Aja (Live 1995)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the mesmerizing "Aja (Live 1995)" by Steely Dan, a track from their 1995 live album Alive in America. This rendition of "Aja" captures the essence of the original 1977 studio version but with the raw energy of a live performance. According to a 2013 review on Something Else!, this live version was the complete debut of "Aja" during Steely Dan’s 1994 tour, opening their concerts after an instrumental medley. The performance is notable for its stellar contributions, with Georg Wadenius and Walter Becker delivering roaring guitar solos, Bill Ware shining on vibes, Warren Bernhardt on piano, and Chris Potter’s improvisational tenor sax leading into Dennis Chambers’ explosive drum solo. Interestingly, in 1993, audiences got a teaser with just the drum and sax solos, making the full 1994 performance a significant moment for fans. The song’s complexity required three music stands for each rhythm section player’s chart, yet the band, including virtuoso drummer Steve Gadd, recorded it with minimal rehearsal, showcasing their technical prowess.

Delving into the song’s origins, "Aja" from the 1977 album of the same name is a jazz-rock masterpiece. Donald Fagen shared in a 2000 BBC online chat that some solo sections were discarded because the band wasn’t comfortable with them, ensuring only the best made the final cut. The lyrics, rich with natural imagery like hills and seas, contrast Steely Dan’s usual brand-name-heavy style, creating a timeless, almost mythic narrative. Some interpret it as a romantic fantasy, possibly set in a mental retreat, as suggested by Winston Cook-Wilson in a 2017 Spin article. Fagen revealed in a Songfacts interview that the title "Aja" was inspired by a Korean woman married to a friend’s brother, pronounced like the continent "Asia," symbolizing sensuality. The live version on Alive in America extends to over nine minutes, making it Steely Dan’s longest recorded track, with an extended fadeout that enhances its immersive quality.

Steely Dan, formed by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, began in 1971 at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. The duo, bonded by their love for jazz, Beat Generation literature, and irony, started as songwriters before forming the band, named after a device from William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. After moving to Los Angeles, they worked as staff songwriters for ABC Records, secretly assembling Steely Dan with musicians like guitarists Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and Denny Dias. Their 1972 debut, Can’t Buy a Thrill, surprised everyone with hits like "Do It Again" and "Reelin’ in the Years." By 1974, Becker and Fagen shifted to a studio-only duo, employing top session musicians to craft their sophisticated sound, blending rock, jazz, and R&B. This approach culminated in their 1977 masterpiece Aja, their best-selling album, which solidified their reputation as musical perfectionists.

Fans can connect with Steely Dan through their official Facebook page, where updates and fan discussions thrive, though they lack an official Instagram or X presence. For deeper engagement, the fan site Steely Dan Reader offers news, interviews, and archival content. The Steely Dan Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can share their love for tracks like "Aja." Another tribute comes from Aja Vu, a San Francisco-based Steely Dan tribute band, capturing the band’s spirit in live performances. These platforms keep the legacy of Becker, who passed in 2017, and Fagen, who continues as the sole official member, alive for fans worldwide.