Denny Dias

Interesting. Having watched many Beato interviews, I came away with a very different impression. I enjoy Dias’ playing w/ Steely Dan but thought this was an incredibly awkward and ultimately quite boring interview. 

I don’t know whether Dias is just very shy/reserved or something else, but Beato, whose puppy-dog-like enthusiasm usually dominates his interviews and serves to draw interesting stuff from his subjects, doesn’t get far with Dias, who apparently isn’t interested or willing to be drawn out. It seems very odd to me that Dias would accept such an invitation, given his consistently wooden demeanor. To his credit, Beato never gives up trying. An oddity as Beato’s interviews go. 

BTW, the info about Magnaplanars was mentioned in CD liner notes that came out long ago. 

@hilde45 

My sense is that Dias is likely suffering from some mental ailment and this was the best approach to get something with him on tape before he declines further. Just a guess, but something seems "off" about him.

My perception as well. I thought perhaps it might be considered in bad taste to suggest this.  

@tablejockey 

I'm no expert on the fine points of interviewing but I've always felt Beato does a very good job. After all, he's asking questions about topics I'm interested in, so he doesn't need to try to charm me as well.  

This interview with Dias is the only one of Beato's interviews I've seen in which Beato seemed unable to elicit much enthusiasm from his guest. I tend to think @hilde45 is correct suggesting a possible mental health issue with Dias. His affect is unnaturally flat.