Roy Ayers
He’s been called “the godfather of acid jazz” and modern-day hiphoppers refer to him as “The Icon Man,” but before his R & B success in the 1970s vibraphonist Roy Ayers was renowned by his colleagues for his 1960s jazz performances. He played with West Coast stalwarts such as pianist Jack Wilson and saxophonist Curtis Amy and was also a member of Gerald Wilson’s illustrious big band; as a leader he made records with the likes of saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist Herbie Hancock, and trumpeter Charles Tolliver. We’ll hear selections from three of Ayers’ leader dates, as well as his sideman work with Amy and Wilson.
