Steely Dan Session Musicians - A Review

Steely Dan Session: A Legacy of Studio Brilliance
Steely Dan’s studio recordings are legendary, and their Steely Dan Session musicians played a pivotal role in shaping that legacy. Throughout the 1970s and into the 2000s, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker—perfectionists at heart—assembled elite session players to bring their vision to life. As their music grew more complex, these “hired guns” became essential to each track’s brilliance. Many sidemen were already icons or soon played on other classics, influencing Steely Dan’s sound and popular music broadly. Let’s dive into their contributions album by album, from 1972 to 2003. Check out my Steely Dan Albums Music Map for a unique, comprehensive view of these players.

1970s Albums

1972 – Can’t Buy a Thrill: Steely Dan Session Begins
Steely Dan’s debut, Can’t Buy a Thrill, showcased Fagen and Becker’s songwriting. Session players elevated it further. Guitarist Elliott Randall nailed the lead on “Reelin’ in the Years.” His searing, one-take solo soars and even inspired later rock riffs. A demo-days veteran, Randall gave the album a guitar hero moment. Jazz saxophonist Jerome Richardson added soul with his bluesy tenor sax solo on “Dirty Work,” sung by David Palmer. Having worked with Sarah Vaughan and Charles Mingus, Richardson brought a jazzy touch to his first rock gig. This set the tone for Steely Dan’s session-driven approach.

1973 – Countdown to Ecstasy: Expanding the Vision
Countdown to Ecstasy saw Steely Dan still touring, but their studio ambitions grew. For “Show Biz Kids,” they tapped Rick Derringer. Known for “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” he added gritty slide guitar licks remotely from Colorado, sharpening the song’s satire. Jazz crept in with Ray Brown’s upright bass and Victor Feldman’s vibraphone on “Razor Boy,” creating a Latin-jazz vibe. A horn section led by Ernie Watts and Lanny Morgan punched up “My Old School.” These session choices hinted at their evolving sound.

1974 – Pretzel Logic: Studio Mastery Takes Hold
Pretzel Logic marked a shift—Steely Dan quit touring to focus on studio work. Drummer Jim Gordon, a star from Derek and the Dominos, handled most tracks. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Jeff Porcaro stole “Night by Night” with crisp beats, later co-founding Toto. Guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter added flair before joining the Doobie Brothers. Saxophonists Plas Johnson, Ernie Watts, and Jerome Richardson returned, while Victor Feldman’s percussion on “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” brought bossa nova charm. This mix of talent made the album a hit.

1975 – Katy Lied: A Steely Dan Session Peak
Katy Lied featured a Steely Dan session dream team. Jeff Porcaro, just 20, drummed nearly every track, with grooves on “Black Friday” and “Bad Sneakers” launching him to fame. Hal Blaine, a ’60s hitmaker, played “Any World (That I’m Welcome To).” Guitarist Larry Carlton debuted with a jazzy lead on “Daddy Don’t Live,” becoming a Dan staple. Bebop legend Phil Woods stole the show with a lyrical sax solo on “Doctor Wu,” his rock debut. Michael McDonald’s soulful backing vocals boosted tracks like “Bad Sneakers.”

1976 – The Royal Scam: Guitar Heaven
The Royal Scam leaned on guitars. Larry Carlton dominated with “Kid Charlemagne,” and his blues-jazz solo was a rock classic. Drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie brought his funky “Purdie Shuffle” to “Don’t Take Me Alive.” Chuck Rainey laid tight basslines while guitarists Dean Parks, Denny Dias, and Elliott Randall added layers. Backing vocals from Venetta Fields and Clydie King enriched “The Fez.”

1977 – Aja: Studio Perfection Peaks
Aja is Steely Dan’s masterpiece. Jay Graydon nailed a snappy guitar solo on “Peg” after many auditions. Steve Gadd’s one-take drum solo on “Aja” dazzles, with Wayne Shorter’s soprano sax soaring over it. Chuck Rainey sneaked slap bass into “Peg,” defying orders—it worked perfectly. Michael McDonald’s lush vocals shine on “Peg” and “Josie.” About 40 players made Aja a Grammy-winning gem.

1980s Album

1980 – Gaucho: Perfection’s Price
Gaucho took perfection to extremes. Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits added subtle guitar to “Time Out of Mind.” Michael Brecker’s sax lifts “Glamour Profession.” Over 40 musicians and a custom drum machine, Wendel, shaped its slick sound. David Sanborn’s alto sax sparked tracks, while Larry Carlton and Steve Khan handled guitars. Becker often played bass, blending jazz and tech innovation.

2000s Albums

2000 – Two Against Nature: A Comeback
Two Against Nature marked their return. Becker played more guitar and bass. Five drummers, including Vinnie Colaiuta and Keith Carlock, rotated tracks. Chris Potter’s sax solo closed “West of Hollywood,” and horns by Lou Marini and Michael Leonhart echoed the past. It won Album of the Year.

2003 – Everything Must Go: A Final Note
Everything Must Go aimed for a live feel. Keith Carlock drummed every track, while Becker played all bass and many solos. Jon Herington added guitar, and Walt Weiskopf played sax. Becker sang lead on “Slang of Ages,” closing their studio legacy with fewer session players.

Steely Dan Session Musicians’ Lasting Impact

Steely Dan’s nine albums highlight top Steely Dan Session talent. Key contributors include:

• Elliott Randall – “Reelin’ in the Years” solo
• Larry Carlton – “Kid Charlemagne” mastery
• Steve Gadd – “Aja” drum solo
• Chuck Rainey – “Peg” bass innovation

Their work influenced music broadly. Learn more about session musicians’ impact in this Ultimate Classic Rock article. Fagen and Becker led this rotating orchestra, where every note mattered. These players delivered with soul, leaving an enduring mark.