He’s Coming

Released in 1972, He’s Coming represents a pivotal moment in Roy Ayers' discography, marking the full realization of the Ubiquity concept. Moving away from his straight-ahead jazz roots, Ayers here embraces the burgeoning jazz-funk movement while infusing it with a heavy dose of spiritual and gospel influence. The album is notable for its eclectic tracklist, which includes soulful covers of 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' and 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' from Jesus Christ Superstar, reimagining them through a prism of shimmering vibes and syncopated rhythms. Produced during a fertile period for Black consciousness in music, the record balances sophisticated arrangements with accessible, groove-oriented structures. It serves as a foundational text for the acid jazz movement of the 1990s and has been heavily mined by hip-hop producers for its rich, atmospheric textures. The interplay between Ayers' vibraphone and the soulful vocal arrangements defines the album's unique sonic signature within the Ubiquity catalog.