ISLAND SOUNDS
Seawind reprised, reunited and related

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Two classic Seawind albums are now available on CDs for the first time, within reach of a new generation of Hawai'i jazz fans. Even better news: The original group has reunited and is recording a new album, to be followed by a state tour later this year.

A third CD, a new entry by the brother of a Seawinder, also features Seawind musicians.

So let the gusts guide you to your favorite record bin.

"Seawind" by Seawind (SWJazz).

• Genre: Jazz.
• Distinguishing notes: Seawind's frisky jazz stylings, focusing on Pauline Wilson's vocal dynamics, have always had a solid musical foundation: Bob Wilson on drums and percussion, Bud Nuanez on guitars, Ken Wild on electric and fretless electric bass, Jerry Hey on trumpet and other horns, Kim Hutchcroft on sax and flute, and Larry Williams on keyboards and woodwinds. The blend is powerful, with singer Wilson's perfect phrasing and soulfulness exemplified on cuts such as "He Loves You," "The Devil is a Liar," "You Gotta Be Willing To Lose" and "Make Up Your Mind." Liner lyrics are a joy to rediscover, too.
• The outlook: A homecoming well worth the wait — 22 years of silence have ended with this re-release. This was the group's first effort, so it's likely that new and younger listeners will now find merit and magic here.
• Our take: Good time to replace those worn-out vinyl discs.

"He Loves You" by Seawind. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Window of a Child" by Seawind (SWJazz).

• Genre: Jazz.
• Distinguishing notes: This was Seawind's second outing and it packs a similar wallop — with a trove of treats ranging from "Window of a Child" to "Angel of Mercy," from "Lovin' You" to "One Sweet Night." Clearly, Pauline Wilson was then, and remains, the core of Seawind's sound and sizzle. There's a good balance of upbeat and ballad stuff in the remix, vocals and instrumentals.
• The outlook: Like rediscovering an old friend, or old sweater, for that matter, that brings renewed joy and warmth.
• Our take: A second window of opportunity to reacquaint yourself with, or meet for the first time, this tuneful breeze called Seawind.

"Window of a Child" by Seawind. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

"Wild Sides" by the Dave Wild Trio/Quartet (Wildmusic).

• Genre: Jazz.
• Distinguishing notes: Dave Wild is a pianist, joined here by Ken Wild on bass and electric bass, Ralph Humphrey on drums, and Larry Williams on alto and tenor sax, and they jam with a couple of other musicians in a session produced by Ken Wild. More traditional jazz than Seawind's, this combo nonetheless romps with aplomb and authority on a dozen cuts, evoking images of smoke-filled jazz clubs and lounges. Dave is better known as a liner-note writer but proves to be an expressive showman; Ken, of course, is the prolific Seawinder who composed many of the cuts here, but not the one track that sums up the appeal of the disc: "'S Wonderful."
• The outlook: For jazz buffs, another quiet treat for those who savor the bluesy jazz.
• Our take: Great family effort, extending the Seawind legacy a skosh.

"'S Wonderful" by Dave Wild Trio/Quartet. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Reach Wayne Harada at e-mail wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.