ABOUT RHYTHM MACHINE

“Inside The Rhythm” combines best-version and previously unreleased music into one project.  Several of these recordings have been stored away for over four decades. 

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Rhythm Machine gained worldwide popularity for several releases. Songs “The Kick”and “Brenda And Me” can be heard playing on popular TV episodes of “The Shield“ Supernatural” and “Rescue Me.”

Vinyl collectors have paid upwards of $1,000 at auction for single copies of “Put A Smile On Time” which is a popular song of gamers on legendary Saints Row II Funk Station 98.4. Today’s collector can now download or purchase CDs of Rhythm Machine music for a fraction of the cost. This first edition pressing is unique in design, and different from future releases to enhance it’s future value.

“Inside The Rhythm” combines best-version and previously unreleased music into one project.  Several of these recordings have been stored away for over four decades.  Previously released selections have been restored, studio enhanced and/or remastered to an excellence that pales prior versions.  These rare studio tapes and live recordings are now available for fans and music lovers to enjoy worldwide.

In the 1970’s, Rhythm Machine’s recording sessions were engineered and/or mastered by recording legends Tom Tucker, and J. Bryce Roberson. Tucker, who’s career began on Cadet (Motown subsidiary) owned and operated Triad Recording Studios in Des Moines Iowa and later ran many top recording studios in Minneapolis MN.  In 1989, Tucker was named Director of Operations and engineer at Prince’s Paisley Park Studio in Chanhassen MN.  He earned several Gold and Platinum records, and a Grammy Award in 2003.  Tucker also co-founded two private recording colleges, including Minneapolis Media Institute.

Another legend involved in the making of the 1976 self-titled Rhythm Machine LP was J. Bryce Roberson (better known as Uncle Dirty) at Sound Machine Studios in Kalamazoo MI.  Roberson was an excellent guitarist, and Chief Recording Engineer at Chess Records.  He toured as a guitarist for nearly forty years, working with legendary artists including Nancy Wilson, T-Bone Walker, Rotary Connection, Howlin’ Wolf, and Chuck Berry. Roberson was a major part of what was referred to as “the Chess Sound” and played bass or lead guitar on hundreds of record releases on Chess, Ter Mar, and Universal Records. Roberson loved working with The Highlighters, who evolved into Rhythm Machine.

Rhythm Machine’s drummer (before Robert Dycus) Dwayne (Funky Buzzard) Garvin worked and recorded with Marvin Gaye for over ten years. Garvin was known for his unique, seemingly backwards drumming style. This was later attributed to his drum and bugle corps background by Highlighters/Rhythm Machine guitarist James Brantley.

Brantley penned many popular Highlighters/Rhythm Machine songs with master showman and lead vocalist Kevin (Flash) Ferrell. The Kick, and Whatcha Gonna Do are included on “INSIDE THE RHYTHM” for your listening enjoyment.

Rhythm Machine vocalist Kevin (Flash) Ferrell recorded and performed with legendary Kenny Edmonds (Babyface) and great songwriter/producer/saxophonist Reggie Griffin in a band called Manchild.  Griffin received two Grammy Awards for the song “”Feel For You” (written by Prince) and recorded by Chaka Khan.

Donald Harris is the consummate artist. I love his music. It is obvious that Don doesn’t just play his horn, he plays his soul, and the saxophone is what he uses to express it. His sax is an extension of his very being. Don’t believe me? Just listen to some of the masterpieces from his new project, called “Inside The Rhythm,” and you will know exactly what I am talking about.

Paul B. Allen III

Actor, author, award-winning composer, Former Lead Singer for The Platters and Host of Saturday Morning Chronicles

Saxophonist/Vocalist Donald Harris has an impressive resume as musician/songwriter/producer. He performed onstage named artists including Richard Street (The Temptations) Buddy Miles, Lalomie Washburn, and Mario Corbino (Temptations) to name a few.  He penned a song with Lester Abrams (co-writer of Grammy-nominated song “Minute By Minute”recorded by the Doobie Brothers. Abrams arranged “What A Fool Believes” which received a Grammy for song of the year. Harris has also worked and written with keyboardist Billy Nunn, brother to music producer Bobby Nunn, and played in the Latin Jazz group Cha Chazz, who opened for groups including The Dramatics, Malo, Little Joe and the Family, Poncho Sanchez, Tierra and many more. He also co-wrote with Billy Nunn, who co-wrote “Mary Jane” with Rick James. Harris was a member of the group “Catch” prior to their signing with Columbia Records, and lead vocalist with the group Back To Back, who charted (Los Angeles) in the summer of 1984.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT: In 1976, when Rhythm Machine performed (prior to recording at Uncle Dirty’s Sound Recorders Studio in Kalamazoo, MI) Motown recording artists Martha Reeves and Junior Walker were in attendance. Junior Walker came to hear former tenor saxophonist Mackie Boy’s replacement Donald Harris, and the band’s new material. After the set, he complimented and encouraged the then twenty-year old Harris. Walker was a personal friend of James Boone and several other members of the band, because they backed many Motown artists when they performed in Indianapolis. Walker stood several minutes directly in front of the horn section. Harris didn’t recognize him until after the set, and admitted that had he known, he would likely have frozen-solid. Walker said “you sound good'.’

Each song on “Inside The Rhythm” has been expertly mastered and/or re-mastered to meet today’s highest industry standards at world-famous HDQTRZ (Atlanta, GA) a top-notch mastering facility by Earle Holder,  who is respected worldwide for his amazing work, dedication, and tireless pursuit of sound perfection.   

Sit back, relax, and ride the Rhythm Machine.