Arts

Music

Elliot Randall

Legend has it that…

Steely Dan was in the studio to record the album “Can’t Buy a Thrill” and working on Reelin’ in the years. Both Denny Dias (played the amazing solo on Bodhisattva) and Jeff -The Skunk- Baxter (of Doobie Brothers Fame) tried playing the solo guitar but what they each came up with just didn’t work. After messing with it for hours a frustrated Donald Fagen while storming out of the studio ran into little known guitarist Elliot Randall who happened to be there for another project. Donald invited him to try playing on the song. Elliot came in, plugged his Strat into an Ampeg bass amp and cranked out the solo guitar on the songs first pass. That’s what made it on the record and is today recognized as one of Rocks greatest solos. Even Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin has said that solo is his all time favorite rock solo.

Elliot was later asked back and played on Steely Dans fourth and Fifth albums. After receiving recognition from that song he received many offers but rejected joining a band in favor of studio work. In addition to playing on many commercial jingles and movie sound tracks he also played in a band that provided the music for the Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar.