Since you asked,
@unix-guy
I have seen the Dan every time they pass thru in the decade + they have toured in their current incarnation, except for last year, when it just felt too close to Walter’s death to enjoy.... I can truly say that while he was certainly remembered, but he was not missed musically in this show. The band lineup remains as it has for some years with the addition of a second guitarist from Woodstock NY who shared lead responsibilities with Jon Herrington, as opposed to simply stepping into Walter’s role. IMO, the arrangements were heavily tweaked to keep things fresh while not messing with essential song structures and motifs , to great success ...almost every tune had some kind of unique big band coda that may at first have confused the audience....but i loved em. Fagen has evolved his vocal style to make up for the vagaries of a fading voice and diminished range with
Crisp enunciation and articulation, as well as further integration of the magnificent vocals of the 3 Danettes in his arrangements. Sells it and nails it.
This band is as tight and in the pocket as any in the world, and it was the opinion of the fellow Danheads in my party that this might have been the most enjoyable set we have heard from them....if you can catch them this year...DO IT
.........as an incredible surprise and bonus...the opening band (unique to the Ravinia dates) was a reunion of sorts for legendary Chicagoland musicians from the bands the Mauds and the Flock, hitmakers in the 60s , and featuring two of my musical idols, Howard Levy-alum of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones,, considered by those who know of these things as the greatest living jazz/blues harmonica player, and .....JERRY GOODMAN.from Dixie Dregs, and significantly, Mahavishnu Orchestra with whom I first heard Jerry play his unique style of fusion Violin in the same venue (ravinia ) in 1971!!! Howard came back during the Dan set to solo on a killer version of Black Friday...
Did I mention I enjoyed it....!
They were very tight on phone security, so no pics or vids......