A TRIBUTE to '70s jazz greats Steely Dan returns to the stage at Alexander's in Chester next month.

Nearly Dans promise fans of the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of their idols Donald Fagen and Walter Becker their greatest hits during the show on February 26.

Nearly Dan’s approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes. They bring their own unique spirit and spontaneous humour to every concert.

It's been 42 years since the release of the first Steely Dan album Can't buy a Thrill, featuring the hits Do it Again and Reelin' in the years, 32 years since the release of Donald Fagen’s classic solo masterpiece The Nightfly, and 16 years since Nearly Dan were formed.

Nearly Dan have toured consistently all over the UK and Europe, gaining critical acclaim for their performances, including the Glastonbury and Big Chill festivals, and make regular appearances at the Jazz Café, Camden - a venue that usually eschews tribute bands of any kind.

In 2006 the band were invited to play three nights at the prestigious Blue Note Jazz Club in Milan, adding signatures in the dressing room guest book along with those of their heroes, such as Larry Carlton, Chuck Rainey, Robben Ford, Marcus Miller, and the Yellow Jackets.

The ten-piece Nearly Dan promise all the Steely Dan favourites in a two hour-plus show, featuring tracks from the groove of Countdown to Ecstasy to the super cool of celebrated albums The Royal Scam, Aja and Gaucho.

A real treat for all music lovers and an unmissable concert for any aspiring musician young or old.

The band celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2007, continued to flourish in 2009 with appearances at the Birmingham and Coventry Jazz Festivals, and enters 2015 to celebrate 18 years of giving their fans the spirit and sound of Steely Dan.

"When chances to hear the real thing are so uncommon, Nearly Dan's approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes, and their uncannily precise imitations are testament to hours of rehearsal and a great deal of talent."

Nearly Dan's show at Alexander's Jazz Theatre in Rufus Court, Northgate Street, Chester takes place on February 26 and starts at 8pm.

Tickets are from www.alexanderslive.com or 01244 340005.