Happy Birthday Roy Ayers!

Happy 72nd birthday to Roy Ayers. There is some big time love going on here at Flea Market Funk for this man and I’d thought I would drop a little gem from him for his born day. I was introduced to Roy Ayers music through Hip Hop, and one of my all time favorite records (that I buy every time I see no fail), is Everybody Loves the Sunshine. The man has made so many good records and made such an impact on the music industry, it’s hard to go wrong with this guy’s releases (ok the Fresh Prince 12″ could have been skipped, but kudos for those guys for getting him on record first). He has gone on to work with Kanye and Talib Kweli and has kept it current, making his music classic for decades to come. These new jacks need to get on the Ayers tip. Big ups to Yeezy and Mr. Greene for paying the tribute. I prefer his 60’s Jazz and early 70’s R & B/Funk influenced stuff, and frequently spin a variety of his records when I play out. So from FMF, we salute Mr. Roy Ayers on his birthday with a track from the Coffy OST. I chose “Exotic Dance”, a side that doesn’t get too much shine. I can appreciate how the tune chugs along and Billy Nichols’ (ex-BT Express) guitar jumps in there while Richard Davis lays down a fat bass line. The horn section is choice and it’s Ayers arranging that lets Nichols drive it home with the guitar. I could have easily put up a popular tune, but figured that this side is as good as the others as a tribute. Keep on keepin’ on Roy.

Happy Birthday Roy!