The magic of Steely Dan’s rhythm section: “It feels like a great old custom shoe”Steely Dan have constantly tried to push themselves creatively, and sometimes to the detriment of their live shows. Steely Dan decided in 1974 that they were sick of facing the age-old question and so opted to stop performing altogether. At the time I was playing with three different bands: Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and Linda Ronstadt, playing pedal steel [guitar].” People underestimate just how much great bands need a great rhythm section. Steely Dan’s rhythm section wasn’t just necessary, it was magic in how well it was able to act as the crucial connection between idea and execution.