Bloodstone

Bloodstone occupies a unique historical position as a self-contained R&B band that transitioned from a high school doo-wop group (The Sileets) to a pioneering force in the 1970s 'Black Rock' and funk movement. Formed in Kansas City and refined in Los Angeles, they were instrumental in bridging the gap between the vocal-group tradition of the 1960s and the instrumental sophistication of the 1970s.

Their sound identity is defined by high-register falsetto leads and dense, gospel-inflected harmonies supported by their own instrumental backing, which frequently featured psychedelic guitar work and heavy funk basslines. Their 1973 breakthrough 'Natural High' remains a cornerstone of the 'Sweet Soul' subgenre, yet their catalog reveals a broader experimentation with Latin rhythms and rock textures. Critically, they are respected for their versatility and for being one of the few groups of the era to maintain creative control over both their vocal arrangements and their instrumental production. They influenced the 'Brown-eyed Soul' scene and remain a staple for crate-diggers and hip-hop producers seeking lush, emotive samples.