Bodhisattva (Live 1995)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious grooves of Steely Dan’s “Bodhisattva (Live 1995)” from their album Alive in America, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for a treat with some juicy trivia about this track! This live version, recorded during Steely Dan’s 1993-1994 tours, showcases the band’s return to the stage after a 19-year hiatus from live performances, making it a significant moment for fans. The song, originally from 1973’s Countdown to Ecstasy, is rumored to be one of the few Steely Dan tracks composed solely by Donald Fagen, though still credited to both Fagen and Walter Becker. According to a 2013 post on Something Else! Reviews, the live rendition on Alive in America features guitarist Georg Wadenius delivering a rock-infused solo, shifting away from the original’s bebop vibe, while Walter Becker’s closing solo and Dennis Chambers’ dynamic drumming keep the energy soaring. Fans on Reddit’s r/SteelyDan have noted the lively crowd response to the song’s iconic “You got to shake it, baby” refrain, highlighting its electrifying live presence.

Diving deeper, “Bodhisattva” is steeped in Steely Dan’s signature wit, with lyrics that playfully mock the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through materialism, as explained by David Nichtern in a 2015 Songfacts interview. Nichtern, a Buddhist teacher who worked with Becker, described Bodhisattvas as compassionate beings akin to saints, dedicated to helping others—a concept Fagen and Becker cleverly subvert with lines like “The shine in your Japan, the sparkle in your China.” A fan on Reddit shared a heartwarming story about their 1990 wedding, where they insisted the band play “Bodhisattva,” turning the reception into a dance floor frenzy—proof of the song’s enduring ability to get a crowd moving. Another tidbit from Songfacts reveals that the chord progression and main guitar riff may have been inspired by Pat Martino’s “Cisco” from his album El Hombre, showcasing Steely Dan’s knack for blending jazz influences into their rock sound.

Steely Dan, the brainchild of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, began their journey in 1967 at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, where the two bonded over their shared love of jazz, blues, and witty lyricism. As detailed in their bio on Wikipedia, they started as songwriters, playing in various bands, including one with future comedian Chevy Chase on drums. By 1970, they joined Jay & the Americans’ backing band, performing under pseudonyms—Becker as Gustav Mahler and Fagen as Tristan Fabriani. Their big break came when producer Gary Katz hired them as staff songwriters for ABC/Dunhill in Los Angeles. Encouraged by Katz, they formed Steely Dan, named after a dildo from William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch, and released their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, in 1972. The album’s hits, “Do It Again” and “Reeling in the Years,” established their sophisticated blend of rock, jazz, and cryptic lyrics, setting the stage for their influential career.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Steely Dan’s legacy through their official website, though the band’s social media presence is minimal following Walter Becker’s passing in 2017. Donald Fagen continues to tour under the Steely Dan name, and fans can follow updates on the official Steely Dan Facebook page. For Instagram, check out @steelydan_music, where tour photos and fan content keep the vibe alive. On X, the @steelydanofficial account shares occasional posts about performances and merchandise. Fans also gather on the vibrant r/SteelyDan Reddit community and the Steely Dan Fans Facebook group, where discussions range from song trivia to tour memories. For a deep dive, the fan-run Steely Dan Database offers detailed discographies and song info, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to geek out.