A career overview of legendary guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter was presented on the May 7 edition of Greasy Tracks which marked the start of its 28th year on WRTC.
The program included an interview with Baxter as well as tracks from his up-coming debut solo album, Speed of Heat (Renew/BMG).
Check out the archive by clicking here, while a playlist is here.
A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Baxter is best-known for his work with Steely Dan — he was a founding member — and The Doobie Brothers, as well as a lengthy list of session and production work he’s been part of.
Baxter starts a tour this month with dates at The Iridium in New York City (May 6-7); The Music Room in West Yarmouth, Mass. (May 11); Wall Street Theater in Norwalk (May 12) and TCan Center For Arts in Natick, Mass. (May 13). There will be ticket giveaways for the Wall Street Theater date,
The new release is a mix of originals and a handful of covers of tracks, some featuring Baxter’s guitar work, that became F.M. radio staples, including “My Old School” and “Do It Again.” Guest appearances are made by Clint Black, Jonny Lang, Rick Livingstone and Michael McDonald who played with Baxter in Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers.
Interestingly, over the years, Baxter’s keen knowledge of missile defense systems/counterterrorism led to him becoming a consultant to the U.S. Department of Defense and getting high-level security clearance at the Pentagon. Baxter chairs the Congressional Advisory Board on missile defense and discusses this fascinating part of his career, which includes playing on eight platinum records, as well as winning a handful of Grammys.