4 Things to Know About Jeff Porcaro’s Drumming on Steely Dan’s Pretzel Logic

Jeff Porcaro was only 19 years old when he recorded drums for Steely Dan’s Pretzel Logic album. He played on several tracks, including the hit single “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.”

Porcaro’s drumming on the album helped establish his reputation as a session musician. His precise, tasteful playing caught the attention of top producers and artists.

The Pretzel Logic sessions were demanding, typical of Steely Dan’s perfectionist approach. Porcaro had to nail complex arrangements and tight rhythms under producer Gary Katz’s direction.

This early work foreshadowed Porcaro’s later success as a founding member of Toto. His time with Steely Dan honed the skills that made him one of rock’s most sought-after drummers.