A Breath of Fresh Air July 11

Best-known for his work with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter’s versatility and technique as a soloist made him a hugely in-demand session guitarist from the ’70s on. Baxter (who still refuses to discuss the origins of his nickname) landed his first recording gig in 1969 with the psychedelic pop group Ultimate Spinach. 

In 1972, he began his association with Steely Dan, playing on their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill. 

Following 1974’s Pretzel Logic, Baxter moved on to the Doobie Brothers, debuting later that year on What Once Were Vices Are Now Habits and continuing on for several more albums through 1978. During the mid-’70s, he also began to expand his session work, going on to work with the likes of Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Ringo Starr, Carly Simon, Donna Summer, Joni Mitchell, Rick Nelson among many others. Jeff’s general interest in technology led him into production, most notably helming several albums for hard rockers Nazareth. 

He also developed an interest in military hardware and weapons systems and was hired in 2001 by the Bush administration as a defence analyst, also serving as a consultant to several U.S. congressmen (and continuing his music career). 

Join me as I sit down with the world-renowned guitarist to explore his incredible journey in music. From early beginnings at the age of five, to the legendary bands he’s played with, and his journey to launching his first solo album, “Speed of Heat”, this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air has it all. 

Jeff shares about the intimacy of the guitar, his first band that was “way too nuts and way too much fun,” and the secrets to his enduring success. 

We go behind the scenes of the iconic songwriting duo of Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, and how they made their mark in the music industry. 

Jeff walks us through his life and times. It’s an incredible story with some awesome accompanying music.

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