Roy Ayers

• 2X LP GATEFOLD EDITION

Given that Roy Ayers really never left the spotlight, it would be inappropriate to call any sort of rediscovery or renaissance of his music a comeback. However, the resurgence of interest in the jazz musician's expansive and innovative catalog has prompted ears both new and old to give Ayers his long overdue credit as a soul-jazz pioneer.

This two-LP set features remixes from BBE's excellent Virgin Ubiquity, Vol. 2: Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981, and brings a veritable A-list who's who of soul/electronic/downtempo remixers to the plate. House gurus Kenny Dope and Osunlade offer up heavy sessions of tasteful grooves without overshadowing the genius of the original tracks.

King Britt also contributes a strong reinterpretation of "Kwajilori," while DJ Spinna and the Platinum Pied Pipers focus their remixes more toward the downtempo/hip-hop crowd. At two discs in length, normally a project of this size could be trimmed to a single disc for an excellent release.

PERSONNEL:

• Roy Ayers (vocals, electric piano, keyboards, vibraphone)
• William Allen (vocals, bass)
• Carla Vaughn, Merry Clayton, Sylvia Cox, Edwin Birdsong (vocals)
• Justo Almario (tenor saxophone)
• John Mosley (trumpet)
• Philip Woo (piano, keyboards)
• Bobby Lyle, Harry Whitaker (piano)
• Chuck Anthony (guitar)
• Nathaniel Phillips, Peter Brown (bass)
• Dennis Davis, Bernard Purdie, Steve Cobb, Bruce Carter (drums)
• Chano O'Ferral (congas)

Recorded between 1976 & 1981

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Boogie Down
• A2. What's The T?
• A3. I Really Love You

• SIDE B
• B1. Oh What A Lonely Feeling
• B2. .Sugar
• B3. Mystery Of Love

• SIDE C
• C1. Green And Gold
• C2. Brand New Feeling
• C3. I Did It In Seattle

• SIDE D
• D1. Mystic Voyage (Version)
• D2. I Just Wanna Give It Up
• D3. Together Forever
• D4. I Am Your Mind