The Blackbyrds - The Blackbyrds (Remastered) (2020) [Hi-Res]

The Blackbyrds is the debut album by the American rhythm and blues and jazz-funk fusion group The Blackbyrds. Produced by Larry Mizell and Donald Byrd with production supervision by Orrin Keepnews.

"The Blackbyrds were a jazz-funk group with thick R&B streaks running down their backs. Assembled by Donald Byrd in 1974, the group's original members -- percussionist Pericles "Perk" Jacobs, Jr., drummer Keith Killgo, keyboardist Kevin Toney, reeds player Allan Barnes, bassist Joe Hall, guitarist Barney Perry -- were mined from Howard University's music department, where the doctor and jazz legend was an instructor. (Other key players included guitarist Orville Saunders and saxophonist/flautist Steve Johnson.) During the Blackbyrds' nearly decade-long existence, the group cut a handful of LPs (1973's The Blackbyrds, 1974's Flying Start, 1975's City Life, 1976's Unfinished Business, 1977's Action, 1980's Better Days); scored films (1975's Cornbread, Earl and Me); and supported artists like B.B. King, Mandrill, and Roberta Flack. "Walking in Rhythm," "Rock Creek Park," and "Happy Music" are their three best-known cuts; they have remained underground club classics, and they have been kept alive, in part, through sampling. The group's catalog has been overhauled and reissued a number of times; multiple best-ofs have been released (Fantasy's Greatest Hits is the strongest and most thorough), and most of the group's full-length output has been put out on CD through two-fers. As far as outside activities were considered, Barney Perry released a solo album under the name Blair in 1978 (through his own Solar Sound imprint). The remaining members' involvements are far too extensive to list." (Andy Kellman, AMG)

Donald Byrd, trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals
The Blackbyrds, vocals
Kevin Toney, keyboards, melodica, synthesizer
Joe Hall, electric bass
Keith Killgo, drums
Allan Barnes, soprano & tenor saxophone
David Williams, bass
Oscar Brashear, trumpet, flugelhorn
Perk Jacobs, percussion
Ray Armando, percussion

Recorded October 1973 to March 1974 at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA
Produced by Larry Mizell, Donald Byrd

Digitally remastered