Kayak Members, Gear & Sound
Dutch progressive rock band
Members
Select a Kayak band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Kayak is a Dutch progressive rock band, renowned for their blend of symphonic and art rock elements. Formed in 1972 by Ton Scherpenzeel (keyboards, composer) and the late Pim Koopman (drums, composer), the original lineup also included Max Werner (vocals), Johan Slager (guitar), and Cees van Leeuwen (bass). Over the years, Kayak has undergone numerous lineup changes, with Scherpenzeel remaining as the central figure. Their music often draws comparisons to bands like Yes and Focus, yet they have carved out a niche with their song-oriented approach to symphonic rock, achieving commercial success with albums like Phantom of the Night.
How to Sound Like Kayak
Kayak's sound is characterized by its rich, symphonic textures and melodic intricacies, creating an expansive yet accessible aural experience. The lush keyboard arrangements, driven by Scherpenzeel's mastery of instruments like the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and the Yamaha CS-80, form the backbone of their music, often interwoven with dramatic guitar lines and dynamic rhythm sections. Their compositions typically feature layered harmonies and orchestral elements, which are enhanced by the electric grand piano tones of the Yamaha CP-70. This blend of electronic and acoustic sounds provides a majestic, theatrical atmosphere that is both captivating and emotionally charged.
Discography
See See The Sun
1973
Kayak
1974
Royal Bed Bouncer
1975
The Last Encore
1976
Starlight Dancer
1977
Phantom of the Night
1978
Eyewitness
1981
Periscope Life (Re-Issue)
1993
Close to the Fire
2000
Chance for a live time
2001
Merlin
2001
Night Vision
2001
Merlin: Bard Of The Unseen
2003
Nostradamus: The Fate Of Man
2005
KAYAKoustic (Live at Theater 'T Kielzog, Hoogezand-Sappemeer, 23/11/2006)
2007
Coming Up For Air
2008
Anniversary Concert (Live at Paradiso, Amsterdam, 07/10/2008)
2008
Letters from Utopia
2009
Anywhere But Here
2011
Kayak: Singles, Vol. 2
2012
Cleopatra The Crown Of Isis
2014
Golden Years Of Dutch Pop Music
2015
Seventeen
2018
Out Of This World
2021
Back to Shore - The 2022 Farewell Tour
2025
Get the Kayak Sound
Want to sound like Kayak? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
