Lost Roy Ayers Song “Reaching The Highest Pleasure” Surfaces 43 Years Later [Premiere]

The track was discovered among Roy Ayers’ Virgin Ubiquity studio session tapes.

An unreleased Roy Ayers song that was recorded 43 years ago has since surfaced.

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Titled “Reaching The Highest Pleasure,” the almost six-minute-long track — which Okayplayer is premiering — serves as a testament to Ayers’ beautiful blend of funk, jazz and soul. A steady groove drives the track, allowing Ayers to solo freely throughout with his distinct vibraphone sound.

“Reaching The Highest Pleasure” was recorded in June 1977 and discovered among Ayers’ Virgin Ubiquity studio session tapes. Recordings from those tapes were released in two compilations: 2003’s Virgin Ubiquity (Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981) and 2005’s Virgin Ubiquity II (Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981). However, neither compilation featured “Reaching The Highest Pleasure.”

“As we all know, pleasure is most rewarding when it’s shared, no matter how long it takes,” BBE (Barely Breaking Even), the record label releasing the track, said in a press statement. “So enjoy this previously unpublished page of musical history from the Godfather of Neo Soul himself, Mr. Roy Ayers.”

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The track, which will release on May 15, can be purchased here. Recently, Ayers appeared on Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad‘s compilation album, Jazz is Dead 001. The pair — as duo the Midnight Hour — composed original tracks with Ayers, Gary Bartz, Brian Jackson, Azymuth, Marcos Valle and more.