Steely Dan: Aja

Copy at Case Memorial Library
David Segal wrote in the New York Times: "For bowlers the ultimate test is the 7-10 split. For card sharks it’s the hot shot cut. For drummers it’s the funky little miracle of syncopation known as the Purdie Shuffle. You’ve heard Bernard Purdie — better known as Pretty Purdie — perform his creation on Steely Dan’s 'Home at Last,' from the 1977 album 'Aja.' … Created with six bass, high-hat and snare tones, the Purdie Shuffle is a groove that seems to spin in concentric circles as it lopes forward. The result is a Tilt-a-Whirl of sound, and if you can listen without shaking your hips, you should probably see a doctor. Now the beat has a whole new life. On YouTube dozens of amateurs, aspiring pros and assorted dilettantes have uploaded videos of their attempts to teach or demonstrate the Purdie Shuffle. … Mr. Purdie can be found these days at the Al Hirschfeld Theater playing for the Broadway revival of 'Hair.' … For years he showed up at sessions with two professionally made signs. … 'You done hired the hit maker,' read one. 'If you need me, call me, the little old hit maker,' said the other" ("Signature Shuffle," 3/31/09).