Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In 1976 Seawind released their first album, and went on to become much loved exponents of jazz funk having in Pauline Wilson an affecting lead singer and sporting a horn section which eventually spilt away from the band to hit pay dirt as a mainstream outfit good enough to play on Michael Jackson hits. Seawind broke up in 1982 but their output continued to be highly regarded by jazz funk aficionados (particularly, in of all places, Japan). Finally, the band were persuaded to reform and this is the result. Described as either jazz fusion or smooth jazz, this is recording is clearly a return to the '70s with four tracks "Follow Your Road", "Free", "Devil Is A Liar" and "He Loves You" being new versions of their 1970s originals. As with many jazz tracks the emphasis is not so much on the song structure but the skills of the musicians jamming together to see what comes out. So instrumental tracks such as "Sunshadow" comprise background ambience for a hotel lobby. It is when Grammy award winner Pauline Wilson sings that the songs return with smooth soulful relaxing tones. Such is Seawind's status amongst in-the-know musicians that for this project they were able to bring in guests like jazz pop giant Al Jarreau who adds some scatting vocals on "He Loves You". Overall, this album shows that Seawind have lost none of their consummate skill and if you go for jazz fusion this will be a reunion you will want to investigate.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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