Although Metro's 2002 release
Essential Vibes could hardly be called a definitive collection of
Roy Ayers' best -- after all, it contains nothing from the '70s -- it isn't a bad sampler of some highlights from his '80s recordings for Uno Melodic. This emphasizes his funkier side, which may not thrill jazz purists, but for fans of soul and acid jazz, there are some good grooves here, despite some dated production and period flair.