The Blackbyrds are an American soul and jazz-funk fusion group from Washington DC, inspired by their mentor and trumpetor Donald Byrd. They signed to the Fantasy label in 1973, and released seven original albums and one remixes compilation between 1974 and 1980. Members include drummer Keith Kilgo (who reformed the group in 2012) and keyboard player Kevin Toney. This is the first 7" issue of "Reggins", an instrumental jazz funk masterpiece written and produced by the legendary Larry Mizell, producer of artists including Donald Byrd, Bobbi Humphrey and Johnny Hammond during their 70s heyday. The equally desirable "Blackbyrds' Thme" on a 7" is produced by Donald Byrd.

SALES POINTS:
- REGGINS Written and Produced by LARRY MIZELL, First Time on 7"
- BLACKBYRDS THEME, Produced by DONALD BYRD More

From Portland, Oregon, Pleasure blended soul, funk and jazz into a highly charged blend of black music. Lead singer Sherman Davis is joined by Marlon McClain (guitar, later playing with Jeff Lorber and still active today); Bruce Carter (drums, also session player with Wayne Henderson's At home Productions, noitably for Ronnie Laws); Donald Hepburn (keyboards), Nathaniel Phillips (bass); Bruce Smith (percussion); Dennis Springer (saxophone); Dan Brewster (trombone); the rhythm section integral to Side Effect with their take on "Always There". Both "We Have So much and "Joyous" extremely hard to find on 7", a power house soul track combined with their much sampled signature jam irresistible here. "Joyous" sampled by Daft Punk, LL Cool J, Janet Jackson, Public Enemy to name a few.

SALES POINTS:
- Both tracks much in demand again on 7"
- "Joyous" sampled over 35 times. More

The Blackbyrds are an American soul and jazz-funk fusion group from Washington DC, inspired by their mentor and trumpeter Donald Byrd. They signed to the Fantasy label in 1973, and released seven original albums and one remixes compilation between 1974 and 1980. Members include drummer Keith Kilgo (who reformed the group in 2012) and keyboard player Kevin Toney. Both "Rock Creek Park" and "Gut Level" are among their most classic recordings, signature tracks which still resonate with UK and international audiences today. "Rock Creek Park" was written by the group and produced by Donald Byrd; "Gut Level" was composed by trombonist Lincoln Ross of The Three Pieces and produced by the legendary Larry Mizell. More

Jerry Bell, brother to Philly legend Archie Bell, has recorded, toured and performed as vocalist with New Birth, the Dazz Band and in his own right as a solo artist since the 1980s. His 1981 album "Winter Love Affair" contains the classic track "Tell Me You'll Stay", never previously been issued as a 7" single until now. The song is written and produced by Michael Wycoff (who gave us "Looking Up To You") and his an uplifting soulful dancer adopted by the rare groove scene. More

Rance Allen, from Monroe Michigan, with older brother Tom on drums and younger brother Steve on bass recorded their first record and won a talent contest in Detroit and were subsequently signed to Stax's Gospel Truth label in 1971. After four albums Rance signed to Capitol and made his most highly acclaimed album "Say My Friend". In 1980 The Rance Allen Group were with Stax Records where they worked on an album with Detroit artist/producer, Expansion artist, and current member of The Four Tops, Ronnie McNeir. Neither of the songs on this songs have previously been available on 7" 45. Both are taken from the album "I Feel Like Going On". More