The Amazing Rhythm Aces - Absolutely Live

We have here a fine aggregate of the "greatest hits" of the Amazing Rhythm Aces played live (this was recorded in Switzerland at a live show). This band has such a good feeling about it that when they hit those first notes of "The End Is Not In Sight" you will immediately begin to smile. Then the sound of Russell Smith's smooth, but with an edge of having been through it all, voice kicks in and drives the song along. This is a collection that all of the band's fans should want to get, as it gets to most of the material the band did best and has a good cross section of their more recent work. The band is in good form and solid with a core of the original band intact. There are a few personnel changes, but the exchange of players is not noticeable in their playing. The fire is still there, and, best of all, Russell Smith is still in very fine voice. This not a throwaway disc by any means, and it is worth going out and looking for. - Bob Gottlieb