I have many laughter-filled memories of Rhythm Machine’s first trip to London. I say ‘first’ deliberately, as I’m hoping sincerely that they will return to perform in the UK. There is still much of lovely London to explore, and I will make a real trip of it with my other musician friends.
I’m sure you will agree with me after listening to this their latest release that they still have much to offer fans, and the World in general. There are some real gems here ( I had the privilege of a pre-listen to some of them) and even something for the youngsters, as there’s much here for use in mixing and creation of new musical art forms.
Finally, thanks in abundance to Rhythm Machine for asking me to write this forward, it’s been a most pleasurable task and an honor to do so.
Sharron Day
Gallery Assistant Jimi Hendrix Crib at Handel House
LONDON UK
“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 of their record releases. “The Kick”and “Brenda And Me” can be heard playing in the background on popular TV episodes of “The Shield“ Supernatural” and “Rescue Me.”
Vinyl collectors have paid upwards of $1,000 at auction for a single copy of “Put A Smile On Time” which can also be heard on the Saints Row II Funk Station 98.4.
“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 several of The Highlighters songs alone, or with lead vocalist Kevin (Flash) Ferrell.
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.
Saxophonist/Vocalist Donald Harris has an impressive resume as musician/songwriter/producer as well. Harris worked with many named artists including Richard Street (Temptations) Buddy Miles, and most recently Mario Corbino (Temptations) to name a few. Harris penned a song “Fossil Of A Man” with Lester Abrams (co-writer of Grammy-nominated song “Minute By Minute” with Michael McDonald) recorded by the Doobie Brothers. Abrams also arranged “What A Fool Believes” which was awarded a Grammy for song of the year. Harris also wrote a (yet to be released) song with legendary keyboardist Billy Nunn , who is brother to famous music producer Bobby Nunn. Billy Nunn co-wrote “Mary Jane” with Rick James, and was the founder of the group Splendor, who signed to Columbia Records. Donald Harris was also a member of the group Catch, prior to their signing with Columbia Records. He left the group when a song he co-wrote with Rhythm Machine guitarist Maurice Puckett was released on Kent “Boogaloo Harris’ Sheridan House Record label.
Each song on “Inside The Rhythm” has been expertly mastered and/or re-mastered to meet today’s highest industry standards at HDQTRZ (Atlanta, GA) a top-notch mastering facility by Earle Holder, who is respected worldwide for his amazing work and tireless pursuit of sound perfection.
Sit back, relax, and ride the Rhythm Machine.