Roy Ayers Ubiquity – He’s Coming (LP)

Released on Polydor in 1972, He’s Coming captures vibraphonist Roy Ayers at a creative apex. Featuring the iconic, heavily-sampled masterpiece “We Live in Brooklyn, Baby” (with Ron Carter on bass) alongside Billy Cobham on drums, this album is a essential cornerstone of 1970s spiritual jazz-funk. Emerging at the start of the 1970s, He’s Coming reflects Roy Ayers’s deepening move toward a groove-centered musical language rooted in soul-jazz and early jazz-funk. This 1972 Polydor classic captures Ubiquity’s signature sound perfectly settling into the infectious blend of jazz improvisation, funk rhythms, soul harmonies, and spiritual import that defined his legendary career. The master vibraphonist, keyboardist, and composer is backed by an absolute powerhouse ensemble. The core lineup features Harry Whitaker on electric piano, Sonny Fortune on saxophone, and a driving rhythm section consisting of John Williams, David Lee Jr., and fusion drum icon Billy Cobham. Standout tracks like “He’s a Superstar,” “Sweet Butterfly of Love,” and “Fire Weaver” beautifully embody the record’s mix of urban narrative and deep rhythmic momentum. It is precisely these qualities that later made Ayers’s catalog a foundational source of inspiration and sampling for generations of hip-hop, funk, and neo-soul artists. Tracklist: A1 – He’s A Superstar A2 – He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother A3 – Ain’t Got Time A4 – I Don’t Know How To Love Him A5 – He’s Coming B1 – We Live In Brooklyn Baby B2 – Sweet Butterfly Of Love B3 – Sweet Tears B4 – Fire Weaver