Roy Ayers Ubiquity Throws Out A 'Lifeline' Again

Originally released on Polydor, Lifeline was among the most popular of the prolific vibraphonist-keyboardist-composer-vocalist Ayers' 20 albums for the label; the record is best known for containing one of the jazz-funk pioneer's most popular tracks and biggest singles, "Running Away," which peaked at No. 19 on the R&B chart and became a massive club hit with its irresistible disco-funk groove. Other compelling tracks on the set include the compulsively rhythmic "Cincinnati Growl," the euphoric, horn-laded "Sanctified Feeling," the lush ballad "Gotta Find a Lover," and the jubilant acid jazz closer "Together."

The LP found the well-traveled performer forging deeper into contemporary soul terrain; heavily influenced by the work of Marvin Gaye, he was abetted vocally by such gifted collaborators as label mate Edwin Birdsong (who co-produced the collection with Ayers and bassist William Allen) and Grammy-winning jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater.

After establishing himself as a full-time bandleader in 1971, Ayers fabricated upbeat dance grooves and silky balladry that became beloved by crate-digging DJs and had a pronounced impact on hip-hop and rap. As he noted accurately in a 2004 interview with Wax Poetics magazine, "Well, I have more sampled hits than anybody. I might not have more samples than James Brown, but I've had more sampled hits. Oh man, and there's a few I don't know about."

The languid groove of Ayers' 1976 track "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" has been sampled more than 100 times, by such R&B and rap heavies as Mary J. Blige, N.W.A., Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Mos Def, and Ice Cube. "Running Away" propelled A Tribe Called Quest's 1989 opus "Description of a Fool." Kendrick Lamar has name checked Ayers among his favorites. The vibist has collaborated in the studio with many rap notables, lending his distinctive talents to such albums as Guru's Jazzmatazz Vol. 1 and Tyler, the Creator's Cherry Bomb. Pharrell Williams cites Ayers as one of his musical heroes.

Ayers already had a decade of jazz experience behind him by the time he ascended to stardom in his own right. After debuting on record with hard bop tenor saxophonist Curtis Amy's group in 1962, he settled in for a five-year run with jazz flutist Herbie Mann's soulful band of the late '60s; he moved on to work with David "Fathead" Newman, the tenor mainstay of Ray Charles' great '60s orchestra. His own work made him a ubiquitous presence in black music.

At the age of 76, Ayers remains a vital force in music and continues to tour widely; this past weekend he performed at Summerstage in New York's Central Park alongside Fela Kuti's son, Seun Kuti, and Egypt 80 as part of a tribute to Fela, one of his many collaborators. Ayers is now headed to Europe where he will bring his universal music to France, Croatia, U.K, Norway and Finland. A coveted act for festivals, he will perform at the Joy Of Jazz Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa in September. In June, he appeared alongside such acts as Tom Petty, the Shins, Alabama Shakes, Charles Bradley, and William Bell at the eclectic Arroyo Seco Festival in Los Angeles.

'LIFELINE' TRACKLISTING

Side 1
1. This Side Of Sunshine
2. Running Away
3. Gotta Find A Lover
4. I Still Love You
5. Lifeline

Side 2
1. Cincinnati Growl
2. Fruit
3. Sanctified Feeling
4. Stranded In The Jungle
5. Together

SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises