Roy Ayers

Roy Ayers Virgin Ubiquity Remixed is the most ambitious project yet. Uniting leading remixers from across the hip hop, drum n bass, nu-jazz and house spectrum in a set of complete rework newly discovered gems and soon to be classic jams. It is a perfect reflection both of Roy's prolific musicianship and of his huge adaptability and influence. The album shows how Roy's sound has inspired and moulded new sonic forms from deep house to drum n bass to R&B and acid jazz. It also joins Roy himself in a celebration of the many directions in which his sound has travelled in recent years, especially through new Ayers-sampled productions which are constantly turning fresh listeners on to Roy's early classics.

The first of three double-EPs to be released this year is "Holiday". Kenny Dope presents us with classy house and broken remixes of this tale about the iconic civil rights leader Martin Luther King. Kenny allows Terri Wells gorgeous vocal sit on this uptempo beat perfectly without being stretched. Little Louie Vega: This is my favourite Kenny Dope mix of the year.

DJ Spinna follows suit with a cracking hip hop mix. Both mixes seemed destined to rule dancefloors and bars across the world this year and for many to come. Damn near every song that's been done on me has been a hit, says Roy, from Brand Nubian, to a Tribe Called Quest, to Ed OG & the Bulldogs, to Will Smith, to Mary J. Blige, to Erykah Badu... In many cases, as in my case, they have revived artists. It's like a re-juvenation, a re- birth. All of a sudden, you're back on the scene. As well as the matchless vibe and soul of Roy's music, it's this open-mindedness and eagerness to explore new boundaries which is driving the BBE remix project forward.