Steely Dan at Humphreys by the Bay: 2013
Getting to see Steely Dan at Humphreys felt like a gift. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen famously avoided touring for years, focusing on studio perfection instead. When they finally decided to tour regularly, catching them at an intimate venue like Humphreys - with sailboats drifting by on the bay - was about as perfect a setting as you could ask for.
Steely Dan's music is sophisticated in a way that most rock never attempts. Their songs incorporate jazz harmonies, session musician-level playing, cryptic lyrics, and production that's meticulous to the point of obsession. They're not trying to be raw or punk - they're going for precision and complexity.
Watching them perform at Humphreys, backed by world-class session musicians, was hearing these songs executed with the same level of precision as the studio versions. "Reelin' in the Years" had those iconic guitar licks played perfectly. "Do It Again" brought that hypnotic Latin-influenced groove. "Aja" - all seven-plus minutes of it - was jazz-rock at its finest, with the extended instrumental sections giving the musicians room to show their skill.
"Peg" might be their most perfectly crafted pop song - sophisticated without being inaccessible, catchy without being simple. Hearing it live, you appreciate the arrangement even more. Every part fits together like a Swiss watch.
What struck me was how much Becker and Fagen seemed to genuinely enjoy performing once they committed to it. For years, they were studio hermits, avoiding the road. But watching them at Humphreys, you could see they were having fun, clearly satisfied with how good their backing band was, pleased that the songs were being executed properly.
The Humphreys setting added to the experience. The intimate size meant you could really hear all the details - the bass lines, the keyboard parts, the guitar solos. Steely Dan's music rewards close listening, and this venue provided that.
Their refusal to tour for so long made this feel special. Not everyone gets to see Steely Dan live, and getting to see them in a small waterfront venue in San Diego felt like a rare opportunity.
Steely Dan represents a level of musicianship and sophistication that's rare in rock music. They demanded excellence from themselves and their musicians, and they achieved it. This show was a reminder that precision and complexity can be just as powerful as raw emotion and energy - it's just a different kind of power.