Album Notes

The Best of Windjammer is an anthology of the group's recordings from its period of peak popularity during the 80s. As pioneers of Caribbean-pop flavored music, Windjammer mixed traditional calypso and steel drums with electric instruments and rock rhythms in a style that has now become standard for many groups. While performing as house band at the Ocean Deck in Daytona from 1982-89, Windjammer's sound and recordings-mostly on cassette back then-reached tens of thousands of people from all over the US. This collection contains most of the material from their three 80s releases, Goin' Down to the Beach, Jammin' and Groovin', and Reggae in the U.S.A. These original recordings have been remastered and presented on CD here for the first time. Highlights include the Daytona anthem "Goin' Down to the Beach (to get naked and all f**ked up)"; the group's cover of the reggae tune "Smoke Two Joints" (which pre-dated Sublime's cover by ten years), and the Bonefish rap over "Red Red Wine." This is a great collection and a must have for any long-time reggae fan. The CD includes 15 songs and liner notes with a brief history and rare photos.

This past summer Windjammer celebrated 23 years of continuous musical activities. Their live shows still include some club dates as well as many outdoor festivals and events. Over the years Windjammer's personnel has changed, but the current line-up of Lawrence "Laree" App (bass, lead vocals and the only original member), Peet Winders (lead guitar, vocals), and Eric Mason (drums and vocals) have been together for over nine years now--longer than any of the other WJ groups. Additionally, the fourth member, Joe Yorio (saxophone, EWI, vocals) joined the fellas this year. Their style has evolved to a more world-fusion sound including rhythms of South America and Africa along with the traditional Caribbean vibe. There's also a lot more jazz and funk influence with the use of horns in the band. Look for other recent recordings by the band including their newest, Acculturation.