Roy Ayers and Wayne Henderson
Roy Ayers was an American vibraphonist, singer, composer, and producer known for pioneering jazz-funk. Born Roy Edward Ayers Jr. on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, he started as a post-bop jazz artist in the 1960s, releasing his debut album West Coast Vibes in 1963 with saxophonist Curtis Amy. He gained fame in the 1970s with Polydor Records hits like "Running Away" from Lifeline (1977) and soundtracks such as Coffy (1973), blending jazz, funk, and soul; he collaborated notably with Wayne Henderson on albums in 1978 and 1980. Ayers passed away on March 4, 2025.
Wayne Henderson was an American jazz trombonist, composer, and producer, best known as a co-founder of The Jazz Crusaders. Born Wayne Maurice Henderson on September 24, 1939, in Houston, Texas's Fifth Ward, he formed the group in 1961 with childhood friends Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, and Stix Hooper after moving to Los Angeles in 1958. The band evolved from hard bop to soul jazz and fusion, shortening to The Crusaders in 1971 and achieving commercial success with albums charting on Billboard; Henderson left in 1975 (or 1976) to focus on production for artists like Ronnie Laws and Rebbie Jackson. He revived The Jazz Crusaders in 1995 and died on April 5, 2014.
Step In To Our Life
Written-By – R. Flowers, W. Henderson 7:06
A2 For Real
Written-By – R. Flowers 3:50
A3 Give It To Me
Written-By – R. Flowers 3:25
A4 Ooh Baby
Written-By – R. Ayers 5:37
B1 Step In To Our Life
Written-By – W. Henderson 5:30
B2 Lovers Should Always Be Together
Written-By – W. Allen 6:31
B3 No Deposit No Return
Written-By – R. Ayers 2:44
B4 Take Your Funky Mind To The Disco
Written-By – W. Henderson 3:33
B5 Swarte
Written-By – W. Henderson 2:40
Label: Polydor – PD-1-6179
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Jazz, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Disco
Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson's Step Into Our Life (1978) is a classic, smooth jazz-funk fusion album, praised for its "Disco Jazz" vibe, blending mellow soulful sounds with warm jazz elements, featuring standout tracks like the groovy title track, funky "For Real," and catchy "Ooh Baby," representing a peak era for both jazz legends and laying groundwork for later Acid Jazz.
The album captures Ayers and Henderson as major figures in jazz-funk and soul-jazz, delivering a sound that was sophisticated yet accessible for its time.
It leans into Ayers' signature smooth, jazzy sound from albums like Vibrations, focusing on warm electric piano, vibes, and soulful vocals.
Standout Tracks:
"Step Into Our Life": Features a spine-tingling intro with harp and strings, leading into a chunky groove with great vibes and trombone solos.
"For Real": A funky ballad with excellent bass work by Nathaniel Phillips.
"Ooh Baby": A very catchy, infectious track.
The albumo Offers a mellow contrast to hectic times, allowing listeners to slow down with its rich instrumentation, including vibes, electric piano, and trombone.
Considered essential listening for fans of these artists and influential for later Acid Jazz, showcasing the exploration of new grooves in the late 70s.
A well-loved album that successfully merges jazz roots with soulful, funky, and even disco-infused grooves, making it a timeless piece of jazz fusion that remains popular and influential.