Roy Ayers - Lots Of Love (1983)

Originally issued on the vibist's own Uno Melodic label in 1983, Lots of Love captures Roy Ayers between major-label tenures with Polydor and Columbia, and he capitalizes on his independence by further investigating the Afrobeat rhythms and textures he first explored in his collaboration with Fela Kuti while simultaneously moving into post-disco dance music. While some of its production flourishes seem brittle and dated, this is nevertheless the most engaging and energized material Ayers created during the early '80s. From the darkly sinister groove of "Chicago" to the Fela-inspired epic "Black Family" to the warm, shimmering title cut, Lots of Love recalls the diversity and invention of his classic Ubiquity dates, complete with nuanced performances that reiterate Ayers' absolute mastery of the vibes.