This interview series spotlights the bands performing at Asbury Jams every Thursday at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey, throughout the summer. Produced by ElmThree – Asbury Jams brings rising local, regional and national touring bands from the jam scene to the City that Bruce Built.
Very few artists embody the “change your latitude” vacation vibes of the late Jimmy Buffett. His musical legacy and indelible mark on pop culture perfectly embody the summer season, which is why his ardent fanbase of Parrotheads will flock to see The Coral Reefer Band perform at summer sheds, or head over to bars and clubs to watch Buffett-inspired bands serve up audio cheeseburgers in paradise.
Jammy Buffet is a Colorado-born band that takes the best of Buffett, injects the sweet science of jam into that tropical formula and creates something wholly unique that audiences are gravitating to en masse.
Recently we caught up with Bob Barrick, lead singer of Jammy Buffet, to discuss the band’s origin story, the impact of collaborating with members of the Coral Reefer Band, how having the son of a CRB member has influenced the band, and how they’re innovating on the classic Buffet sound. They perform tonight, Thursday July 16, at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
What was the inspiration to start a Jimmy Buffet tribute band that incorporated jam band improvisation?
I wouldn’t say there was a plan at the outset to start a jam band that plays Jimmy Buffett’s music. It developed really organically. I’ve been a Parrothead all my life, and when Jimmy passed, it only made sense to put on a little local tribute concert back where I live in Boulder, CO. It just so happens that the scene there is dominated by jam band guys, so when I went out to find a backing band, those were the dudes who were around. As its evolved, though, we’ve found that the two cultures are the perfect combination. People go to jam shows and Buffett shows for the same reason: to have fun.
Can you talk about how the band reinterprets the classic songs of Jimmy Buffett.
These days, we’re taking much bigger swings than we used to. When we learn a song, we’ll often first imagine it through the lens of the classic ’70s Coral Reefer Band. “What does this song sound like as performed by a freewheelin’ rock ‘n’ roll band?” From there, the jams usually develop live on stage. The effect, I hope, is that we do more than reimagine the songs; we expand on them, picking up where Jimmy and the Reefers left off.
You’ve collaborated with members of The Coral Reefer Band — can you talk about their reactions to your takes on songs they’ve been playing forever?
Well, Peter Mayer is our lead guitarist, Brendan’s, father, and Jim Mayer is his uncle, so they’ve naturally been supportive from the outset. I can’t speak for them, but I think that they seem encouraged to see Jimmy’s and their work carried on to a new generation. Is it what they would’ve expected to happen to this songbook? Probably not. But to paraphrase Mac McAnally, what’s the point in learning to hit a curveball if nobody ever throws you one? That’s what I feel like we’re doing to this songbook right now.
What is the biggest crowd pleaser in your live set? And what are some of your favorite deep cuts you perform?
Someone recently described our “Son of a Son of a Sailor” into “Come Monday” as a religious experience. I don’t know if that’s universally true, but I do think it best demonstrates what this band is about. As far as deep cuts go, my personal favorite Buffett song is “Floridays.” It’s always fun to watch people discover that song with us when we perform it.
What do you love about being in Jammy Buffet?
It’s the road for me! There’s nothing like going from town to town and throwing a big party every night. And it’s a party that is so near and dear to my heart, having gone to Buffett concerts since I was a little boy.
What are five things you’re excited for the band in 2026?
This Summer tour we’re on right now is the big blow out moment of 2026 for us. Though, we do have a couple big shows coming up later this year that feel like major stepping stones: the Brooklyn Bowl, the Charleston Pour House, BayGrass Music Festival, the Bluebird Theatre back in Colorado, and — this isn’t until 2027 — but we just announced a slot at JamCruise.
