‘Ride Like the Wind’ (Christopher Cross) Cover by Middle Aged Dad Jam Band
What happens when a tight garage crew grabs a leaf blower and a classic soft rock anthem? A cover that feels both scrappy and polished, and completely alive in the moment. This session bottles that vibe, from the first offhand idea to the final laugh.
Middle Aged Dad Jam Band keeps it casual and creative, yet the musicianship shines. The group, a rotating cast with familiar faces, has built a loyal following with spirited garage covers, mashups, and live shows. This take on Christopher Cross’s “Ride Like the Wind” doubles down on fun, timing, and teamwork, then signs off with a smile and a nod to a very handy prop.
Behind-the-Scenes Setup
The camera rolls on a lighthearted scramble that sets the tone. It starts with a friendly nudge to make something new, fast. Someone kicks things off with, “Hey Dave, YouTube has been on us. We got to come up with another video.” The energy picks up right away, and a quick idea lands: a song that clearly needs a bit of literal wind.
The best part is the practical solution. Dave chimes in with “I have a leaf blower” and that’s that. The leaf blower lifesaver becomes the perfect gag for a song that keeps repeating one phrase in spirit and in sound: ride like the wind.
They lock in the groove with a simple musical plan. “Just like a four on the floor in C. And then follow me for the changes. One, two.” Around the room, quick confirmations fly. “Got it.” “Got it.” “Everybody got it over here?” “That’s it.” “Yep.” It is rehearsed and relaxed at the same time, a fast run-up that gets everyone on the same page before the music takes over.
The Performance Breakdown
The track fires up with a steady pulse and a hint of grit. The first lines lay out the mood, and the urgency is instant: “It is a night, my body’s weak. I’m on the run, no time to sleep.” The band keeps the rhythm driving as the hook arrives, clean and strong: “I got to ride like the wind to be free again.”
The lines repeat like a mantra, which fits the original’s forward momentum. The phrase that keeps returning, “Such a long way to go,” gives the song its anchor and its push. Each repeat adds weight, and the band leans into it with confidence.
The vocals bring out the song’s story of a restless figure on the run. The lines carry a rough past and a need to move:
Short bursts like “Heat. Heat.” puncture the groove, and musical breaks answer back. The players leave space for the melody to breathe, then fill the room with tight hits and fills.
Instrumental textures give the cover its depth. Guitar cuts through with a crisp edge. Keys add body and flow. Bass anchors the drive, while drums push the tempo with a clean four-on-the-floor. With strings and sax in the lineup, the harmonics feel rich and live, and the room reverbs with a warm garage tone.
Meet the Band
Middle Aged Dad Jam Band is a collaborative group that records spirited covers and jams, often in a garage setting. The lineup includes vocalists, a full rhythm section, and a rotating team of players on guitar, keys, strings, and horns. The result is a series of performances that feel both neighborly and studio-tight.
This session features Ken Marino and Beth Dover on vocals, with David Wain behind the kit and in the director’s chair. The sound is full and warm, the tone is easy, and the vibe is unmistakably DIY.
Additional Content and Collaborations
The channel’s playlists include full garage runs, one-off mashups, and plenty of live footage. This makes the catalog feel like a living diary of the band’s sessions. The mix of players gives each song a new angle, from stripped-down sets to fuller arrangements with strings and sax.
Production is a key part of the experience. The edit keeps the human bits that make the performances memorable, like quick jokes, count-offs, and check-ins. Audio stays consistent across sessions, which makes the playlists flow as if they were a single long set.
Fans who enjoy this cover will likely enjoy the mashup playlist. It shows how the group plays with structure while staying tight as a unit. The live show clips bring the energy of a crowd into the equation, adding another layer to the band’s personality.
