Episode 3: Pheno's Lounge 17.3 - The Ubiquity Of Ayers

My Life, My Life, My Life.... In The Sunshine!With those 6 words an artist sealed his status in African -American Pop Culture. Roy Ayers was born in South Central LA on September 10th, 1940 and began his career as a post bop jazz artist, releasing several Jazz oriented studio albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped to pioneer Jazz Funk Fusion. Roy Ayers and his band incorporated all flavors in their music, soul, funk, latin and jazz as well as a strong sense of the Black Power Consciousness which was a key element in his music philosophy of Ubiquity (encompassing all things, omnipresence). Roy Ayers has been described as "The Godfather" of Neo Soul and one time he was listed among the performers whose music was most often sampled (and beloved) by rappers.I grew up in the 1970's and Roy Ayers Ubiquity was truly omnipresent in my household. You could not go to a gathering of any merit and not hear some Roy Ayers music on the stereo. His energy, his passion for love and joy was infectious. He also let you know it was important to develop your mind and to have an African Consciousness. Roy always emphasized the significance of The Motherland collaborating in many of his compositions and in the late 80's he collaborated with The "Godfather" of the Afro Beat, Fela Anikulapo. The last time I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live was a few years ago at the Keystone Korner in Baltimore, MD. The place was packed and the band brought the energy, but unfortunately Roy probably close to 80 years old at the time was only partially there, but when the band got the groove right the old spark came alive and Roy let his inner sun shine on us all. I will miss Roy but he left behind memories and a musical legacy that will be a part of my life, my life, my life...forever!Enjoy the mix,Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenixfeaturing:Show Us A Feeling (1975)You And Me My Love (1976)Brother Green (1975)Everybody Loves The Sunshine featuring Erykah Badu (2004)Mystic Voyage (1975)Simple And Sweet (1979)Running Away (1977)Get On Up, Get On Down (1978)Baby You Give Me A Feeling (1976)Reaching For The Highest Pleasure (previously unreleased)I Wanna Touch You Baby (1978)Hey Uh What You Say Come On (1976)Don't Stop The Feeling (1979)Take All The Time You Need (1975)Oh, What A Lonely Feeling featuring Merry Clayton (previously unreleased)No Stranger To Love / Want You (1979)Miles - Love's Silent Dawn (1975)Searching (1976)