Flying Start (album) explained

Flying Start
Type:	Studio album
Artist:	The Blackbyrds
Cover:	Flying start cover.jpg
Released:	November 1974
Recorded:	August to October 1974
Studio:	Sound Factory (Hollywood)
Genre:	Soul, Jazz Funk, Jazz Fusion
Length:	38:30
Label:	Fantasy
Producer:	Donald Byrd
Prev Title:	The Blackbyrds
Prev Year:	1974
Next Title:	City Life
Next Year:	1975

Flying Start is the second album by the American rhythm and blues and jazz-funk fusion group The Blackbyrds. Produced by Donald Byrd, the album includes the top ten hit single, "Walking in Rhythm".

Track listing

Credits taken from original LP liner notes.

Personnel

The Blackbyrds

Allan Barnes – Vocals on "Blackbyrds' Theme" and "Walking in Rhythm", Flute, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Kevin Toney – Vocals on "Blackbyrds' Theme" and "Walking in Rhythm", Acoustic and Electric Piano, Clavinet, ARP Synthesizer
Barney Perry – Vocals on "Blackbyrds' Theme" and "Walking in Rhythm", Guitar
Joe Hall – Vocals on "Blackbyrds' Theme" and "Walking in Rhythm", Bass
Keith Killgo – Lead Vocals on "I Need You", Vocals on "Blackbyrds' Theme" and "Walking in Rhythm", Drums
Perk Jacobs – Vocals on "Blackbyrds' Theme" and "Walking in Rhythm", Percussion

Additional Personnel

Bobby Bryant – Trumpet
Oscar Brashear – Trumpet
Alexander Thomas – Trombone
George Bohanon – Trombone
Jackie Kelso – Baritone Saxophone
Ernie Watts – Tenor Saxophone on "I Need You"
Sigidi – Vocals on "Blackbyrds' Theme" and "Walking in Rhythm"
Bruce Fisher – Vocals on "Walking in Rhythm"
Keith Barbour – Lead Vocals on "April Showers"

Charts

Album

Year	Chart	Position
1975	U.S. Album Chart	30
1975	Top R&B/Black Albums	5
1975	Jazz Albums	2

Single

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1975	"Walking in Rhythm"	Billboard Hot 100	6
1975	"Walking in Rhythm"	Hot Soul Singles	4
1975	"Walking in Rhythm"	Easy Listening	5