Virgin Ubiquity II (Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981)

The response to the first volume of unreleased Roy Ayers recordings was so overwhelmingly positive that BBE decided to put out a sequel, Virgin Ubiquity II. “Kwajilori” has the playful innocence of a children’s song, and features a tightly woven track that is reminiscent of Chic, almost skeletal compared to Ayers’ typically lush productions. “Release Yourself” is a peek into Ayers’ electro-funk years and would fit easily alongside early-‘80s jams by Cameo and the Gap Band. The song is sung by Terri Wells, one of the lesser-know female singers to front Ayers’ group. She also appears on “Holiday,” an eerily spiritual song that anticipates the rich balladry of Anita Baker. Even when Ayers is making a very simple groove — as with “Liquid Love” or “Third Time” — it becomes an irresistible artwork. He had a way of making disco feel very intimate. The collection offers a glimpse into the maestro’s process with a demo of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” Ayers’ signature song. Though a band appears on the recording, it feels like a solo reading, as Ayers and his vibraphone incant the melody like whispered secret.