Rhythm Machine gained worldwide popularity for several of their record releases. “The Kick”and “Brenda And Me” can be heard 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. Friends and fans can now get a collector’s-only special price! Anti-bootleg measures have been taken so buyers can easier-determine if their copy is authentic.

“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.

  • Brantley penned several of The Highlighters songs alone, or with lead vocalist Kevin (Flash) Ferrell.

  • 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.

 
 
 

inside the Rhythm

SONGS

Disc 1

1 It's Time For Love * 4:23.        

2 Put a Smile on Time **** 3:54

3 My Heart Beats Just For You * 5:30

4 Take The Test * 3:52

5 Lil's Place 3:30

6 Squeeze ** 4:25

7 It Must Be Jelly *** 4:20

8 Be Yourself * 5:30

9 Shake That Body Music * 4:22

10 Makes Me Love You * 3:59

11 Work That Thing *** 4:00

12 Still In Love * 3:45

13 You Pay For What You Get   5:03

Disc 2

14 Can't Do Without You ****** 3:54

15 Waves * 5:29

16 The Kick ** (London Live 2018)  7:04

17 Everybody's Chippin’’ ***** 4:23

18 Brenda and Me ****** 8:32

19 Freakish Love ** 3:19

20 Whatcha Gonna Do ** 3:23

21 You Got Action (You Got Me)  5:26

22 Thought My Love Was Fine * 9:06

 
 
 
 

HQDTRZ MASTERING STUDIOS ATLANTA GA

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.   

Rhythm Machine Vocalist/saxophonist Donald Harris photo from 1976 Rhythm Machine’s Self-titled LP.

KEVIN "FLASH" FERRELL

Kevin (Flash) Ferrell London 2018