Fagen 'Morphs,' buys a thrill

Donald Fagen's first solo release in 13 years plays like several stories. The former Steely Dan member does not disappoint in Morph the Cat. The album leads off with its self-titled track whose reprise closes the album as well. Fagen incorporates some good old muted trumpet and sax as part of the solos on Morph. \nThe album's first single, "H Gang," tells the story of a band trying to make it in showbiz. The rise and fall of the band eventually resorts to becoming associated with a movie in production that you may recognize. The album continues with "What I Do," which recalls "a conversation between some younger version of myself and the ghost of Ray Charles." The track features a jazzier and slower Fagen with that highly recognizable voice of his. \nFagen's extremely deep songwriting is prevalent throughout the album, although at first listen it may sound less complex. It's only after understanding the album as a whole that the listener begins to appreciate the lyrical genius of Fagen. Never one to shy away from the longer jamming track, Fagen's "The Great Pagoda of Funn" clocks in at 7:39 featuring a significant solo on Harmon-muted trumpet.\nMy personal favorites on the album would have to be, "Morph the Cat" when it's teamed up with its reprise, and "The Great Pagoda of Funn," which without a doubt features the album's best instrumental work. \nJazz fans will find little to complain about after listening to the album in full. At numerous times you'll feel like you're in a jazz club watching the music performed live. It's that fun live feeling that keeps the audience listening closely and wondering what will happen next. Fans who may expect a lot out of Fagen's work should be pleased with the album's overall polished feeling, leaving no doubt that Fagen had his hand in the production. Many women appear in the tracks' names, as Fagen seems to find it easy to write about women he's met along the way to becoming one of modern jazz's best musicians. While the album is surely a work of art, it also features some moments that are sure to please radio fans.