My Favorite Donald Fagen Song 

The entire album is a masterpiece . " Night fly " one of the best albums ever recorded.

Donald Fagen is the master. His harmonies are sick. And he always has unexpected progressions with neat voicings. One of my favorite bands of all time. Agree SD the most jazz flavored rock band. I’ve always loved his voice. It’s so unique. There’s just something about it that gets me! Great video Aimee!

I was fortunate to see SD perform The Nightfly in its’ entirety and to my surprise at the time, Maxine was a favorite and knocked me out. The background vocals were rich, lush and amazing. Kudos to our reviewer for insightful analysis.

That entire album is just a masterpiece

Hi Aimee, I feel honoured that you used my arrangement for this wonderful video! Thanks, I enjoyed it! And I KNEW you would comment on the Gm(maj9)/E chord ;-) It has puzzled me for quite some time....

You mention Donald Fagen or Steely Dan, I watch it.

"Steely Dan is the most jazz of any of the classic rock bands IMO" - Amiee Nolte We share the same opinion and the same love for the band Amiee. Thanks for this content...really enjoy it.

I own the entire SD and DF catalogs. I listen to them all the time. The best musicians in the world played on them

Just stumbled on this, not only does Aimee musically deconstruct this song perfectly , she GETS It. My favorite line too, is drive to the coast and drive right back again. So glad to see others be impacted by this song as much as I.

Way to go Aimee. Maxine is exactly my favorite Donald Fagan tune. The word graduation in the lyrics strikes me as a tip of the hat to the Four Freshmen. Fagan, a genius.

I'm a pianist and I love Donald in every way. This is the best harmonic analysis I have ever heard. Better even than some of the interviews Donald gave explaining "josie" for example. You're very good.

Like button immediately for delving into one of the best albums ever

Listened to this video several times and it gets better each time. Also I realize how great Donald is as a songwriter and also what an amazing breakdown this is . Aimee so glad to see someone who appreciates this song as much as I do.

This video is unbelievably enjoyable. It’s adding all these new dimensions to a song I’ve listen to for decades.

'You'll be my señorita in jeans and pearls.' How do you get more romantic than this?

Wow Aimee, that was quite an analysis. Thanks for that. Some people say his music is "over-produced" or something. I think it is superbly "invented" and excellently played and produced. Indeed there are many, many beautiful chords in many of his creations. I cannot read notes, although I do play bass on a mid-level. But I do "feel" the beauty of these awesome chords, as found on many of Donald's albums. I have tried to explain Donald's music (used chords, instrumentation etc.) to quite some people, but not even a handful seem to understand, or like it. That's a little sad, but I am glad I discovered his sound way back.

Thank you for this video..❤ its an affirmation of Donald Fagen’s genius… a lot of talent, patience, creativity, uniqueness to create a masterpiece… a gift to us to really work meticulously on a song… thanks D.F.👏👏👏

Aimee is the best. She absolutely nails both Donald’s motives and his ingenious lyricism. His most perfect album, with the most perfect song on it. Many thanks for this excellent analytical breakdown.

Whenever I feel like I want to get in a "down" mood I get my favorite cognac and glass with a stogie and keep on listening to Maxine. Such wonderful pitifulness on oneself.

Totally agree, Aimee! Well, as a piano player. In general, it's Babylon Sisters. But Maxine...so good. My favorite *moment* on that album is the line, "Tonight you're still on my mind," in The Nightfly.

Thank you so much open my eyes for a beautiful harmony Now I look at all Donald Fagen songs differently

A play along to Babylon Sisters literally got me back into playing piano after decades. The keyboard voicings and progressions are incredible. Fagan and Becker are wizards

Great song, excellent breakdown. This is my favorite DF love song( he didn't write that many). I used to put this on and ask my lovely wife to dance. Many times. Eventually she would say you "going to play Maxine later" and laugh. Great memories..

One of the best tunes from THE best album ever made, as far as I'm concerned. Great video as always, Aimee!

This song has such beautiful chord changes. With his jazz background, he had a brilliant take on chordal structures for his songs. You captured that well. And how you picked up on his high school fantasies of his life.

So glad I woke up to this in my suggested videos. My love for Donald Fagen and Steely Dan came from long car rides with my dad. I appreciate your very thoughtful take on the lyrics and music. This song always struck me like a photograph... The way he describes the emotional world of these characters just as they are... All the innocence and warmth. The Nightfly is a great album. Thanks!

Thank you for sharing your love for this music. You thoughts and pleasure in sharing this are rather infectious. I have been a fan of Steely Dan since my days as a rock musician; and the more local level. I have done Steely Dan tunes and had to work out the songs by simply listening to the records. I never really understood the voicing; just knew they were beautiful and unique. When this album came out I was truly blown away. Hard to even choose which songs are my favorite. I now have a deeper appreciation for this song. Thanks again.

44 people gave this a thumbs down?? Are they deaf? Love your analysis of this masterpiece. Great stuff.

Almost a decade ago, I was studying guitar with a teacher that is now a great friend - mostly blues/rock/pop stuff - but I have always loved Steely Dan and Donald - specifically Aja - sooooo... my teacher taught me all these crazy chords and I had no idea why - they turned out to be the chords to Deacon Blues. THAT moment led me down the jazz pathway and I haven't turned back. Since then I added piano to my study and I am lucky to learn from the best! ^^^^

So glad to hear that you are a Steely Dan and Donald Fagan fan! I've been a Steely Dan fan for years and we usually do 1-2 Steely Dan charts every year. Ironically, we are doing Green Earrings in a rehearsal tonight for our weekend show. (Early Steely Dan) LOVE Maxine...it's been one of my favorites for years. Mad props to you for the Donald Fagan shout out! :)

You have impeccable taste Aimee. A fabulous album and homage to the incredible musicality of Messrs Fagen and Becker. Thank you. For the next generation...

What a wonderful analysis of Maxine. You are so cool. You break it down in several different levels - sophisticated harmonies, voicings, strange chord substitutions, voice arrangements, horn arrangements. Then you segue into deeper meanings of lyrics, teenage angst, teenage love, hope, and dreams. Then you point out that aspect of Fagen's songwriting genius - a 34 year old man recapturing his teen years, his penchant for jazz radio and other obscurities...it reminds me a bit of myself.

You're a true talent Aimee The whole album is a masterpiece, I think Walk Between the Raindrops is my current favourite

"It spoke to me then and it speaks to me now." Yes indeed Aimee, I second that emotion. Wonderful music that evokes memories and feelings from a time gone by but very real today. I am more Fagen's age and also grew up in NJ, so can relate very much to the sentiment. So cool to think that a California girl like yourself also feels what he was communicating. Ah, the universal language! BTW, it's Lincoln Mall in the lyric. Thanks for reminding us how great this song is.....

Wow my uni big band has just started rehearsing arrangments of the entire nightfly album. Crazy lol

Maxine is the 'pinacle', it's the best ! Wonderful work here, and with The Beach Boys around... you're the top, you Lady ! It's delightful, it's delovely ! ! !

Wonderful analysis that demonstrates the genius that is Donald Fagan. Way more than a rock n roll guy with some jazz tendencies. He knows what sells and made plenty, but he writes songs like Maxine for himself. I wish he got more recognition from jazz traditionalists, but maybe it's good we rock guys kinda get him to ourselves. It's SO much easier to soar like an eagle when one flies with turkeys!

I will forward a link of this video to my friend Carol Leonhart. She is a backup vocalist for Fagan/ Steele Dan and has alway said that it was an amazing experience to watch Donald and Walter in the studio. Hopefully, if not to busy, she may have some insights to this song that she could share with you.

Love that record. Sounds great on any format. My fave is green flower street

One of the best jazzy song of all time. But my favorite is «I.G.Y», because i still remember the chock of that new modern sound.

Hi Aimee! Sorry for my English😊 I'm French, I've been a subscriber to your channel for a long time but I've never left a message. When I saw this video and you like Steely Dan and Donald Fagen I couldn’t resist writing to you because I also love this band and this artist. My father was crazy about Steely Dan, I listened to all their albums every day until I left to study😎 My favorite album of Steely Dan is Pretzel Logic and my favorite song is Any major dude will tell you!👌 Thank you for all your video🙏 You’re great ! 👍😘

Yes, yes, nightfly posseses a kind of eternal beauty. Strangely enough I have sung both MAXINE and DARN THAT DREAM at an open-mike in Mountain View California. I KNEW this music was great. Thank you for confirming my instincts. Fagan's breadth of style on the keyboard is something to marvel at.

I want to hear Aimee play and sing the whole tune. She knows and appreciates the brilliant and key elements of Maxine. She could bring in some other musicians and give us a beautifully done cover. Do this for us Aimee! Do it for yourself.

What a relief is is to hear someone ELSE nerd out over Dan/Fagen for a change 😂 Good spot on Darn that Dream but I'm not surprised you couldn't find interviews that mention it. Donald & Walter learned the hard way not to talk to interviewers about music that "inspired" them - just ask Keith Jarrett.

This album ‘The Nightfly’ was for me, an instant classic. I had an instant emotional connection, akin to a distant memory.

Maxine will always be my favorite Donald Fagen song. I get the same emotional experience every single time. It’s one of those songs I like to listen by myself so I’m not distracted because it deserves all of my attention.. even the sax solo is flawless.

Aimee is absolutely correct about pinning down A Favorite Song.....so many to pick from......

Aimee my piano teacher has said I am ready to give this a go! I have conquered the intro and working on the main tune! This video is helpful! Thanks!!

New Frontier is my all time favourite song - however the whole album is a masterpiece. Lovely piano playing here!

This is a beautiful deconstruction of an amazing song off one of my all times favorite albums. In so glad this came up in my recommendations. Your voice is wonderful and I'm not the jazz player you are but I got the basic points of the chordal discussion (i could watch this 20 times and keep getting more from it) and your enthusiasm is infectious. Thank you, please do more of his songs!

Fascinating! Thank you. How can anyone be churlish enough to dislike this?!

This is absolutely great! Although it is maybe my 3rd favorite song on this album. So glad I found your wonderful channel. Really appreciate that you told us about Hans’s arrangement/transcription.

Qué bello análisis haces Aimee de este clásico de ese músico impresionante de Donald Fagen. Además tienes una hermosa voz. Saludos 🖖🏼🌸❤️🌸🇲🇽

thanks for such a real contribution to analyzing Donald Fagan's songwriting - I got the album when it came out as a cassette and was wowed by the sound and arrangements of this fine work ... your assessment of the chord movements and lyrics was superb :) many thanks Jake

Gee unbelievably complex chord arrangements by Donald Fagen. Such a wonderful Ballad. Well summarised Aimee.

I love Donald Fagen and of Course Steely Dan. Seen Steely Dan in concert twice once when Becker was still alive and once after. Love the Fusion sound that Fagen and Becker bought to the world of music. Always loved Donald's bluntness and his style of writing along with Becker of Course. Nice Video. Always love hearing a fellow lover of cool cat Donald Fagen break down his genius in songwriting and his delivery of song with that sexy accent....PEACE

This is just perfect… I love Donald Fagen and Steely Dan’s music, and to hear someone get it and articulate that passion so clearly is delightful. This is so well observed and deconstructed with thoughtful commentary through out. I’m so glad I stumbled across your video!

Very proud to have known and gone to school with one of Fagan & Becker's favorite drummers, Jeff Porcaro. Him playing on this album makes it even more special and sentimental to me. An absolute gem for the ages. Even Mel Torme covered The Goodbye Look!

It’s Larry Carlton’s slide that kills me. But the whole song kills me more, the lyrics are like every nerdy kid’s hope of running away with a beautiful woman. It does not happen but the dreams stay with you. Your analysis is amazing too. I love your voice too. You and Rick Beato are soul brother/sister. Amazing.

It's hard to find good quality content for playing and exploring steely dan, specially Donald Fagen content. Thank you so much for this. Please keep up the trend!

For me, his penchant for harmonization is his trademark, even more, creative genius.

I love that song so much I named my daughter Maxine ;) Great choice and skills! TY

Max_Aimee.... Clever girl, clever music Thanks for your kind touch on Fagen's heart ❤️

Steely Dan was the group that introduced me to the world of jazz as a teenager. I researched all the personnel on those recordings and discovered many of them were known and legendary musicians. The Wayne Shorter connection took me on a journey from Miles all the way back to Louis Armstrong.

I'm glad she picked Maxine - it's a brilliant song. It's also the nearest Fagen has got to writing something romantic.

This is my favourite Album, loved, Ruby, Maxine and DO IT AGAIN ❤, thanks for breaking it down.

Great song and great album for sure. I’ve always loved the Kamakiriad album as well, and “On the Dunes” in particular. Steely Dan and Donald Fagen are pure magic - perfection and grace. 😊

Absolute mastery and inspiring music has always been and is Donald Fagen's works! You remind me of a Great that shared Her enormous knowledge and talents with outstanding guests on her radio show years ago, Marian McPartland.

Thank you, Amy! I’m at least an octave short of the chops needed to analyze this tune. But it’s also one of my all-time favorites. It was such a joy to hear your articulate breakdown. And now...I know what’s going on with those changes!! It’s a great day.

I used to think that what lost Jazz is broad appeal was when it stopped being something people could dance to. After reading a few interviews with Fagan and Becker, I decided that the other reason was because it stopped focusing on lyrics. George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter etc, wrote songs for Broadway, films etc that were pop songs with a jazz sensibility. After that, jazz became more or less an instrumental art form. For Rock, on the other hand, lyrics were nearly always very important. I think this is part of the reason that although Fagan loved jazz, he never became a purist jazz musician. Lyrics have always been important to him.

Great. Also my favourite Fagen tune since 1884!

Happy you're spreading the gospel of DF & Steely Dang. Maxine is one of the best for sure. Sunken Condos has some really magical moments as well

I used the entire "The Nightfly" for mastering since 30 years ago...I.G.Y and Maxine are probably my favorite songs, but honestly, ALL the songs on this CD are so inspiring, and unique, in my opinion, I think never we will listen to a better work like this, even for the master Donald Fagen himself... As a composer, I have no words to describe what it means to me, the image on the cover, the great collection of the best musicians you can find...it's so special to me... Thanks for sharing your love and your voice for this amazing composition...

The song "Aja" is an earlier exercise with extensive use of minor 11ths. "Aja" is the masterwork template for this later tune.

Superb Album, one of the best of the 80s, with very good session musicians. I was 12 years old at the time, and I remember well, we heard the songs from this album every day on French radio, on Tv's,, on commercial jingles, etc. It was a good time.

What a joy it is to listen to a true fan discuss Nightfly. It’s one of my favorite albums. I was a teen when it came out and have been listening to it ever since then. I still have that original vinyl from then. Have you ever listened to Howard Jones’ cover of IGY? It’s really kool. Donald has such clever phrasing. One of my favorite lines is,” I hear you’re mad about Brubeck. I like your eyes, I like him too.” What a great pickup line for a bomb shelter. I enjoyed your breakdown of this piece. Your love for this masterpiece is quite endearing. Oh, have you ever checked out Walter’s “Eleven Tracks of Whack”? You might like “Little Kawai”

Here I am again. I just can't get enough of this song. Your passion and explanation of why you love it so much take the words right out of my mouth and I enjoy listening to you explain your feelings about it as well as the genius behind its creation. I enjoy watching you lose yourself in this masterpiece almost as much as I love listening to the original.

Wow when you explain all the different chords it Elevates the song even higher 🔥❤️😎

Indepth insights mixed with the music analysis, I love it!

Great stuff Aimee! This album was my first introduction to Jazz when it came out and have remained my absolute favourite Fagen ever since then, it just never get old or worn out. A true classic!

Aimee this is my favorite song from my favorite album, so happy you did this. Such a great tune 😄😄😄

Great video! I learned more about jazz theory from playing along with The Nightfly songbook than I ever did from any textbook. It put names to the chords I had heard hundreds of times and showed me how they work together. Thanks for the theory geekout down memory lane! Well done and I think you are spot on with the Darn That Dream allusion. Subconscious or otherwise, it fits the bill.

It’s interesting because he uses the vocal overdub style that Les Paul and Mary Ford came up with which The Carpenters also used to great effect.

Any RU-vidr who loves Fagen/SD ought to be an easy subscribe. Deacon Blues is my fave today, but that could easily change tomorrow

Nice to find a fellow traveler who likes SD and DF as much as I do. I wore the grooves out on my copy of The Nightfly while in college, and it is still one of my all time favorite recordings. I especially like this particular tune, and I really enjoyed your detailed and insightful appreciation of the music and the lyrics. Thanks so much, Aimee!

Thank you for sharing Donald’s “childhood” wiki… it brightens my mind in recalling what I had-back in the day. I too is a musician, composer, getting my songs from the 80s recorded for the first time, they’re over 40 years old. Like Fagan, as you described: Night Fly is Biographic so that is also my aim for mine. Thank you again for your brilliant post on Maxine❤️ Ps: Your voice as you explain each item here was so “jazzy!” like there’s lots of b11s and 13s😘 Have a great day!

He is genius! I love all his songs but Maxine is magical!

MOVE UP TO MANHATTAN/ AND FILL THE PLACE WITH FRIENDS/ DRIVE TO THE COAST/ AND DRIVE RIGHT BACK AGAIN

Thanks for this, very thoughtful & informative. Made my evening!

Definitely one of my favorite Fagen songs. So romantic and visual. It perfectly captures young, restless love!!

I'm so glad to see this. The Nightfly is my all-time favorite album, and Maxine is so beautiful. Wish you were my wife Aimee :)

Loved this offering, Aimee. Thanks for reminding me of the rich harmonies, voices, and instrumentations of Donald Fagen whether recording/performing as an ensemble or soloist.

For me this album was a watershed moment in the production/recording process. Much like Pet Sounds, Dark Side Of The Moon, and a few others. I think The Nightfly defined what digital recording could be. Add to that Donald Fagen's songwriting sense. What's not to love! Aimee, thanks for the wonderful analysis of one of the most beautiful ballads ever.

I'm a Steely Dan / Donald Fagan junkie! You sang that tune so well! Deacon Blues and Kid Charlemagne are my favs!!!

good pick - the entire album is masterful - new frontier is another stand out..

I love this album so glad you made a video about one of the best songs off the album. It's interesting that you bring up the beach boys because there are many lyrical amd music references to the beach boys and another older group the four freshman althroughout this album. Loved the video

Brilliant rundown and great playing thank you:)I love r Donald Fagan's music:)

I'm in love with how much you are in love with the song about a boy in love with the idea of being in love with loving someone.

The Nightfly's innocence plays off the cynicism of most of Steely Dan's output in such a surprising way. You can see its romance as satirical and deeply ironic, or you can take it at face value as innocent and sincere. In any case, I love it. Wonderful songs, with absolutely brilliant arrangements.

YES! I just picked up this on vinyl. Great tune for sure. The organ line in the second verse gets me every time.