Bloodstone: The Underrated Architects of 70s Soul

Rediscovering Bloodstone, the 70s R&B collective shaping funk, and rock's intersection.

Rest in power to Charles McCormick, Charles Love, Willis Draffen, Roger Durham, Melvin Webb, Eddie Summers, and Ronald D. Bell.

There's a distinct pleasure in unearthing musical gems obscured by the sands of time. One such jewel is Bloodstone, an R&B ensemble whose imprint on the 70s soul remains palpable yet often overlooked. This American collective skillfully fused funk and rock nuances into their soulful harmony, delivering a distinctive sound that echoed sophistication and raw musical energy.

So, why does Bloodstone seem absent from the conversations of the all-time great 70s soul groups? Perhaps it's because their musical style was as beautifully complex as refreshingly unorthodox, dancing between genres while never losing sight of their soulful core. The resulting sound was soulful but with an undercurrent of something edgier, funkier – elements that didn't neatly fit into the commercially accepted soul mold of the era. Bloodstone wasn't your run-of-the-mill soul group.

Their hit single, "Natural High," demonstrates the group's nuanced approach to music-making. The soulful melody, backed by harmonies that still echo in the heart decades after their release, belied the delicate interweaving of funk's rhythmic vitality and rock's unrefined energy. The lyrics were a love letter delivered in a whisper, yet their execution had the intensity of a roar.

Similarly, "Outside Woman" embodied Bloodstone's ability to explore personal themes with a universal appeal. Much like their others, this track was a balanced exercise, a soothing yet provocative commentary on relationships and the human condition.

And then there was "My Little Lady." A ballad that deftly wove soulful harmonies with potent narratives, this track painted a portrait of affection that was at once deeply intimate and appealingly universal. The group's sophisticated vocals and a backdrop of layered instrumental compositions made this track – and many others in their catalog – a gem that sparkles even in the densest musical collections.

Although their contributions to soul, funk, and rock music may not be as widely celebrated as those of their contemporaries, Bloodstone's role in expanding and complicating the genre definitions of the era cannot be understated. Their legacy is one of defiant creativity, an unwavering dedication to a sound that transcended categorizations. In doing so, they created a sonic legacy that, while not always recognized, continues to ripple through contemporary music.

As we rediscover the musical landscape of the 70s, let's not forget to dust off the lesser-known artifacts of the era. Groups like Bloodstone, with their unique sound and groundbreaking approach to genre fusion, deserve a spot in our collective memory. Their exploration of soul, funk, and rock enriched the music of their time and redefined the boundaries of their own sounds.

This is Bloodstone – an ensemble that wasn't afraid to color outside the lines, a group whose music is as vital and complex as the bloodstone for which they were named. So, next time we delve into the 70s music, let’s not overlook this group's vital contribution to the sonic legacy of the decade.