Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 231 - Fender Rhodes Electric Piano Masters: Larry Williams

Seawind: A High-Tech Band from Hawaii!

For this seventh part of the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano Masters Series, I feature Larry Williams.
Larry Williams is an American keyboardist, arranger, and composer. He is also a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in saxophone and flute.
He gained fame as a member of Seawind, a jazz fusion band formed by musicians from Hawaii.

As a keyboardist with exceptional saxophone and flute skills, Larry is not just wearing “two hats”—he’s wearing three or four, proving himself to be a musical genius.
This feature focuses on his keyboard work, particularly his mastery of the Rhodes piano, by highlighting albums and songs featuring his performances.

Before diving into Larry Williams’ contributions, let’s first explore the band Seawind.
The group consisted of seven members: lead vocalist Pauline Wilson, her husband and drummer Bob Wilson, guitarist Bud Nuanez, bassist Ken Wild, flutist and saxophonist Kim Hutchcroft, trumpeter Jerry Hey, and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist Larry Williams.
Seawind was known for its highly skilled musicianship, and their technical prowess was evident in their band sound.
Their talent caught the attention of drummer Harvey Mason, leading to their professional debut in 1976 under CTI Records with the album Seawind, produced by Mason himself. From this album, the song The Devil is a Liar was nominated for a Grammy Award—an extraordinary achievement that underscored the band's excellence right from their first release.
Seawind further honed their skills by touring with renowned artists like Boz Scaggs and George Benson before making their way to Japan in 1978 for a solo tour, earning high praise from music fans for their technical performances.

One of the band’s most notable features was the Seawind Horns. Trumpeter and arranger Jerry Hey was a superstar session musician in the late 1970s and 1980s, appearing on countless records.
Larry Williams’ funky Rhodes piano backing and solos added another dimension to the band's ensemble, creating a unique musical world where Pauline Wilson’s charming vocals soared above the intricate instrumental interplay. Their sound was truly one-of-a-kind—a singular and unparalleled musical experience.

■ Recommended Album: Seawind - Light the Light (1980)

In 1980, Seawind worked with renowned keyboardist and producer George Duke to create this masterpiece. The album maintains the band’s signature crisp and technical sound, and even after 40 years, it remains incredibly sophisticated.
Larry Williams’ Rhodes piano playing is especially noteworthy for its sharp, precise backing.
His approach to the Rhodes piano differs from typical keyboardists, incorporating elements reminiscent of brass section arrangements—perhaps a reflection of his role within the Seawind Horns.
The album also features special guest performances from legendary percussionists like Ralph MacDonald and Paulinho da Costa, adding further depth to the sound.

In 1981, Pauline and Bob Wilson released the album Somebody Loves You, featuring Seawind members. However, this became Seawind’s final release before they went on hiatus and eventually disbanded.

Recommended Song: “Pra Voce”

This song opens with an arpeggiated Rhodes piano intro, followed by a soothing acoustic guitar melody, leading into Pauline Wilson’s beautiful scat singing. Larry’s signature Rhodes backing is impeccable here.
A highlight of this track is Larry Williams’ Rhodes piano solo.
While he doesn’t incorporate many bebop phrases, he frequently plays within the chord scale. However, at key moments—such as the 8th and 16th bars of his solo—he employs the altered scale, adding a subtle yet distinctive jazz twist.

■ Recommended Album: Seawind - Reunion (2009)

In 2005, Seawind reunited for a concert in Los Angeles, leading to their official return. After three years, they released Reunion in 2009—a long-awaited comeback album after a 29-year hiatus, much to the delight of fans.
The album features numerous self-covers, including “He Loves You” and the Grammy-nominated “The Devil Is A Liar”, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on Seawind’s classic sound.
Larry Williams’ signature Rhodes piano playing remains as captivating as ever. A major highlight of the album is the participation of Grammy-winning vocalist Al Jarreau, whose collaboration with Pauline Wilson brings a new dimension to the band’s sound. The Seawind Horns also shine throughout the album.
Jerry Hey did not play trumpet, but he contributed to the horn arrangements alongside Larry Williams.

Recommended Song: “He Loves You”

A cover of their classic track from the first album, this version retains its original charm while showcasing the evolved sound of Seawind.
The biggest highlight is the addition of Al Jarreau, whose percussive vocal style enhances the song’s energy.
Hearing two Grammy-winning artists—Pauline Wilson and Al Jarreau—duet is a rare and special treat.
The outro features a dynamic exchange between Pauline, Al, and Larry Williams, marking the song’s most electrifying moment.
Larry’s Rhodes piano, seamlessly shifting between soloing and backing, demonstrates his unique playing style, almost resembling a brass ensemble.
This interaction recalls the fiery chemistry between Al Jarreau and Larry Williams in Jarreau’s cover of “Spain”, making “He Loves You” a must-listen track.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured in This Article

• Musicians: Larry Williams, Jerry Hey, Bob Wilson, Pauline Wilson, Al Jarreau, Ken Wild, Kim Hutchcroft, and others
• Albums: Light the Light, Reunion
• Recommended Tracks: “Pra Voce”, “He Loves You”

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