A Celebration of Roy Ayers featuring Rick Leon James & Friends

A Celebration of Roy Ayers – Live at Soul Mama


Featuring Rick Leon James & Friends
Soul Mama proudly presents an unforgettable tribute to the late, great Roy Ayers, a true pioneer of jazz, funk, and soul. Led by the masterful bassist and bandleader Rick Leon James, this all-star lineup brings together some of the finest musicians who have played with Roy, as well as leading voices in the contemporary jazz and soul scene.
Prepare for an electrifying night of vibraphone grooves, deep-pocket basslines, and soaring melodies, as this collective reimagines Roy Ayers’ timeless classics while infusing them with their own unique artistry.



The Band:

Rick Leon James – An award-winning bassist, composer, and producer, Rick is a powerhouse of groove and musical expression, known for his versatility and deep connection to jazz and fusion. He has worked with the likes of Wizkid, YolanDa Brown and Tinie Tempah.
Dean Mark – A staple of the UK music scene since the 1990s, Dean’s passionate approach to bass has led him to work with Roy Ayers, Don Blackman, and The Temptations, bringing a wealth of experience and soulful groove to this tribute.
Luke Smith – A highly respected keyboardist and producer, known for his work with Roy Ayers, George Duke, Chaka Khan, and Eric Clapton. His deep musicality and masterful command of jazz, funk, and soul make him an essential force in this tribute.
Rueben James – A prodigious pianist, singer, and songwriter known for his work with Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, and Tom Misch, Rueben’s dazzling improvisation and jazz sensibility make him a standout voice in modern music.
Asadata (Victor Lawrence) – A vibraphonist, singer, and producer whose journey began in the legendary Gary Crosby’s NuTroop, Asadata embodies the spirit of Roy Ayers’ signature sound with his captivating playing and deep musicality.
Femi Temowo – Mercury Awards Nominated critically acclaimed guitarist, composer, and producer, Femi has worked with Amy Winehouse, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and George Benson, delivering an unmistakable touch of elegance and rhythm to every performance.
David Mrakpor – Grammy Award winning multi-instrumentalist best known as one half of Blue Lab Beats, David bridges the worlds of jazz, funk, and hip-hop, making him a perfect addition to this forward-thinking tribute.
Jay Phelps – A world-class trumpeter and composer, Jay’s bold sound and innovative approach to jazz have seen him collaborate with Wynton Marsalis, Courtney Pine, and MF Doom, bringing a fiery energy to the stage.
Liselotte Östblom – A rising star in jazz vocals, Liselotte’s ethereal voice and storytelling have taken her to Stockholm Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, and Aarhus Jazz Festival, with collaborations spanning from Gregory Hutchinson to Cleo Sol.
IKE – A veteran of jazz and soul, having spent over 25 years working with legends like Cordel Mosun (Parliament Funkadelic) and Jason Rubello, bringing deep experience and artistry to the ensemble.
Peter Mathews – A dynamic drummer who has toured with jazz-funk royalty including Shalamar, Gwen Dickey, and Dennis Rollins, and has even shared the stage with the legendary Quincy Jones at the BBC Jazz Awards.
Adaeze – A London-based RnB/Soul artist with a voice that’s smooth, heartfelt, and effortlessly powerful. Inspired by Jazmine Sullivan, Cleo Sol, and RAYE, she blends rich vocals with honest storytelling, creating music that resonates deeply. Her performance will bring a fresh and soulful take to the tribute.





A Night to Remember
From "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" to "Searching," this night will be a celebration of Roy Ayers’ impact on jazz, funk, and soul music, blending his greatest hits with fresh interpretations and improvisations.
Join us at Soul Mama for a powerful and heartfelt tribute, bringing together a lineup of exceptional artists who continue to carry the torch of innovation and groove that Roy Ayers ignited.

This is more than a concert – it’s a celebration of a legend. Don’t miss it!