There are some albums that grow on you with time.
Like appreciating a good whiskey, I learned to appreciate the music of Steely Dan later in life. What once sounded overly polished slowly revealed itself as something deeper — incredibly crafted, layered music that rewards careful listening.
Recently I had the chance to sit down with friends and give the album Aja a full listen. Joining me were Rosemary, Rebecca Hammer, and Michael Veach. With four great whiskeys on the table, we let the record play from start to finish.
The lineup included:
• Leiper’s Fork Bourbon
• Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon
Each brought something unique to the table.
The Peerless Rye carried more of a chocolatey, mint character, while the Frey Ranch Rye had a brighter rye-grass quality with nice cardamom notes. The Michter’s 10 showed why it’s so respected — wonderful vanilla and caramel notes with a fruitiness and spice layered in. And the Leiper’s Fork bourbon brought a wonderful pot-still character that gave the lineup a distinct personality.
Black Cow
The album opens with “Black Cow,” immediately setting the tone for the record with its tight groove, horns, backing vocals, and bass line working together perfectly. It’s the kind of opening track that lets you know you’re listening to something carefully constructed.
Aja
The title track is unforgettable, particularly for the famous drum fills from Steve Gadd.
His playing on that track feels effortless — fun, exciting, and fresh. Those improvisational drum lines remain one of the most talked-about moments on the entire album and are a huge part of what makes the song so memorable.
Deacon Blues
“Deacon Blues” is a reflective song about a musician who’s looking to die a hero of losers — someone chasing meaning and identity even if the world never recognizes it. The song harkens to a jazz man whose legend is crafted on boozy late nights in smoky jazz bars.
Peg
“Peg” always stands out for its polished feel and incredible horn section.
When those horns come in, they’re bright and lively — almost citrusy — which made me think of the same kind of brightness we noticed in the Frey Ranch Rye. It felt like a nice complement to the character of that whiskey.
Final Thoughts
Great music and great whiskey both reward patience.
Over time, you start to notice the details — the layers in a song, the complexity in a glass, the craftsmanship behind both. Listening to Aja with good friends and a few remarkable bottles on the table was a reminder that some experiences only get better the more attention you give them.
Sometimes all you need is a great record, a few thoughtful pours, and good company to make the evening memorable.
Photos Courtesy of Matthew Kohorst
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