Black Cow

Recorded during sessions between January and July 1977 for Steely Dan's sixth studio album Aja, Black Cow features Donald Fagen on lead vocals and synthesizer, Victor Feldman on electric piano, Joe Sample on clavinet, Larry Carlton on guitar, Chuck Rainey on bass, Paul Humphrey on drums and Tom Scott on tenor saxophone. Produced by Gary Katz with engineering overseen by Roger Nichols, the recording features horn arrangements by Scott and backing vocals from Clydie King, Venetta Fields, Rebecca Louis and Sherlie Matthews. Released in September 1977 as the opening track of Aja, Black Cow established the album's sophisticated musical character through its tightly controlled rhythm section, electric piano, layered keyboards and saxophone solo. Written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, its narrative of romantic disillusionment exemplified Steely Dan's sardonic songwriting and meticulous studio production during the band's commercial and critical peak. Black Cow became one of the defining album tracks in Steely Dan's catalogue, celebrated for its polished arrangement, distinctive bassline and interplay between electric piano, guitar and horns. Its influence extended into hip-hop through sampling, most notably in De La Soul's 1991 recording De La Soul Is Dead-era track, and its continued popularity has contributed to Aja's reputation as a landmark of 1970s studio craftsmanship.