From the Publisher
"In Nightfly, Peter Jones has done an impeccable job illuminating one of music’s most mercurial and mysterious figures. Exhaustive research, rich storytelling and keen observations make this a must-read not just for Fagen fans and Steely Dan devotees, but any music fans that relish compelling inside stories from the vinyl era. A comprehensive, critical biography that will also help you listen to classic albums like Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, Aja and others with fresh new ears." —Chris Epting, author of James Dean Died Here and other books
"Nightfly is a must-read for every Steely Dan fan. In this book Peter Jones covers all aspects of Donald Fagen’s career, both with his band Steely Dan and as a solo artist. I am amazed at the level of detail in the descriptions of the recording sessions and the analyses of the lyrics of the songs. There is no doubt Jones has put a lot of work into doing accurate research. Being an avid film noir buff myself, I can only agree with Peter’s note, 'Steely Dan were the closest thing in rock music to film noir.'" —Jay Graydon, Grammy–award winning songwriter and musician
"Fagen fans will find this detailed account a worthy complement to the singer’s own memoir, Eminent Hipsters."—Publishers Weekly
"Jones is a fitting writer to discuss Steely Dan’s and Fagen’s work given his own musicianship and jazz knowledge, as so much of the group’s song catalogue was founded upon jazz fundamentals. He clearly has a lot of passion for Fagen’s work, and for Steely Dan’s too, and presents a portrait of the band as we know it to be—consisting of Fagen and Becker who used a slew of talented LA session players to carry out their compositional will—no matter how many instrumentalists’ egos they bruised and hundreds of studio hours they used in the process—and produced some of the most classic and unique records of the 1970s as a result." - The Vinyl District
"Jones, a jazz singer himself, has stitched together a colourful story from scant first-hand material. He is at his sharpest appraising the albums and their legendarily lush production, informed by his musician’s ear." - All About Jazz
"In Nightfly, Peter Jones has done a great service to fans and admirers of Steely Dan and Donald Fagen. And it’s a thrill that they can buy." - The Houston Press
