Description
The self-titled fourth album by the American jazz fusion group Seawind was released on A&M Records in 1980. Produced by George Duke and engineered by Tommy Vicari and Erik Zobler, the album became the peak of Seawind’s success and recognition. A&M Records also produced a video of the song “What Cha Doin’,” which helped it become a top 10 hit, and Seawind was now on both the jazz and R&B charts of the major trades. The group tours Japan for a second time, performs in Manila, Philippines and stops in Hawaii for their annual home coming tour.
The self-titled A&M effort was followed by Bob & Pauline Wilson‘s sole solo album, Somebody Loves You, released on Myrrh Record in 1981. Later on, band members Bob Wilson and Larry Williams formed the AOR band The Front which released a self-titled album in 1984. The band was reformed in 1987 as What If, which also released a sole album. In 1990, band members Buddy Nuanez and Bob Wilson with friends released a sole album as the jazz-fusion combo 40:31.
For its fourth album, Seawind joined forces with producer George Duke – a heavyweight who had both jazz and R&B credentials. Duke’s roots were jazz, but by the late ’70s he had made R&B his main focus. Because he knew R&B and jazz equally well, the eclectic Duke was ideal for Seawind; after all, Seawind was a funk/soul combo that also provided jazz fusion instrumentals. With this self-titled album (which shouldn’t be confused with Seawind’s self-titled debut album), the Hawaiian unit finally scored a major hit single. «What Cha Doin’», the snappy funk tune that opens the album, enjoyed extensive airplay on both R&B and Top 40 stations. [Alex Henderson, AMG]
Seawind has gone through a few changes since the release of their last album Light the Light. Horn player Jerry Hey has left the group, they have switched from Horizon (which folded) to A&M and they have de-Christianized their material. The reason for the latter is probably that Bob and Pauline Wilson have signed with Myrrh Records for Christian material. Producer George Duke has taken Seawind into more of an r&b and rock feel instead of jazz. (Best cuts for Christian stations: «Shout», «I Need Your Love», «Everything Needs Love».) [CCM (Records – What’s New), November 1980]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/seawind/1706878600)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “What Cha Doin'” – 4:35
A2. “The Two Of Us” – 3:49
A3. “Love Him, Love Her” – 3:26
A4. “Everything Needs Love” – 5:46
Side Two
B1. “Shout” – 4:26
B2. “Still In Love” – 3:53
B3. “Pra Vosé” – 4:16
B4. “I Need Your Love” – 3:54
B5. “Long, Long Time” – 3:58
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by A&M Records. Re-issued on CD by Cherry Red in 2014, together with the band’s Light the Light album released on A&M in 1979.
An advertisement for the self-titled A&M album by Seawind was featured on the frontpage of the September 27, 1980 issue of Billboard Magazine: “Cool evening breezes and hot blazing winds exemplify the sounds and vocals of SEAWIND … Their newest album “SEAWIND” was produced by master musician George Duke who has taken SEAWIND on their most adventurous musical journey yet … “SEAWIND” … a true vacation for the musical mind. New on A&M Records and Tapes. (Advertisement)”
A full-page advertisement for Seawind’sself-titled A&M album was featured in the October 25, 1980 issue of Record World.
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