You Might Be Surprised

This record represents a deliberate shift in direction for Roy Ayers. By incorporating mid-eighties synthetic aesthetics, he moved from his previous musical style into a glossy, radio-oriented sound. The vibraphone remains present, though it now sits atop programmed beats.

Columbia Records aimed for commercial accessibility with this production. The final result documents a specific transition as an established artist adapted to the technology and textures prevalent in the mid-eighties. It stands as a clear example of how traditional jazz-funk musicians navigated the changing demands of the recording industry during that decade.