Has Brad Mehldau always been one step ahead of jazz? In this episode, Peter and Adam trace his evolution from the straight-ahead Art of the Trio series to the produced, cinematic experiments of his 2002 opus Largo. We look at how Brad’s late nights in LA, love of Radiohead, and partnership with producer Jon Brion blurred the lines between indie pop, alt rock, and jazz, creating a new “Populist Jazz.” Discover how Brad Mehldau’s Largo paved the way for a generation of genre-bending artists from The Bad Plus, to Robert Glasper, to our very own Adam Maness – and cemented his place as the greatest genre hacker in jazz.

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From the hypnotic grooves of “Black Cow” to contributions from jazz legends Wayne Shorter, Steve Gadd, and Victor Feldman, Steely Dan’s 1977 masterpiece Aja reigns amongst the best—and best-produced—albums of all time. In this episode, Peter and Adam break down Fagen and Becker’s jazz-infused harmonies, their precision recording process, and the album’s audiophile-worthy engineering. Tune in for stories, stem breakdowns, and a brand new segment where Kaleb Kirby and Bob DeBoo join us to play through Aja hits. Whether you’re a Steely Dan devotee or just here for the yacht-rock controversy, get ready to kick off the new YHI season with one of the 70s’ most iconic sonic journeys.
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show notes:

(00:00) Intro & avoiding nautical references

(03:11) Introduction to Aja (1977) and its Grammy nods

(06:01) "Black Cow" keys analysis (Joe Sample & Victor Feldman)

(07:36) Isolation of Paul Humphrey's drum tracks

(11:01) Breakdown of Victor Feldman's Rhodes solo

(14:37) Deep dive into title track "Aja"

(18:11) Analysis of Wayne Shorter solo w/Steve Gadd "comping"

(25:49) "Peg" analysis

(27:27) Breakdown of McDonald's background vocal arrangements

(30:23) Album sequencing discussion

(31:31) Chuck Rainey's bass contributions across the album

(33:11) "Home at Last" analysis

(35:35) "Deacon Blues" discussion

(39:44) Snob-o-meter rating

(42:34) Preview of Open Studio member exclusive content

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Check out AJA by Don Breithaupt
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/steely-dans-aja-don-breithaupt/1100758984

In this very special cross-over episode, Adam Maness and Bob DeBoo from Upright Citizens check out 12 of their favorite live albums recorded at the famous Village Vanguard. What's your favorite live album?

link to our spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fzI04bkuBXe0YQcfqJmkt?si=0dk9OWMZTVS6G7wdH93X-w

Wanna check out some Upright Citizens?
https://www.openstudiojazz.com/upright-citizens/

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Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio

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In this solo episode, Peter Martin gives advice on how to live a musical life in the coming year and what to do to set yourself up for success.

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https://youllhearit.com/

Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe
Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio

🎹 Head over to our YouTube channel for a better look 👀.

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Adam and Peter list their favorite tunes that actually teach ya something! Learning these tunes will give you a better grasp on your playing in these contexts.

Check out our playlist on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/69uTCFvMKo8CEBLfWrGiL6?si=ZPCpzVnQThq6Wy87bhAEjA

Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further
https://youllhearit.com/

Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe
Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio

🎹 Head over to our YouTube channel for a better look 👀.

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Ever get overwhelmed with emotion from a tune? In this episode, Adam and Peter talk about what about music can evoke such emotion.

Link to our Spotify Playlist

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Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio

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Join us as we dive into the life and legacy of Art Tatum, the jazz piano virtuoso who took entertainment on the instrument to a new level.

YT playlist
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kn6Z2anqCFpTOc4H957o0Oktgr_C9gl7Q

Oscar Peterson and Count Basie on Art Tatum
• https://youtu.be/YAeT3Dr74Ys

Art Tatum performances
• https://youtu.be/D9Cs_zb4q14
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzMyhzadzTQ

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Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe
Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio

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Do you ever find yourself lacking on a little holiday cheer? Do the holiday classics seem a little drab and dull lately? Well you may not be alone - Check out Peter and Adam's list of holiday classics that just aren't giving the same cheer they used to. Which holiday songs are you tired of hearing?

Link to our Spotify playlist

Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further
https://youllhearit.com/

Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe
Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio

🎹 Head over to our YouTube channel for a better look 👀.

Follow us on Instagram