Breakwater
Breakwater was an influential soul-funk band from Philadelphia, active primarily from 1971 to 1980. They gained recognition for their sophisticated blend of funk, R&B, soul, and jazz elements, bolstered by tight musicianship and vibrant horn sections.
The group formed in 1971 when original members met at school in Philadelphia. Key lineup included Kae Williams Jr. (keyboards, d. 2008), Gene Robinson (lead vocals, trumpet), James Gee Jones (drums), Linc "Love" or "Zay" Gilmore (guitar), Steve Green (bass), Vince Garnell or Dutton (woodwinds/sax), Greg Scott (woodwinds/sax, vocals), and John "Dutch" Braddock (percussion).
Breakwater signed with Arista Records and released a self-titled debut album in 1978, followed by Splashdown in 1980. The latter is often hailed as a funk masterpiece, featuring the track "Release the Beast," later sampled by Daft Punk in "Robot Rock" (2005).
They built a strong local following as a live act before disbanding around 1980, with some members like Kae Williams Jr. pursuing production work for acts such as B.B. & Q. Band and Curtis Hairston. The band reunited around 2010 and remains active.
Breakwater
Written-By – K. Williams, Jr.
5:46
A2 You Know I Love You
Written-By – Greg Scott
4:41
A3 Unnecessary Business
Written-By – G. Robinson, Greg Scott, K. Williams, Jr.
5:46
A4 No Limit
Written-By – Len Ron Hanks, Zane Grey
4:17
B1 That's Not What We Came Here For
Written-By – D. Bugatti, F. Musker
3:41
B2 Feel Your Way
Written-By – K. Williams, Jr.
4:32
B3 Do It Till The Fluid Gets Hot
Written-By – G. Robinson, Jr., G. Scott, J. Braddock, K. Williams, Jr., L. Gilmore, S. Green, V. Garnell
4:18
B4 Free Yourself
Written-By – K. Williams, Jr.
3:56
Label: Arista – AB 4208
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: SEventies Soul, Funk
The 1978 self-titled debut album by the Philadelphia-based band Breakwater is widely regarded as a classic of the jazz-funk and soul era. Released on Arista Records, the album is praised for its "flawless production" and a sound that blends upbeat rhythms with sharp instrumentation, particularly the prominent use of Moog synthesizers.
Reviewers describe the album as a perfect fusion of jazz, funk, and smooth soul. It is frequently characterized by "lush, sensual, and rhythmic" descriptors.
Critics have noted the band's exceptional musicianship, with tight horn sections and grooves that hold up alongside heavyweights like the Bar-Kays and Earth, Wind & Fire.
The album maintains high community ratings, including a 4.5/5 on Discogs and a 3.42/5 on Rate Your Music.
Key Tracks:-
"Work It Out": Often cited as the album's standout "club classic," this track is praised for its uplifting and "calypsoesque" funk energy.
"You Know I Love You": A "sublime" and "ultra-soulful" ballad featuring a notable saxophone solo by Greg Scott.
"No Limit": A favorite among R&B fans, known for being a "tight and brassy" production by the duo Grey and Hanks.
"Release the Beast": While a highlight of this era, it gained a second life in modern culture after being sampled for Daft Punk’s hit "Robot Rock".
For a long time, this was a "lost classic" with high-priced vinyl original pressings. Modern listeners can find it through digital remasters and CD reissues, such as those from the label Get On Down, which often come in mini-LP cardboard sleeves.