Review: Formed by Howard University students and inspired by their legendary tutor, Donald Byrd, the Blackbyrds were one of the most phenomenally successful r&b and jazz-funk bands of the 70s and early 80s and have since become of one of the most-sampled groups of all time. Their catalogue is full of genuine sonic gold - as this handy 'best of' emphatically proves. Highlights come thick and fast, from the smooth breeziness of 'Rock Creek Park', soaring soulfulness of 'Flying High', and dancefloor shuffle of 'Happy Music', to the sun-soaked excellence of 'Do It Fluid', the slow-motion sensuality of 'Love Don't Strike Twice', and the languid, hip-shaking funkiness of 'The Runaway'.
… Read more