{"title":"Roy Ayers Ubiquity","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"tear-to-a-smile-mystic-voyage-everybody-loves-the-sunshine-vibrations-lifeline","title":"Tear to a Smile \/ Mystic Voyage \/ Everybody Loves the Sunshine \/ Vibrations \/ Lifeline","description":"\u003cp\u003eFive classic \u003cstrong\u003eRoy Ayers Ubiquity\u003c\/strong\u003e albums in a 3 CD Digipack. Including \u003cem\u003eA Tear To A Smile\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMystic Voyage\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eEverybody Loves The Sunshine\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eVibrations\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLifeline\u003c\/em\u003e. Full of Roy Ayers classics plus three bonus tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis retrospective spotlights a prolific purple patch in Ayers’ career, focusing on the mid-to-late 1970s when he took the vibraphone into the pop mainstream via a series of commercially successful albums for Polydor Records. Roy’s Band, which had previously been known as the Roy Ayers Quartet - a name that Ayers thought was too “square” and described as “a drag” - morphed into a much larger ensemble called Roy Ayers Ubiquity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAyers said: “At that time, in 1970 when I joined Polydor, my manager said ‘Roy, you should name the group Ubiquity.’ I said what does that mean? ‘Ubiquity means a state of being everywhere at the same time.’ I said, ‘That’s fate because if everyone has one of my albums I will be everywhere.’ I thought it was great so I started using that name.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKey Tracks on this package are ‘\u003cem\u003eRunning Away\u003c\/em\u003e’ which is not only featured as the album version, but also as an the 12” extended mix bonus track, ‘\u003cem\u003eEvolution\u003c\/em\u003e’, ‘\u003cem\u003eHe, Uh What You Say Come On\u003c\/em\u003e’, ‘\u003cem\u003eThe Third Eye\u003c\/em\u003e’, ‘\u003cem\u003eTongue Power\u003c\/em\u003e’, ‘\u003cem\u003eDomelo (Give It To Me)\u003c\/em\u003e’, ‘\u003cem\u003eSearching\u003c\/em\u003e’ and ‘\u003cem\u003eThe Golden Rod\u003c\/em\u003e’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe package includes fabulous sleeve notes by Charles Waring (MOJO, Record Collector and uDiscover Music).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Robinsongs","offers":[{"title":"3CD","offer_id":50475738267979,"sku":"2224720","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Screenshot_2024-09-27_at_14.08.08_b910128d_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1727450030"},{"product_id":"everybody-loves-the-sunshine","title":"Everybody Loves The Sunshine","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn Everybody Loves the Sunshine (1976), Roy Ayers seamlessly blends genres, creating a timeless sound that continues to influence musicians and DJs around the world. He makes the vibraphone the central instrument, a jazz-funk approach hat defines his unique style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, the album has remained an essential reference in Roy Ayers' discography and in the history of 70s Black music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummertime soul classic!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vampisoul","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51624961474891,"sku":"R8053-4271","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":53041271767371,"sku":"R8053-8139","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/image006_43e2d6e3-a62c-42df-bed3-527aa4ee13d4.jpg?v=1744377620"},{"product_id":"change-up-the-groove","title":"Change Up the Groove","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn essential Roy Ayers album blending soulful jazz roots with crisp 1970s funk. Originally released in 1974. Featuring Ayers' signature vibes, tight arrangements, and standout tracks like ‘The Boogie Back’ (sampled by the likes of NWA, 2Pac, De La Soul…) and ‘Change Up the Groove,’ this LP is a must-have for any fan of jazz-funk and vintage grooves.    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStep into the vibrant soundscape of the 1970s with \u003cem\u003eChange Up the Groove\u003c\/em\u003e, a hidden gem from Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s early Polygram years. Often overlooked in favour of Ayers’ bigger hits, this soulful album is a masterclass in jazz-funk fusion, capturing the essence of Ayers’ evolving style as he bridged the gap between his jazz roots and the rhythmic snap of the '70s funk revolution.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the very first track, Ayers’ signature vibes take center stage, shimmering with emotion and groove. The album leans heavily into instrumental richness, with standout contributions from jazz greats like the legendary Bernard Purdie on drums. Strings weave in and out subtly, enhancing Ayers’ already deep and textured arrangements.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighlights include the undeniable funk of ‘The Boogie Back’, a breakbeat favorite for crate-diggers and DJs (sampled by the likes of NWA, 2Pac, De La Soul…), and a lush, electrified rendition of ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’ that glows with mellow soul. The title track ‘Change Up the Groove’ delivers the kind of tightly arranged, emotionally charged funk that defined the era.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eChange Up the Groove\u003c\/em\u003e isn’t just an album - it’s a snapshot of Roy Ayers’ artistic evolution, full of rhythm, heart, and timeless groove. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his legacy, this record is essential listening.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vampisoul","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53085523116363,"sku":"R5830-6816","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/image006_f5d6ac63-b5cf-49e3-853a-60dba92d803c.jpg?v=1754054724"},{"product_id":"live-at-the-montreaux-jazz-festival","title":"Live At The Montreaux Jazz Festival","description":"\u003cp\u003eA legendary live album originally released only in Japan in 1972. No holding back, no calculated moves — a stripped‑down Roy Ayers dives straight into the very essence of groove. Vibraphonist Roy Ayers has captivated audiences worldwide, and while his catalog is filled with indisputable classics, \u003cem\u003eLive At The Montreux Jazz Festival\u003c\/em\u003e stands apart for both its musical substance and its rarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis album has long been revered for several reasons: it is one of the earliest releases under the Ubiquity name, one of Ayers’ few documented live recordings, and a title that was pressed exclusively for the Japanese market. These elements combined have elevated the album to truly legendary status. The fever charged “Daddy Bug”, the cool, psychedelic take on “In A Silent Way”, the fiercely grooving “Move To Groove” featuring vocals by Harry Whitaker, and the dynamically shifting “A Cup Of Tea” all showcase the band at peak intensity. The sharp edged performances capture Roy Ayers at a moment of creative ascent, foreshadowing the golden era of Roy Ayers Ubiquity that was soon to follow. This is, without question, a live recording fuelled by pure exhilaration.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Universal Japan","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":56473784025419,"sku":"R7982-5917","price":52.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_4b4a54ae-332e-43ef-826f-4d99258e0b48.jpg?v=1770367309"},{"product_id":"red-black-and-green","title":"Red Black and Green","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003eIn the early 1970s, Roy Ayers formed his own band: Roy Ayers Ubiquity. Its lineup included artists well known to funk and soul fans such as Bernard Purdie, James Mason, and Edwin Birdsong.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003eThis 1973 album presents Roy Ayers in the midst of a creative evolution toward a sound increasingly influenced by soul and funk, moving beyond the early phase of his musical career, which was more rooted in orthodox jazz.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003eOn\u003cem\u003e Red Black and Green\u003c\/em\u003e, he teams up with highly accomplished collaborators such as keyboardist Harry Whitaker, arranger and producer William S. Fischer, and Strata-East musicians Charles Tolliver and Sonny Fortune. Here, however, the latter two do not venture into the spiritual jazz sounds so characteristic of their own recordings; instead, together they embrace a sophisticated funk groove where Ayers showcases his extraordinary vibraphone talent.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003eThe album includes outstanding versions of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Day Dreaming,’ as well as original compositions such as ‘Cocoa Butter,’ ‘Rhythms of Your Mind,’ and the superb title track, ‘Red Black and Green.’\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementToProof\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vampisoul","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":56788443955531,"sku":"R4949-5977","price":33.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/image_dcc79231-727e-4617-8ea7-93bc9e07e00a.jpg?v=1773405777"},{"product_id":"vibrations-2","title":"Vibrations","description":"\u003cp\u003eStep into the golden era of soul-jazz with the long-awaited vinyl reissue of Vibrations by Roy Ayers Ubiquity — a record that captures the unmistakable warmth, groove, and sophistication that defined Roy Ayers’ sound at its peak.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOriginally released in 1976, \u003cem\u003eVibrations\u003c\/em\u003e stands as a cornerstone in Ayers’ catalog, marking a moment where his signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul reached a refined, deeply cohesive form. Building on the foundations laid in earlier works, this album presents a tighter, more focused musical vision without sacrificing the lush textures and emotional depth that made his music resonate worldwide.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eRoy Ayers was a pioneering vibraphonist, composer, and producer whose influence stretches far beyond jazz into R\u0026amp;B, neo-soul, and hip-hop. Often referred to as the “Godfather of Neo Soul,” Ayers crafted a sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking, pairing silky vocals with hypnotic grooves and rich instrumental arrangements. His work throughout the 1970s helped shape the sonic DNA of modern Black music, and “Vibrations” is one of its purest expressions.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe album flows effortlessly between moods: from the jazz-inflected elegance of ‘Searching’ to the irresistible funk pulse of ‘The Memory,’ the dancefloor-ready ‘One Sweet Love to Remember,’ and the laid-back, atmospheric title track ‘Vibrations.’ Each track showcases a masterful balance between musicianship and groove, brought to life by a stellar ensemble of collaborators who elevate every moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its original impact, \u003cem\u003eVibrations\u003c\/em\u003e has taken on a second life through hip-hop. Its grooves, breaks, and melodies have been extensively sampled by generations of producers and artists, becoming a foundational source for crate diggers and beatmakers alike. Tracks from the album have been reinterpreted and flipped by influential names such as A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, Dr. Dre, and Common, cementing its legacy as a vital bridge between 1970s soul-jazz and contemporary hip-hop culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter almost two decades out of print, Vampisoul are pleased to present this much-needed vinyl reissue of an essential album in Roy Ayers’ career. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning to a beloved classic, this album remains an essential piece of musical history. Pressed on 180g vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vampisoul","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57056029868363,"sku":"R4454-0179","price":33.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Outlook-4olp24zm.png?v=1776441648"},{"product_id":"hes-coming-verve-vault-series","title":"He's Coming (Verve Vault Series)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eReleased on Polydor in 1972, \u003cem\u003eHe\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es Coming\u003c\/em\u003e captures vibraphonist Roy Ayers at a creative apex, as Ubiquity\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es sound settled into the blend of jazz improvisation, funk rhythm, soul harmony, and spiritual import that would define his work throughout the decade. The album reflects Ayers\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es deepening move toward a groove-centered musical language rooted in soul-jazz and early jazz-funk. Ayers is supported by a core ensemble that includes Harry Whitaker on electric piano, organ, and vocals; John Williams on bass, with Ron Carter featured on \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eWe Live in Brooklyn, Baby\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e”; \u003c\/span\u003eDavid Lee Jr. and Billy Cobham on drums and percussion; guitarists Sam Brown and Bob Fusco; saxophonist Sonny Fortune; and percussionist Juma Santos. Tracks like \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eHe\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es a Superstar,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” “\u003c\/span\u003eSweet Butterfly of Love,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eand \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eFire Weaver,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eembody the record\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es mix of urban narrative, spiritual reflection, and deep rhythmic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Verve","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57312135741771,"sku":"R1949-4577","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_04543e92-adcf-42b6-b2e1-7ecbc9f59791.jpg?v=1778763362"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/roy-ayers-ubiquity.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}