Daddy Bug & Friends

Roy Ayers’ second and final album for Atlantic features an incredible lineup of supporting talent. Aided by producer Herbie Mann, Ayers recruited Ron Carter to play drums and Herbie Hancock to play piano. The eccentric virtuoso guitarist Sonny Sharrock contributes guitar to a throbbing rendition of Laura Nyro’s “Emmie.” However, Daddy Bug's secret weapon is undoubtedly William S. Fischer, one of Atlantic's in-house arrangers during that time. His dark and unusual strings are the ideal counterpart to Ayers’ shimmering vibraphone, giving these performances a darkly gorgeous dimension that Ayers would retain for years to come. Bossa nova takes were a dime a dozen during this era, but Ayers manages to put his individual stamp on “Bonita,” “Look to the Sky," and “It Could Only Happen with You,” three songs written by Brazilian guitarist Antonio Carlos Jobim. In his vibraphone playing, Ayers retains the whispered restraint of Jobim’s vocals while at the same time opening a lustful corridor in the seemingly harmless ditties.