Opa and The Blackbyrds: Coveted 1970s Jazz-Funk

Opa released only two albums before disbanding in the early 1980s. While neither of their albums found commercial success during their initial releases (despite the high-profile personalities involved), both titles gained underground followings over the following decades. The Blackbyrds' City Life celebrates its golden anniversary. "Happy Music," the dancefloor-ready title track and the group's heavily sampled signature hit, "Rock Creek Park" are the showpieces. The LP re-releases are a gift to DJs and samplers who have had to do serious crate-digging to find the original albums.

Goldenwings
Opa
Craft Recordings
Year: 2024

The Uruguayan trio Opa recorded Goldenwings for Milestone Records in 1976. It was their major label debut. Produced by Airto Moreira (with whom the band had previously recorded), it has all the hallmarks of 1970s Latin-jazz fusion. The title tune opens the album with a dramatic funk/fusion theme by Hugo Fattoruso and George Fattoruso featuring heavy Ringo Thielmann bass, layers of keyboard and percolating Moreira percussion. "Paper Butterflies (Muy lejos te vas)" introduces Spanish vocals in a gentle song with flute obligato from the legendary Brazilian musician Hermeto Pascoal. A dynamic keyboard break leads to a flute solo. "Totem" is a percussion-heavy track with a funky talk-box solo from guest guitarist David Amaro. "African Bird" features a swinging Latin feel, accompanied by chorus vocals and a dense percussion groove that builds to a powerful ending. Side B of the LP shifts to primarily instrumental tracks, but "Corre Niña" has a Latin groove combined with catchy vocals and a striking accordion break. "Pieces" is a short medley that begins with a lyrical electric piano introduction, followed by a majestic synthesizer theme. After the drums and bass enter, the piece transitions into a dance theme featuring a flute. It is the most typical fusion track on the album. "Groove" concludes the album with more funk (delivering on the promise of the title), including guitar and flute solos. The only thing missing from the whole period representation is a Flora Purim vocal. The LP reissue used lacquers cut from the original master tapes.

City Life
The Blackbyrds
Craft Recordings
Year: 2025

Jazz-funk fusion group The Blackbyrds was famously formed in a university class taught by jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, who produced their albums. They were a horn-driven funk band: the jazz colors were a minor part of their palette. City Life (recorded for Fantasy Records in 1975) was their third album. The music was remastered for the LP reissue, and the digital version includes five additional versions of three of the tracks. "Rock Creek Park" is a catchy funk tune about getting busy in the park after dark, co-written by the entire band: it was a hit at the time. It includes a prominent flute solo, probably played by Ernie Watts. The original LP was vague about players outside of the band. It did not credit any musicians individually, instead giving a general "very special thanks" to them. The track also features prominent vocals by Merry Clayton, which are clear, even if uncredited. "Thankful 'bout Yourself" is another funk tune, with a synthesizer solo that leads into a soprano saxophone solo, probably played by Gary Bartz. The title tune is super funky and gives the band's guitarist, Orville Saunders, plenty of space to solo. "All I Ask" is a ballad that puts a bright spotlight on session musician Tommy Morgan's virtuosic harmonica playing. "Happy Music" is the only Donald Byrd composition in the set—another hit single at the time—which features an uncredited Byrd echo-laden trumpet solo, as well as more striking Merry Clayton vocal embellishments. "Love So Fine" is a moderate-tempo pop tune, featuring a striking piano solo that may be by Patrice Rushen. "Hash and Eggs" (written by the production team of Fonce Mizell and Larry Mizell) returns to the funk, with another soprano saxophone solo (Gary Bartz?) and a Byrd trumpet solo. The five bonus tracks include rarities such 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."

Tracks and Personnel

Goldenwings

Tracks: Goldenwings; Paper Butterflies (Muy Lejos Te Vas); Totem; African Bird; Corre Niña; Pieces: Tombo / La Escuela / Tombo / The Last Goodbye; Groove.

Personnel: Hugo Fattoruso: keyboards, vocals; George Fattoroso: drums, vocals; Ringo Thielmann: bass, vocals: Hermeto Pascoal: flutes; David Amaro: guitars; Airto: congas, percussion.

City Life

Tracks: Rock Creek Park; Thankful 'bout Yourself; City Life; All I Ask; Happy Music; Love So Fine; Flying High; Hash and Eggs.

Personnel: Kevin Toney: keyboards; Stephen Johnson: saxophone, flute; Orville Saunders: guitar; Joe Hall: bass; Keith Killgo: drums.

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