Donald Fagen
The New York Rock and Soul Revue

Premise: many might think that attributing the album in question solely to Fagen might be unfair, given that it's accompanied by the cream of New York soul scene, from Boz Scaggs to Michael McDonald; let it then be considered merely a benevolent simplification to facilitate a potential search and reading of the review.

But let's get to the album.

Often, reunions of great names in the music scene imply ambiguous box office motives, passing off bland attempts and track lists as Christmas gift ideas in the name of the moment... don't worry, that's not the case with this album!

The New York Rock and Soul Revue is an event brimming with Tamla Motown vibes with the execution of authentic iconic pieces like "Knock on Wood" or "Madison Time" enhanced by a soul jazz approach that only Donald Fagen and Michael McDonald can deliver.

And if the more polished performances are entrusted to the aforementioned Donald(s), when the arrangement becomes sharper and leaner, Phoebe Snow's powerful vocal presence stands out, literally climbing the upper ledger lines and infusing white-hot, or rather black-hot, energy into songs like "At Last".

The album contains genuine gems like "Green Flower Street", "Pretzel Logic", and "Chain Lighting" by Fagen, performed this time with a more "groove-oriented" feel at the expense of some conventional embellishments, or a fantastic "Driftin' Blues" sung by Charles Brown with a nasal tone true to Delta blues.

Then, unexpectedly, the delightful "Drowning in the Sea of Love" by Boz Scaggs bursts in, punctuated by an electric piano riff and soulful black backing vocals in the refrain, reminiscent even of Burt Bacharach in some harmonic solutions, but that makes the musicians take off during the following solos, just as the playful "Groovin'" brings us back to authentic Motown vibes with Fagen supporting with his indispensable harmonica in the catchy chorus that echoes with Temptations-like backing vocals.

One of the most refined tracks of this Revue, in the humble opinion of the writer, is the famous "Minute by Minute" by Michael McDonald, made famous by his Doobie Brothers, which in its live version acquires greater dynamics, moving the listener through Mr. McDonald's hoarse and enchanting vocals.

A roar and it's instantly... Steely Dan.

A "Pretzel Logic" is yet another delightful tribute from the company to Fagen who spares no effort as he attacks the keys of his piano and winds himself around the microphone, articulating his mumbled lines, infected by the night's enthusiasm and perhaps by the energy that only a music with a black soul can give.

But these are the last sparks; we are already at the epilogue, entrusted to the Reprise of "Madison Time" and the deserved presentation of the stars and the group amid thunderous applause and satisfied faces.

Just as sometimes a pizza with friends can turn into an unforgettable evening, a reunion of old stage foxes like this can become an event album that, we don't know whether it satisfied the box office, but certainly the ears, heart, and soul of those who were there and those who are fortunate enough to listen to it today will be duly rewarded for the attention paid.