The Blackbyrds were a ground-breaking jazz/fusion group who produced seven albums on Fantasy Records from 1973-1980. Their eponymous debut album is arguably their most raw and funky release.
The group was formed in 1973 in Washington DC by Jazz legend Donald Byrd. Byrd was teaching at Howard University and selected six promising pupils to record an album. With the help of production genius Larry Mizell, they cut this album at Fantasy's studios.
The album is famous for it's fusion of complex and melodic horn lines with straight ahead funk rhythms - finding a solid balance between jazz and funk. It's also great sample material (The Beastie Boys shout out the Blackbyrds on their song Do It)! Songs to check out include Do It Fluid, Runaway and Life Styles.Vinyl ripped @ 320 kbps
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