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Roy Ayers Live in London (27 Nov) Roy Ayers Live in London (27 Nov)
Roy Ayers Live in London (27 Nov)

Also fondly known as “The Godfather of Neo-Soul” is simply a giant in the jazz fusion world. Having been instrumental in the inception of both the acid jazz and jazz funk movements, his significance is well known today both in his own compositions (with hits including “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” and “Searchin”) and in rap music, having been sampled more than any other artist ever.

 

His induction to the vibraphone came at the tender age of five when he was presented with a pair of mallets by the legendary Lionel Hampton but it wasn’t till he was 17 that he got his first set of vibes.

 

Roy made his recording debut with Curtis Amy, a highly regarded saxophonist, with whom he recorded “Way Down” and “Tippin on Through”.

 

In 1970, Ayers formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, marking his move into jazz fusion. Ubiquity released a number of records on Polydor Records, including the massive hits ‘We Live in Brooklyn’ and ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine.’ One of the many hits he had throughout a very fruitful ‘80s.

 

As hip hop took  hold in the 90’s, Roy began to work with notable hip hop artists of the day, including the likes of Mos Def, Puff Daddy, and Mary J. Blige. Ayers cemented his position when he appeared on Gang Starr rapper Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1, one of the first albums to combine a live jazz band with hip hop production, in 1993.

 

His tunes have been sampled more than any other jazz fusion artist. Ayers continues perform and record prolifically to this day. It is truly an honour and a pleasure to welcome him back to the Jazz Café.

27 Nov, Roy Ayers, Jazz Cafe, NW1 7PG, 8-11pm, £25 For tickets and details http://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/roy-ayers

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