Cover Band, Uncovered: Blake Sakamoto

Mr. Congeniality himself, Blake Sakamoto, is one of the most affable guys you’ll ever meet. Warm, friendly, and astonishingly humble, he is a human being first — a genuine family man — and an amazingly talented, world-renowned musician second. Born and raised here in Oregon, he is a local hero who has rocked arenas all over the world (as part of the Dan Reed Network), and continues to do so to this day, but in slightly smaller venues across the region and as a part of his new passion project, Baz Moto.

Baz Moto came together in 2024 when Blake disbanded his previous outfit, The NuWavers. While they did bring the party to every gig they played for 15 years, things had run their course. Blake was ready to do something new. Joining together with Bronwyn Baz, a sometimes guest, sometimes back-up singer for The NuWavers (and, as of August of last year, Blake’s wife), they temporarily brought on a friend/guitar player for several shows to play as a trio. Those shows went over so well, and there was such a fresh and exciting buzz surrounding their new style and setlist that they decided to move forward in a more official capacity.

As a result, Baz Moto is the union of Bronwyn BAZ (lead vocalist extraordinaire/multi-instrumentalist) and Blake SakaMOTO (keyboard wizard/vocalist). They are the beating heart, the simmering, raw, chemical core of the band. But added to that combustible concoction are: Annelise Josserand (bass groover/vocalist), Camille Denny (drum pounder/vocalist), Brandon Navia (guitar shredder/vocalist), and Avery Baz (part-time vocalist/percussionist, and full-time daughter of Bronwyn). When this group plugs in, an alchemical reaction occurs and they flash, bang, and explode on the stage! So much so, in fact, they have been dubbed by some as “the hottest band in the Northwest.”

While cover bands are fairly common, those that consist of such high-caliber musicians are exceedingly rare. Bronwyn, especially, has been classically trained in theater and opera. Her vocal performances are an experience in and of themselves. But everyone in the band comes from the highest of pedigrees, and as they’ve become more familiar with each other’s styles, they’ve gelled into a well-oiled machine that is virtually unstoppable.

While other bands play primarily ‘80s tunes, Baz Moto focuses on a more contemporary oeuvre, including songs sitting comfortably in the pop, rock, and dance genres. Blake said that while there are a lot of great cover bands out there, they tend to all perform the same songs. Baz Moto has the chops to play songs other bands won’t, and that is what you will hear — the hits and the beloved deeper cuts!   

Don’t miss the sexiest, most exciting new cover band around! For more information and concert dates, check out their website: bazmotomusic.com.