Ace (band)
Ace were a British rock music band who enjoyed moderate success in the 1970s. They are notable for their part in the early career of Paul Carrack, who later became famous as a solo artist, and as a member of several other groups. The band was formed in December 1972 as Ace Flash And The Dynamos, but this name was quickly abbreviated to just Ace.
Original band members
- Paul Carrack (born on 22 April, 1951, in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England; keyboards, vocals).
- Alan "Bam" King (born on 18 September, 1946, in Kentish Town, London; guitar, vocals).
- Phil Harris (born Philip Harris on 18 July, 1948, in Muswell Hill, London; guitar, vocals)
- Terry "Tex" Comer (born on 23 February, 1949, in Burnley, Lancashire, England; bass)
- Steve Witherington (born on 26 December, 1953, in Enfield, Middlesex, England; drums).
Career
The members were assembled from various other professional bands, and were all competent musicians. Carrack and Comer had previously played with Warm Dust, and King with Mighty Baby, whose antecedents were the highly regarded 1960s band The Action. Ace were popular on the pub rock circuit. Their music was pop with a funk influence.
Before the recording of their first album, Five-A-Side, ex-Bees Make Honey drummer Fran Byrne (born on 17 March, 1948, in Dublin, Ireland) replaced Witherington. The single "How Long" was taken from this record, and was a significant chart success, achieving a top twenty place in the UK Singles Chart, and reaching number three in the USA charts. Its bass introduction was similar to that of "Travelling Song" by Pentangle. Carrack's electric piano was also prominent on the recording.
The band eventually moved to America, and replaced Phil Harris with Jon Woodhead in 1976. But it was all in vain as they disbanded in July 1977, when most of the remaining members joined Frankie Miller's band.
Carrack has since played in Eric Clapton's band, joined Squeeze in the early 1980s, and later played with Mike & the Mechanics. He also re-recorded "How Long", as a solo artist, which became a UK Top 40 hit again in 1996.
Discography
Singles
- "How Long" - 1974
- "I Ain't Gonna Stand For This" - 1975
- "Rock & Roll Runaway" - 1975
- "No Future In Your Eyes" - 1975
- "You're All That I Need" - 1977
- "Found Out The Hard Way" - 1977
References
- The Great Rock Discography - 5th Edition - ISBN 1-84195-017-3
- British Hit Singles - 8th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-941-2