US rock classic gets reggae treatment

American band Steely Dan's unique blend of jazz and rock made them hugely popular during the 1970s.

Their 1974 song, Night by Night, gets a reggae-rock makeover courtesy of singer Paul Kastick and guitarist Rudy Valentino.

Kastick, best known as the drummer for Maxi Priest and Big Mountain, shows his vocal skills on the song which he co-produced with Valentino, a veteran American axeman with whom he has worked for many years. They co-produced their version, which was released on August 25 by Kastick's GrooveGaloreMuzik and Valentino's Valentino Muzik.

Early in his career on the Montego Bay hotel scene, Kastick was known to sing a song or two and did backing duties as well, but it has been some time since he tried out his vocals.

"Singing is not my area of expertise, but I know certain things because I have worked with top singers over the years," he said. It was Valentino's idea to cover Night by Night one year ago. Kastick admitted being slow to get on board, but once he listened to the initial track, they immediately began recording the song.

He and Valentino have done numerous recording sessions. Their biggest production is Tessanne Chin's 2006 hit single, Hideaway.

Night by Night is part of My Reggae Rockin Journey Vol: 1, an album of Kastick/Valentino cover songs originally done by rock bands such as Whitesnake, Poison and Def Leppard.