THERE’S one great song on Whitney Houston’s second album that still hits the spot – her fifth single, Love Will Save the Day features an incredible solo by master of the vibes Roy Ayers.
The 75-year-old neo-soul and award-winning jazz legend arrived in Bournemouth from Cologne for the second time in four years and set up at the town’s newest venue, Canvas.
His band at the Thursday night gig featured Bernard Davis on drums, John Nicks on bass and Chuck Anthony on lead guitar.
Backing singer and crowd motivator John Presley had fans with him from the off.
Roy’s cheeky grin never left his face as he took us through some of his best loved hits, from We Live In Brooklyn Baby to a reggae-ified take on Everybody Loves The Sunshine.
A self-confessed man of the road he tours practically permanently, gigging all over the world with his old-school synthy marimba effect MalletKat Pro.
He has spent his life on tour, and has his name on no fewer than 91 albums.
After the gig he was friendly and chatty, and told us when Louie Vega asked him to guest for Whitney he was thrilled – but mainly because he liked the way she looked.
It was a treat to see such a perfectly formed band all right on groove – from Chuck Anthony’s grungy lead guitar to Bernard Davis funk-fused drum and vocal solo scats and of course Roy’s skill on the percussion. Not to be missed.
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