Windjammer
The American soul group Windjammer was a New Orleans-based band active in the 1980s that was discovered and managed by Joe Jackson, the father and manager of The Jacksons. They are best known for their UK Top 20 hit, "Tossing and Turning".
The group formed in New Orleans, Louisiana. In a bold move in 1977, founding member Kevin McLin broke into a hotel and gave a demo tape to Tito Jackson while on an escalator. Two years later, Joe Jackson signed the band to his management company. Key members included Kevin McLin (guitar), Roy Paul Joseph (guitar), Chris Severin (bass), Darrell Winchester (drums), Carl Dennis (vocals), and Fred McCray (keyboards). After a successful debut single, "Stay", in the New Orleans area, Windjammer signed with MCA Records in 1982.
Their most successful song was "Tossing and Turning", from the Windjammer II album, which became a UK Top 20 hit in 1984. The song was later remixed and re-released in 1989. Windjammer's music is noted for its tight, bouncy groove, characteristic of 1980s soul music, often incorporating a nautical theme in their aesthetic.
The band was known for their nautical-themed branding and a "tight, bouncy groove". They released three studio albums under the MCA Records label: Windjammer (1982): Featured the debut single "Stay," which was a local hit in New Orleans before the band signed with MCA; Windjammer II (1984): Produced their most successful single, "Tossing and Turning," which became a UK Top 20 hit; Windjammer III (1985): Their final album for MCA, featuring tracks like "When You're In Love" and "Work Your Body".
The group maintained a lower profile following the release of their third album in the mid-1980s.
Windjammer II
Written-By – Angelle Trosclair, Michael Pellera
3:32
A2 Tossing And Turning
Written-By – Carl Dennis, Chris Severin
4:06
A3 Anxiously Waiting
Written-By – Carl Dennis, Kevin Hayes (5)
4:40
A4 Am I Right
Written-By – Carl Dennis, Chris Severin, David Torkanowsky
3:55
A5 Call Me Up
Written-By – Anatole Domino, Kevin McLin
4:16
B1 You're Out The Box
Written-By – Carl Dennis, Chris Severin, David Torkanowsky
4:05
B2 Sneak Attack
Written-By – Carl Dennis, Chris Severin, David Torkanowsky
3:30
B3 Stay, Part II
Written-By – Carl Dennis, Kevin McLin
3:07
B4 I'll Always Love You
Written-By – Carl Dennis, Kevin McLin
4:08
B5 Dive Inside My Love
Written-By – Chris Severin, David Torkanowsky
3:13
Label: MCA Records – MCA-39021
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Boogie, Electro
Windjammer II (1984) by Windjammer is an acclaimed, often overlooked album in the 80s mellow groove, funk, and soul scene, known for its mature, warm sound, smooth midtempo grooves, and jazzy undertones, featuring tracks like "Tossing & Turning" and "Live Without Your Love," offering a pleasant departure from typical 80s soul with sophisticated keyboards and vocals.
Genre/Style: Mellow Groove, Funk, Soul, Electro, Boogie, with jazz influences. Vibe: Warm, breezy, smooth, and mature, with a focus on midtempo rhythms. Production: Features lush keyboards and vocals, creating a sophisticated sound. Notable Tracks: "Tossing & Turning," "Anxiously Waiting," "Live Without Your Love," "Dive Inside My Love". Legacy: Considered a standout in the 80s mellow funk genre, offering a classic, deep-groove experience.
The album provides a solid alternative to more familiar 80s soul, staying cool without being over-the-top. It captures the essence of the era's smoother sounds, reminiscent of late 70s soul but with an 80s polish. It's a treasure for fans of mellow funk and soul, with some tracks considered "sublime".