Before we jump in, I need to say if you haven’t attended a performance at City Winery DC then you are truly missing out. Now, let’s get into the Euphoria!
Roy Ayers, known as the Godfather of Neo-soul, continues to bridge the gap between generations of music lovers. Thank you City Winery DC for allowing me to experience an evening with such a dynamic and iconic figure in music.
Vibraphonist and vocalist, he is among the best-known, most loved and respected Jazz/R&B artist on the music scene today. Presently in his fourth decade in music, he is still bringing the house down every time he performs. His performance on the City Winery stage was extremely memorizing. Watching him play the vibraphone was fascinating and beautiful under the low lights of the venue. The set-up, decor and ambiance of City Winery were perfectly intimate for this performance.
In his 40-plus years as a vibraphonist, Mr. Ayers has produced a string of soul and funk classics, like “We Live In Brooklyn Baby” and “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” that has arguably made him the second-most sampled musician in hip-hop, after James Brown. When he performed “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” the whole room could not help but rock back and forth and sing along. “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”, ”Searchin”, Running Away” have been frequently sampled and remixed by DJ’s worldwide.
In the ’60s Mr. Ayers was an award-winning jazz vibraphonist and transformed into a popular R&B band leader in the 70’s/80’s. Today, he is still in great demand with music industry heavyweights, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac and Ice Cube.
I am honored and again thankful to City Winery DC for the opportunity to see such a brilliant living legend live. Congrats to him for also receiving the Washington, DC Lifetime Achievement Award that evening.
Instagram:
@realroyayers
@citywinerydc
Naomi is a stylish, adventurous traveler. She’s a bit of a daredevil that loves excursions. Those that know her, call her a shoe connoisseur. She is also obsessed with music and has a playlist for just about any mood. She’s a foodie that loves a good vegetarian/vegan spot. Want to know where she is headed next… stay tuned to find out!
