West Coast Vibes [Bonus Tracks]

Performer: Roy Ayers
Producer: Leonard Feather; Jerry Roche (Reissue)
Distributor: Infinity Entertainment Gr

Notes: Personnel: Roy Ayers (vibraphone); Curtis Amy (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Vi Redd (alto saxophone); Carmell Jones (trumpet); Jack Wilson, Russ Freeman (piano); Richie Goldberg, Tony Bazley, Kenny Dennis (drums). Audio Remasterer: Mantis Evar. Liner Note Author: Scott Yanow . Recording information: Los Angeles, CA (05/21/1962-07/??/1963). While working in Los Angeles in support of pianist Jack Wilson, Roy Ayers befriended the respected jazz critic and producer Leonard Feather, a relationship that ultimately yielded the vibist's first recording contract; Ayers' rare debut session, West Coast Vibes, remains the purest musical expression of his long career, with none of the commercial overtures of his landmark fusion efforts for Polydor. For listeners more familiar with latter-day jazz-funk efforts like He's Coming or Everybody Loves the Sunshine, the warm, contoured tones of Ayers' vibes will come as a revelation. Then as now, his approach to percussion is completely unique, and it's fascinating to hear him operate in such conventional jazz contexts minus the gimmickry of later dates. Most impressive are the LP's collaborations with saxophonist Curtis Amy, whose soulful, kinetic contributions beautifully complement Ayers' leads. ~ Jason Ankeny While working in Los Angeles in support of pianist Jack Wilson, Roy Ayers befriended the respected jazz critic and producer Leonard Feather, a relationship that ultimately yielded the vibist's first recording contract. Ayers' rare debut session, West Coast Vibes, remains the purest musical expression of his long career, with none of the commercial overtures of his landmark fusion efforts for Polydor. For listeners more familiar with latter-day jazz-funk efforts like He's Coming or Everybody Loves the Sunshine, the warm, contoured tones of Ayers' vibes will come as a revelation. Then as now, his approach to percussion is completely unique, and it's fascinating to hear him operate in such conventional jazz contexts minus the gimmickry of later dates. Most impressive are Ayers' collaborations with saxophonist Curtis Amy, whose soulful, kinetic contributions beautifully complement Ayers' leads. [This edition contains bonus tracks.] ~ Jason Ankeny

Though Roy Ayers was originally a pianist, his career took off after he picked up the vibraphone in the 1960s. With his group Ubiquity--which featured heavyweights such as Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter--Ayers made some of the finest jazz/funk fusion records of the 1970s. He worked with Afrobeat godfather Fela Kuti in the early '80s and later collaborated with Guru for the first installment of the rapper's JAZZMATAZZ series. His unique style has had a tremendous influence on numerous genres from hip-hop and disco to acid jazz and funk.

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