AMG Review of Best of Roy Ayers: Love Fantasy

Jason Elias
All Music Guide

This greatest-hits title was the first of its kind upon its release in 1979. During that time, Roy Ayers was one of the leading acts on Polydor Records and solidified his R&B/disco success with "Running Away," included here. The dichotomy between Ayers as a jazz act and an R&B/jazz quiet storm presence is all but kicked off by this album. The emphasis is on the earlier work. The definitive early-'70s songs "Red Black and Green" and "We Live in Brooklyn Baby" both retain their snap and visceral charm. A few great tracks aren't here (including "Kiss" and "Is It Too Late to Try"), but The Best of Roy Ayers: Love Fantasy goes the extra mile to include not only the best of Roy Ayers' work but also key non-hits such as "Gotta Find a Lover" and "You Send Me."