What instrument, or group of instruments, played the signature riff on "Summer Breeze" by Seals & Crofts?

Answer 1

Jim & Stuart's answers are good. Almost! But, the 'signature sound' of 'Summer Breeze' is a CHILD'S PIANO! and THAT is what made that song so memorable and different. It took me weeks of listening to figure that out then. Listen to it! The live concert had the child's piano synthed in the keyboard.

Additionally: The group called 'The Champs' recorded the hit version of "Tequila!", of course. The interesting part is that Seals & Crofts were two members of the trio. Later, around the time of "Summer Breeze" they became members of the Baha'i faith and would record one album of romantic songs, then one album of spirit songs.
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Ok, I just heard the remix by Philip Steir. It's different with synth & elec. guitars.but does NOT have the kid's keyboard. Very nice, I didn't even know it had been remixed! The new recording they made of this on 'Traces' in '04 signatures a violin. (Listen to their new "Diamond Girl"!)
But still, listen to the original for that signature sound, especially on the 8th, 9th & 10th notes of that riff - you'll hear the sound 'dangling metallicly'! It's mo bettah, eh?

. . . and, my friends, what is the 'time' of the opening in "Castles In The Sand"?

Answer 2

I have the cd and unfortunately it doesn't tell you. Two months ago I saw Seals & Seals in concert. The group is Jim Seals and Dan Seals (England Dan).
They played "Summer Breeze" and I was amazed at how it sounded almost identical to the original. They used two acoustic guitars and two keyboards, one set on electric piano and the other on strings to get their sound. I was paying very close attention because that song is an all time favorite of mine. Jim Seals two sons are playing in the band, one on electric and one on bass. They have a cd due out soon.

Answer 3

Guitar and mandolin - in the studio version, they added a flute and a keyboard