Red Black & Green (2026 Reissue)

In the early 1970s, Roy Ayers formed his own band: Roy Ayers Ubiquity. Its lineup included artists well known to funk and soul fans such as Bernard Purdie, James Mason, and Edwin Birdsong.

 

This 1973 album presents Roy Ayers in the midst of a creative evolution toward a sound increasingly influenced by soul and funk, moving beyond the early phase of his musical career, which was more rooted in orthodox jazz.

 

On “Red Black & Green”, he teams up with highly accomplished collaborators such as keyboardist Harry Whitaker, arranger and producer William S. Fischer, and Strata-East musicians Charles Tolliver and Sonny Fortune. Here, however, the latter two do not venture into the spiritual jazz sounds so characteristic of their own recordings; instead, together they embrace a sophisticated funk groove where Ayers showcases his extraordinary vibraphone talent.

 

The album includes outstanding versions of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Day Dreaming,’ as well as original compositions such as ‘Cocoa Butter,’ ‘Rhythms of Your Mind,’ and the superb title track, ‘Red Black & Green.’

 

After years out of print, we are pleased to present this much-needed vinyl reissue of an essential album in Roy Ayers’ career. Pressed on 180g vinyl.

Side A

1. AIN'T NO SUNSHINE

2. HENCEFORTH

3. DAY DREAMING

Side B

1. RED BLACK & GREEN

2. COCOA BUTTER

3. RHYTHMS OF YOUR MIND

4. PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE