Out May 30th, the iconic 1975 jazz-funk album features classics like “Happy Music” and “Rock Creek Park”
Los Angeles, CA (March 25, 2025)—Craft Recordings and Jazz Dispensary are thrilled to announce the upcoming reissue of City Life, the chart-topping 1975 fusion masterpiece from The Blackbyrds. This special 50th anniversary edition, arriving on May 30th, will bring fans a remastered vinyl release as part of the Top Shelf series, along with a deluxe digital edition packed with bonus tracks.
The vinyl reissue, mastered all-analog by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, comes pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl at RTI. Housed in a gatefold tip-on jacket, this release brings the timeless grooves of The Blackbyrds back to life. Additionally, the deluxe digital edition will feature five bonus tracks, including rare gems like a previously unreleased extended cut of “All I Ask,” the disco mix of “Happy People,” and the 12-inch version of “Rock Creek Park.”
In celebration of the album’s legacy, Jazz Dispensary is also releasing a brand-new official Blackbyrds T-shirt, designed by the acclaimed Madalyn Stefanak, inspired by the iconic Rock Creek Park music video. The exclusive shirt will be available at the Craft Recordings store.
City Life features some of The Blackbyrds’ most unforgettable tracks, including the fan-favorite “Happy Music,” the soulful title track, and the legendary “Rock Creek Park,” which has been sampled extensively by artists such as De La Soul, Nas, and Massive Attack. The album quickly became a fan favorite, topping the Billboard Top Jazz LPs chart and landing on the Billboard 200.
Keith Killgo, founding member of The Blackbyrds, reflects: “Recording City Life was a truly exciting and fulfilling experience. It’s humbling to see this record continue to resonate with fans. I’m grateful for everyone who helped bring this 50th anniversary reissue to life.”
Track Listings:
Vinyl (LP):
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Side A: “Rock Creek Park,” “Thankful ‘Bout Yourself,” “City Life,” “All I Ask”
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Side B: “Happy Music,” “Love So Fine,” “Flying High,” “Hash And Eggs”
Deluxe Digital Edition:
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“Rock Creek Park,” “Thankful ‘Bout Yourself,” “City Life,” “All I Ask,” “Happy Music,” “Love So Fine,” “Flying High,” “Hash And Eggs”
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Bonus Tracks: “Happy Music” (Single Version), “Happy Music” (Disco Mix), “Rock Creek Park” (Single Version), “Rock Creek Park” (12-Inch Version), “All I Ask” (Long Version)*
*Previously unreleased
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