Norwegian guitarist, composer and producer Jacob Holm-Lupo is a chameleonic musicmaker. As the chief songwriter/vibemeister of ensembles The Opium Cartel and White Willow, Holm-Lupo has created an oeuvre that includes dozens of records made across three decades. His music draws from a broad palate of ‘70s & ‘80s prog, jazz and art-rock influences. Chief among these is the venerable Steely Dan.
Under the guise of his latest moniker Donner, Holm-Lupo has released a dark electronica cover of Steely Dan’s “Night by Night.” Holm-Lupo and a taut ensemble re-envision the Pretzel Logic track from the ground up. The cover is replete with synths, a squawking guitar solo from free-jazz guitarist Hedvig Mollestad and, notably, a new driving drum groove, conceived and recorded in a guest appearance from Steely Dan’s own Keith Carlock. Vocalist Marte Eberson’s performance feels refreshingly bright amid this sonic landscape, like headlights beaming through an ominous fog. Donner makes some bold stylistic leaps across the board here, but their cover of “Night by Night” manages to feel just as gripping as the original Steely Dan cut.
Check out Donner’s cover of Steely Dan’s “Night by Night” below.
Check out many more Steely Dan covers here.
