The Blackbyrds

As synonymous with jazz-funk as any of their forebears or contemporaries, the Blackbyrds are master synthesists whose dance grooves and lush ballads are distinguished by their spirited rhythmic interplay, creative soloing, and uplifting group vocals. Conceived and closely assisted by trumpeter and educator Donald Byrd to provide some of his Howard University students with comprehensive experience in the music industry, the Blackbyrds debuted in 1974 and became exemplars of crossover jazz the next year with "Walking in Rhythm," a Top Ten hit on four Billboard charts, including ...