Wayne Shorter was new to the realm of rock music when he played solo for Steely Dan’s album Aja’s title track, but he aced it nevertheless.
The American saxophonist and master of composer passed away at the age of 89. He was known for defining the jazz genre with his compositions and songwriting skills, before making his debut in jazz-rock fusion through Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s 1977 project.
The musician’s death was reportedly confirmed by his publicist Alisse Kingsley, who didn’t state the cause of his demise.
How Steely Dan got Wayne Shorter to record
The Grammy-award-winning musician was approached by the owner of the Village Recorder studio, Dick LaPalm, to record the title song for Steely Dan’s album Aja. The studio was a regular spot for Steely Dan’s recordings.
The rock band’s manager Gary Katz told Dick that Walter and Donald wanted Wayne to do a solo on their new album, but the iconic composer had turned down the offer when he was previously approached by ABC Records’ president, Steve Diener.
However, when Dick got to talking with the music composer and presented the idea of playing solo on Walter and Donald’s track, the saxophonist was on board.
Wayne apparently wasn’t aware of Steely Dan’s popularity in rock at the moment, but “loved their music” after recording for Aja.
Legendary composer loved Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s music
Not only was Wayne impressed with the rocker duo’s musical chops, but he even recorded his solo for Aja in 35 minutes and walked out of the studio, while others remained stunned.
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“When Wayne arrived at the Village Recorder, I met him before Donald and Walter. Wayne asked if before he got started he could chant. I said, ‘Sure’ and sent him into Studio C. When he was done, he came into Studio A,” the studio owner recalled.
He added: “Wayne did his solos—six passes in all. He loved the music and was gone in 35 minutes. The guys were sitting around watching, stunned. After he left, Donald and Walter spliced together the six passes, and that’s what you hear on the album.”
Solo on Aja is one of his best compositions
As well as bringing jazz elements into progressive rock, Wayne’s eightt-miniute solo on Aja’s title track is considered to be one of his best works to date.
Several fans are honoring the late musician’s legacy by listening to the famous track.
One wrote: “Wayne Shorter still lives on in his music. He exhibited his greatness with his solo on ‘Aja’. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.”
“Played Aja all day in honor of Wayne Shorter’s passing,” wrote another.
A third fan expressed: “Wayne Shorter, you’ve been my hero ever since I heard Aja back in the school day. RIP and thank you from bottom of my heart.”
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