Fri 23 May 2025 6:30pm - 9:30pm

A Celebration of Roy Ayers featuring Rick Leon James & Friends

at The Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton

Supplied by Universe

Add to your event list

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.

Rick Leon James

Rick James is a musician, arranger, composer and facilitator of the industry. A master of the bass guitar, recognised unquestionably as the best in the UK, endorsed by Warwick, Mark Bass and Cort, he stretches himself constantly, shifting the boundaries of the impossible to make anything and everything possible. Rick’s understanding of all genres of music allows him to sit on a groove, embellishing with such ease and confidence that this feeling spreads throughout any band he elects to perform with.

See Rick Leon James tour dates

Reuben James

Reuben James is a young jazz pianist and composer who has already performed with the late, great New Orleans trumpeter, Abram Wilson, as well as Birmingham’s Jazzlines Quartet. Raised on an eclectic mix of jazz, gospel, hip hop and classical music, Reuben James is the new kid on the block. His confident, flowing approach belies his years – already in demand as a sideman playing on the records of Sam Smith, Callum Scott and Ruby Turner. His ambition is simple - to bring a new flavour of jazz to the UK scene.

See Reuben James tour dates