The Nightfly

 

I've had friends for many years whose musical spectrum doesn't go beyond West Coast rock and jazz fusion. Many attempts to introduce them to other music have failed, but that's not tragic, because everyone should feel comfortable with the music they like.

Unfortunately, I can't do much with this music, although there are great artists in this genre and Pat Metheney, Larry Carlton or Marcus Miller play fantastic music live. If we can agree, it would be Steely Dan, who released perhaps the most perfectly arranged albums in the 70's. 

I recently listened to Donald Fagen's debut album again, which I liked at the time. It was the first album that was recorded completely digitally and became a classic. Fagen mixes West Coast pop with jazz here. The Nightfly is perfectly recorded, the arrangements are sophisticated and the songs are catchy. If there is anything to criticize on this album, it is that it is too smooth and somehow has no soul. 

Despite everything, it is an album that has set standards in this genre and is still worth listening to after 40 years.

Donald Fagen - New Frontier

Donald Fagen - The Nightfly

Donald Fagen - I.G.Y.