Roy Ayers arrived at his Tiny Desk performance beaming with positivity.
The 77-year-old funk icon and vibraphonist sauntered through the office
with a Cheshire grin on his face, sharing jokes with anyone within
earshot. Accompanying him was a trio of brilliantly seasoned musicians —
keyboardist Mark Adams, bassist Trevor Allen and drummer Christopher De
Carmine. Later during the performance, pride washed across Ayers' face
as his bandmates took the spotlight. (Be sure to watch as Adams woos not
just the room but brightens Ayers' face during his solo.)
The set began with one of Ayers' more recognizable hits: an extended
version of "Searching," a song that embodies the eternal quest for peace
and love. During "Black Family" (from his 1983 album Lots Of Love),
you'll hear him call out "Fela" throughout. That's because Afrobeat
legend Fela Kuti was a huge influence on Ayers in the late 1970s; the
two eventually collaborated on an album, 1980's Music Of Many Colors.
"Black Family" is, in part, a tribute to Fela, even if the original
version didn't include his name.
Concluding this mini-concert, Ayers closed the set out with his
signature tune, "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", a feel-good ode if there
ever was one. The essence of this song flowed right through him and out
to the NPR audience.
SET LIST
"Searching"
"Black Family"
"Everybody Loves The Sunshine"
MUSICIANS
Roy Ayers, Mark Adams (keyboards), Trevor Allen (bass), Christopher De
Carmine (drums)
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