lives, Steve returned to the B-3 and settled in for a moody version of Traffic’s Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys which segued nicely into Empty Pages from John Barleycorn Must Die. Then came another Traffic favourite, an extended version of Light Up Of Leave Me Alone (no doubt a Don Brash request). Jose Neto’s guitar solo gave the tune a Santana vibe to it and drummer Richard Bailey finished the song off with a solo.
Higher Love was the only song played from Winwood’s most successful solo period. It sounded out of place here…the band seemed awkward making it fit their configuration. Perhaps a few gospel backing singers would have helped.
But that was the only misfire. Winwood strapped on his guitar for another Traffic tune, Dear Mr. Fantasy, and closed out his 90 minute set with Gimme Some Lovin’. The crowd was dancing in the aisles.
Thirty minutes later the core of the Steely Dan band (drums, bass, guitar, keys & 4 horns) ambled onto the stage and began jamming on an old jazz instrumental, Dizzy’s Bidness. After a few minutes Walter Becker and Donald Fagen made their entrance, along with three backing vocalists. The set began with the title song from 1977’s Aja album.
The band consists of Jim Beard (keyboards), Keith Carlock (drums), Jon Herington (guitar), Michael Leonhart (trumpet), Jim Pugh (trombone), Roger Rosenberg (baritone sax), Walt Weiskopf (tenor & alto sax), Freddie Washington (bass) and Cindy Mizelle, Catherine Russell and Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery (backing vocals). Fagen played electric piano and Becker electric guitar. This is pretty much the same band that played here four years ago.
Drummer Keith Carlock showed his stuff early on during Aja. A swinging version of Black Friday followed featuring piercing guitar blasts from Walter Becker. During a funky Hey Nineteen, Becker spoke to the audience, referring to the group as a rhythm and blues band and urging the crowd to stock up on T-shirts. This was followed by a suitably funky trombone solo.
After the song, it was Donald Fagan’s turn to address the crowd. He was dressed in a black suit and sunglasses and, as he swayed behind his keyboard, he looked like a cross between Ray Charles and Dr. Strangelove. He welcomed the fans to the “Shuffle Diplomacy” tour and then led the band through Time Out Of Mind.
Fagen’s voice has lost a bit of its power since he was last here, but he was still able to sing well enough to get by (the backing singers helped), although I did hear a bit of grousing from some fans after the show about his voice. For me, I thought he was fine.
They only played one song from either of their more recent studio albums, the title track from 2000’s Two Against Nature. Then, they returned to, what Fagen described as their “Jurassic Period”, a blaring big band version of Bodhisattva, from 1973’s Countdown To Ecstasy featuring a fine Jon Harington guitar solo.
Then came the hits…Reelin’ In The Years, Josie, Peg, Reelin’ In The Years, even Dirty Work from the first Steely Dan album, this time sung by the three backing singers, otherwise known as the “Embassy Brats”.
The regular set ended with Kid Charlemagne. When they returned for the encore, Steve Winwood’s Hammond had been brought back on and Winwood sat in for Pretzel Logic…his vocals and organ playing fitting right in with the Steely Dan sound. They all finished up with a rousing version of Jr. Walker’s (I’m A) Roadrunner.
While the band played 11 songs that they performed on their 2007 show, this one had a very different feel. In 2007, it felt like the band was playing what THEY wanted to play. Their playing sounded inspired and exciting, but some fans complained about the lack of hits.
This time around, they seemed to be here for the fans. The playing was still superb, but it was obvious that they were trying to make the crowd happy by including tunes like Reelin’ In The Years and Rikki Don’t Lose That Number. I enjoyed both shows, possibly the 2007 show a bit more since Aja is my favourite Steely Dan album and they played all but one song from it.
But, with the addition of Steve Winwood’s excellent set and his appearance with Steely Dan, I can easily see how fans might prefer this show. After all, they got almost four hours of very good live music and heard some of the finest songs of the 60s and 70s. Not a bad deal.
Marty Duda
Click here to listen to Steely Dan perform Pretzel Logic with Steve Winwood:
Steve Winwood set list:
- I’m A Man
- Fly
- I Can’t Find My Way Home
- Dirty City
- The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys
- Empty Pages
- Light Up Of Leave Me Alone
- Higher Love
- Dear. Mr. Fantasy
- Gimme Some Lovin’
Steely Dan set list:
- Dizzy’s Bidness (instrumental)
- Aja
- Black Friday
- Hey Nineteen
- Time Out Of Mind
- Two Against Nature
- Bodhisattva
- Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
- Show Biz Kids
- Babylon Sisters
- Papa Don’t Take No Mess/Band Intros
- Dirty Work
- Green Earrings
- Josie
- Peg
- My Old School
- Reelin’ In The Years
- Kid Charlemagne
- Pretzel Logic
- (I’m A) Roadrunner
Missed Anika Moa too but that was due to drinking a few more cheap drinks outside before paying $9 each for a Heineken & a Wild Turkey & Cola 3 times. Loved Steve Winwood since I first heard his “Arc of a Diver” album. Didn’t know some of his songs he played but as a live music lover, I appreciate class musicians when I see & hear them. Their was a “Santana” flavour to a few songs. As for Steely Dan, absolutely loved them from start to finish. Saw them in 2007 there & was bummed out they didn’t play “Reelin in the years” & “My Old School” then so it was a treat. I was upstairs last time & could hardly see them so I made sure I was on ground level this time albeit 3 rows from the back but something that I’m so glad I did as I loved standing & raging out hard. I am 49 years old & stripped off my leather vest & T-shirt down to my singlet which was saturtated with sweat at the end. I even knew most of the songs from a few notes or intro & proudly yelled out the names of them before most knew what they were. Yes, the oldies in the crowd are a bit boring but I didn’t let that spoil my fun. Still bummed they didn’t play one of my all time favourites of theirs ” Do it Again” at both their concerts here & I’m sure a few people would have heard me yelling requesting it as an encore. never mind, my bucket list has been ticked twice seeing these cats & I will never forget it. 10/10 for me, all the way
Steve Windwood, a musical genius from the age of 17 to today! Who else has a string of accomplishments that equal his – Spencer Davis, Traffic, Blind Faith, a brilliant solo career and recent duo gigs with Eric Clapton at Madison Square Gardens. When the complete history of R&R is wriiten in the next 100 years, Windwood will come out as the recognised leader he is and as he was at Church Road on Saturday night. Thanks for the music Steve – come back soon.
Steve Winwood shaded it for me, Really enjoyed I’m a man opening & Dirty City.
Never realised he was such a good Guitarist & I loved that Hammond Organ.
Steely Dan lost me mid set for a couple of songs, may have been sitting too long with all the oldies around me.
Got up to visit the loo & remained standing in the aisle for the last 5 songs & encore – enjoyed that much better.
Reelin in the years my fav from them on the night.
Anika’s half hour set was great, see has a great voice & her band was tight.
You would have enjoyed the guitarist.
loved what i heard – sharp = tight and totally steely dan -like above has said – crab a drink listen and let the worries of the world dissapear
first time at the vector – seats in the balconys were a little tight but if you got up to dance you know you were having a good tine
the dan can still play under my needle anytime
The Steely Dan original guitarist dude was a real bore, vocally and riffically.
Herrinton/Harrington was really good, SD were too loud, their set was too long and they should have been on first so I wouldn’t have missed Winwood as the crazy old folk started on time.
We saw the Church Road concert last night and it was everything we hoped it would be. A great venue, sheltered from the wind, with good sound.
Agree with the comments from others. Steve Winwood is one of those artists who just gives me goose-bumps every time I listen to his music.
The man is a genius- singer, songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, Hammond B-3 virtuoso, and what a band! Set-list was superb.
Steely Dan did not disappoint. Saw them in 2007 and the set-list was different of course. Great to hear those old numbers – Reeling in the Years and Rikki don’t lose that number. Again – what a band! Great memories- you would bottle it if you could.
Have you got any more soundtracks from the concert?
Loved hearing Steely Dan perform Pretzel Logic with Steve Winwood again
Ken
Went to both Auckland and Napier concerts. Both were excellent but for me Auckland was the better of the two. We were two rows back in Ak and three rows back in Napier. Napier is outdoors and it was a cold night. The band was dressed up like New York bums ( hoodies, scarfs, trench coats) and were clearly intent on keeping warm. At the Vector they seemed more relaxed and enjoying themselves. Sound was better at Napier than the Vector. For me, compared to Melbourne, Auckland and Christchurch 2007, Auckland 2011 was as good but agree with Marty that this time they played more for the bulk of the audience.
Steve Winwood and his band were fantastic at both shows and worth the admission alone.
Thanks for that. Glad I was at the Auckland show. I would have froze outdoors in Napier. Agree about Winwood as well. What took him so long to come here? If the promoters are smart, they’ll bring him back soon to do his own headlining tour.
Yes, fantastic concert last night at Church Road, I have waited 30 years to see Steely Dan and Steve Winwood, and I wasn’t dissapointed ,it’s great to watch and listen to such talent in a sober frame, I was on my feet for both sets swaying to the incrediable sounds so didn’t notice the chill in the evening, I felt sorry for those in the seating, they were cramped in and were only allowed to dance in front of there own seat, how confined. Superb venue, sound and musicians, not sure why you need to comment on the musicians clothing, no one had the hoodie over there head, I thought they fitted the outdoor occasion, regards John
Steve Winwood was the highlight for me. Awesome music from a legend in the business. Especially loved Fly, his second song. Row 18 on the floor was fine, sound quality was excellent for his set. I hear from others that sound quality is not so good elsewhere in Arena, but I istened to a few from Steely Dan from the back on the floor as well, and no complaints from me on sound quality. Two quality acts one after another. My first time at the Vector, but a good experience.
I agree about the sound. Overall I think the sound at Vector has been good. I think some folks have made up their minds that the sound is bad there and they will never be happy with it.
The show was superb. The engineer, architect and acoustic consultant whom would have been paid handsomely for their expertise in building the Vector Arena venue should be locked in a cave. I have never experienced such poor acoustics in a modern venue, as last I did last night. I am surprised there isn’t a public enquiry launched for this abominable venue funded by NZ tax payers. I will not go to a show there again to listen to any of my favourite music ruined!
They obviously didn’t spend much time on it!
Second time I have seen The Dan and was enthralled from start to finish. Could Fagens voice be stronger? Maybe but he is at the end of a very long tour and into his 60′s I’ll take that. Actually thought he gave a stellar performance but for my the stand out star of the evening was John Herrington. So close to the albums that you could be forgiven for thinking there was a backing track. Not back given how hard the boys pushed the various session musicians back in the day.
At 43 I felt quite young last night which is a welcome change. The crowd always seems bit static at these gigs but hey we are there for the quality I think so no harm done. I love nothing more than to put the boys on and sitting down with headphones, a nice drink and a cosy chair. Now if only the seats in Vectra were comfortable I would have been in heaven I was in row 27 and those floor seat suck.
For me I’m still happy to give them 9/10.
Also wanted to add that the lighting for Steely Dan was amazing, great work someone you should have got your own mention along with the band.
Fantastic concert, thanks for the review Marty. When you think about the great musicians that were on stage last night, from Anika’s set to the encore, I’m thinking you’d be hard pressed to get more for your money than that! Thought that Steve Winwood’s set was tremendous. Also appreciate how seamlessly Fagan handled the set-list miscue.
Also agree about the crowd being too staid, but what actually bothered me was, 12 rows back on the floor, was having people repeatedly walk by as they went back and forth for booze regardless of performer or song (isn’t that what the intermissions were for?).
Left a little early because found he sound mixing on Steely Dan discordant and distorted – the melody was lost and drowned out the singing. Steve Winwoods set was perfect and absolutely awesome.
Doors opened at 7 according to my ticket and so completely missed Anika Moa.
Steve Winwood got no announcement.
Loved the concert.
Awesome show – loved it and were blown away my the musical genius of the whole band…
Audience were a bit stiff agreed…couldnt believe the crowds that left before the encore! What the…???
Good sound, but stage needs to be higher from ground, thank god when people felt liberated enough to stand up, much better. Great show!
Anika’s set was great and her banter was hilarious! Her voice was strong and sweet, the band was rock solid, there were hot country guitar licks and from where I was sitting near the front the sound was perfect.
I didn’t realise we were in the presence of greatness last night. Richard Bailey is a jazz rock drumming legend in his own right. He recorded the album Scatterbrain with Jeff Beck, and has played with everyone who’s anyone. His playing last night was superb. How he keeps such a low profile is a mystery to me. Seeing Bailey and Carlock in one night was a rare treat.
Great review Marty. Bang on about everything, I thought Fagan’s voice was in good form last night too, all things considered. Becker’s guitar work seemed more edgy and less noodly. The Embassy Brats were brilliant. The big band jazz opener was one of the highlights of the evening for me. What a band. Awesome.
We would have loved to let loose but when the rest of the place is sitting there like they are frozen in time its a bit of a put off.
Lead by example!
I loved it – I thought the audience were a bit stiff though
I agree. Gotta loosen up and have some fun. I can’t understand how folks can sit so still when they’re listening to music like this.