"Another life-altering album. Larry Carlton has always set a very high bar, and I am lucky and honored to call him a friend. We met in 1976 when I was dreaming of being a session player just like him. He was a hero to so many – and still is.

"Larry played jazz lines with a rock sound – the kind of thing I was hearing in my head, but it took Larry to actually do it! I devoured everything he played on, learning from him and eventually watching him. His influence was huge.

"The Royal Scam is so good throughout - great, great performances. But I have to single out Kid Charlemagne, which has a solo that every young player should study. All of Steely Dan's albums are marvelous, though. Google and learn."