Sailin’ Away

The song Sailin’ Away from Barry Goudreau's 1980 self-titled album is a breezy, reflective track that captures a sense of freedom and longing, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew’s hippie DJ vibe and their Zoo Freaks audience. While specific interviews or social media posts directly about Sailin’ Away are scarce, the album itself has been noted for its close resemblance to the classic Boston sound, as it features contributions from Boston bandmates Brad Delp on lead vocals and Sib Hashian on drums. In a 2016 interview with Barry Goudreau’s official website, Goudreau mentioned that the album was a creative outlet during a period when Boston’s third album was delayed, allowing him to explore his own songwriting. The track’s lyrics, like “I’m sailin’ away / On a bright summer sea,” evoke a dreamy escapism that aligns with the laid-back, ocean-breeze imagery the Zoo Crew might spin for their listeners.

Another tidbit about the album comes from its production context. According to a Wikipedia entry, the album was co-produced by John Boylan, who also worked on Boston’s debut, and its sound was so similar to Boston’s that it caused tension with Boston’s Tom Scholz, partly due to promotional labeling claiming the “Boston Sound.” This led to Goudreau’s eventual departure from the band. While Sailin’ Away itself wasn’t a chart-topping single like the album’s Dreams, its melodic rock vibe and Delp’s soaring vocals make it a fan favorite for classic rock enthusiasts, likely why the Zoo Crew chose it for their airwaves. Unfortunately, no specific quotes or recent social media posts from Goudreau’s Facebook or Instagram directly reference Sailin’ Away, but his posts often celebrate his Boston legacy and current projects, keeping fans engaged with his career.

Barry Goudreau’s journey in music began at a young age in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was born on November 29, 1951. As detailed on his official website, Goudreau’s love for music sparked early, bouncing to Elvis and Roy Orbison in his mother’s car—pre-seatbelt days, as he humorously notes. By age 11, he convinced his parents to borrow an acoustic guitar for lessons, and after proving his dedication by playing until his fingers bled, they bought him a 1962 Fender Stratocaster. His first public performance was Jingle Bell Rock at a church event, a far cry from the stadiums he’d later play. At 15, he joined a band with future Boston drummer Sib Hashian, playing nightclubs up to seven nights a week, honing his skills in Boston’s vibrant music scene.

Goudreau’s big break came through meeting Brad Delp and Fran Sheehan, future Boston members, though he initially failed an audition for Delp’s band. While studying geology at Boston University, he crossed paths with Tom Scholz, then at MIT, and by 1969, Goudreau was recording demos with Scholz and Delp, laying guitar tracks that shaped Boston’s early sound. These demos, though initially unsuccessful, led to Boston’s 1976 debut, which became the fastest-selling debut album at the time, per barrygoudreau.com. Goudreau’s guitar work on tracks like Foreplay/Long Time defined Boston’s signature style. After leaving Boston post his 1980 solo album, he formed Orion the Hunter and RTZ, continuing to create music with collaborators like Delp.

Fans can connect with Goudreau through his official website, Facebook, and Instagram. While he doesn’t appear to have an active X account, his Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room site highlights his current band. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the Boston Band Fan Group on Facebook celebrating Goudreau’s contributions to Boston and his solo work. Another fan hub, Discogs, offers a detailed discography for collectors. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive, sharing love for Goudreau’s music, including gems like Sailin’ Away.