The Blackbyrds - Walking In Rhythm: The Essential Selection 1973-1980 (2013)

Donald Byrd was one of the greatest and most successful practitioners of the fusion of soul and jazz. In 1973 he released Black Byrd on Blue Note and it became the label's first million-seller. Taking their name from that album, a group of Byrd's Howard University students formed The Blackbyrds in 1974, and within a year they had delivered a top 10 pop hit. Their albums were produced by Donald Byrd and Larry Mizell's Sky High Productions. Their music has continued to be rediscovered by new generations. They were a major influence on the 1990's Acid Jazz scene and many of their records have been sampled by a diverse array of artists including De La Soul, Gangstarr, Massive Attack and many more, including - most recently - Wiz Khalifa. Drawn from the Blackbyrds eight albums released by Fantasy Records, this specially priced, deluxe multi-CD set presents a complete retrospective of the band's career. Included are the classic hits "Do It Fluid", "Walking In Rhythm", "Flying High", "Happy Music", "Rock Creek Park", "Time Is Movin''", "Soft and Easy", "Supernatural Feeling", as well as key album cuts, rarities and extended dance floor mixes. This package also features many rarely seen photos and extended liner notes, including a newly-commissioned interview with original band members by A. Scott Galloway.