Roy Ayers Ubiquity
He's Coming
Released on Polydor in 1972, this is Roy Ayers hitting his stride. The Ubiquity sound has clicked into place: jazz improvisation, funk underneath, soul harmony, spiritual weight, all of it pulling in the same direction. The vibraphonist leans hard into groove without losing the openness, soul-jazz tipping over into the jazz-funk that would carry him through the decade. The band is loaded - Harry Whitaker on electric piano, organ and voice; John Williams on bass with Ron Carter stepping in on "We…
Change Up The Groove
Dive into the vibrant soundscape of the 1970s with “Change Up the Groove”, a hidden gem from Roy Ayers Ubiquity's early years on Polygram. Often overlooked compared to his more famous records, this work overflows with soul and is a true masterclass in fusing jazz and funk, perfectly capturing Ayers' evolution as he connected his jazz roots with the sharp, driving rhythms of 1970s funk. From the very first track, Ayers' signature vibraphone shines brightly, bringing emotion and rhythm. The album …
Red Black & Green
This 1973 album captures Roy Ayers in the midst of a creative evolution toward a sound increasingly influenced by soul and funk, surrounded by accomplished collaborators such as keyboardist Harry Whitaker and Strata-East musicians Charles Tolliver and Sonny Fortune. The album includes outstanding versions of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Day Dreaming,’ along with original compositions such as ‘Cocoa Butter,’ ‘Rhythms of Your Mind,’ and the superb title track, ‘Red Black & Green.’
In the early 1970s, …