Yacht Rock

Yacht Rock

What: Movie, 95 mins.
When: Fri., Nov. 29
Where: Crave
Genre: Rockumentary
Rating: NNNN (out of 5)
Why you should watch: A pre-YouTube web series, Yacht Rock mocked the smooth ’70s sounds from L.A., naming a genre in the process. It’s the inspiration for this not-too-series but affectionate look at the surprisingly enduring sound that is even having a comeback. Steely Dan is the Yacht Rock Rosetta Stone, inspiring acts like Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Toto and more. And somehow, Michael McDonald is playing with almost all of them. A jazzy vibe with heartfelt, raw lyrics, sometimes corny lyrics with an R&B influence. Originators of the music are interviewed as well as those they inspired, including Questlove and Thundercat. Black “Yacht Rockers” like George Benson and Al Jarreau are all celebrated, and the creators of the Yacht Rock series are among those interviewed showing a deep understanding and love of the music they so expertly lampooned. Part of HBO’s “Music Box” series.

 

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