Blackjack (Remastered 2015)

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  1967

  James

  Byrd merges jazz improvisation with funk rhythms and polished production in a way that proved enormously influential. “Flight Time” and the title track lock into grooves designed as much for movement as contemplation. Larry Mizell’s arrangements bring synthesizers, electric bass, and layered rhythm into jazz without draining the music of personality. Purists criticized the album at the time, but its accessibility was part of its innovation. The record helped shape jazz-funk, fusion, and eventually hip-hop sampling culture. Its smoothness hides a surprising amount of musical sophistication.