Funky basslines and soulful vocals never go out of style. This fact is especially lucky for The California Playboys, a collective from the early 1970s who are getting a new shot at stardom. In 1976, the San Francisco based group, who is best known as providing backup for R&B singer, Lester Young, released their first and only album, Trying to Become A Millionaire. Forty years later, Manufactured Recordings is reissuing that album in an effort to introduce their luscious sound to a whole new generation of fans.
Trying to Become A Millionaire features six tantalizing tracks, dripping with disco, Latin and soul influence. From the playful piano and cunning bass of the album’s title song to the crooning vocals on “Double Love,” The California Playboys bring a timeless sound that resonates with fans of classic artists like Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and The Temptations, as well as today’s most avid music lovers.
Not too long ago, it cost upwards of $1,000 to buy one of The California Playboy’s extremely rare vinyls that were left over from their initial 1976 run. Now, you can experience that enticing collection on CD when it is officially re-released on March 18th. Pre-order the album HERE!
“Trying to Become A Millionaire”
“Just Say A Four Letter Word (Love)”