The Blackbyrds – City Life – Fantasy Records (1975)/Craft Recordings CR00846 [5/30/2025] Jazz Dispensary Top Shelf Series 180-gram stereo vinyl, 37:05 ****1/2:
(Kevin Toney – keyboards; Stephen Johnson – saxophone, flute; Orville Saunders – guitar; Joe Hall – bass; Keith Killgo – drums; Wade Marcus – horn arrangements; Patrice Rushen – vocals; Merry Clayton – vocals plus many others)
By the late 1960’s, jazz was becoming electrified. With artists like Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea pursuing a blend of jazz and rock (which already included r & b, blues and other genres), the rhythmic groove-sustained arrangements featured improvisation and repetition to create a different type of aural landscape that was amenable to a wider audience. Bands that included Weather Report, Return To Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jan Hammer and Billy Cobham established a path for the changing aesthetics of jazz and r & b. One of these groups, The Blackbyrds was comprised of trumpeter Donald Byrd’s students in Washington D.C. In addition to their success in the development of fusion, they influenced hip hop and were frequently sampled.
Craft Recordings has released a 180-gram vinyl of the seminal 1975 album, City Life (produced by Byrd). Side 1 opens with the festive hook-driven single “Rock Creek Card”. Anchored by tight bass, drums and synthesizers, there is a party-like atmosphere with a repeat one-line vocal, framed by a lyrical flute. The chorus is pure fusion with chord changes and returns to the basic arrangement. This band is not afraid to explore different genres. “Thankful ‘bout Yourself” kicks off with a refreshing country and western-tinged intro. Then the funk dynamics take over with a fluid synthesizer, hard-rocking tempo and unison vocals. The rhythm section is relentless and there are jazzy transitions, syncopated tempos and unison vocal accompaniment. The title track (another single) establishes a dense soundscape with jagged guitar and horns permeating the jam. Crisp instrumental accents and soulful vocals blend seamlessly. In a rare change of pace, “All I Ask” is laid-back, almost contemporary with a winsome harmonica lead backed by strings. It exudes a cinematic resonance and an electric piano solo helps to develop the smoother, vibrant sound.
There is a joyful message on City Life. “Happy Music” has a funky rhtyhm guitar with shrill accents immersed in a horn/electric piano/bass/drum tapestry. As with all of the cuts, the vocals are supporting (with a glowing harmonious introduction). It is a blend of soulful funk and muscular rock with emotional singing. Reprising the slower template (“Love So Fine”), there is a more subdued ballad approach which isn’t as compelling. Picking up the pace, “Flying High” is ebullient with horn shading, blended vocals and an overall gossamer texture aided by flute. A certain highlight is the finale, “Hash And Eggs”. The band regains its gritty essence. A robust saxophone is backed by a cohesive ensemble. The instrumental gravitas dominates the arrangement.
Kudos to Craft Recordings for re-introducing an influential fusion/funk album. This audiophile vinyl was cut from the original master tapes (Kevin Gray/Cohearant Audio). The sound is balanced with excellent stereo separation. Hi-gloss gatefold packaging and a protected album sleeve make this a valuable addition to any vinyl collection.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie
The Blackbyrds – City Life
TrackList:
Side 1: Rock Creek Park; Thankful ‘bout Yourself; City Life; All I Ask
Side 2: Happy Music; Love So Fine; Flying High; Hash And Eggs.
