LOVE AND HAPPINESS AMAZING RHYTHM ACES

The Aces cover a great soul song by Al Green and more than hold their own with Jimmy Johnson producing. A great vocal performance from Russell Smith to go along with the bluesy guitar of Duncan Cameron and the soulful keyboard-playing of James Hooker, knocks this song out of the park!

Video Thumbnail: The Amazing Rhythm Aces

Category:

Music

Tags:

• love and happiness
• amazing rhythm aces
• jimmy johnson
• muscle shoals
• duncan cameron

[NeilSchWpg]

Thanks for posting. Nice slide show, too!

I've been enjoying it for decades; only learned a few years ago that it was an Al Green tune (and put it down to age but I've never been able to get excited about that version).

The song has an unusual structure: verse feels major, and chorus (signature riff) is minor-pent. Also, long V1 and short V2! I've always been intrigued by how nicely it unites R&B (with hint of country) ballad and fusion-y instrumental jam.

[kperk014]

@NeilSchWpg Well-put. About all I know is how to appreciate it and the fact that this little corner of Alabama was the launching pad for so much great music never ceases to "Amaze" me.

[MrRazorblade999]

I normaly love ARA but this is pretty awful.

[kperk014]

@MrRazorblade999 WOW! Never heard anybody say that.

[MrRazorblade999]

@kperk014 Was that some sort of sarcasm?

[kperk014]

@MrRazorblade999 Nope, just the truth.

[GSDs4Ever]

@Jaynesgang So true !!! And I also owned the LP ... until a spilt meant I lost all my ARA discs. And now I get to listen to their music all over again for FREE !!! Very "Love & Happiness" for me !!!

[ShellyOB1]

These guys are one of the most underrated bands of all time. They did so much and did it so well, they couldn't be pigeonholed. Branded, sold as ... 'Whatever'. But, oh my word. Great musicians, great vocals... One of my favorite bands ever. They burn this song up.

[jbljedi]

this should be the anthem for that most interesting guy in the world commercial......just says cool with that funk.

[Jaynesgang]

I owned this LP back in the day and couldn't believe that more people weren't into these guys! This tune is so cool because I feel that it crosses over many boundaries. Jazz, Soul, Pop and even a little Country. I have always loved this version. Thanks for posting it.

[MrRazorblade999]

@kperk014 Well, Russell Smith is a very good singer but I can't help comparing with the great Al Green when I hear it. I also have an aversion to the albums somewhat dated production. I prefer the warmer and more organic sound from their 2-3 first albums.