Roy Ayers: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

March 1, 2018 | Abby O’Neill -- Roy Ayers arrived at his Tiny Desk performance beaming with positivity. The 77-year-old funk icon and vibraphonist sauntered through the office with a Cheshire grin on his face, sharing jokes with anyone within earshot. Accompanying him was a trio of brilliantly seasoned musicians — keyboardist Mark Adams, bassist Trevor Allen and drummer Christopher De Carmine. Later during the performance, pride washed across Ayers’ face as his bandmates took the spotlight. (Be sure to watch as Adams woos not just the room but brightens Ayers’ face during his solo.) The set began with one of Ayers’ more recognizable hits: an extended version of “Searching,“ a song that embodies the eternal quest for peace and love. During “Black Family“ (from his 1983 album Lots Of Love), you’ll hear him call out “Fela“ throughout. That’s because Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti was a huge influence on Ayers in the late 1970s; the two eventually collaborat