Table of Contents: 00:00 Dean Plays “Josie” by Steely Dan 01:04 Recording “Josie” with Steely Dan 08:05 The Story Behind “Haitian Divorce” by Steely Dan 15:02 Recording “Deacon Blues” with Steely Dan 17:48 Dean Plays “Deacon Blues” by Steel Dan 18:42 Dean’s Experience Recording Guitar on “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” 21:14 Dean Plays “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” 22:24 Steely Dan’s “First-Call” Guitarist 23:30 Recording Guitar on “Change the World” by Eric Clapton 27:04 Dean Plays “Change the World” by Eric Clapton 29:12 The Story Behind “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton 32:10 Dean Plays “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton 33:26 Dean’s Preferred Pick for Nylon Guitar 35:55 Recording the Dreamworks Intro Guitar Part 36:44 Recording on Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder 38:48 Dean plays “As” by Stevie Wonder 39:46 Recording Guitar on “Inner Visions” by Stevie Wonder 41:13 Dean Explains Iconic Photos from his Career 45:05 Thanks for Watching!
OMG I love Steely Dan. Dean Parks, Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, Jon Herington, Jeff Baxter & Walter Becker/Donald Fagen. Their music is Timeless. This was fantastic.
dean is one of the nicest human beings out there. have met him twice and fed him once off my food truck for an event at LA vintage gear that clif jones hired me for.
Musicians from the 60s and 70s were true masters of their trade. It really was an incredible time to be alive if you loved music...it didnt even matter what style you liked. There were so many great musicians around during that small window of time.
A magical place and time. A magical place in time. I think a friend of mine mentioned that his sister did some babysitting for the Parks in the 70s or 80s up Chevy Chase Canyon.
This is amazing for me to watch for several reasons. 1) Dean played guitar AND SAX in my brother's high school stage band in Fort Worth in the mid 60s. They did a spaghetti dinner and concert each year and I remember watching Dean play solos on the sax (I was 6 and 7 and can still picture it). (My brother was the drummer.) 2) I actually WON the Aja album from a giveaway contest with KLBJ in Austin TX the day it came out. Of course, when the album arrived and I stuck it on the turntable, I didn't realize that when the music started, I was listening to my brother's old bandmate. I always knew from the credits that Parks was on it, but I didn't know until now that he played that opening riff. Wild... Thanks so much for this wonderful interview!
Absolutely nuts that Dean was asked to play Josie's intro in two separate melodic lines, but then again, those Dan boys were geniuses with a plan. Thank you Mason for giving this well-deserved spotlight to Mr. Parks!
@@andyokus5735 It’s not a question of playing it clean, recording both parts separately provides different options for stereo mixing and creating a wider spread.
Nothing but legend there. Dean is the definition of an artists artist. Not a lot of guys could read charts back then, let alone write them. This is a great interview.
Thanks for putting the spotlight on these legendary musicians. I can honestly say before today I never knew who Dean was, but he has contributed to so many songs I love. I just want to say thank you Dean for sharing your talent.
I'm so glad you found it insightful. Please do check out our other session guitarist videos, there are several just like this of guys you might not have ever heard of!
Gentlest soul, smartest, most modest, genuine, instantaneously creative, professional guitar guy and best all around great guy I have ever known. Leagues more educated than just about anyone around him. Can’t say enough about him he is simply and sorry to some folks - Dean is simply the best there is at what he does period. Above that you could never have a more loyal and honest friend ! 💪🎸 🤟 Dean is the 👑 King !
I am so glad you did this interview of Dean Parks! He is so deserving of more recognition for his brilliant musical achievements! 😉☺ Dean's guitar track for "Ricki Don't Lose That Number" creates such an emotional feeling when I hear those chord changes and melodic lines!! Thank you Dean!!!❤
Extraordinary talent. That Josie intro is so intelligent..All of them in the room feeding off each other..its the only way and thats why it all sounds so incredible.
OMG @ 10:37 he talks about Magnaplayners. They were mylar speakers with a guitar string moving through them that gradiated in thickness. I cant believe he referenced Magnaplayners!❤
THAT GUY!!!! played the solo on Haitian divorce!!!! One of my favorite solo ever! Every note still with me after all these years Magical piece of music!!! Thanks Dean!!!!
I had the pleasure of mixing stage monitors for Tom Rush's tour (c. 1975 - his _Ladies Love Outlaws_ period), and the guitarist on the tour was Dean Parks. What a class act Dean was-a perfect gentleman, a helluva great guy, and of course an awesome guitarist. It's great to see that now, all these years later, none of that has changed. Thanks for this great interview! 😎
Back in the day I used to look at various album covers whenever I heard interesting, sophisticated guitar parts and so often the name Dean Parks came up, without ever knowing anything about him. Great to see him play some of that stuff here.
When learning guitar Steely Dan was my go-to resource. When learning to play drums later on my go-to resource was Steely Dan. It's mind blowing how much thought and care went into selecting the most gifted players. Almost like they knew this was for the ages. Music would be a much poorer place without Steely Dan. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
I had the great pleasure of meeting and playing with Dean years ago. He's an extraordinarily good guy and a fantastic musician. His resume is astounding. This is a really meaningful video. Thanks for posting it.
I haven't even watched this yet - but absolutely delighted to see Dean featured. What a player. What a musician. Love Dean Parks - HD guitar work is phenomenal.
Oh, wow! This is special. Haven’t even watched 60 seconds yet, but an hour interview with Dean Parks going through his famous parts is as good as it gets! Well done, Mason 👏
Never heard of him before this but wow! Such practiced hands and so many amazing performances over the years. Thanks for sharing! Session musicians need more credit!
This was such a treat to watch 😊Dean is such a legendary yet humble guitar player! Thank you Mason and the Vertex Effects team for this wonderful interview 🤗
This totaly blew me away...I've listened to Steely Dan since "Can't by a Thrill" and was familiar with most of the musicians that appeared on all those albums except for Dean Parks. There really isn't anything to compare any of these tracks too. Thank you for this!!
Normally I can only sit through about a 10 min. video, but I sat through all of this one and hated to see it end. Dean is a monster player and great session player. Thx for the video.
Thank you for having Dean, great interview! Dan fans and music lovers around the globe are singing the highest praise for Mr. Parks work, he's not unsung for everybody. p.s. on the Magneplanar: that was one of the few (if any other) phase coherent systems available around the time (broadband speakers as the only exception to be mentioned, but they couldn't and can't deliver the fidelity needed). Becker, Fagen and the team involved were cutting edge in every single aspect of making a record, be it the songs, the musicians, be it the recording. The detail about the monitor choice does reflect this perfectly. Why is it that those records sound so "tight" and became a pro-audio standard upto this day? Because they were not guessing, they knew what they had, using cutting edge gear to their favour, also an unsung story if you will.
Thanks Mason! Dean doesn’t get near enough recognition as the other session guitarists. This was pure gold! PS. I had no idea he played acoustic guitar on RDLSN either!
Mason, thank you so much for this - I grew up with this music - I am now 65 and still study jazz guitar and piano. In a way, I am almost glad I didn't know what went into the Steely Dan studio sessions when I listened to this in the 70s. I enjoyed it for the amazing music it was at the time. Now it's like rediscovering it all in a different way. Love your enthusiasm also - it's good to see someone appreciate not only Steely Dan's music in general, but in specific Dean's genius. What a humble man.
OMFG! This is so awesome! The Master himself! The guitar in Haitian Divorce STILL gives me goosebumps! The rideout is one of the most emotional that I've ever heard and I listen to it all the time. I'd give anything to hear it without the talk box or to see the guitar chart. ❤❤❤
Hearing Dean play Rikki Don't Lose on acoustic was so amazing. It is so beautiful in and of itself, and hearing it solo showcases Dean's incredible feel and technique I've heard that song a thousand times and never really appreciated how beautiful the acoustic guitar part really is. I think that it could be because post intro the focus is on Fagen's vocal lead and the acoustic guitar is accompanying as part of the ensemble.
Unbelievable upload. The man is so talented and nonchalant about his work. What a legend. I think I’ll probably end up watching this upload more than a couple of times in the coming weeks. Thanks so much for taking the time in getting this documented.
Steely Dan is such a vast Orchestra of Superstars. I've never even HEARD of Dean Parks before but I've LUSTED over his Steely Dan riffs my whole life! GREAT interview Brother! GIMME MORE!!
I wasn't planning on spending 45 minutes watching your video but watch it all I did. Great video. Mason, you are a great interviewer. Like you, I would be thanking Dean profusely. He seems like a great guy. Not much ego that I saw even though he's a studio musician's studio musician. Thank you.
dean parks is a guitar god !!!! im a excellent guitarist and im not fit to attach his strap to his guitar , ive always imagined larry carlton , dean parks , steve lukather , terry kath and steve gaines doing a record together with both steves and terry pulling down vocals , wow just wow !!!.....thank you for posting this interview !
This is a great video. I did not know anything about Dean Park, but those Steely Dan parts are some of my favorites of all time and I had no idea that was Dean. Much appreciation! What an amazing talent and great guy too. Thank you!!
Mason I absolutely loved this interview. I was familiar with many of SD guitarist but not Dean. What a talented guitarist! So thank you for spotlighting him. I also wanted to say what a great job you did, your infectious smile tells it all of how much your loved this music. I grew up in the 70s and have a deep love for the music from that period. I just love to see a younger generation fall in love with it as well. Thank you :-)
These series of videos are really historic because they delve into the history of some of the greatest songs ever recorded and as a music listener first and guitarist I grew up reading the album liner notes to see who did what and I remember names like Dean Parks,Carol Kaye,James Jameson,Bernard Purdue,Tommy Tedesco,Larry Carlton,Chuck Rainey to name a few,so it’s great to see and hear the session players talk about the sessions behind the hits💯
Dean ist definitely one of a kind! Often probably underrated but a very good one! Always loved his style and his playing made the sound of Steely Dan extraordinary outstanding! Great guy! Thanks a lot for sharing! May he be blessed with many more healthy years to come! Cheers DimiZ
What an absolute treat. I'm slowly learning about how much Dean has played on. Rikki is one of my favourite songs ever, especially the acoustic part, and it was great to see and hear Dean playing it.
Mason, Thank you for showing up all behind the curtain with Dean Parks. I always knew him from Steely Dan liner notes. Your interview was terrific. Not hesitating to ask him to play a line or two. My kids often ask for Steely Dan songs. - Caves of Altamira, Any World (I'm Welcome To) and now...Don't Take Me Alive and Kid Charlemagne . I played the songs very rarely when they were little. In their teens, they have started to seek more of the top hits and deep tracks. Great to be a Dad of a Dan fan. Best wishes with your little one. Being a Dad has been such a great ride.
The musicians that played for The Dan all have an amazing mix of technical proficiency and musical sense. WB & DF knew what they were doing when looking for specific players for their records. Of course they knew what sounds they wanted and they have to hear many renditions of these compositions to attain the auditory intentions. Such geniuses those two. But a lot of complementary genius also came from these great sessions musicians. Dean Parks is a bonafide!
Hearing these great musicians like Dean Parks talk about their work makes me think of all those master craftsmen who built the gothic cathedrals in Europe that have stood the test of time. We can see the fruits of their labor -- the flying buttresses, ornate bas relief sculptures and chimerical gargoyles but the voices of the artisans who designed and built them have been lost in time. It's somewhat fitting that as some have said: architecture is frozen music. I feel fortunate to be able to hear from musicians like Dean reminisce about music that has similarly stood the test of time and about which they're rightfully proud and for which they're receiving merited recognition and praise. Several songs he has played on have been a source of both joy and solace for me through the years. I now can associate a face and manner when I hear those sounds and they enrich the listening experience. Just want to say thank you to him for the music and thank you for shining a light withs this interview.
Such a great interview! Wow! Dean has long been a guitarist's guitarist for all the great, iconic songs he has played on. Thanks for the great, relaxed time with Dean. Cheers!
My wife and I play Josie and we split out the parts on the intro. I don’t think either of us could play the full thing without relearning it. Wow thanks Jason and Dean! Maybe sometime a Bread-focused Dean Parks interview can be done.
Incredible player and writer... the parts he played were mini-songs in themselves... he seems like a really solid human to boot. Thanks for the interview!
Absolute legend. Taste, economy, elegance…nothing unnecessary in his playing. Under the radar is his solo on “Here at the Western World”. So gorgeous can make ya weep. Thanks for doing this great interview!
Great interview Mason. I first remember seeing Dean when he played a TV concert with David Gates and Bread back in the early 70s. On lead guitar was the famous Larry Knechtel. I always thought it was Dean who played the solo on Guitar Man but it was actually Larry.
I think they couldn't come up with a good guitar ending. Larry really nailed it with the wah wah. I saw the same TV concert. I did see Bread in Denver at their arena in the very late 70's they sounded perfect.
This is historic PURE GOLD! A legend telling stories from his legendary career. I could listen to another four or five hours! This is so great, thanks to all responsible.
He hits that acoustic line in "Rikki Don't Loose that Number"...my eyes watered...I smile ear to ear... and the memories flood in. Damn, the power that is music!
What a fine job you did here Mason. I think you sort of disarmed Mr. Parks with your unbridled enthusiasm. I know I would’ve got giddy as hell when he did that first Little Rikki figure, but you kept it together nicely.
This is awesome...I always like seeing the people that aren't in the spotlight get due credit for all of their work. It's always amazing when you find out how much they actually did!
If I had to pick one Steely Dan song to introduce to a newbie it would be "Josie". The quintessential perfect Steely Dan song IMHO. Thankyou Dean for all your wonderful contributions .❤
I just absolutely mind boggled that that intro was not played all at once and broken apart but then put back together, like what but that's what makes those two guys geniuses
Table of Contents:
00:00 Dean Plays “Josie” by Steely Dan
01:04 Recording “Josie” with Steely Dan
08:05 The Story Behind “Haitian Divorce” by Steely Dan
15:02 Recording “Deacon Blues” with Steely Dan
17:48 Dean Plays “Deacon Blues” by Steel Dan
18:42 Dean’s Experience Recording Guitar on “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”
21:14 Dean Plays “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”
22:24 Steely Dan’s “First-Call” Guitarist
23:30 Recording Guitar on “Change the World” by Eric Clapton
27:04 Dean Plays “Change the World” by Eric Clapton
29:12 The Story Behind “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton
32:10 Dean Plays “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton
33:26 Dean’s Preferred Pick for Nylon Guitar
35:55 Recording the Dreamworks Intro Guitar Part
36:44 Recording on Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
38:48 Dean plays “As” by Stevie Wonder
39:46 Recording Guitar on “Inner Visions” by Stevie Wonder
41:13 Dean Explains Iconic Photos from his Career
45:05 Thanks for Watching!
😊
❤
❤
How do I reach Mr. Parks
❤
The world is a better place thanks to Dean Parks. Great, great player and an absolute gentleman. Thanks for this clip!
Thanks for watching! Please share if you want to help spread the word!
@@VertexEffectsInc
Will do with pleasure.
Amen
@glenturrell4485……if you say so!
hear hear !
In my opinion, the best music we ever had was back in the 70s.
It was an amazing time. The mix of styles and the level of competence were just unmatched. Old school rigor with new school creativity.
@@chopperdeath Well put , and true.
The music was better then, but the BJs now are devastating.
OMG I love Steely Dan. Dean Parks, Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, Jon Herington, Jeff Baxter & Walter Becker/Donald Fagen. Their music is Timeless. This was fantastic.
Some of the best guitar players ever right there!
You forgot the amazing Jay Graydon!
Plus Jay Graydon. Unbelievable talent here.
@@DavidCoon-iw3fh,
@@DavidCoon-iw3fhmmm:
dean is one of the nicest human beings out there. have met him twice and fed him once off my food truck for an event at LA vintage gear that clif jones hired me for.
Dean is one of the best to have ever done it!
Old Cliffy Jones legend
Indeed, a great player and a super nice guy
Love the interviewer’s energy and enthusiasm. Has a Chris Farley “you remember when” vibe. Love it.
Musicians from the 60s and 70s were true masters of their trade. It really was an incredible time to be alive if you loved music...it didnt even matter what style you liked. There were so many great musicians around during that small window of time.
A magical place and time. A magical place in time. I think a friend of mine mentioned that his sister did some babysitting for the Parks in the 70s or 80s up Chevy Chase Canyon.
Nothing but respect for this guy who shows nothing but respect....
This is amazing for me to watch for several reasons. 1) Dean played guitar AND SAX in my brother's high school stage band in Fort Worth in the mid 60s. They did a spaghetti dinner and concert each year and I remember watching Dean play solos on the sax (I was 6 and 7 and can still picture it). (My brother was the drummer.) 2) I actually WON the Aja album from a giveaway contest with KLBJ in Austin TX the day it came out. Of course, when the album arrived and I stuck it on the turntable, I didn't realize that when the music started, I was listening to my brother's old bandmate. I always knew from the credits that Parks was on it, but I didn't know until now that he played that opening riff. Wild...
Thanks so much for this wonderful interview!
Dean Parks is the definition of a beautiful human and virtuoso. Thanks to both of you for memorializing this interview in video.
Thank you so much for watching!
Really solid, knowledgable interviewing skills...in the realm of Rick Beato..and Mr Parks is so affable...class act.
Absolutely nuts that Dean was asked to play Josie's intro in two separate melodic lines, but then again, those Dan boys were geniuses with a plan. Thank you Mason for giving this well-deserved spotlight to Mr. Parks!
I can play that intro but boy you better play damn clean!
@@andyokus5735 It’s not a question of playing it clean, recording both parts separately provides different options for stereo mixing and creating a wider spread.
Nothing but legend there. Dean is the definition of an artists artist. Not a lot of guys could read charts back then, let alone write them. This is a great interview.
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!
Thanks for putting the spotlight on these legendary musicians. I can honestly say before today I never knew who Dean was, but he has contributed to so many songs I love. I just want to say thank you Dean for sharing your talent.
I'm so glad you found it insightful. Please do check out our other session guitarist videos, there are several just like this of guys you might not have ever heard of!
Gentlest soul, smartest, most modest, genuine, instantaneously creative, professional guitar guy and best all around great guy I have ever known. Leagues more educated than just about anyone around him. Can’t say enough about him he is simply and sorry to some folks - Dean is simply the best there is at what he does period. Above that you could never have a more loyal and honest friend !
💪🎸 🤟 Dean is the 👑 King !
Agreed! 100%
I am so glad you did this interview of Dean Parks! He is so deserving of more recognition for his brilliant musical achievements! 😉☺
Dean's guitar track for "Ricki Don't Lose That Number" creates such an emotional feeling when I hear those chord changes and melodic lines!! Thank you Dean!!!❤
He's so good!!!
Extraordinary talent. That Josie intro is so intelligent..All of them in the room feeding off each other..its the only way and thats why it all sounds so incredible.
Thanks for watching!
Goosebumps on the Josie intro. Amazing to see the original dude do it all these years later! Thanks, Dean. Looking forward to the rest.
Enjoy!
Seriously you couldn’t have said it better!
I thought Larry played those parts, feels like too many taking credit for the guitar work in the song sometimes.
Steely Dan is my all-time fave band, thanks for introducing me to Dean Parks!
Proud to say Dean's a friend..such a special world class Talent...he plays pedal steel beautifully also..thx sir.
World Class for sure!
OMG @ 10:37 he talks about Magnaplayners. They were mylar speakers with a guitar string moving through them that gradiated in thickness. I cant believe he referenced Magnaplayners!❤
THAT GUY!!!! played the solo on Haitian divorce!!!! One of my favorite solo ever! Every note still with me after all these years Magical piece of music!!! Thanks Dean!!!!
I had the pleasure of mixing stage monitors for Tom Rush's tour (c. 1975 - his _Ladies Love Outlaws_ period), and the guitarist on the tour was Dean Parks. What a class act Dean was-a perfect gentleman, a helluva great guy, and of course an awesome guitarist. It's great to see that now, all these years later, none of that has changed. Thanks for this great interview! 😎
Back in the day I used to look at various album covers whenever I heard interesting, sophisticated guitar parts and so often the name Dean Parks came up, without ever knowing anything about him. Great to see him play some of that stuff here.
There are a ton of records with his name on it!
When learning guitar Steely Dan was my go-to resource. When learning to play drums later on my go-to resource was Steely Dan. It's mind blowing how much thought and care went into selecting the most gifted players. Almost like they knew this was for the ages. Music would be a much poorer place without Steely Dan. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
Timeless music for sure. Dean's a big part of that!
Thanks for the shoutout Dean !! We are formerly Producers Workshop in Hollywood where much of Aja was recorded. Fantastic !!
I had the great pleasure of meeting and playing with Dean years ago. He's an extraordinarily good guy and a fantastic musician. His resume is astounding. This is a really meaningful video. Thanks for posting it.
One of my heroes and inspirations as a session man since the mid-70s. Thanks, Mason!
Thanks for watching! Please share if you can!
The timing,clean plucking chords ,vibe is all there.. what a great legend .❤️🙌
Sooooo good!
I haven't even watched this yet - but absolutely delighted to see Dean featured. What a player. What a musician. Love Dean Parks - HD guitar work is phenomenal.
Thanks so much for watching!
I could listen to Josie anytime anywhere. It’s great to hear and see Dean Parks.
One of the BEST to ever do it!
Dean Parks played on many great songs of my youth! Thank you Dean!
One of the BEST to have ever done it!
@@VertexEffectsInc yes sir! Thank you Mason for such great interviews!!
@ Please share if you can!
Aja is one of the greatest pop \ rock albums of the past 60 years. And this man contributed to that artistry. Bravo, Sir!
I loved Aja as a 16 year old when it first came out, and today 46 years later...brilliant!
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!
Wow! Dean is an amazing artist and a humble man. What an opportunity you had. I'm so glad you were able to share this with us. Thank you, Mason!
Thank you so much for watching!
Dean Parks’ guitar work on Haitian Divorce was soulful, yet understated and masterfully nuanced.
Listen to it.
Humble guy
Tasteful musician
Oh, wow! This is special. Haven’t even watched 60 seconds yet, but an hour interview with Dean Parks going through his famous parts is as good as it gets! Well done, Mason 👏
Thanks so much for watching!
Dean is such a humble "guitar animal" and probably one of the most underrated guitarists of all time...
Never heard of him before this but wow! Such practiced hands and so many amazing performances over the years. Thanks for sharing! Session musicians need more credit!
I don't know how they ever came up with that opening riff. Its musical genius!❤❤
Great interview of one of the best guitarist ever , Dean is very humble for such a monster talent .
This was such a treat to watch 😊Dean is such a legendary yet humble guitar player! Thank you Mason and the Vertex Effects team for this wonderful interview 🤗
Thanks so much for watching! Please share and help us spread the word!
This totaly blew me away...I've listened to Steely Dan since "Can't by a Thrill" and was familiar with most of the musicians that appeared on all those albums except for Dean Parks. There really isn't anything to compare any of these tracks too. Thank you for this!!
Normally I can only sit through about a 10 min. video, but I sat through all of this one and hated to see it end. Dean is a monster player and great session player. Thx for the video.
Never knew he played so much for the Dan, great guy, wish he would have kept on playing Rikki, so beautiful
Thank you for having Dean, great interview! Dan fans and music lovers around the globe are singing the highest praise for Mr. Parks work, he's not unsung for everybody.
p.s. on the Magneplanar: that was one of the few (if any other) phase coherent systems available around the time (broadband speakers as the only exception to be mentioned, but they couldn't and can't deliver the fidelity needed). Becker, Fagen and the team involved were cutting edge in every single aspect of making a record, be it the songs, the musicians, be it the recording. The detail about the monitor choice does reflect this perfectly. Why is it that those records sound so "tight" and became a pro-audio standard upto this day? Because they were not guessing, they knew what they had, using cutting edge gear to their favour, also an unsung story if you will.
Thanks for watching! Please share if you can. I know Steely Dan fans will enjoy!
I had a pair of Magneplanar speakers at home. Boy, did they sound great. Ultimately the tweeters stopped working.
@@misterarthur Great speakers, in many aspects ahead of their time. Unfortunately not the most durable speaker concept.
Thanks Mason! Dean doesn’t get near enough recognition as the other session guitarists. This was pure gold!
PS. I had no idea he played acoustic guitar on RDLSN either!
Thanks so much for watching! Please share and help us spread the word!
Mason, thank you so much for this - I grew up with this music - I am now 65 and still study jazz guitar and piano. In a way, I am almost glad I didn't know what went into the Steely Dan studio sessions when I listened to this in the 70s. I enjoyed it for the amazing music it was at the time. Now it's like rediscovering it all in a different way. Love your enthusiasm also - it's good to see someone appreciate not only Steely Dan's music in general, but in specific Dean's genius. What a humble man.
64 year old beginner on guitar...late starter huh...!!! I graduated High School in 1977. My first 2 concerts were AERO
AEROSMITH & BOSTON..!!!
You're very welcome!
OMFG! This is so awesome! The Master himself! The guitar in Haitian Divorce STILL gives me goosebumps! The rideout is one of the most emotional that I've ever heard and I listen to it all the time. I'd give anything to hear it without the talk box or to see the guitar chart. ❤❤❤
Hearing Dean play Rikki Don't Lose on acoustic was so amazing. It is so beautiful in and of itself, and hearing it solo showcases Dean's incredible feel and technique I've heard that song a thousand times and never really appreciated how beautiful the acoustic guitar part really is. I think that it could be because post intro the focus is on Fagen's vocal lead and the acoustic guitar is accompanying as part of the ensemble.
Your music got me through two hard years at northeastern after a head on vehicle collision back in 1979
Unbelievable upload. The man is so talented and nonchalant about his work. What a legend.
I think I’ll probably end up watching this upload more than a couple of times in the coming weeks. Thanks so much for taking the time in getting this documented.
I’ve been on a Steely Dan kick for the past month, listening to their albums for the first time
Absolute Class. one of the all time greats. Sounds like a top geezer too. Long live Dean Parks 🎸
Yes indeed!
I could hear for hours, while these guys talking. Absolute relaxing.
Steely Dan is such a vast Orchestra of Superstars. I've never even HEARD of Dean Parks before but I've LUSTED over his Steely Dan riffs my whole life! GREAT interview Brother! GIMME MORE!!
Awesome to see a legend like Dean interviewed. Many others need to also pick his brain!
Yes!
I wasn't planning on spending 45 minutes watching your video but watch it all I did. Great video. Mason, you are a great interviewer. Like you, I would be thanking Dean profusely. He seems like a great guy. Not much ego that I saw even though he's a studio musician's studio musician. Thank you.
Wow, thanks! Thanks so much for watching! Please share and help us spread the word!
Me too!
dean parks is a guitar god !!!! im a excellent guitarist and im not fit to attach his strap to his guitar , ive always imagined larry carlton , dean parks , steve lukather , terry kath and steve gaines doing a record together with both steves and terry pulling down vocals , wow just wow !!!.....thank you for posting this interview !
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching! Dean is one of the best to ever do it!
Sweet video. It's always a joy to watch the masters who were/are behind so many classics!
This is a great video. I did not know anything about Dean Park, but those Steely Dan parts are some of my favorites of all time and I had no idea that was Dean. Much appreciation! What an amazing talent and great guy too. Thank you!!
I'm so glad we hipped you to Dean. One of the best to have ever done it!
Mason I absolutely loved this interview. I was familiar with many of SD guitarist but not Dean. What a talented guitarist! So thank you for spotlighting him. I also wanted to say what a great job you did, your infectious smile tells it all of how much your loved this music. I grew up in the 70s and have a deep love for the music from that period. I just love to see a younger generation fall in love with it as well. Thank you :-)
Glad you enjoyed it!
These series of videos are really historic because they delve into the history of some of the greatest songs ever recorded and as a music listener first and guitarist I grew up reading the album liner notes to see who did what and I remember names like Dean Parks,Carol Kaye,James Jameson,Bernard Purdue,Tommy Tedesco,Larry Carlton,Chuck Rainey to name a few,so it’s great to see and hear the session players talk about the sessions behind the hits💯
Dean ist definitely one of a kind! Often probably underrated but a very good one! Always loved his style and his playing made the sound of Steely Dan extraordinary outstanding! Great guy! Thanks a lot for sharing! May he be blessed with many more healthy years to come! Cheers DimiZ
What an absolute treat. I'm slowly learning about how much Dean has played on. Rikki is one of my favourite songs ever, especially the acoustic part, and it was great to see and hear Dean playing it.
Such a great song!
Such a great video. Thank y’all for doing this!!! 🤘🏽
Mason, Thank you for showing up all behind the curtain with Dean Parks. I always knew him from Steely Dan liner notes. Your interview was terrific. Not hesitating to ask him to play a line or two.
My kids often ask for Steely Dan songs. - Caves of Altamira, Any World (I'm Welcome To) and now...Don't Take Me Alive and Kid Charlemagne . I played the songs very rarely when they were little. In their teens, they have started to seek more of the top hits and deep tracks.
Great to be a Dad of a Dan fan.
Best wishes with your little one. Being a Dad has been such a great ride.
Wow, so cool! Keep it alive! 🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!
The musicians that played for The Dan all have an amazing mix of technical proficiency and musical sense. WB & DF knew what they were doing when looking for specific players for their records. Of course they knew what sounds they wanted and they have to hear many renditions of these compositions to attain the auditory intentions. Such geniuses those two. But a lot of complementary genius also came from these great sessions musicians. Dean Parks is a bonafide!
Thanks so much for this. I'm always love seeing guys like Dean featured.
Hearing these great musicians like Dean Parks talk about their work makes me think of all those master craftsmen who built the gothic cathedrals in Europe that have stood the test of time. We can see the fruits of their labor -- the flying buttresses, ornate bas relief sculptures and chimerical gargoyles but the voices of the artisans who designed and built them have been lost in time. It's somewhat fitting that as some have said: architecture is frozen music. I feel fortunate to be able to hear from musicians like Dean reminisce about music that has similarly stood the test of time and about which they're rightfully proud and for which they're receiving merited recognition and praise. Several songs he has played on have been a source of both joy and solace for me through the years. I now can associate a face and manner when I hear those sounds and they enrich the listening experience. Just want to say thank you to him for the music and thank you for shining a light withs this interview.
What a beautiful metaphor. I agree with everything you say.
Such a great interview! Wow! Dean has long been a guitarist's guitarist for all the great, iconic songs he has played on. Thanks for the great, relaxed time with Dean. Cheers!
The intimacy this gentleman has with the guitar is astounding, natural, by heart, so natural
My wife and I play Josie and we split out the parts on the intro. I don’t think either of us could play the full thing without relearning it. Wow thanks Jason and Dean! Maybe sometime a Bread-focused Dean Parks interview can be done.
Nice! Thanks for watching!
That’s sooooo cool!
Incredible player and writer... the parts he played were mini-songs in themselves... he seems like a really solid human to boot. Thanks for the interview!
Great interview with a remarkable guitarist who has left his mark on so many hits!
Thanks so much for watching!
This presentationi shows Dean Parks' artistry, humility & amazing musicianship. His recollection of musical history is gratifying.
Wow!!! Super cool to hear Dean interviewed. A lot of history here! His stuff with vital information is pretty amazing Also
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!
Absolute legend. Taste, economy, elegance…nothing unnecessary in his playing. Under the radar is his solo on “Here at the Western World”. So gorgeous can make ya weep. Thanks for doing this great interview!
What a beautiful song. Among my favorites. How they left it off Royal Scam is beyond me.
Couldn't agree more!
That was Dean? Good Lord, that's amazing. Possibly my favourite SD tune and I'm just finding out now!
This is cat nip for me! I’ve obsessed over every song up to Gaucho , FM, even Nightfly! Love any & all things Steely Dan!
🙌
It's amazing to me how many great unknown people to the general public have contributed to our world of music! Thank you for posting!
Great interview Mason. I first remember seeing Dean when he played a TV concert with David Gates and Bread back in the early 70s. On lead guitar was the famous Larry Knechtel. I always thought it was Dean who played the solo on Guitar Man but it was actually Larry.
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!
I think they couldn't come up with a good guitar ending. Larry really nailed it with the wah wah. I saw the same TV concert. I did see Bread in Denver at their arena in the very late 70's they sounded perfect.
A gentle soul interviewed gently. I like it.
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching
Another one of Dean's great solos is on Rita Coolidge's We're All Alone.
Yes! Wish we had more time!
This is historic PURE GOLD! A legend telling stories from his legendary career. I could listen to another four or five hours! This is so great, thanks to all responsible.
Send it off in a letter to yourself.
Excellent job with this interview of a guitar legend.
so many great riffs that are timeless....great interview
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!
no thank you one of greatest players i ever saw before there where speed riffs there where guys that could really play
He hits that acoustic line in "Rikki Don't Loose that Number"...my eyes watered...I smile ear to ear... and the memories flood in. Damn, the power that is music!
Fantastic stuff, guys! Thank you so much! 👌🏻
Thanks for watching! Please share if you can!
So great to hear some of these session legends share their stories!
What a fine job you did here Mason. I think you sort of disarmed Mr. Parks with your unbridled enthusiasm. I know I would’ve got giddy as hell when he did that first Little Rikki figure, but you kept it together nicely.
Wow, thanks! That was my hope! Dean’s a legend. It took all I had to not erupt into full fanboy!
Good lord what a pleasure this interview was thank you so much guys! Yup, those were good days...
🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!
Mason looks like a kid in a candy store…you can tell he is a genuine fan of SD and Mr. Parks….great stuff👍
It looks that way because I am LOL!
What a great and enjoyable chat. Thank you! Nice for Mr. Parks to share a few tidbits about his incredible experiences in the studio. 👏👏👏
He's on soo many hits. He also played acoustic on Billy Joel's "Captain Jack".
Heck yea...so many songs we couldn't cover in our time with Dean that day. We could be there for weeks!
Hearing Josie sent chills down my spine…true greatness!
This is awesome...I always like seeing the people that aren't in the spotlight get due credit for all of their work. It's always amazing when you find out how much they actually did!
If I had to pick one Steely Dan song to introduce to a newbie it would be "Josie". The quintessential perfect Steely Dan song IMHO. Thankyou Dean for all your wonderful contributions .❤
guitarist, musician, master...nuff said.
Yes indeed!
I just absolutely mind boggled that that intro was not played all at once and broken apart but then put back together, like what but that's what makes those two guys geniuses