Music
Press
Emerging from the palm tree laden, postcard worthy, Amelia Island comes a musical force with the potential to put Fernandina Beach on the map for far more than seafood and treasure.
On the forefront of this musical surge is Island resident Yancy Clegg.
Playing an integral part in Fernandina's nightlife, Clegg Headlines the front room of the Palace Saloon every Thursday night. This just so happens to coincide with the weekly "Ladies Night." On Thursday’s women 21 and up are welcomed to free drinks, live music and a plethora of eager gentlemen who are ready to mingle.
Setting the soundtrack to Ladies night are the smooth sounds of Yancy, and his good friend and fellow musician Beau Littles. The combination of acoustic guitar and bongo drums can be entrancing. "It's nice to see people dancing and letting loose" was a common statement overheard while approaching the bar last Thursday night, during a passionate cover of "Cortez the Killer," A song made popular by Neil Young.
Although he is recognized mostly for playing songs by Keller Williams, Dave Matthews and others, Clegg's original songs like "Come On Mary" are beginning to gain popularity and could possibly be the catapult he needs to burst on to the main stream scene, if that's even what he wants.
Clegg's original songs have a mellow sound packed with innuendo that will have you analyzing until your head hurts. Yancy was featured on the YourJax Music showcase on the CW in September 2009. The showcase is available on Youtube.com and has aired on channel 17 three times since the show's release date. His performance of "Come On Mary" is sure to light any one up.
Recently, Clegg was asked to classify the genre his music fell under, after a Jager Bomb or three, he responded with "southernsoul-acoustifunk." Trying to locate that genre on iTunes anytime soon is definitely not recommended.
Although Clegg is not yet a household name outside the north Florida area, one can only assume his popularity is on the verge of exploding.
Clegg revealed his greatest musical influence is his father the late Robert Davis Clegg. Robert Clegg had a long musical career, the pinnacle being his collaboration on the album "Country Love Songs" which went gold in Germany and was released on Amiga Records.
Growing up the son of an accomplished musician, one would assume his household would be filled with music. When asked which artist rang through his house the most during childhood, Yancy quickly and emphatically replied "Cat Stevens." Many might argue the era of singer/songwriter is over, but upon hearing the soulful music coming from the likes of Clegg one might be convinced to reconsider their position.
If one happens to be in downtown Amelia Island on a Thursday, follow the sound of acoustic guitar. Yancy and his friends are sure to be at the Palace Saloon, putting everything they have into their set. The setting is always upbeat and fun and although Dancing is greatly encouraged, it is not required to appreciate the whole experience.
If you would like to learn more about Yancy Clegg, or listen to his music, befriend him on Facebook or search Come On Mary via Youtube.
- Aaron Emanuel
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Born May 29 1982, Davis Yancy Clegg entered into this world destined to be an artist of all walks from day one. In the earliest years, Yancy's father was his main influence. A songwriter and recording artist himself, he was able to lend insight into the pursuance of a seemingly unattainable dream. Through his adolescent years, Yancy was trained in classical and modern music through nearly twelve years of music theory instruction. Playing the piano, drums, saxophone, auxiliary percussion, finding an original style was catered by more than enough resources and trials. As a sophomore at Pearl High School in Pearl,MS, Yancy decided to put his untrained voice behind a new instrument, the guitar. Once at Mississippi State University, an opportunity to showcase what he had been developing presented itself in the form of open mic nights around the small college town of Starkville, MS. Open mic nights turned into paid gig offers and those turned into a full time effort. In 2003, Yancy decided it was time for a change of scenery. After a move to Jacksonville, FL, he found himself playing shows semi-locally 4-5 nights a week. In August of 2006, in collaboration with friends/musicians, Yancy released his first record, "In Spite of it All," and has since sold copies in the 1000's. Currently the 2nd installment to Clegg's discography is underway and anticipated with enthusiasm by fans. Yancy has also performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and shared the stage with Shania Twain, Bobby Lee Rodgers and The Code Talkers, The Bennevento Russo Duo, Matt Wertz and Jon McLaughlin.
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