You Might Be Surprised [Bonus Tracks]

by Roy Ayers

Overview

When You Might Be Surprised came out in 1985, Roy Ayers wasn't having as many hits as he had enjoyed in the late '70s. The R&B landscape had changed a lot since the days of Vibrations (1976) and You Send Me (1978). Ayers knew that if he didn't want to be accused of sounding dated, he needed to appeal to the urban contemporary tastes of 1985, so on this album he manages to update his approach without being untrue to himself. The production (some of it by James Mtume, some of it by Ayers himself) is high-tech and hip-hop-influenced -- synthesizers and drum machines are prominent, and there are few horns and no strings. But Ayers still sounds distinctive on material that ranges from the clever single "Programmed for Love," and the funky "Can I See You," to the playful title song (a duet with singer Jean Carn). The opener "Hot" has some Prince/Jesse Johnson/Morris Day influence, but without obscuring Ayers' own identity. This time, there are a few likable, if unremarkable, jazz/R&B/pop instrumentals, which include "Night Flyte" and "Virgo" (a tune that employs Branford Marsalis on tenor sax). You Might Be Surprised isn't among Ayers' essential albums, but all things considered, it was a respectable addition to his catalogue. ~ Alex Henderson

Product Details

Release Date:	05/26/2017
Label:	Funky Town Grooves
UPC:	0851903003328
Rank:	58099

Tracks

1. Hot
2. Programmed for Love
3. Virgo
4. You Might Be Surprised
5. Night Flyte
6. Can I See You
7. For You
8. Slip n' Slide
9. Programmed for Love [12" Extended Version]
10. Programmed for Love [Edited Version]
11. Programmed for Love
12. Hot [12" Version]
13. Hot [Dub Mix]
14. Slip n' Slide [7" Version]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Roy Ayers   Primary Artist,Vocals,DX-7,Piano
James Mtume   Vocals,Keyboards
Gary "Mudbone" Cooper   Vocals
Jean Carn   Vocals
Don Blackman   Piano (Electric),Vocals (Background),SH-101,Fender Rhodes
Jeff Johnson   Guitar
Dave Robbins   Drum Machine,Korg Synthesizer
Binky Brice   Guitar
Dave Metcen   Bass
Joey Norosavage   Keyboards
Ed Tree Moore   Guitar,Soloist
Philip Field   Keyboards
Dwayne Perdue   Rap,Linn Drum,Drum Machine,Simmons Drums
Lynette White   Vocals
Dunn Pearson   Keyboards
Canuke Bernard   Percussion
Tawatha Choir   Featured Artist
Tawatha Agee   Vocals
Branford Marsalis   Sax (Tenor),Sax (Soprano)
B.J. Nelson   Vocals
Ivy Ray   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Carole Robinson   Vocals

Technical Credits

Roy Ayers   Arranger,Composer,Producer
James Mtume   Composer,Producer
Matt Murphy   Production Manager
Dave Robbins   Arranger,Composer
Binky Brice   Composer
Ed Moore   Composer,Producer
Dave Metcen   Arranger,Composer
Jay Vacari   Engineer
Argerie Ayers   Composer
Philip Field   Composer,Producer
Doug Frank   Composer
Dwayne Perdue   Arranger,Composer
Blinky Brice   Composer
Roger Williams   Package Design
David Robbins   Composer
Julian Robertson   Mixing
Tony Calvert   Reissue Producer
Ron Banks   Engineer
Tom Roberts   Remix Engineer
Dunn Pearson   Composer
Randy Mahon   Liner Notes,Assistant Producer
Douglas Frank   Composer
Emil Sam Valazques   Engineer
Ivy Ray   Arranger,Composer
Dunn Pearson, Jr.   Composer
Dr. George Butler   Executive Producer
Maria Triana   Mastering
Don Blackman   Arranger