Sea Level -- The Best Of

Genre: Rock
Active: 70’s, 80s
Major members: Jim Nalls, Lamar Williams, Chuck Leavell, Davis Causey, Randall Bramblett, Joe English
Biography
Fusion combo Sea Level was formed in 1976 by keyboardist Chuck Leavell, bassist Lamar Williams, and drummer Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson following their exit from the Allman Brothers Band; guitarist Jimmy Nalls completed the original lineup, which in 1977 issued its self-titled debut LP on the Capricorn label. Honing its distinctive marriage of rock, blues, and jazz through relentless touring, the group returned to the studio to cut 1978's Cats on the Coast, followed later that year by On the Edge; although Jaimoe returned to the Allmans, Sea Level recorded two more albums -- 1979's Long Walk on a Short Pier and 1980's Ball Room -- before dissolving. Leavell later emerged as a sought-after session player and producer, also touring with the Rolling Stones; in 1998, he issued his debut solo LP, What's in That Bag? Sadly, Williams died of Agent Orange-related cancer on January 25, 1983. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
Representative Songs:
"That's Your Secret," "Tidal Wave," "Nothing Matters But the Fever"
Representative Albums:
The Best of Sea Level, Sea Level, Cats on the Coast
Similar Artists: Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Steve Morse, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Dixie Dregs, Blackfoot, Dickey Betts
Influences: Allen Toussaint, Atlanta Rhythm Section, The Allman Brothers Band
Followers: The Dixie Dregs