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http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000799075Steely Dan Sits For 'Piano Jazz'
Steely Dan's February 2003 visit to Marian McPartland's "Piano Jazz" show on National Public Radio will be released March 15 on CD via Concord Records. The 16-track set finds group principals Walter Becker and Donald Fagen discussing their jazz influences and pre-Steely Dan formative experiences.
Joined by legendary pianist McPartland and backed by its rhythm section of bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Keith Carlock, Steely Dan also performs such favorites as "Josie," "Black Friday" and "Chain Lightning."
In addition, the quintet runs through the Duke Ellington-popularized "Things Ain't What They Used To Be," "Mood Indigo" and "Limbo Jazz," W.C. Handy's "Hesitation Blues" and Gene DePaul and Don Raye's "Star Eyes."
Steely Dan has kept a low profile since the tour in support of its 2003 Reprise album, "Everything Must Go," which debuted at No. 9 on The Billboard 200. A spokersperson did not respond to requests for comment on the group's upcoming plans.
As for McPartland, her 85th birthday celebration at New York's Birdland club in 2003 is being prepped for CD release in April by Concord. The collection features appearances by Regina Carter, Ravi Coltrane and Jason Moran, among others.
-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
