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Formed in Macon, Georgia in 1976, Sea Level was a Southern Rock and jazz band comprised of former members of the Allman Brothers Band. Founded by keyboardist Chuck Leavell, bassist Lamar Williams, and drummer Jaimoe (Jai Johanny Johanson), the original lineup also featured guitarist Jimmy Nails. Sea Level – their name was a pun on their keyboardist’s name, C. Leavell - signed to the Capricorn Records label and released their self-titled debut album in 1977. By the time they released their second album, Cats on the Coast (1977), the group had expanded their lineup to include multi-instrumentalist Randall Bramblett, guitarist Davis Causey, and second drummer/percussionist George Weaver. Sea Level scored their first chart hit with “That’s Your Secret,” which reached Number 50 in 1977. Before heading into the studio to record their next album, Jaimoe and George Weaver left the group and were replaced by former Paul McCartney & Wings drummer Joe English. Their third album, On the Edge, was released in 1978, and the group recorded their fourth album, Long Walk on a Short Pier, which was scheduled for a 1979 release. However, the album remained unreleased for two decades. Sea Level added percussionist Matt Greeley to the lineup and released the album Ball Room in 1980 before breaking up the following year. Chuck Leavell went on to accompany Eric Clapton before becoming a long-term keyboardist for the Rolling Stones. Lamar Williams died of lung cancer on January 21, 1983, at the age of 34. Jimmy Nails suffered from Parkinson's disease and died on June 22, 2017. On February 19, 2023, guitarist Davis Causey died at the age of 74.
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