NYC Bio (PDF)

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 duckwalked 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, otherwise simply known as N.Y.C. 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 seven members of N.Y.C. are some of the most accomplished musicians in the charted universe! This 8piece tribute band comprises among its members nearly 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 N.Y.C. 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.
So, lay back. Kick off your loafers. Grab a Dark n’ Stormy. Unbutton that silk blouse, man, and soak up some sun.
NASHVILLE YACHT CLUB is ready to set sail!