After the departure of the Allman Brothers Band, Chuck Leavell, Lamar Williams and Jai Johanny Johanson, the fusion group Sea Level was formed by guitarist Jimmy Nalls. In 1977, the Capricorn label released its debut album, “Sea Level”. The group’s unique blend of rock, blues and jazz was honed through constant touring. In 1978, they returned to the studio to record 1978’s Cats on the Coast. Later that year, On the Edge was released. Jaimoe also returned to the Allmans in 1977. Sea Level then recorded two more albums, 1979’s Long Walk on the Short Pier and 1980’s Ball Room, before dissolving. Later, Leavell was a highly sought-after session player, producer and tour manager, as well as touring with the Rolling Stones. In 1998, he released his first solo album, What’s inside That Bag? Williams, who was suffering from Agent Orange-related cancer, died on January 25, 1983.
