rhythmandnews
  • Home
  • Rhythm And News Blog
  • Radio Shows

'uncle' roy's still got it!

1/12/2013

2 Comments

 
Picture
A few nights ago I had the utmost pleasure of celebrating a friend's birthday catching legendary jazz/funk master Roy Ayers perform  at the Jazz Cafe in London. This vibes playing maestro, best known for such 1970's dancefloor classics as 'Running Away' and soulful anthems as 'Everybody Loves TheSunshine', admirably proved there's life in the old dog yet. Now in his 70's he (along with his tight band) rocked the sold out audience with back to back jazzy, soulful, funky classics. All the soul boys and girls (young and old) jammed to their heart's content. One of the highlights of the evening was a blazing medley of 'Can't You See Me' into 'Running Away' into 'Evolution' which had the joint truly jumpin'!

I've been fortunate enough to have seen Roy live several times over the years since the late 70's and what has always struck me is on top of his obvious musical talent is his bright personality and sparkling sense of humour. Age has not diminished this quality in any way. During the show he explained to the crowd how during his career he's been through 10 passports (all with added pages, mind you) travelling around the world. He then preceded to display his current passport, describing some of the various countries he's visited. By the way, it was during this interlude he informed the London crowd that Britain had  his most consistant and loyal fans throughout his career, and he was eternally grateful for their support.

All of this made me think seeing Roy Ayers in concert right now is very similar to thinking of a favourite uncle who back in the day was hot stuff, proving that he's still got the moves, he's still got the groove, he can still deliver a great show. Another example of this man's unique wit comes to mind. A few years ago I saw Roy at another packed London show when he performed his ode to a great New York borough, 'We Live In Brooklyn, Baby'. However he really endeared himself to the audience by substituting the word Brooklyn for black Britain's cultural centre, Brixton. Oh yeah, "We Live In Brixton, Baby!" Roy Ayers continues to be a class act.

My night at the Jazz Cafe was topped off quite nicely with an after show meeting with the great man caught here in this Kodak moment. I'm in the middle, flanked by Roy on the left and my friend, whose birthday it was, on the left.

2 Comments
Carol Irving
1/11/2013 11:14:01 pm

Always love me some Roy Ayers!

Reply
DJ Marky J
1/12/2013 02:37:22 am

I thoroughly agree. A Class act!
And - you could have mentioned that Roy Ayres stayed behind on the stage and signed cd's, albums(remember those??) and took photos with virtually everyone that night.

It would be good if some of our younger soul acts would look and learn from a real 'Godfather of Soul'.

Mick Jagger used to look and learn from Little Richard.

Eric Clapton looked at BB King.

EVERYONE looked at James Brown!

Young guys, who you looking at????

Peace!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    EON IRVING

     DJ, Remixer, Producer, Writer
    Involved in the music business since the very late 70's Beginning work at Island Records. DJing since the early 80's both in London and abroad, including the US and Europe. Along the way performing at many high profile events for such luminaries as Prince, Public Enemy and Lennox Lewis.
    Aside from radio and club djing, remixing and production work in the recording studio has meant working with the likes of Loose Ends, Junior Giscombe, David Morales, Gwen Guthrie, Sly & Robbie, Maxie Priest and Madonna.
    An intense lifelong love of cinema has blossomed itself in several ways including presenting to the UK public for the very first time such films as 'Boyz In The Hood', 'House Party' and 'A Rage In Harlem'.
    My passion for music, cinema and all other interests manifests itself through my writing. I am also a Contributing Editor for the music and entertainment website magazine, DeeperThe Beats  www.deeperthebeats.com



    Archives

    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All
    Film
    Literature
    Music
    Theatre
    Trailer
    Tv
    Welcome

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.