VA - Maestros of Cool, A Tribute to Steely Dan [2006] (2 x CDs)

TRIBUTE

VA - Maestros of Cool, A Tribute to Steely Dan [2006] (2 x CDs)

If you are a fan of Steely Dan, you might enjoy this tribute album by various artists who cover some of their classic songs. Maestros of Cool is a tribute album to Steely Dan, one of the most influential and sophisticated bands in rock history. This two-disc compilation features 24 tracks, ranging from jazz-rock to smooth jazz to pop-rock. Some of the artists include Nathan Haines, David Garfield, Chuck Loeb, HR-Bigband, and Jango. The album was released in 2006 by ESC Records.

Maestros of Cool showcases the diversity and complexity of Steely Dan’s music, as well as the influence they had on many musicians. The tribute album is a testament to the diversity and richness of Steely Dan’s music, which blends jazz, rock, pop, and funk. The covers are respectful but creative, adding some new twists and flavors to the familiar tunes. It features an incredibly wide assemblage of musicians, most of whom, although likely unknown to listeners, have not only been influenced by Steely Dan, but have gone on to create spectacular and unique music that ventures far beyond that of their mentors. Some of the standout tracks are Nathan Haines’ version of FM with Damon Albarn on vocals, David Garfield’s renditions of Babylon Sisters and Josie with Alex Ligertwood on vocals, Chuck Loeb’s instrumental take on Maxine, HR-Bigband’s big band arrangement of Pretzel Logic, and Jango’s funky groove on Joyful Caravan.

Maestros of Cool showcases the diversity and complexity of Steely Dan’s music, as well as the influence they had on many musicians. The covers are respectful but not slavish, adding some original twists and interpretations to the familiar tunes. Some of the highlights are Nathan Haines’ version of FM with Damon Albarn on vocals, David Garfield’s renditions of Babylon Sisters and Josie with Alex Ligertwood on vocals, Chuck Loeb’s instrumental take on Maxine, HR-Bigband’s big band arrangement of Pretzel Logic, and Jango’s funky groove on Joyful Caravan.

Overall, Maestros of Cool is a great tribute album that offers interesting and enjoyable versions of Steely Dan’s songs. It is a good addition to any Steely Dan fan’s collection. (B)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Nathan Haines With Damon Albarn - FM 4:39

02 Masters Of Cool - Stereo- Remember 5:02

03 Debbie Deane - Any World 4:08

04 Raw Stylus - 37 Hours 5:24

05 Nash Kato - Dirty Work 3:37

06 Pam Bricker - Home At Last 4:58

07 Tony Gallo - Black Cow 5:39

08 Bill Ware's Groove Thing - The Fez 5:30

09 Alex Ligertwood - Josie 5:39

10 Carl Orr - Tomorrow's Girl 4:21

11 Liquid Blue - Rikki Don't Loose That Number 4:44

12 Jango - Joyful Caravan 4:33

CD2

01 David Garfield - Babylon Sisters 6:26

02 Chuck Loeb - Maxine 5:26

03 Don Braden - Kid Charlemagne 6:38

04 Hr Big Band - Pretzel Logic 5:26

05 Justin Morell Quintett - My Rival 4:47

06    Abebi Stafford     -    Green Earings    4:09

07 Gustavo Assis-Brasil - Aja 7:02

08 Stolen Van - Aves Of Altamira 5:40

09 Alex Gunia - Third World Man 6:45

10 Cornelius Bumpus - Chain Lightning 5:06

11 Ben Lacy - Hey Nineteen 3:16

12 Trinity - Steel It Again Dan 10:04

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