The Amazing Rhythm Aces

OUT OF THE BLUE

Breaker Records 2
available on CD Universe

The loping base, punctuating guitar, and drum stick slaps let you know right away that you have an Amazing Rhythm Aces release on your hands. This is the first release of new material on disc (there was a not terribly satisfying RIDES AGAIN, best of collection, that didn't quite quench any thirst) that doesn't put an answer to the question plaguing so many, "Why is there nothing on disc from the Aces, when there is so much other crap being put out on disc?", but at least it gives you some wonderful quality material to put on the player. With this disc we can see they are still in fine form, and up to playing some remarkable music for those of us that threw away our turntables and thus had no way to listen to the music of this accomplished band. For those of you who don't know who they are, (dislike these labels, but they serve a function), but they are purveyors of rock inflected country music, or maybe countrified rock. This amalgam is flavored with a healthy dose of blues from the Memphis area. Either way they write and do songs that reflect intelligent slices of life that mirror what seems to be prevailing in the world of a couple, or 2 people attempting to be a couple, trying to make it in this world of today. They do it to a backdrop of instrumentation that seems to augment and reflect perfectly the sentiment to be found in the lyrics. The lead voice on most songs is by Russell Smith, whose voice has gotten even better and more reflective with the passing of the years. They are one of the few bands that has attempted to increase the stakes as they have matured without losing the edges that brought them to that pinnacle. They have maintained the excellent lyric content of the songs, that when mixed with their simple, but elegant arrangements, brings the songs home with a finality that reflects the troubles in these days and times with an upbeat twist. This disc is hard to find, but theyhave website which is included, http://www.theaces.com It is worth all effort and hassle you endure to get it.


Aces - Out of the Blues

Produced by - Russell Smith
songs, times and writers:

Musicians
Russell Smith - vocals and guitar
Kelvin Holly - guitar and vocals
Jeff "Stick" Davis - bass
James Hooker - keyboards and Vocals
Billy Earheart - keyboards
Butch McDade - drums and vocals

  1. out of the blue - 5:06 - Russell Smith and Bobby Carmichael
  2. love's on the way - 3:42 - J.D. Martin and Russell Smith
  3. waitin on sundown - 4:19 - Russell Smith and Gary Nicholson
  4. cold, cold rain - 4:58 - Russell Smith and larry Willoughby
  5. oh, lucky me - 4:17 - David H. McDade
  6. the blue room 5:04 - Russell Smith and Bobby Carmichael
  7. this time ain't gonna be no next time - 3:12 - Russell Smith and Alan Ray
  8. out of the storm - 3:40 - Russell Smith and Jim Photologo
  9. I feel forever - 4:05 - Russell Smith and Barry Walsh
  10. one love - 5:02 - Russell Smith, Gary Nicholson and Lee Roy Parnell
  11. your love is working in my life 5:19 - Russell Smith and Wayne Tester
  12. get down - 3:58 - David H. McDade