The Best Of Roy Ayers Review

07/13/2005 4:36 AM, AMG


This greatest-hits title was the first of its kind upon its release in 1979. During that time, Roy Ayers was one of the leading acts on Polydor Records and solidified his R&B/disco success with "Running Away," included here. The dichotomy between Ayers as a jazz act and an R&B/jazz quiet storm presence is all but kicked off by this album. The emphasis is on the earlier work. The definitive early-'70s songs "Red Black and Green" and "We Live in Brooklyn Baby" both retain their snap and visceral charm. The profound and enjoyable "Take All the Time You Need" all but merges the two different styles, but isn't included here. Other great tracks aren't here as well, and that's the problem. While this does go the extra mile to include "Gotta Find a Lover" and "You Send Me," other songs -- including "Kiss" and "Is It Too Late to Try" -- could have easily made the cut as well. Given the artist and inventive sequencing, The Best of Roy Ayers: Love Fantasy is indeed interesting. The slant toward the earlier work, however, makes this less than ideal or accurate. ~ Jason Elias, All Music Guide