THE BLACKBYRDS' FUNK-FUSION CLASSIC CITY LIFE GETS A 50TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE

A good groove never goes out of style. We’re honored to unveil the newest release in our Top Shelf series: 1975’s City Life, from the legendary jazz-funk ensemble, The Blackbyrds. Arriving May 30th, the chart-topping album features classics like the effervescent “Happy Music,” and the group’s heavily sampled signature hit, “Rock Creek Park.” In celebration of the album’s golden anniversary, this reissue returns City Life to vinyl in style, with all-analog mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI, and a gatefold tip-on jacket.

Additionally, a deluxe digital edition of City Life will be available across streaming platforms on May 30th, featuring five bonus tracks, including such rarities as a disco mix of “Happy People,” a 12-inch version of “Rock Creek Park,” and a previously-unreleased extended cut of “All I Ask.” In conjunction with the release, we’re excited to release a brand-new official Blackbyrds T-shirt illustrated by acclaimed artist Madalyn Stefanak, inspired by the band’s iconic “Rock Creek Park” music video, available exclusively on our store alongside other merch bundles.

The story of The Blackbyrds begins with the celebrated trumpet player and vocalist, Donald Byrd (1932–2013). Rising to prominence during the hard bop era, Byrd played alongside a who’s who of jazz legends, including John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, and Herbie Hancock. By the turn of the ‘70s, however, Byrd found himself at the forefront of the fusion movement. Working with pioneering producers Larry and Fonce Mizell (better known as the Mizell Brothers), Byrd scored a string of hit records, beginning with 1973’s Black Byrd.

That same year, while serving as a professor at Howard University’s music department, Byrd encouraged several of his students to form their own group, in what was meant to be a real-world lesson in the music industry. Inspired by the title of their professor’s hugely popular debut, the fusion ensemble—including vocalist/drummer Keith Killgo, keyboardist Kevin Toney, and bass guitarist Joe Hall—called themselves The Blackbyrds. Before long, the group signed to Fantasy Records and released a pair of bestselling albums (both produced by Byrd) in 1974: The Blackbyrds and Flying Start.

Within a year, The Blackbyrds were soaring with their first Top 10 single on Billboard’s Hot 100, “Walking in Rhythm” (off Flying Start), and a growing fanbase that was grooving to their soulful blend of R&B, funk, and jazz. The group, which now included guitarist Orville Saunders and saxophonist Stephen Johnson, returned to the studio with their mentor, primed to record the biggest record of their career. Joining them were such esteemed guests as saxophonists Gary Bartz and Ernie Watts, vocalist Patrice Rushen, trombonist George Bohanon, harmonica player Tommy Morgan, and singer Merry Clayton (known best for her work in the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter”), who lent her magic to “Rock Creek Park.”

Released in November 1975, City Life features an array of musical shades—from the pop-forward “Happy Music” and the balladry of “Love So Fine,” to the funky soul of the Mizell-brothers-penned “Hash and Eggs” and the smooth-as-silk “Flying High.” Throughout, the musicians’ unity as an ensemble is undeniable—particularly as they jam through selections like “Thankful ‘Bout Yourself” and “City Life.” The true standout track on the album, however, is “Rock Creek Park.” Praised by AllMusic as “One of the pinnacles of ’70s jazz-funk,” the bouncy track remains a signature hit for The Blackbyrds, while it has been sampled over the decades by dozens of artists—from trip-hop pioneers like Massive Attack (“Blue Lines”) to such legendary names in rap and hip-hop as De La Soul (“The Art of Getting Jumped”), Nas (“Get Down”), NWA (“Quiet on Tha Set”), and Eric B. & Rakim (“The R”).

City Life, meanwhile, quickly became The Blackbyrds’ best-selling album; topping Billboard’s Top Jazz LPs chart, peaking at No.3 on the Soul chart, and landing at No.16 on the Billboard 200—all thanks in large part to its dancefloor-friendly singles. “Happy Music,” for one, was a Top 20 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 and broke the Disco and Soul Top Ten. “Rock Creek Park” and “Flying High” also found success on the Hot 100 and Soul charts, while “City Life” was a Top 5 Disco hit.

Over the years, City Life has continued to be a favorite of crate-diggers and fusion aficionados alike, with the BBC calling it “A joyously funky record,” adding “Unlike certain groups of a similar ilk, you never feel that anyone here is trying to steal another’s limelight. The woozy, floating vibe throughout thrives on a precise mixture of taut rhythm and soulful jamming.” AllMusic hails, “Few groups were better in their chosen style. . . . This is often-sublime stuff ripe for rediscovery by fans of ’70s funk, soul, and fusion.”

Founding member Keith Killgo, who continues to lead the long-running band, says: “As I reflect on this incredible event, I can only thank the many people who made this possible. I also thank the families who helped to sustain us through this difficult period in life. Thusly, City Life vividly captures all of these moments. I remember these recording sessions as if they took place yesterday. Recording at the Sound Factory in Los Angeles was an exciting and fulfilling experience. And now here we are 50 years later reliving these unforgettable moments. I am humbled by those who saw it justice to re-release one of our most trend-setting recordings to date. I thank you!”

Click here to pre-order or pre-save City Life.

Track Listing (Vinyl):

Side A