Minus the Jazzier Side of Life this week, The Hurst Selection has a retro feel this time round, as we dust down and present, twenty five classics from the 70’s and 80’s. Before we tell you about this though, let’s mention first, this week’s 4 from: The Blackbyrds. With tracks covering a six year period, it’s easy to see why these guys still have such a loyal following. From their Donald Byrd inspired/produced earlier recordings, to their latter-day 80’s grooves, we take a moment to consider just how good The Blackbyrds are.

At the business end of proceedings, the other music ain’t bad either. It’s really a whose who in soul, funk and boogie as we get underway with tracks from Leroy Hutson, Leon Ware and Rose Royce. With floor-fillers from Dayton, Whatnauts and Brainstorm following, I think you’re already getting the picture. The sadly missed Phyllis Hyman and Rick James provide wonderful memories courtesy of ‘You Know How to Love Me’ and ‘You Turn Me On’, respectively. Teddy Pendergrass, and Cameo then up the pace before we take in some classic soul from Marvin Gaye, Eugene Record, Herbie Hancock, Kleeer and SOLAR’s Collage. The forever Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King, Mystic ‘Freddie Jackson’ Merlin and Tom ‘Funkin’ for Jamaica’ Browne offer up the next three gems before we finish off at pace: Con Funk Shun with the magnificent ‘Got To Be Enough’: Tavares, with their, better than the original, classic, ‘I’m Back for More’ and finally: Patrice Rushen with ‘Haven’t You Heard’ from the classic album ‘Pizzazz’.

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We will always endevour to create an affiliate link to the original album , whether you are buying a CD or downloading. However, if a digital copy does not exist from the original source we will look for an alternative which uses the full length original version i.e. from a ‘Best of…’ or compilation.