Ready Freddy Washington with the Dan

[fish slapper]

I saw Steely Dan last night, and "Ready Freddy" Washington was in the bass chair. VERY grooving, R&Bish lines that did justice to the classic Dan lines but adding his own take. He and the drummer were a groove machine. Sure, in my world, Chuck Rainey would have been there (along with Larry Carlton, Steve Gadd, and Wayne Shorter) but it was a great show.

Best part: Freddie was using a P bass into an Aggie set-up and I didn't see a single pedal on the floor.

[Pete skjold]

He is the MAN, one of my all time fav's!

[LAG]

I saw him with SD several years ago and agree he is great in his role with that band.

[MrLenny1]

I saw them live in 2001. Tighest band I have ever seen.

[Gecko 5]

I saw Freddy playing behind Ray Parker Jr. a couple years ago as they opened for The Funk Brothers.
Freddy and Bob Babbit in one night.
Oooo-Weeee!!!!!

[MixBass]

Freddie is a P bass master. I saw them do "The Royal Scam" and Freddie was pocket central all night, not a throwaway note to be found, taste and economy!

[AlvarHanso]

Originally Posted by Gecko 5

I saw Freddy playing behind Ray Parker Jr. a couple years ago as they opened for The Funk Brothers.
Freddy and Bob Babbit in one night.
Oooo-Weeee!!!!!

Wow, that would have made for an incredible evening. I actually probably could have seen that one show for the year and been happy.

[bottomzone]

Freddy is a groove master and one reason why his is still in demand!

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

[Alex J]

It must feel pretty nice to have literally the best P bass tone ever :-)

[throwdown]

Originally Posted by Alex J

It must feel pretty nice to have literally the best P bass tone ever :-)

100% agree - Freddie has the best P-Tone

[bassopotamus102]

Hmmm.... I saw Steely Dan on Sat. August 27th. and while it looked like Mr. Washington was playing his butt off, the mix did NOT favor him at all. very guitar heavy. I was fifth row center and I hope it was my seats, but i could barely hear the bass.

[bluesblaster]

Saw the "Dan" here in minnesota last night, Wow!! they were so tight. Even better than I expected, Freddy was in the pocket and groovin all night long.

[daveman50]

Saw the Dan at the Beacon Theater in NYC last Saturday. (Great show.) I agree with all of the praise already given here, but want to add something. "Ready Freddie's" technique is unbelievably awesome. Totally efficient. His right hand was virtually motionless except for his fingertips. The right wrist showed no movement and was resting comfortable close to the bass. Very, very, very relaxed ... made it look way easier than it was. Left hand and arm were very smooth and relaxed as well. His slap technique also was flawless and exhibited a great economy of motion and small movements. He was also pretty much just standing there or semi-leaning on a stool--virtually no body movement. The casual observer might wonder whether he was actually doing anything up there. Fully relaxed -- no flailing, no extra arm movements, etc. A study in physical economy and grace.