Roy Ayers – Stylus on 05/12/2013

Roy Ayers is a name which should need no introduction. As one of the pioneers of jazz-funk, whilst also being hugely influential in everything from hip-hop to house to funk and soul, his is a name that every household with a passion for music should know. If it’s a name you don’t recognise, it’s still likely you have heard his music, most notably the hugely successful and frequently sampled song; ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’. As well as being renowned for his huge influence in the industry, Ayers is also known as one of the lead vibraphonist players in the history of the instrument. Although resembling the xylophone in appearance, the vibraphone has a distinct resounding force that is integral to jazz music. While being known principally for his solo work or through his being extensively sampled, Ayers has collaborated with a series of artists. One of the most noteworthy of these is the Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, whilst in recent years his foray into house music meant collaborations with both Masters at Work and Kerri Chandler. With such a range of genres and wealth of experience to draw upon, his appearance at Stylus is sure to be diverse and exhilarating, one not to be missed.

Sean Bisset