BBE save us from the hell of Discogs prices once again with the first ever reissue of vibes and jazz-funk legend Roy Ayer’s 1983 album ‘Silver Vibrations’. Cut on heavyweight vinyl and with the original artwork (new sleeve notes written by Sean P), the album retains that lush and full organic sound that Ayers championed in the late 70s before the 80s ‘shine’ took over. This is the music that Dr Dre absorbed as a young DJ, the production is big, warm and spacious with a tough punch inside a soft glove.

Released in the UK only on Ayers’ own Uno Melodic Records, the album contains tracks from the US album 'Lots Of Love' also released in 1983 but ‘Silver Vibrations’ hosts four exclusive tracks plus extended cuts of three songs with one of the highlights being the evergreen ‘Chicago’, a spooky boogie tempo tune that’s never stopped bumping on knowing dancefloors round the globe.

‘Good, Good Music’ is a pure roller-skating jam, a proper dirty slap bass party-driver, reminiscent more of a late 70s ‘block party’ than a smooth 80s groove. This will still do damage in most places.

‘Lots Of Love’ is cheesy Roy. Loungey disco strings, alto sax, slap (again), but really takes off with Ayers’ abstract vibes playing in the middle section…I wouldn’t necessarily play this one out but could imagine finding myself giggling on a beach to it.

Though also carbon-dated in that late 70s disco vibe, ‘Keep On Movin’ has a compelling simplicity and irresistible groove that is pure house music. The production is top notch, check those claps!

Title track ‘Silver Vibrations’ heads into the 80s with a low slung rhythm, sparse chords, scratchy synths and smooth vocal refrains, setting the jazz-funk agenda for the coming years.

‘Smiling With Our Eyes’ is jazz in Stevie Wonder world, a yearning lead vocal, gently swinging but with restless chords punctuated by funky, syncopated female counter-voices. Quite lovely.

‘D.C.City’ can’t be compared to anyone else, this is the essence of the man. Roy Ayers as we imagine him, a song of unity, a deep mid-tempo groove, an acknowledged sibling of ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’. Listen to the keys and rhythm section on this then check Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ and there it is. Sublime and worth the record alone.

Released end of March 2019 on the mighty BBE Records!

PRE-ORDER HERE! https://www.bbemusic.com/downloads/silver-vibrations/