The great Skunk Baxter, on lead guitar, not only played with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers his genius IQ also works as a defense consultant and advised U.S. members of Congress on missile defense. Intelligent and nimble fingers. Never judge a book by its cover. Love all the Midnight Special clips you've shown.
Skunk Baxter is an amzaing individual. In fact, I'd say his mesmeroizing guitar playing is actually one of his lesser accomplishments, which is incredibible in itself... You know that guy or girl that just do Anything, and do it better than most anyone else... Skunk Baxter is one of those guys...
You have to remember that back then the only way you saw your favorite artist other than in concert was if they appeared on The Midnight Special. Otherwise you only saw photographs of the groups in Rolling Stone or other music magazines. Artists weren’t overexposed the way they are today.
Don't forget we also had Don Kirschner's "Rock Concert" on Sat. nights. DK gave us actual live concert excerpts rather than live in studio performances like Midnight Special.
Skunk Baxter and Denny Dias on guitars, and Walter Becker hidden in back on bass. Those girls, my god, 😆. Thanks for doing some early live video from the Dan, so rare and precious!! From those same Midnight Special vaults they've also just released a master tape of Show Biz Kids which is must react material, its INSANE!! Thanks Guys, and thanks for the big screen view of the performance which we can SEE! (so many reactors show the performance in a teensy little box). As a young teenager, I religiously watched the Midnight Special and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert late Fri and Sat nights. That was our MTV in the 70s, but they were LIVE PERFORMANCES,not videos, not lip synced. A HUGE variety of music on the Midnight Special, rock, pop, soul, funk, even some country and easy listening. It was fantastic to grow up with those shows before I could go to concerts.
They are releasing some great master tape performances from the vaults on the MS channel. I urged them to react to Show Biz Kids from the same show. There's also 2 fantastic early Genesis live performances with Peter Gabriel in all his costumed make up glory that's priceless.
He said it was one of his favorite guitar solos. Elliot Randal played it on the record...this is NOT Elliot Randall in this video. It's Jeff Skunk Baxter.
Hadn’t seen this performance before. If I’m not mistaken, it’s played at a slightly higher tempo than the studio version -which is saying something. Steely Dan one of the outstanding bands of the 70s and 80s. Nobody else was doing stuff remotely like theirs.
Yes that was Skunk Baxter on those guitar solo’s on this song. Great guitar/ session player who later went on to join the Doobie Brothers and was instrumental to get Michael McDonald into the Doobie Brothers.
There is a live version of Takin it to the Streets with Skunk playing the guitar solo in place of the studio saxophone solo that is just outstanding. Also on that live version you are treated to a excellent piano solo from Michael McDonald.
The studio version is the definitive version of this song, in my opinion, with the lead guitar played by Elliott Randall, who is absolutely masterful in the solos.
The long Guitar parts & the gallop rhythm they are playing is THE! Perfect Tune to be listening to when U R Riding a Horse!!!! (can ya feel/see it?) lol ;) Peace Love & Music :)
The two guitarists on this live performance were Jeff Skunk Baxter and Denny Dias - Walter Becker is hidden for most of the video, playing bass on this live track.
Really great seeing them perform that live! One of my favorite bands of all time, still. Fagan and Becker, what genius. In the studio, other musicians came and went, they were the core,and cast a wide net, when you think about albums like Aja, which was really jazzy and urbane.
@williamosborne6866 They were never a real touring band like Steely Dan was for the first 3 albums. They also didn't get started until 1976. By that time SD were working on their 6th album Aja.
This is a phenomenal song gentlemen. Anything by Steely Dan is phenomenal. The musicianship and production is amazing. You guys are killing it this week thank you for what your doing. I have a question how booked up are you on songs I would love to contribute and have you react to song but if your backed up I will just wait until it gets less crowded with suggestions for you. Please keep up this great service you are providing for us music lovers thank you.
Talk aboutsetting the Time Machine to 1972. I was in college in San Jose, Ca. when this song came out. I used to watch the Midnight Special but I don't recall seeing Steely Dan. This song was early regarding Steely Dan. It's almost hard to believe that it was them doing this song. This track, in my opinion, is the closest they came to a "pop" song. I have read comments by both Becker and Fagan that this is not one of their favorite songs to perform.
Actually, Walter Becker was playing bass here. (just chillin' in the back near the drums. Prolly checkin' out those fine backup singers all the while. I certainly would have been.) Jeff "Skunk" Baxter was on lead guitar with Denny Diaz joining him fir the dual solo.
That was Skunk Baxter on lead guitar, Denny Diaz on rhythm guitar, Becker was in the background on bass and Fagen of course on keyboards. Jim Hodder on drums. All of which was the original band less singer David Palmer who was gone before the end of the first tour. The others hired hands for the show. My did they grow as musicians over the next few years to make great music.
First song I heard by them. 1971 or ‘72 I believe. Liked it immediately but had no clue the listening pleasure that was ahead and how much their music would enrich us all.
Used to get permission to stay up past bedtime to watch. On the radio itvwas the King Biscuit Flour hour. Hand held mic on taperecorder. First "mixtapes" lol
If you notice most performance’s on the midnight special the bands would have to speed up their songs because of time restraints now having said that y’all need to check out Hocus-pocus by focus I’m sure I spelled the name of the song wrong but they have a Legendary performance on the midnight special that you guys will find very entertaining and get a kick out of it’s a must see performance and see if you can Recognize who introduces them y’all gonna love this one
That performance is my favorite of Midnight Special. The performance is brilliant and fookin hilarious at the same time. The reactions of those unfamiliar with the song are priceless.
Absolutely one of my favorite’s too I remembered when it first aired it blew my mind and was a rockin performance and Hilarious at the same time…Roll Tide from north Alabama
Great Dan song. La and Che you have me Reelin in the Years with your reactions. Thanks fellas. Appreciate you 🙏 ❤. I seen them in 2016 at Pine Knob Music Theater. Great show. The back up singers never stopped moving.
That was pure fire 🔥I wasn't old enough to watch The Midnight Special, add in some Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, Soul Train, Solid Gold, Ed Sullivan performances, and you got some serious chit right there...
This a little faster than usual. Some weeks I think they wanted to add more artists to the show. 12;30 am Friday nights. Was so awesome. Recented watched the pilot episode my God you guys. 1971. You would be shocked what the artists are talkin about between cuts. Such a huge mssg for now!!!
My God, after after 50years ,hearing this as a young Teenager back in the early 70s this still sounds so Godamn Funky!! Please excuse me but I've got gotta go and dance like an old Bastard! And I am!!!.... X
Steely Dan stopped performing live in 1974 until starting again in 1992, with only one show between. Fagen’s stage fright along with the group’s expert use of session musicians didn’t fare well for tours. They had more than adequate following with ample air time on FM album stations and lots of album sales. They originally had multiple founding members but soon only Fagen and Becker remained.
They know that, they've reacted to almost every song on all their 70s albums. And to clarify, they did 2 NYC Rock and Soul Revue Tours in 1991 and 92, not billed as Steely Dan, but played Steely Dan songs live for the first time since 1974. That led them to reform a live touring band and "reunite" as Steely Dan in 1993, their first official tour since 1974.
The great Skunk Baxter, on lead guitar, not only played with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers his genius IQ also works as a
defense consultant and advised U.S. members of Congress on missile defense. Intelligent and nimble fingers. Never judge a book
by its cover. Love all the Midnight Special clips you've shown.
Yeah, he is literally a rocket scientist.
Love Skunk! Just going to write the same
Skunk Baxter is an amzaing individual. In fact, I'd say his mesmeroizing guitar playing is actually one of his lesser accomplishments, which is incredibible in itself... You know that guy or girl that just do Anything, and do it better than most anyone else... Skunk Baxter is one of those guys...
I recognize him from 'Blues Brothers' too!
I was about to type that and saw your post. A "truth is stranger than fiction" story.
You have to remember that back then the only way you saw your favorite artist other than in concert was if they appeared on The Midnight Special. Otherwise you only saw photographs of the groups in Rolling Stone or other music magazines. Artists weren’t overexposed the way they are today.
Don't forget we also had Don Kirschner's "Rock Concert" on Sat. nights. DK gave us actual live concert excerpts rather than live in studio performances like Midnight Special.
Yeah the times have changed thankfully these recordings have survived to immortalize their greatness.
Yet they made way more $ ugh
Truth
Skunk Baxter and Denny Dias on guitars, and Walter Becker hidden in back on bass. Those girls, my god, 😆. Thanks for doing some early live video from the Dan, so rare and precious!! From those same Midnight Special vaults they've also just released a master tape of Show Biz Kids which is must react material, its INSANE!! Thanks Guys, and thanks for the big screen view of the performance which we can SEE! (so many reactors show the performance in a teensy little box).
As a young teenager, I religiously watched the Midnight Special and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert late Fri and Sat nights. That was our MTV in the 70s, but they were LIVE PERFORMANCES,not videos, not lip synced. A HUGE variety of music on the Midnight Special, rock, pop, soul, funk, even some country and easy listening. It was fantastic to grow up with those shows before I could go to concerts.
I want to see Show Biz Kids live. So bad ass.
If La and Che want to go on a full-on Midnight Special binge, I won't be mad!
They are releasing some great master tape performances from the vaults on the MS channel. I urged them to react to Show Biz Kids from the same show. There's also 2 fantastic early Genesis live performances with Peter Gabriel in all his costumed make up glory that's priceless.
That would be GREAT
Jimmy Page said it was one of his fave songs. Starts and ends with a solo. Thanks guy's!!!😁🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
He said it was one of his favorite guitar solos. Elliot Randal played it on the record...this is NOT Elliot Randall in this video. It's Jeff Skunk Baxter.
I thought Jimmy Page said his favorite guitar solo was Bodhisattva.
You can see Fagen's stage fright manifest as his hand quivering. Still, he kills the vocals.
No that was the Coke..lol
He looks like an extra from Rocky Horror. 😮
@@shanefrancis368That’s exactly what I was thinking. He definitely looks geeked up, like he just snorted a couple lines!
Ya I’m not buyin it
Hadn’t seen this performance before. If I’m not mistaken, it’s played at a slightly higher tempo than the studio version -which is saying something. Steely Dan one of the outstanding bands of the 70s and 80s. Nobody else was doing stuff remotely like theirs.
Its definitely a faster tempo. Fagen was a relatively reluctant lead vocalist at that time. Maybe faster out of nervousness.
I saw the Dobble Bros in1975 and again 1977. Sitting 30 feet from the amazing Jeff "skunk" Baxter, killing it perched on a bar stool on stage!
Thanks!
The very first song I heard by Steely Dan was this one. I became hooked after that.
Skunk HAD to be the inspiration for one of the members of The Muppets Band.
One of their best songs. Walter Becker was very cool. RIP
Lucky guys you are. Wish i could hear Steely Dan for the first time again
I'm a Deadhead, but Steely Dan is my all time fav band.
Jeff 🦨Baxter I love that Guy 😅
That's Skunk Baxter and Denny Diaz doing the double guitar solo..
Yes that was Skunk Baxter on those guitar solo’s on this song. Great guitar/ session player who later went on to join the Doobie Brothers and was instrumental to get Michael McDonald into the Doobie Brothers.
For a guy who later on liked to sit down while playing he surely had no problem moving to the groove.
It's Skunk Baxter on this live cut, but the solos on the record are by session player Elliott Randall.
There is a live version of Takin it to the Streets with Skunk playing the guitar solo in place of the studio saxophone solo that is just outstanding. Also on that live version you are treated to a excellent piano solo from Michael McDonald.
The beauty of Midnight Special was no lip synching, all live. A lot of other shows were not live, they played it exactly like the record.
Becker was playing bass, Denny Dias was playing rhythm guitar, Jeff Baxter was playing lead guitar
Both were playing lead on that solo.
Fun fact: The guitarist with the glasses later went on to be the chair of the Civilian Advisory Board for Ballistic Missile Defense!
Steely Dan a band with the faces for radio. Great musicians, geniuses actually.
Never seen this performance before, brilliant. Nice catch.
Remind me of being in the backseat of the car when I was a little kid on a summer day!
The studio version is the definitive version of this song, in my opinion, with the lead guitar played by Elliott Randall, who is absolutely masterful in the solos.
It's definitely worth listening to the studio version to enjoy the "ear candy" of Elliot Randall's guitar solos.
The long Guitar parts & the gallop rhythm they are playing is THE! Perfect Tune to be listening to when U R Riding a Horse!!!! (can ya feel/see it?) lol ;) Peace Love & Music :)
The two guitarists on this live performance were Jeff Skunk Baxter and Denny Dias - Walter Becker is hidden for most of the video, playing bass on this live track.
How about some Love for Denny Dias!!!
Really great seeing them perform that live! One of my favorite bands of all time, still. Fagan and Becker, what genius. In the studio, other musicians came and went, they were the core,and cast a wide net, when you think about albums like Aja, which was really jazzy and urbane.
Its Fagen.
The other era band with a core and revolving musicians was (and still is to this day) the Alan Parsons Project - Parsons and Eric Woolfson (RIP).
@williamosborne6866
They were never a real touring band like Steely Dan was for the first 3 albums. They also didn't get started until 1976. By that time SD were working on their 6th album Aja.
This is a phenomenal song gentlemen. Anything by Steely Dan is phenomenal. The musicianship and production is amazing. You guys are killing it this week thank you for what your doing. I have a question how booked up are you on songs I would love to contribute and have you react to song but if your backed up I will just wait until it gets less crowded with suggestions for you. Please keep up this great service you are providing for us music lovers thank you.
Talk aboutsetting the Time Machine to 1972. I was in college in San Jose, Ca. when this song came out. I used to watch the Midnight Special but I don't recall seeing Steely Dan. This song was early regarding Steely Dan. It's almost hard to believe that it was them doing this song. This track, in my opinion, is the closest they came to a "pop" song. I have read comments by both Becker and Fagan that this is not one of their favorite songs to perform.
The legendary Skunk Baxter with that solo guitar performance of that year!
Skunk and Denny Diaz tearing it up
First time seeing this live here. WOW!
You guys are so refreshingly perceptive.
Actually, Walter Becker was playing bass here. (just chillin' in the back near the drums. Prolly checkin' out those fine backup singers all the while. I certainly would have been.) Jeff "Skunk" Baxter was on lead guitar with Denny Diaz joining him fir the dual solo.
That was Skunk Baxter on lead guitar, Denny Diaz on rhythm guitar, Becker was in the background on bass and Fagen of course on keyboards.
Jim Hodder on drums. All of which was the original band less singer David Palmer who was gone before the end of the first tour. The others hired hands for the show. My did they grow as musicians over the next few years to make great music.
First song I heard by them. 1971 or ‘72 I believe. Liked it immediately but had no clue the listening pleasure that was ahead and how much their music would enrich us all.
Great Show 👍 Great Band 🇺🇸🪴
That was focking awesome...
One of my favorite songs of theirs and that is such a fun live performance and yeah that show was the best for exposing talent.
🤗 The Dan is back! 🤩 Live! Cool Beans! Dang this makes me miss their Beacon Residency shows. Even if they played Jones Beach, I'd make the trip! 🥰🐰
Never saw that! Absolute fire!
Becker is behind the backup singers on bass. The guitarist with moustache is Jeff Skunk Baxter and the other is Perhaps Elliot Randall.
I think it may be Danny Dias on the other guitar
The big bearded guitarist trading licks w Skunk is Denny Dias.
This made me so happy!
WOW! Ist time seeing them play after millions of late night playing pool chilling to Them! Great memories, thanks guys.
Tempo wow... Great duo lead solos...wow clean tone, fast tempo, live....tough to pull off
Never ever seen that before
Thanks!!..
X
Used to get permission to stay up past bedtime to watch.
On the radio itvwas the King Biscuit Flour hour. Hand held mic on taperecorder. First "mixtapes" lol
My favorite song back then! Still great 👍🏻
My band from the 90’s covered this song 100’s of times! A crowd fav at every gig!
Peace
Music never be this good again.
The Midnight Special was so awesome
The long haired guitarist Jeff Skunk Baxter was in the doobie brothers
His vocals are absolute fire 🔥 and so is all guitar work here. This was special.
Glad you guys are diggin The Midnight Special....
Oh, the 70's. Midnight Special, everyone played that, like a weekly party.
If you notice most performance’s on the midnight special the bands would have to speed up their songs because of time restraints now having said that y’all need to check out Hocus-pocus by focus I’m sure I spelled the name of the song wrong but they have a Legendary performance on the midnight special that you guys will find very entertaining and get a kick out of it’s a must see performance and see if you can Recognize who introduces them y’all gonna love this one
That performance is my favorite of Midnight Special. The performance is brilliant and fookin hilarious at the same time. The reactions of those unfamiliar with the song are priceless.
Absolutely one of my favorite’s too I remembered when it first aired it blew my mind and was a rockin performance and Hilarious at the same time…Roll Tide from north Alabama
❤ this! Thanks La and Che✌🏼
Loved everything on this album, it was their first, I bought it the month it was released. Still have that vinyl and it's in great shape.😎✌️
Great Dan song. La and Che you have me Reelin in the Years with your reactions. Thanks fellas. Appreciate you 🙏 ❤. I seen them in 2016 at Pine Knob Music Theater. Great show. The back up singers never stopped moving.
One of my favorite songs! By them😊
All of the biggest bands appeared on the Midnight Special. Fun times!
Steely Dan is one of those groups that makes awesome vibe music for "low key" gatherings..........Jus' Say'n
Still being heard regularly on FM radio today.
no static at all.....
@@verribarry FM!
I had never seen this clip. Great stuff. Skunk Baxter was rocking. Fagen was a kid.
@AirPlayBeats there's a box set the midnight special out there
That was pure fire 🔥I wasn't old enough to watch The Midnight Special, add in some Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, Soul Train, Solid Gold, Ed Sullivan performances, and you got some serious chit right there...
Was with you until you said Solid Gold. 🤢 🤮🤮.
American Bandstand maybe, although lip synced, but Solid Gold was projectile vomit worthy.
Awesome music! 👍👍🎶🎶🎶🎸🎸🎸
This a little faster than usual. Some weeks I think they wanted to add more artists to the show. 12;30 am Friday nights. Was so awesome. Recented watched the pilot episode my God you guys. 1971. You would be shocked what the artists are talkin about between cuts. Such a huge mssg for now!!!
Elliot Randall played lead guitar on the studio recording, not Skunk
Skunk!!!!! Tx fellas you guys continue to be the gold standard of reactors. It’s not even close 💪
Fantastic😁⭐️
Best reactors on TH-cam. I just love when you guys do the 70s, takes me back to the good ol' days 👍
Skunk Baxter is one of the best guitarists of the time.
becker was in the back on bass. u guys love good music. that's for damn sure
Amazing! Never seen that. My favorite song of theirs. Top 3 guitar solos.
I thought Jeff Baxter's mustache was gonna fly off during the solo but that thing is tenacious.
That was Skunk Baxter playing guitar, Walter Becker was playing bass in the background.
I was surprised to see Skunk on the Gutfeld show several months ago. I was surprised to learn that he is a conservative.
That was amazing. Thanks gents!
Do it again! (Their song). Another good one APB.
You guys are my Midnight Special !
Awesome 😮
Walter Becker was on bass. Jeff “Skunk” Baxter was on lead guitar.
Awesome ❤
Skunk Baxter was the showy guitar. Becker hung in the background, holding it down.
Walter Becker is playing bass and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is on lead guitar.
Skunk Baxter is the guitarist on this song. Also played with "The Doobie Brothers" great band
Great.
walter was in the back on the bass..the lead was skunk from doobies fame and the other guy was denny dias
Keep the midnight specials coming
Becker played bass on this ... "Skunk" Baxter was on lead guitar (dude with the HUGE mustache)😉
Wow!..This was 50 years ago!
My God, after after 50years ,hearing this as a young Teenager back in the early 70s this still sounds so Godamn Funky!!
Please excuse me but I've got gotta go and dance like an old Bastard!
And I am!!!....
X
ahh, early Dan! Their rock guitar roots....and then Walter and Donald started sneaking in more complex harmonies and jazz stuff! Love it all!
Hammer of the Gods - Jimmy Page labeled that guitar solo one of his favorites all time. Me too.
Skunk Baxter rocks his azz off in this!!!
Just saw this again a couple of weeks ago... the Midnight Special youtube channel is releasing some great clips/shows...
SKUNK!!
Steely Dan stopped performing live in 1974 until starting again in 1992, with only one show between. Fagen’s stage fright along with the group’s expert use of session musicians didn’t fare well for tours. They had more than adequate following with ample air time on FM album stations and lots of album sales. They originally had multiple founding members but soon only Fagen and Becker remained.
They know that, they've reacted to almost every song on all their 70s albums. And to clarify, they did 2 NYC Rock and Soul Revue Tours in 1991 and 92, not billed as Steely Dan, but played Steely Dan songs live for the first time since 1974. That led them to reform a live touring band and "reunite" as Steely Dan in 1993, their first official tour since 1974.
Jeff skunk Baxter is a consultant for government on defensive weapons systems