Can't You See Me

Recorded in New York City for Roy Ayers' 1978 album You Send Me, 'Can't You See Me' featured Ayers on vibraphone and lead vocals, Carla Vaughn and Merry Clayton on vocals, Philip Woo on electric piano, James Mason on guitar, Kerry Turman on bass, Dennis Davis on drums, Chano O'Ferral on congas, John Mosley on trumpet and Justo Almario on tenor saxophone. Written by Roy Ayers and Edwin Birdsong, the recording was produced by Ayers and Carla Vaughn, with engineering by Michael Hutchinson and Jerry Solomon. Released in 1978 on Polydor Records, 'Can't You See Me' appeared on Ayers' album You Send Me, following the success of his 1977 recording 'Running Away'. Its prominent bassline, rhythmic guitar, layered percussion, horn arrangements and expressive vocals demonstrated Ayers' continuing development of extended, dance-oriented compositions. The recording became a favourite among jazz-funk DJs, dancers and rare groove collectors, particularly within Britain's specialist club scene. Its extended instrumental passages and distinctive rhythmic arrangement have maintained its appeal, while subsequent reissues and its inclusion on Evolution: The Polydor Anthology helped preserve its place in Roy Ayers' catalogue.