Steely Dan’s Walter Becker was born on February 20, 1950. To celebrate the birth of the late guitarist, bassist, and producer, Walter Becker has released yet another previously unreleased gem from the Becker vaults. This year, we get a stirring live version of “My Waterloo”.

The song, originally released on the brilliantly sublime 1994 album ’11 Tracks Of Whack’, isn’t a reimagining of the original. Most of Becker’s solo work does not require refreshing. “My Waterloo” does benefit from the passionate playing of Becker’s handpicked band.

Steely Dan alum, Bob Sheppard and John Beasley, on sax and keyboards, add touches of fire to the reagee-infused song. The most recent Steely Dan touring band addition, Adam Rogers, does the original Dean Parks guitar touches justice, while the tried and true rhythm section from The Lost Tribe, Ben Perowsky on drums, and Fima Ephron on bass, provided an urgency not present on the drum machine-dominated original version.

The guitars by Becker and Rogers are captured with remarkable clarity by Dave Russell, as are Becker’s lead vocals. Beasley and Rogers even contribute backing vocals, adding an extra touch of passion. The guitar solo, presumably played by Becker, is too short, and the sprinkling of Bob Sheppard’s sax could have also been extended. However, the song is a fun romp and surpasses the version Steely Dan played on their 1996 tour.

Happy belated birthday, Walter.