Nearly Dan

Lets not talk about tribute bands!

In Summer of 1970 Denny Dias placed an advert in the Village Voice which read ‘Bass and keyboard player required, must have jazz chops. No assholes need apply.’

From this simple, poignant entry in the music press a superior band was born. The rest is, as they say, history.

It’s a bit like that with Nearly Dan.

When Gary Davies first heard the recordings of the ‘jazz chops/no assholes’ group called Steely Dan he was struck. He taught himself keyboards, and began a love affair with the group we have all dedicated ourselves to.

I use the word ‘love’ with no reservation. Having seen Nearly Dan on many occasions I am convinced that their closeness to the oeuvre with which they have readily identified themselves, is all consuming.

When you listen, its not to musicians trying to make a living based on the work of others, it’s a true amalgam of talents of people who are under the skin of those they emulate.

No ad hoc appreciation this.
Nearly Dan are our Steely Dan. Well crafted, honed and with that natural understanding that doesn’t come from adulation, but from something deeper.

Listen. Listen to the intricate harmonies, listen to the incisive chords and catch those jazz chops.

This is no tribute band. They know Steely Dan fans don’t want that.
You want intricacy, you want dedication and you want loyalty.

With Nearly Dan you get that.

No assholes here.

Try the rest of this web site, check the two cd’s that are available. Note where they are recorded (Jazz Café and Ronnie Scotts).
I was there.

I was there because I love Dan.
I was there because I want the music.
I was there because I wanted to be close.

Nearly Dan Outré Daniel Steely Dan.
It’s growing.

Don’t Lose That Number. Brian Sweet. April 2003