the albums are a departure from the group's earlier sound, with valenti taking over as lead singer and, under the pseudonym of jesse oris farrow, principal songwriter. the records sold relatively well and produced the group's one hit radio single, "fresh air." john cipollina and nicky hopkins departed soon after their experiences in hawaii. hopkins apparently left during the hawaii recording sessions, as founding paul butterfield blues band keyboardist mark naftalin takes his place for three cuts on "what about me".