A legendary live album originally released only in Japan in 1972.

No holding back, no calculated moves — a stripped‑down Roy Ayers dives straight into the very essence of groove.

Vibraphonist Roy Ayers has captivated audiences worldwide, and while his catalog is filled with indisputable classics, Live At The Montreux Jazz Festival stands apart for both its musical substance and its rarity. This album has long been revered for several reasons: it is one of the earliest releases under the Ubiquity name, one of Ayers’ few documented live recordings, and a title that was pressed exclusively for the Japanese market. These elements combined have elevated the album to truly legendary status.

The fever charged “Daddy Bug”, the cool, psychedelic take on “In A Silent Way”, the fiercely grooving “Move To Groove” featuring vocals by Harry Whitaker, and the dynamically shifting “A Cup Of Tea” all showcase the band at peak intensity. The sharp edged performances capture Roy Ayers at a moment of creative ascent, foreshadowing the golden era of Roy Ayers Ubiquity that was soon to follow.

This is, without question, a live recording fueled by pure exhilaration.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)