[quote name='Burns-bass' timestamp='1495969362' post='3307805']
Interesting, we've had this discussion in my old band. Weren't they using quite a lot of recreational drugs at the time and did literally hundreds of takes of some tracks? I think Fagen said they sometime struggled to remember who was playing on what track. Not sure how much of that is true, of course...
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There was a good article in a recent edition of Classic Rock regarding the making of Pretzel Logic (the album that preceded The Royal Scam); a couple of quotes lifted are: "They strived for perfection, and both paid attention to every note and breath" (Timothy B Schmit), and "Working with Steely Dan could hardly be considered 'fun', but it was rewarding" (Michael Omartian).
A friend of mine had the good fortune to work with Gary Katz many moons ago and he told a few stories that gave a good insight into how Becker and Fagen work - multiple takes, charts presented to every player, no deviation allowed etc.
As I say, I struggle to believe that what Chuck Rainey and Bernard Perdie played on the take we heard was just them replicating what they'd been told to do!
And if it was, then my admiration for Walter and Donald has increased, which I didn't think was possible!