Wanna know how Steely Dan’s Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter became a missile defence expert? Take a listen to this week’s episode.

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. Jeff (who still refuses to disclose 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, Jeff 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 (whilst continuing his music career). 

I hope you’ll join me as I sit down and chat 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 is riveting. 

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 learn how they made their mark in the music industry. 

Jeff walks us through his life and times. It’s an incredible story about one helluva talented man.

For more information about Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter check out his website https://www.jeffskunkbaxter.com/

If you’d like to request a guest get in touch with me through my website here

I hope you enjoy this week’s show.

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Sandy Kaye Sandy Kaye

Hello, I’m Sandy Kaye. A freelance broadcaster, journalist and producer who has spent more than 35 years on both sides of radio and television microphones. I’ve worked with every TV network in Australia, have produced and presented for countless radio stations around the country and have hosted my own commercial radio talk-back show. I’ve even held the distinction of being Sydney’s first female newsreader on radio – way back when!

Today my passion is A Breath of Fresh Air which allows me to immerse myself in one of my favourite things – music. I just love all kinds of music and am fascinated by the people who make it. In particular, it’s the music of the '60s '70s and '80s that takes me back to my youth and means so much to me.

As a journalist, I’m all about digging deep into the classic hits of our time.
I bring you intimate, warm, fireside chats with the artists who tell us about their lives both then and now.
We learn about what makes them tick, who they are in their professional and private lives and how they went about making the soundtrack to our lives.

'A Breath of Fresh Air’ is exceptional - exceptional not because of me, but rather because of the stories that some of the best-known musical artists choose to share with me.

I created this podcast to honour them. It’s all about THEIR lives, THEIR stories, THEIR music, told now, in THEIR voices, before they’re lost forever.

I see my podcast as a personal labour of love, but also as an archival legacy for music fans and practitioners alike, both current and future, who otherwise might never know of the amazing people who helped build the industry.

I really hope you enjoy each and every episode of A Breath of Fresh Air.