Keyboardists! Best book for learning (accurate) Steely Dan?

[bbernardini]

I've seen two books that look promising: "The Art of Steely Dan," and "Steely Dan-Just The Riffs." I'm also considering purchasing Fagen's "Concepts for Jazz/Rock Piano" DVD. Thoughts?

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Why?

I don't understand why you would want to do this. Maybe i could see the Fagen book since jazz and jazz influenced rock would certainly benefit from an understanding of harmonic and melodic theory. (Especially chord structures and substitutions.)

But, i am having a hard time understanding why someone would want to do Steely Dan and be note perfect or "accurate". Doesn't that miss the point completely?

Think of it this way: Would Fagen approve?
The Professor

[Beaverhausen]

2. Years ago I had my hands on the "Katy Lied" songbook

and I think the "Gaucho" one as well. In the front of those books Becker/Fagan explained the concept of the "Moo Major" chord - which is really just a polychord - i.e. not using the tonic in the bass. This is part of what gives their music such a rich sound.

Some of my favs are G chord with a D in the bass, F chord with C in the bass, etc.

That first chord in Dr. Wu (If I remember correctly) is D over E. Love that one!!!

After I learned a few of the songs from the book I "borrowed" some of those chords to add to my own music.

I think if Fagan himself did the DVD it would be worth having. Learning others styles just adds some colors to your palette.