Jazz Jambalaya "Steely Dan: A Jazz Attitude"

In a 1974 edition of Rolling Stone, Walter Becker – the bespectacled and bearded guitarist, bassist, composer, lyricist, and one-half of the legendary duo Steely Dan – said, “We play rock & roll, but we swing when we play. We want that ongoing flow, that lightness, that forward rush of jazz.”

Becker had a four-decade partnership with his co-collaborator, pianist, vocalist, and composer Donald Fagen. They were, to borrow a phrase used by Duke Ellington, “beyond category.” The source of Steely Dan’s signature sound was their incorporation of the jazz aesthetic in every aspect of their already broad musical conception. Established jazz artists like Wayne Shorter, Joe Sample, Tom Scott, Lee Ritenour

The Cedric Brooks Project will showcase the jazzier side of Steely Dan’s catalog at February at MOJO’s Jazz Jambalaya. The monthly series, usually scheduled the fourth Monday, will be a week earlier on the 17th as a part of Mobile’s countdown to Fat Tuesday. Brooks (keyboard/vocals) will be joined by Scott Hinson (guitar), Corey Johnson (bass), Steve Jacobs (drums) and a special guest on saxophone to interpret the jazz attitude of the music of Steely Dan. A light jambalaya dinner is included. Beverages will be available.

Admission at door $13-$18.