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Bentley Rhythm Ace

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Bentley Rhythm Ace
Also known asBRA
OriginBirmingham, England
GenresBig beat, electronica, electro house, electronic rock
Years active1995–present
LabelsSkint, Parlophone
MembersMike Stokes
Richard March
Websitefacebook.com/BentleyRhythmAce

Bentley Rhythm Ace (BRA) are a British electronic music duo formed in Birmingham in 1995, consisting of Mike Stokes and Richard March.[1]

Career

The band was formed in Birmingham by Richard March, formerly with the group Pop Will Eat Itself, and Mike Stokes formerly with Bugweed Centipede, with guest appearances by James Atkin, a member of indie band EMF. "Both more or less penniless, they drank in the same pub and were forced to buy their records at the cheapest place possible - car boot sales".[2] Their live drummers include Keith York and Car SOS's Fuzz Townshend (alongside whom March previously played with in Pop Will Eat Itself), while EMF's James Atkin is also involved with BRA as a touring member.[3][4][5]

BRA signed on the Brighton based record label Skint and released their eponymous debut album, Bentley Rhythm Ace in 1997, which spawned the popular single "Bentleys Gonna Sort You Out!".[1]

A second album, For Your Ears Only, was released in 2000 on Parlophone but was less popular. A further single "Madam, Your Carriage Awaits" was released. The group also compiled a two CD FSUK compilation album. In 2004, the Bentleys released a 4-song record with Sophia Lolley called Angel Face.

The name probably refers to the Rhythm Ace line of analogue drum machines manufactured by Ace Tone, some of which were rebranded and distributed by Bentley Pianos in the UK.[6]

The group epitomises the big beat era. Signed to Skint Records, they enjoyed commercial success with their music being used on television advertisements and having an underground following.

The group split in 2000 after which they played the occasional low-key DJ set. In 2016, the duo reformed and played live sets across the UK at festivals, supporting The Wonder Stuff's December tour and headlining a few of their own shows. Michael Barrie Whoosh released a new LP in December 2021 entitled "cant remember where i left myself".

After Mike announced he no longer wanted to perform live BRA continue to play occasional shows as a three piece with James, Fuzz and Richard

Discography

Albums

Year Album UK[7] Record label Certification
1997 Bentley Rhythm Ace 13 Skint/Parlophone UK: Gold
2000 For Your Ears Only 48 Parlophone

Singles

Year Single UK[7]
1996 "Bentleys Gonna Sort You Out!" -
1996 "Midlander (There Can Only Be One)" 80
1997 "Bentleys Gonna Sort You Out!" / "Run on the Spot" 17
2000 "Theme from Gutbuster" 29
2000 "How'd I Do Dat???" 57
2004 "Angel Face" (with Sophia Lolley) -

DJ mixes

  • FSUK3 (1998)

Band members

  • Richard March (born 4 March 1965, York, England) - bass, engineering
  • Mike Stokes (born 15 June 1971, Birmingham, England) - keyboards, turntables, programming
  • James Atkin (vocalist for EMF, born 28 March 1969, Birmingham) - vocals, guitars
  • Fuzz Townshend (born 31 July 1964, Hammersmith, London, England) - drums

References

  1. ^ a b Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. p. 75. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  2. ^ "Bentley Rhythm Archives". Archive.is. 21 October 2007. Archived from the original on 21 October 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  3. ^ "James Atkin (EMF) - interview". 23 June 2020.
  4. ^ "INTERVIEW: James Atkin". 18 February 2019.
  5. ^ "JAMES ATKIN (EMF) announces new solo album, 'Popcorn Storm', release date 21st April 2019 | XS Noize | Online Music Magazine". 13 February 2019.
  6. ^ ACE-TONE ARCHIVE PAGE Archived 28 April 2006 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 2 April 2006.
  7. ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 54. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
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