Nashville Yacht Club Band Bio:
Yacht Rock: the name alone feels like something of a contradiction. Rock music, which has satisfied all of our most culturally rebellious instincts ever since Chuck Berry duck-walked across the stage, and yachts, those totems of indulgence filing the harbors of San Tropez and Miami, have scarcely anything in common. Yet in the late 70s and early 80s, like two raptured souls tangled in a passionate fling, like chocolate and peanut butter, these two gave birth to a short-lived yet spirited genre of music. Say it out loud: Yacht Rock. It is the embodiment of a mustachioed, blow-dried era of soft-focused wonder.
No doubt you’ve heard the songs, with their layers of falsetto male voices singing in perfect, shirtless harmony (The Doobie Brothers – “What A Fool Believes,” Christopher Cross – “Ride Like The Wind,” Kenny Loggins – “Heart To Heart,” Toto – “Africa”) and felt the gentle touch of their Aqua Net charms (The Carpenters – “(They Long To Be) Close To You,” Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together”), but have you ever experienced the genius of these smooth, hit songs in all their brilliant splendor performed live, and all in one place? By way of introduction, we present to you Nashville Yacht Club Band, otherwise simply known as the Nashville Yacht Club. Among the playlist of songs, mostly limited to that 1975-1985 era of Yacht Rock lore, you will hear those smooth, timeless classics come to life as never before, rendered almost completely without irony or jest, in glorious tribute.
Ahoy! The eight members of the Nashville Yacht Club Band are some of the most accomplished players in the charted universe! Comprised almost entirely of former New York City musicians, this 8-piece tribute band can claim among its members over a century of collective experience playing live music all over the world. Co-captaining the lead vocals you’ll find Cody Belew (The Voice) and Brianna Sage (K’naan, Active Child, Carole King) at the helm, ready to deliver those extraordinary songs you know and love, as well as so many timeless male/female duets of the era. Anchoring the band are accomplished bass player Matt Wigton (Christopher Cross, James Otto), and rock steady Ramsey Roustom (Blue Man Group, Colin Hay) on the skins. First mate Jay Barclay (Augustana, The Waterboys, The Damnwells, Ben Kweller) mans all the tides of guitar duty, delivering all those signature lines and searing solos you love to sing along with. Our A.B.S (Able Bodied Sailor), Ryan Link (Rent, Once) is the backbone of our ship; navigating us on percussion, guitar, backing vocals, sax and more. On double keys, the “flung spray and blown spume” of the Nashville Yacht Club are John Pahmer (Carly Simon, Terence Trent D’Arby, Jordin Sparks) and James Farrell (Matt Nathanson, Brett Eldredge). They put all the ripples on the water, bringing those lush 70’s arrangements to life. When it comes to Yacht Rock – trust us – two keyboard players make all the difference.
So, lay back. Kick off your loafers. Grab a Dark n’ Stormy. Unbutton that silk blouse, man, and soak up some sun. The Nashville Yacht Club Band is ready to set sail!
Nashville Yacht Club Band Songlist:
What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers
Africa – Toto
Rich Girl – Daryl Hall & John Oates
Takin’ It To The Streets – Doobie Brothers
You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates
The Finer Things – Steve Winwood
Silly Love Songs – Paul McCartney
It’s So Easy – Linda Ronstadt
Heart To Heart – Kenny Loggins
Love Will Keep Us Together – Captain & Tennille
Guilty – Barry Gibb & Barbara Streisand
(They Long To Be) Close To You – The Carpenters
Whenever I Call You “Friend” – Kenny Loggins & Stevie Nicks
Peg – Steely Dan
These Dreams – Heart
Breezin’ – George Benson
Ride Like The Wind – Christopher Cross
Gloria – Laura Branigan
Biggest Part Of Me – Ambrosia
Little Lies – Fleetwood Mac
Arthur’s Theme (The Best That You Can Do) – Christopher Cross
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John & Kiki Dee
Morning Train (Nine to Five) – Sheena Easton
Islands In The Stream – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
Rosanna – Toto
Nights On Broadway – Bee Gees
Hard To Say I’m Sorry/Get Away – Chicago
Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry
Just A Song Before I Go – Crosby, Stills & Nash
I Can’t Tell You Why – Eagles
How Long – Ace
After The Love Has Gone – Earth Wind & Fire
Lido Shuffle – Boz Scaggs
Somebody’s Baby – Jackson Browne
I Keep Forgettin’ [Every Time You’re Near] – Michael McDonald
Lost In Love – Air Supply
The Things We Do For Love – 10cc
Steppin’ Out – Joe Jackson
… and more!!
