Roy Ayers – 5 of the best

0 Posted by - 19th August 2017 - 5 Of The Best, Features & Reviews, Top Picks by G-Kush

The first in an occasional series pulling out 5 tracks from an influential artist. This time it’s the original master of neo-soul, Roy Ayers, who’s just played a spell binding show in Liverpool. He’s in the country for a few more shows, including the Moovin festival in Stockport, here are a few of his classic cuts.

Life Is Just A Moment (parts 1 & 2) (1975)

A true sentiment, and a magnificent 2 parter from the 1975 Mystic Voyage  album by Roy Ayers Ubiquity, (also sampled by the Jungle Brothers) :

We Live in Brooklyn (1972) 

The influence Roy Ayers had on Hip-Hop is too big to calculate, never more clear on this track, from the 1972 He’s Coming album. The imprint for so many beats, most notably by Mos Def, and for the drum n bass heads, Bill Riley, check out the original head nodder:

 

Coffy Is The Colour (1973) 

Roy Ayers provided the soundtrack for Pam Grier’s breakout film Coffy, the title track is an absolute belter:

 

Running Away (1977) 

He opened the Liverpool show with this funky monster, which first appeared on the Lifeline album. The track was also sampled by A Tribe Called Quest, have a listen to the 12″ version in its full glory:

 

Red Black & Green (1973) 

The title track of the 1973 Roy Ayers Ubiquity album of the same name, with a groove that doesn’t quit:

 

Always room for one more – The title says 5, but it would be remiss not to include the Roy Ayers signature tune, Everybody Loves The Sunshine (1976), from the album of the same name. It’s a track he’s still more than happy to play live, a beautiful version was the second song in the Liverpool show, (check out some great video from the excellent people over at Getintothis). Another track that’s been sampled by multiple artists, we’d point you in the direction of the Funkdoobiest, it goes without saying that the original just keeps on giving:

https://youtu.be/ZjFL2kHDb2Y

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