Walter Becker, Donald Fagen - Sun Mountain (1995)

The release of ‘Sun Mountain' completes the three volume set released on the Thunderbolt label and featuring the early work of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (see also 'Old Regime' CDTB 040 and 'Stone Piano' CDTB 054). The first nine tracks on this release represent the first known recordings by the duo. Prominent throughout are the distinctive lead vocals and keyboard skills of Donald Fagen with Walter Becker providing the bass line and occasional harmonies. These have been compiled with four tracks each from the earlier two releases. The first four of these are taken from 'Stone Piano' and clearly illustrate the development of artists towards a more complex instrumental backing for their compositions. The second four tracks are taken from ‘Old Regime' and show the full development of the artists who, by this time, are working with an array of fellow musicians including John Discepolo and Kenny Vance on drums, Elliot Randall on guitar, and Denny Dias on bass.

Each one of these seventeen tracks were recorded between 1968 and 1971. During this time Becker and Fagen were also working with Denny Dias (also later to be in Steely Dan) in a band playing in and around Long Island. It was also during this time that Becker and Fagen were appearing under pseudonyms as backing musicians on tour with the hugely successful Jay and the Americans. Particularly fascinating is the fact that several of these tracks were to appear in a more polished and developed form on later albums. 'Caves Of Altmira' emerged on 'Royal Scam', ‘Any World' on ‘Katy Lied', ‘Barrytown', ‘Parkers Band', ‘Any Major Dude' and ‘Charlie Freak' on ‘Pretzel Logic' and ‘Brooklyn' on the breakthrough Can't Buy A Thrill’.

Whilst trying to earn a living on the live circuit Becker and Fagen were making great efforts to establish themselves as songwriters with the companies in the famous Brill Building and it was as part of these efforts that these recordings were made. Although basic in construction the tracks were much more than simple demos and often provide a tantalising glimpse of the vocal and harmony style that was to emerge in their first commercially successful album ‘Can't Buy A Thrill' on ABC/Dunhill in 1972. The producer of that album was Gary Katz who had played such a large part in steering the band towards a commercial deal.

This release not only completes a segment of musical history but also provides a compelling snapshot of the duo that within a matter of a few years was not only to achieve great commercial success but also to attract the admiration of a generation of fellow artists.

~ Nigel Molden