The Nightfly Review

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The Nightfly ReviewAsk those who follow the music industry closely and they will tell you that Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" is clearly one of the great albums of the last 25 years. Currently there is an artist on the music scene named Norah Jones who has gained some fame with a retro/jazz sound. While Jones does a nice job on this, Fagan does it even better on this album. Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" brings the jazz/blues sound to the forefront, but takes it a step further. "The Nightfly" also is a concept album. In the CD's liner notes, Fagen says that the songs on this album "represent certain fantasies that might of been entertained by a young man growing up in the remote suburbs of a northeastern city during the late fifties and early sixties". When you listen to the songs on this collection, you will easily see how the theme flows through - and as a result, this enhances the listening experience.
Fagen assembles an outstanding lineup of musicians to work with him on this solo effort. While Fagen plays piano and synthesizers on many of the tracks, he also gets some help from acclaimed keyboard player, Greg Phillinganes. Phillinganes is best known for co-writing on several albums with Lionel Richie. Phillinganes contributes keyboards on 6 of the 8 tracks. The late Jeff Porcaro - from Toto (ironically "Toto IV" won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1982 and "The Nightfly" was denied any awards) contributes drums on 5 of the 8 tracks. Valerie Simpson - from Ashford and Simpson contributes some outstanding background vocals on 5 of the tracks. Finally, guitarist Rick Derringer is on 2 tracks. These musicians do a simply outstanding job at making this the great album that it is, however don't underestimate Fagan. Fagen's unique vocals and crooning style are the real star of this show.
"The Nightly" might only have 8 tracks, but remember that this collection was released a couple of years before CDs really hit the mainstream. But it is worth noting that four of the eight songs are over 5 minutes in length. Here is a breakdown of each of the songs:
"I.G.Y." is the opening track and the best known song. This is a 6:05 minute track and it is a masterpiece. Phillinganes electric piano combined with Fagen's synthesizers mesh perfectly with some terrific horn work (Fagan integrates a trumpet along with an alto, tenor, and baritone sax). As a result, the music is perfect for the retro/jazz feel. This is an interesting song from a lyrical standpoint because Fagen paints a picture of the future of the world from the perspective of a young man growing up in the 50s.
"Green Flower Street" from a music standpoint isn't quite retro, but Fagen does some nice crooning and gives it the retro feel from a vocals standpoint. The music is very catchy on this song and makes for some terrific listening.
"Ruby Ruby" is another song that has a terrific combination of keyboards, horns, and vocals. It almost has a bit of an "alley cat" feel to it.Definite retro feel to it. Fagen describes a girl named "Ruby" who that the young man from the 1950s was infatuated with.
"Maxine" almost has a feel going back to the roaring twenties from the way the song opens.Here's another song where Fagen uses all three saxaphones (Baritone, Alto, and Tenor). This song also features a young man is infatuated with a woman - in this case someone named Maxine. Listen to how Fagen switches gears with the vocals - especially when he sings "Mexico City is like another world". I believe Fagen does all the vocals in this song and he harmonizes them perfectly.
"New Frontier" takes us into the early 60s and the days of the bomb shelters. The vocals say "A Summer smoker underground - It's just a dugout that my dad built - In case the reds decide to push the button down", but Fagen explores other areas as well such as the modern woman (advent of the woman who has it all). This song like "Green Flower Street" is going to have some very catchy music. You'll also hear some harmonica playing that adds a nice touch to this song.
"The Nightfly" is title track and it is appropriate - this is the song that is the glue that holds the whole album together. I get the impression that the young man that Fagen references (in the liner notes) having the fantasies is 'Lester the Nightfly' (whom he sings about). This song is a song about DJ (Lester) who sings about Jazz and Conversation. After all, isn't this what this album is about - a combination of jazz music and conversation themes (i.e. romance, the bomb, the future, etc). Great retro feel to this song. The background vocals - especially the call letters 'WJAZ' are awesome.
"The Goodbye Look" is a very underrated song on this collection. This is a song that has a Latin Jazz feel. No doubt, Fagen is singing about Havana, Cuba - once a vacation paradise now in the hands of the communists is place where 'the embassy has been hard to reach'.Great song and in a lot of ways might be the strongest track on the collection.
"Walk Between the Raindrops" is the shortest track at 2:38. I consider this the weakest track, but even this isn't all that bad. It has a nice catchy beat to it. Another great retro feel with a "Miami flare".
The liner notes contain all of the lyrics as well as giving credit to the outstanding musicians that contribute to this album. As mentioned above, Fagen notes (in the liner notes) the common theme that runs through this album. This is a collection that stands the test of time. If you are a music fan, you'll want this music as a part of your collection.A must have!The Nightfly OverviewAfter the breakup of Steely Dan in 1981, Fagen set to work on this critically acclaimed solo debut, which would peak at #11 on the Billboard charts on the strength of the hit I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World) and its follow-up, New Frontier . Also includes the jazz-based tunes Green Flower Street; Ruby Baby; Maxine ; the title track, and more.

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