Customer Reviews

City Life/Unfinished Business

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was out before my time, but DANG! It is jamin, i am sure my parents was stepin to this cd. Funky, and the mellow is tight! A must have!

I waited with anticipation for my cd to arrive.I'm the ''Old School'' type,who usually only spends money on music I grew up with.The Blackbyrds, who were sponsered by Donald Byrd early in their music career was that jazzy/funk flava kind of group.The hits on this disc represents their style change from the 70's to the 80's.City Life is more jazzy/funk and Unfinished Business is more dance/funk.Check out Lady and Enter In two of my favorites.YA CAN'T GO WRONG ON THIS ONE!

My personal ratings are as follows:

1. Album - City Life: Five stars

The album "City Life" is an outstanding album that I can play over and over again. It just had R&B/Dance covered before anyone! The young men were just talented - give credit where credit is due!

2. Album - Unfinished Business: Three stars

The album "Unfinished Business" in my humble opinion, is "okay." Understand me, after an album like "City Life," can anyone honestly tell me that they could top it?

Overall, a worthy collection of tunes by the Blackbyrds. Four stars!

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

Two Great Albums For The Price Of One.Fantastic.as is The Genius Mind OF Donald Byrd&Crew.Hash&Eggs is The Jam.Happy Music Speaks Loudly here.Very Essential Music.Soul,Jazz&Funk that is All Of That&More.

Blackbyrds i love the both of these albums. i lost them in a flood now so many years later i can bring that music back yes thank you amazon

The tight and masterful musicianship of the Blackbyrds makes for a truly fascinating listen. The rich melodies and sophisticated rhythms are compelling, calling even the lamest squares like me to the dancefloor! You'll find that their artistry has stood the greatest test of all, for this music is timeless.