Pop Culture Archeology

The Rikki in question was author Rikki Ducornet, born Erica DeGre, 1943. She was an acquaintance, perhaps, of Donald Fagen during his stint at Bard College in the late 1960s. Not sure about whether she actually knew him or not. She owned up to the reference in a 1998 interview, but I found out what I wanted to know from the synopsis, so there you have it.

At least I don’t have to use the word ‘allegedly’.

So, the lady is 5 years older than the musician. That’s all I can tell you. Look it up if you’re curiouser than I.

Anyway, I investigated these facts after watching the Low Darts perform a cover of ‘My Old School’ on YouTube. They’re great. You should check them out.

Then I searched for Steely Dan covers and found this, by the Barry Leef Band.

I sez to myself, “I can play the bass part.”

I could also fumble my way through the keyboard arrangement, blow five notes on my wind synthesizer, spend a month learning the guitar parts, make a YouTube video, embarrass myself …

Or, I could send Rikki Ducornet an email telling her about my books, because that’s what authors do — annoy other authors with unsolicited pleas for affirmation.

If it was in fact the author who opened the message (note to Rikki – some email services ping the sender with a notice about that), she was kind enough not to fire back a scolding.

In appreciation, I call your attention to the literary works of Rikki Ducornet. I didn’t buy anything, but I read a few passages on the preview app. She’s kind of famous, for good reason.

And, as a special bonus, you can find the song tabs here.

Are you learning a tune? Tell us about it!