"Ok, maybe this isn't a 5-Star album in the truest sense, but not for nothing, Roy Ayers is damn sure a 5-Star artist. Although his recording catalogue is copious, on your best groove-hunting day you'll do well to find 5 of his albums at your best record store.
With the "Neo-Soul" movement currently afoot, there are countless artists producing music that is undoubtedly indebted to Mr. Ayers. Fusing Soul and Jazz was Roy's forte and if you're a jazz purist judging him on jazz merits alone, you're simply missing the point.
Roy is love, spirituality, black power and groove personified. Almost every Roy song is on point and in the pocket and although his most prolific recording days are behind him, his jazz-funk-fusion is at it's freshest heard right now.
Given the rarity of his music on CD I have to WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommmend buying the 2-Disc Polydor Anthology instead of "Best Of." It will be worth every penny of the 30 bucks it will set you back. Regrettably, I grabbed "Best of" 6 years ago, and while it's great Quintessential Roy, there's so much more to be had.
One more thing. I had the pleasure of seeing Roy in concert 4 years ago and not only was he still cooking, but I had the pleasure of meeting the man - he was as humble and kind as his music is timeless. Tune in and love the sunshine."
Better Than The 2 CD Set!!!
chakasworld | Atlanta, GA United States | 05/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 'Best Of Roy Ayers: Love Fantasy' compilation is GREAT!! It seems to be a miniture version of the 2 CD 'Polydor Anthology', and I would recommend this CD!! For one thing it includes 'What You Won't Do For Love' & 'Mystic Voyage', which weren't part of the 2 CD set (what a mistake!!!). This single CD Roy Ayers Compilation is all about the BEST SONGS, so the 'filler songs' that were included on the larger Anthology are absent. Every phase of Roy's 1970's output is covered here (positive soul, contemporary jazz, romantic ballads, and yes, DISCO!!). If you aren't interested in spending too much money on the Anthology, get this CD!! I would also recommend the LONG AWAITED soundtrack CD for 1973's 'Coffy' (starring Pam Grier), which was a Roy Ayers project!! Very ESSENTIAL!!! Peace, SD (of 'Chaka's World')"
Everybody loves the sunshine
Donald Blumberg | Woodside, NY United States | 04/05/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I listen to this CD love fantasy,by Roy Ayers
when Im driving in my minivan, while working in my car
Im in sales,and just wanted to say this CD really makes me feel
the music in my soul. Especially, when you are under lot of stress. Thanks Roy for that kool music! Ive been into your music
since I was 15 years old, Im 41 now. Thanks Roy, Peace Don."
Great Talent!
M. Lee | Santa Monica, CA | 02/17/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Out of all the CD's I have (I have thousands) this is one of my favorites. Roy Ayers talent is truly underrated, even though he is a genius and a master at his craft. His music is soulful, original, jazzy, and very funky! After hearing his music you can definitely see that he helped pave the road for future funk artists like George Clinton and Parliament."
Since I'm not cool enough to have his albums,
xcxcxcxc | Pershy-a | 10/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"compilations will have to do. I just have this and that double CD compilation. Both are great of course, being Roy Ayers. But I have to reccomend this to uncool people like me who have to rely on compilations. While the two CD one is needed, this one has "Mystic Voyage" and "Don't Stop the Feeling" and they neeed to be heard. Mystic Voyage is one of my favorite songs of all time, when I listen to it at school, in the hallways. it makes everything seem perfect. Whereever I listen to it infact, it makes everything seem perfect and natural. It makes everything flow. and then near the end of the song after it's completely relaxed you, it hits you in the head with great vibraphone playing. Listening to it is like going to some mental spa or something. It's just rejuvenating. Really.and then "Don't stop the Feeling" is just 8 minutes of perfect funky music.you don't have to get this album, but you do have to get those two songs... oh, the other songs can all be found on the double CD album"