Steely Dan fans won’t have to wait until this summer’s tour to hear fresh Dan. The Tone Center label has released a new collection of ten Steely Dan covers called The Royal Dan. It’s all guitarists covering classics like “Josie,” “Bodhisattva,” “Peg,” and more.

I’m betting you’re intrigued at the possibility of hearing Al Di Meola playing “Aja” or Mike Stern on “Dirty Work.” The core band on the all-instrumental recording – Ernie Watts, Peter Wolf, Jeff Richman, Jimmy Haslip, and Vinnie Colaiuta – really shines. Vinnie doesn’t hold anything back. That’s true for the rest of the musicians too.

There is a lot of energy and fun being conveyed. This isn’t some smooth jazz cover disc. If you ever wanted your Steely Dan with the rock element amped up, pick up The Royal Dan.