Breakwater: The Pioneers of Philly Funk

Breakwater is an American funk and jazz-fusion band that emerged from Philadelphia in the 1970s. The group is celebrated for their intricate musicianship and the enduring cult classic "Release the Beast," a staple on the rare groove and funk scenes worldwide.

Early career

Breakwater formed in the musically fertile city of Philadelphia in 1976. The original lineup featured vocalist and guitarist Gene Robinson, bassist and vocalist James Gee Jones, keyboardist Vince Garnell, drummer Steve Green, and percussionist John "Bootsie" Bell, crafting a sophisticated sound that blended funk with jazz and rock elements.

Their tight live performances and technical prowess quickly earned them a local following. This led to a recording contract with the New York-based independent label Chocolate City Records, a subsidiary of Casablanca Records known for its roster of funk and soul acts.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1979 with their debut album, Splashdown. While the album did not achieve mainstream chart success, it became a foundational record for funk connoisseurs and DJs. Its lead single, "Release the Beast," became an underground sensation, defining their signature sound.

Key tracks

Release the Beast — This driving funk instrumental became the band's anthem, renowned for its complex bass line and explosive horn arrangements.

Say You Love Me Girl — A smooth, vocal-led track showcasing the band's versatility and their ability to craft soulful ballads alongside fiery funk.

No Limit — A high-energy jam highlighting the group's jazz-fusion influences and virtuosic soloing across keyboards and guitar.

Work It Out — Featured on their second album, this track exemplifies their polished, dance-floor ready sound from the early 1980s.

Breakwater released their second album, Digital Life, in 1980, further refining their production and incorporating more electronic elements. Despite critical respect and a dedicated fanbase, major commercial success remained elusive, and the group disbanded in the mid-1980s.

Their legacy, however, grew exponentially in the following decades. The relentless sampling of "Release the Beast" by hip-hop producers and its inclusion on countless funk compilations introduced Breakwater to new generations. This led to a reunion in the 2000s, with the band performing at festivals and enjoying a well-deserved rediscovery.

Similar artists from the same era and style include Pieces Of A Dream, another Philadelphia-based group that expertly merged jazz and funk. The Gap Band shares a similar commitment to tight, rhythmic funk and powerful horn sections. Parliament parallels Breakwater's theatrical and musically complex approach to the funk genre. One Way also crafted a blend of funk and soul with a focus on danceable grooves and slick production.

Today, Breakwater's music maintains a strong presence on radio stations dedicated to classic funk, rare groove, and soul. Their tracks are frequently featured on specialty shows and independent music radio stations that celebrate the depth of 1970s and 80s black music.

You can hear the pioneering funk sound of Breakwater on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their influential catalog, including the essential "Release the Beast," through the dedicated online radio streams available on onairium.com.