Amazing Rhythm Aces

Subject: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: Stewie
Date: 07 May 00 - 06:01 AM

I know this is not folk or blues related, but I'd lay odds that I'm not the only one around here who is fond of the early albums of the Aces. The good news is that their first four albums are available on 2 CDs issued by Collector's Choice Music - 'Stacked Deck' and 'Too Stuffed to Jump' on one CD CCM122-2 A 31203 and 'Toucan Do It Too' and 'Burning the Ballroom Down' on the other CCM 123-2 A 31201. Russell Smith may not have the greatest voice around but, like Jimmie Dale Gilmore's, it has a special quality that makes it very appealing - to me at least - and, as well, you get excellent musicianship and beaut songs. I got them last week and have been playing them ever since - much better than my scratched old albums of theirs. The website is www.ccmusic.com

Cheers, Stewie.

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: mactheturk
Date: 07 May 00 - 09:24 AM

Yes I have, but only a time or two.....

Third rate romance, low rent rendezvous..

love that song,

Mac

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: GUEST,Bartholomew
Date: 08 May 00 - 10:17 AM

Their version of "Love and Happiness" kicks.

I found the versions of "Third Rate Romance" and "that other Aces radio hit" on Jesse Winchester's album pretty interesting. They toured with JW and played on his album which was really good, although I can't for the life of me remember its name. The choices they made in producing those songs, as compared to Jesse's producer, is fascinating if you're into "production values". Both good and both different. Clearly more than one way to skin a cat.

thanks for the info on the CD release.

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: GUEST,Ritchie
Date: 08 May 00 - 10:38 AM

I like that...."love & Happiness" kicks...!

Is that the Rev. Al Green song ? I too also as well count 'third rate romance' as one of the best one's to get away.

Every now and then I get the old vinyl singles out and stack them into the definite..probably..maybe piles but scratched as it is it always gets a play...along with 'Dance with me' by Orleans and 'Just one more night' by Yellow Dog....mmm.

regards Ritchie ( must reset my cookie)

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 08 May 00 - 10:57 AM

The Jesse Winchester album with "Third Rate Romance" and "The End Is Not In Sight" is LEARN TO LOVE IT, originally released on LP by Bearsville in 1974 and reissued on CD by Stony Plain.

That version of "Third Rate Romance" actually preceded the Amazing Rhythm Aces recording and was actually sung on Jesse's album by Russell Smith, who became lead singer with the ARA.

The ARA did not actually tour with Jesse. As I recall, it was two guys from Memphis (one of whom was Smith) who called themselves the "Rhythm Aces." When they left Jesse and went back to Memphis, they hooked up with four other musicians and became the Amazing Rhythm Aces.

Speaking of Jesse Winchester, he be at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival in Burlington, VT this year. The festival is August 4-6. Jesse plays on the the 5th and 6th.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: GUEST,Roger in Baltimore
Date: 19 Jun 15 - 04:27 PM

Anyone have they lyrics for Third Rate Romance? A friend and I are quarreling on some of the words.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: GUEST,#
Date: 19 Jun 15 - 04:39 PM

10 to 1 it's the 'low rent rendezvous' line.

It was written by Russell Smith and the words are available online. These are the Sammy Kershaw version which as recorded with RS, so I am confident you can trust them.

"Third Rate Romance"

Sittin' in a tiny table in a ritzy restaurant
She was starin' at her coffee cup
He was tryin' to keep his courage up
By applyin' booze

And talk was small when they talked at all
They both knew what they wanted
There was no need to talk about it
They were old enough to scope it out
And keep it loose

She said, "You don't look like my type
But I guess you'll do"
Third rate romance
Low rent rendezvous
And he said, "I'll even tell you that I love you
If you want me to"
Third rate romance
Low rent rendezvous

When they left the bar
They got in his car
And they drove away
He drove to the family inn
She didn't even have to pretend
She didn't know what for

And he went to the desk
And made his request
While she waited outside
Then he came back with the key
She said, "Give it to me
And I'll unlock the door"

She kept saying
"I've never really done this kind of thing before, have you"
Third rate romance
Low rent rendezvous
And he said, "Yes I have
But only a time or two"
Third rate romance
Low rent redezvous
Third rate romance
Low rent rendezvous
Third rate romance
Low rent rendezvous

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: GUEST,A fan
Date: 19 Jun 15 - 05:13 PM

Why Can't I Be Satisfied has the greatest guitar lick & tone ever recorded! Just my opinion, but I loves it.

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: GUEST,Dave Illingworth
Date: 20 Jun 15 - 12:14 PM

I still play and love my vinyl LP of "Stacked Deck" , also Russell Smith's fine LP "This Little Town". "Blue Collar Blues" on that is a particularly good song. I love his voice.
Must get those CD reissues you mention, Stewie. Thanks for bringing to our attention.

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: Stewie
Date: 21 Jun 15 - 02:18 AM

Hi Dave, I hope they are still available after 15 years! A relatively recent album [2013] 'Midnight Communion' is a good's. Russell Smith is still in fine voice and 'Let It Burn' is a ball-tearer of a song:

Let It Burn

Cheers, Stewie.

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: Stewie
Date: 21 Jun 15 - 02:22 AM

The typo in my previous message should have been 'good'un'. I think a spell checker changed what I had. Anyhow, it is a thoroughly enjoyable album.

--Stewie,

Subject: RE: Amazing Rhythm Aces
From: GUEST,Dave Illingworth
Date: 22 Jun 15 - 02:43 PM

I obviously had a sort of day-dreaming senior moment and did not notice the date of your original posting, Stewie. The CDs are still available, but some at a price. I will definitely get Midnight Communion - Let It Burn a fine track, so thanks for that.
Stuff and comments on Youtube confirm the continuing popularity of
Smith and the Aces amongst lovers of real-deal Americana.