Steely Dan - Classic Albums: Aja

Steely Dan - Classic Albums: Aja is a compelling and informative documentary made in 1999 that provides an in-depth analysis of the making and impact of the critically acclaimed 1977 album, Aja, by the American rock band, Steely Dan. The film dives into the masterful creation of a musical masterpiece that continues to stand the test of time, featuring insights from band members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker themselves.

Known for their meticulous production and complex compositions, Steely Dan is a revered name in rock and jazz music. This film encapsulates their unique essence, their relentless pursuit of perfection, and their innovative approach to merging various musical genres. It highlights how the band, through Aja, raised the bar for rock music by incorporating elements of jazz, pop, R&B, and traditional pop to create a sophisticated and timeless sound.

The documentary is structured in a way that consistently maintains the viewer's interest. Keeping Fagen and Becker at its heart, the film interweaves commentary from an impressive range of musicians, producers, and music journalists who contributed to Aja's evolution or were significantly influenced by it. These include the likes of celebrated session musician Larry Carlton and singer-songwriter Ian Dury. This movie offers a fascinating look into Steely Dan’s creative process, unpacking the intricate and often rigorous processes that enabled their music to reach such an exceptional standard.

Throughout the film, Fagen and Becker maintain an engaging, sometimes humorous tone as they delve into their memories of making the album. They offer rich anecdotes about their time in the studio, shedding light on their meticulous approach to every detail of the record. The talented duo provides detailed commentary on each of the album's seven tracks, reflecting on the songwriting challenges they encountered and how they overcame them. Remarkably, they also recount the pressure of trying to top their previous successful albums while staying true to their artistic vision.

Another highlight of the movie is that it allows viewers to gain an intimate knowledge of the musicianship and craftsmanship required to produce a record like Aja. Through interviews and footage, the film displays Steely Dan's perfectionist nature and their dedication to excellence. They reveal their rigorous selection process for session musicians, their tireless efforts in refining every musical element, and their decision to intertwine complex jazz chord progressions into a rock framework, a bold choice that was applauded by many in the music community.

Apart from the informative interviews and rare studio footage, the film includes the original promotional videos for some of the album's biggest hits, including "Peg," "Deacon Blues," and the title track, "Aja." This adds a nostalgic element to the film, accentuating the impact that Aja had, both at the time of its release and in the years that followed.

Despite being essentially a behind-the-scenes look at the making of an album, the film also manages to provide insights into the cultural setting of the late 70s. It artfully utilizes the narrative of Fagen, Becker, and their associates to map the broader musical landscape of the period, illustrating how Aja played a role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the era.

Steely Dan - Classic Albums: Aja is not only a treat for fans of the band, but it also serves as a valuable resource for aspiring musicians and record producers. It paints an inspiring picture of two artists at the height of their craftsmanship, providing a peek into the mindsets and processes behind the creation of a masterpiece. In essence, the film is a tribute to a legendary band, their iconic album, and the enduring power of great music. It presents an engaging amalgamation of storytelling, technical exploration, and personal introspective that appeals to die-hard fans and newcomers to Steely Dan's music alike.

Whether you are an ardent fan of Steely Dan, a passionate lover of music, or simply a casual viewer intrigued by the creators behind a historic album, Steely Dan - Classic Albums: Aja is a documentary you won't want to miss. It takes you on a remarkable journey that celebrates musical genius, immortalizes an unforgettable era in rock history, and pays homage to the unwavering dedication and innovative spirit of Steely Dan.