Roy Ayers: Silver Vibrations Vinyl LP

Silver Vibrations is a reimagining of the popular but rare Lots Of Love LP, issued in 1983 on Roy Ayers’ own Uno Melodic label. Released exclusively in the UK, Silver Vibrations includes four tracks from Lots Of Love with the addition of four brand new exclusive songs (and decidedly better artwork). With jazz-funk hysteria in full swing, young British dancers and DJs couldn’t get enough of Ayers’ catchy hooks, minor key chords, hard-hitting beats, synthesizer licks and sophisticated vibraphone lines; I can’t think of many other artists with decades of real life jazz experience who transitioned into making highly-functional disco records as seamlessly as Ayers. This is best reflected in a track like “Keep On Movin,” which despite its undeniable groove, contains plenty of advanced musical modulations and other jazz shit I don’t completely understand. The full 7+ minute version of “Chicago” (slicker and funkier than any song ever written about, or recorded in, the Windy City before or since) starts the record off with the bar set enormously high. Roy’s got love for Chocolate City too, slipping into something a little more comfortable for the grown & sexy “D.C. City” (Quasimoto sample). “Lots Of Love” is a smooth funky disco instrumental reminiscent of a classic Patrick Adams production, and “Silver Vibrations” starts off like some oddball new wave disco jam before Ayers’ grizzly voice and signature vibe licks tumble in after the opening bars. “Smiling With Our Eyes” is the token slow jam of the set, penned and sung by Ayers bassist and co-producer William Allen. High quality official import reissue, recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• original release year: 1983
• music label: Expansion 2025

reviewed by Isosceles Kramer 05/2019