Search - Blackbyrds :: City Life/Unfinished Business

A motherload of funky goodness!!!!!!!!!!!

Campbell Roark | from under the floorboards and through the woods.. | 01/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know much about jazz but I know what I like! This comp is worth it for the 'City Life,' half, alone!!! That is one sick, brilliant, fooonkeee album. You can tell just by the plethora of of greats who have sampled it. 'Rock Creek Park,' alone (track one) has been hit up by De La Soul (for Ghetto Thang), Eric B & Rakim, Ice Cube, Massive Attack, Odb and Coolio, 2Pac, NWA and Ultramagnetic MCs- among others. Most of Donald Byrd's solo albums and the early Blackbyrds releases are simply fantastic experiences! further reccommended (oh so highly!) is the dual set 'Blackbyrds/Flying Start,' both albums are also treasure troves of soulful ecstasy. I could kiss whoever started putting these things out, basically as twofers... the LPs aren't so easy to come by, specially where I reside... Now- I admit my bias- I like Blackbyrds' material better than much of Mr. Byrds solo albums, but 'Places and Spaces,' 'Black Jack,'Stepping into Tomorrow are some personal faves. Byrd tends to keep himself rooted on those, which is a good thing."

70's funk soul and 2 for 1

Edward D. Turner | United States | 01/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"City Life alone is worth the price of the cd and to add Unfinished Business is a bonus."

Blackbyrds are the epitome of '70's jazz infused funk

Edward D. Turner | 01/31/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"City Life is the ultimate funky collection of Howard University music students under the tutelage the great Donald Byrd. The title tune is a social commentary that speaks to today's urban ills. A Love So Fine is a classic love song and Hash & Eggs is an ode to a time honored breakfast favorite at Dea's Deli for generations of Howard students. If you're into 70's soul,jazz and funk, check out CITY LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"