Steely Dan at the Beacon are Still Blazing-Preconcert Ricki Lee Jones Screeching It

The American jazz rock band Steely blends blues, funk & soul for its stupendous original sound. It's an exceptional, sophisticated style that resonates today.  Steely Dan was formed by Walter Becker on guitar & Donald Fagen on piano & vocals back in 1972.  Walter was sounded incredulous telling us he & Donald have been performing for 50 years.  Surely, as he looked out in the audience (with several shout outs to his dentist) he would have seen a senior crowd of mostly 60/70 somethings swaying in their seats & dancing in the aisles.  Their devoted fan base appreciates their music noted for its clear instrumentations from each of the individual talented musicians in the wind, brass, string & percussive sections.  A special shout out goes to the drummer, bass guitarist & alto sax.  Adding to their luxurious, jazzy soulful sound were the 3 backup singers; each given their own impressive solo spotlights.  Donald's amazing voice has not lost its strong gravely tone which lends itself perfectly to the satirical & witty lyrics.  Ricki Lee Jones opened and was fine until she opened her screeching voice.  Time has not been kind to her voice & neither am I.  Chuckie is not so lucky to be in love with Jones.  After a 1/2 break, Steely Dan took to the stage & regaled its adoring audience with a fantastic 2 hr performance.   The band had the audience eating of their hands.  Dressed in retro glory day styles, the fans took to the aisles swaying, singing & dancing.  I was somewhat surprised the audience did not draw a younger crowd (perhaps ticket prices was a factor.)  Steely Dan's music is still hitting all the right notes & crossing over into multi genres.  Had there been multigenerations at the concert, the younger crowd would have been wowed by the music but may have felt somewhat cringeworthy at the old folks seeming both happy & sappy.