Black Ivory
Black Ivory is an influential American R&B group formed in Harlem, New York, in 1969. The trio originally consisted of members Leroy Burgess, Stuart Bascombe, and Russell Patterson, who were all teenagers at the time of formation. They are celebrated for their soul music contributions, particularly during the early 1970s, when they gained significant popularity.
The group was discovered by producer Patrick Adams, which led to their early recordings. Black Ivory quickly made a name for themselves in the soul genre, focusing primarily on ballads that showcased their vocal harmonies and emotive delivery. Their sound combined elements of classic soul and R&B, contributing to the richness of the 1970s music scene.
Black Ivory released their first two albums on Today Records in 1971 and 1972, which included notable tracks like "Don't Turn Around," "You and I," and "I'll Find A Way," among others. These hits helped solidify their position in the soul music sphere. In 1975, they transitioned to Buddah Records where they continued to produce music, releasing three additional albums during that period.
Over the years, Black Ivory has been recognized for their contribution to the R&B and soul genres. Notably, Russell Patterson remains active in performing, making Black Ivory one of the rare soul groups from that era still active in the music scene today. Their influence can be seen in contemporary artists who draw inspiration from the classic soul sound that Black Ivory helped popularize.
While the group has undergone various changes in membership and activity levels, Black Ivory's legacy continues to resonate in the music industry. Their work remains a vital part of the history of soul music, echoing the rich traditions of their Harlem roots.
In summary, Black Ivory stands as a significant soul trio that not only shaped the musical landscape of their time but also continues to inspire future generations of artists.
Black Ivory
Written-By – Leroy Burgess, Russell Patterson
4:56
A2 White Wind
Written-By – Leroy Burgess, Stuart Bascombe
5:10
A3 Making Love In My Mind
Written-By – Bobby Flax, Lennie Lambert
2:18
A4 Mandy
Written-By – Richard Kerr, Scott English
A5 Could This Be Magic
Written-By – H.Johnson, Richard Blandon
4:10
B1 Walking Downtown (Saturday Night)
Written-By – Jorge Barreiro
8:20
B2 Longer Ride
Written-By – Leroy Burgess, Stuart Bascombe
3:37
B3 You Mean Everything To Me
Written-By – Graham Layden
4:08
B4 Can't You See
Written-By – Leroy Burgess, Stuart Bascombe
3:01
Label: Buddah Records – BDS 5658
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Don't Turn Around
Written-By – Patrick Adams
3:30
A2 Surrender
Written-By – Black Ivory, Patrick Adams
2:30
A3 I'll Find A Way
Written-By – Black Ivory, Patrick Adams
3:22
A4 I Keep Asking You Questions
Written-By – Black Ivory, Patrick Adams
3:06
A5 She Said That She's Leaving
Written-By – Patrick Adams
2:45
A6 If I Could Be A Mirror
Written-By – Leroy Burgess
2:35
B1 You And I
Written-By – Leroy Burgess, Stuart Bascombe
7:21
B2 Our Future
Written-By – Patrick Adams, Terry Philips
3:05
B3 Find The One Who Loves You
Written-By – Black Ivory, Patrick Adams
2:55
B4 Got To Be There
Written-By – E. Willensky
4:12
Label: Today Records – TLP-1005
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Feel It
A2 Your Eyes Say Goodbye 4:31
A3 You're What's Been Missing From My Life 2:59
A4 Daily News (Vocal) 4:46
A5 All In A Day's Love 2:43
B1 Feel It 3:20
B2mWarm Inside 3:32
B3mLove, Won't You Stay (Eugene Lemon) 3:05
B4 Daily News (Instrumental) 3:11
Written-By – Leroy Burgess (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B4), Michael Gately (tracks: A1, A3, A5, B1), Robert John (tracks: A1, A3, A5, B1), Russell Patterson (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B4), Stuart Bascombe (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B4)
Label: Buddah Records – BDS 5644
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Feel It is the third album by American soul/R&B vocal group Black Ivory. The album is noted for marking a transition in the group's style, blending their signature warm, emotional soul sound with the emerging East Coast club soul style.
The album was produced by Robert John, with rhythms arranged by Leroy Burgess and strings/horns arranged by Patrick Adams.
While the group was known for being "heavy on ballads" in earlier works, this album successfully integrated a more danceable club sound.
Feel It is considered an overlooked gem that represents a stylistic evolution for the group, moving from their earlier ballad-heavy approach to a more soulful and danceable style.
AllMusic critic Andrew Hamilton described the album as "good or better than the previous two," noting the strength of its ballads like "Will We Ever Come Together".