Jazz Is Dead 002 sees Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) joined by the renowned vibraphonist and godfather of neo-soul, Roy Ayers. Over the decades, Ayers pioneered the fusion of elements of R&B and groove with jazz. In the contemporary setting, his music has been sampled by artists who have topped the charts, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and more.
Following a four show performance for the 2018 Jazz Is Dead Black History Month series in Los Angeles, Ayers floored fans with the album's release two years later. The collaborative album that continues the Jazz Is Dead series is polished with hushed vocals synchronized to the low melodies that characterized Roy Ayers’ sound in the 1970s. Jazz Is Dead 002 is a timeless album, elevated by the unified talent of numerous players in the jazz scene, including Greg Paul (drums), Loren Oden, Joy Gilliam, Saudia Yasmein, Elgin Clark, Anitra Castleberry (vocals), and Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison from Tribe Records. Ayers, Younge and Shaheed Muhammad defy the will of time, reaching their hands into the soul of jazz during one of its vibrant eras, pulling back with a depth of brewing vitality.