"My primary influences were the best jazz players from the 50's and 60's and later some of the pop people from the same time period along with the better of the well known blues musicians"

Walter Becker's quote highlights the diverse tapestry of musical impacts that formed his creative advancement. As one half of the iconic duo Steely Dan, Becker's blend of jazz, pop, blues, rock, and other genres added to the distinct and sophisticated sound that defined much of their work. Let's break down the aspects of his influences:

Jazz from the '50s and '60s types a considerable pillar of Becker's reference point. This era, extensively revered as a golden era of jazz, introduced innovative talents such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others who checked out complicated musical structures and improvisation. The jazz impact is noticeable in Steely Dan's intricate structures and advanced consistencies, where unforeseen chord developments and time signatures provide their music a nuanced depth, making it more than just standard rock.

The addition of pop influences from the very same period suggests a gratitude for melodic and accessible songwriting. The '50s and '60s saw the rise of iconic pop figures like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Motown artists, who blended catchy tunes with rich layers of consistency. For Becker, tapping into this swimming pool implied comprehending the workmanship behind a popular hook or lyric-- a basic aspect in making music that resonates widely while keeping artistic integrity.

Becker's citation of blues artists complete his impacts with raw feeling and meaningful storytelling. The blues, with its roots in African American history and culture, speaks with universal themes of struggle and perseverance. Musicians like B.B. King and Muddy Waters wielded the blues as a powerful medium for emotional expression, which unquestionably notified Becker's approach to music at both a crucial and lyrical level.

Overall, Walter Becker's statement shows his diverse approach to music, valuing both technical prowess and emotive material. This blend of jazz elegance, pop sensibility, and blues genuineness ended up being a distinctive trademark of his music, illustrating how diverse influences can harmoniously assemble to create something truly unique.