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Roy Ayers – Virgo Vibes

Before Roy Ayers became the king of jazz-funk and the spiritual godfather of neo-soul, he was a quiet storm bubbling beneath the surface—a young vibraphonist with a cosmic touch and a clear vision. Virgo Vibes, released in 1967, was Ayers’ first major statement. And even now, nearly six decades later, it still sounds like an album ahead of its time.

 

There’s nothing tentative or unsure about Virgo Vibes. It’s confident, stylish, and deeply musical—an elegant mix of hard bop, soul-jazz, and a whisper of the psychedelia that would soon define the late ’60s.

 

Backed by an all-star lineup (including a mysterious 'Ronnie Clark'—actually Herbie Hancock recording under a pseudonym), Ayers lets his vibes ring clear and true. His playing is lyrical but never showy. He doesn’t need to overstate his case; he lets the tone, space, and swing do the talking.

 

Tracks like 'The Ringer' and the title tune 'Virgo Vibes' showcase Ayers' melodic sensibility, while pieces like 'Glow Flower' feel like quiet revelations. There’s warmth and groove, but also discipline—a sign of his Virgo nature, perhaps?

 

The interplay between musicians is intuitive, but the real magic is Ayers' ability to lead from the vibraphone without ever overwhelming the sound. The result? An album that feels both grounded and ethereal.

 

Roy Ayers – Virgo Vibes

Label: #AtlanticRecords – MOVLP678, #MusicOnVinyl – MOVLP678

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, 180 Gram

Country: Europe

Released: Jan 28, 2013

Genre: Jazz

Style: #SoulJazz, #HardBop

 

Bass – #BusterWilliams (tracks: B1, B2), #ReggieWorkman (tracks: A1 to A3)

Drums – #BrunoCarr (tracks: A1 to A3), #DonaldBailey (tracks: B1, B2)

Piano – #JackWilson (tracks: B1, B2), #RonnieClark (tracks: A1 to A3)

Tenor Saxophone – #HaroldLand (tracks: B1, B2), #JoeHenderson (tracks: A1 to A3)

Trumpet – #CharlesTolliver

Vibraphone [Vibrapharp] – #RoyAyers

Producer – #HerbieMann

 

#vinylcollection #musicrecordcurator #recordoftheday #recordcollection #vinylrecords #recordcollector #vinylgram #recordgram #instarecords #vinylculture #vinylcommunity #vinyladdict #NowSpinning #VinylLove

 

 

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Uploaded on August 10, 2025
Taken on August 10, 2025