Roy Ayers, iamkyami: 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool

Roy Ayers

Roy Ayers, American funk, soul, and jazz legend dropped into 24 Kitchen Street and Getintothis’ Mark Holt saw a special show.

Roy Ayres at 24 KItchen Street. A totally sold-out show, a musical living legend, an appreciative Scouse audience and one of the best venues in Liverpool that you could wish for.

It was never going to disappoint.

First up was iamkyami. The New York neo-soul vocalist and producer has put down roots in Liverpool since being recognised by the LIMF Academy as one of 2018’s Most Ready Artists.

Clearly Mr Ayers promotion team did their homework as this young performer produced a set far beyond her years, I’d happily listen to her all night, this was just gorgeous.

Roy Ayers though, holy shit. Starting your set with classic like Searching is setting out your stall in grand style.

We talked to the guys afterwards, who unanimously agreed that tonight’s set brought it all together, seriously, the drummer rivals the esteemed Mr Bonham or the the legendary Clyde Stubblefield, he is seriously talented.

With Roy Ayers being the octogenarian that he is, you’d suspect that the high calibre of backing band was there to mask the main man’s shortcomings, but we’re absolutely delighted to say that this just is not the case.

@elieq I saw one of my mates who lives in Liverpool last night, he was at the Roy Ayers gig at kitchen street last week, he was stood next to and got chatting to Tom Davis. Apparently he's absolutely lovely and has boss music taste.

— Untitled Goose Payne (@matpayne) October 27, 2019

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Roy’s stage presence is what ties this band together, but every member one of the band is the top of the game tonight. The effect of this unit together is simply stunning.

Music is love and the memory of this will stay forever.

Images by Getintothis’ Mark Holt