Bentley Rhythm Ace

Bentley Rhythm Ace
Also known as BRA
Origin Birmingham, England
Genres Big beat, electronica, electro house, electronic rock
Years active 1995–present
Labels Skint, Parlophone
Website facebook.com/BentleyRhythmAce
Members Mike Stokes
Richard March

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 were Keith York and Fuzz Townshend, alongside whom March previously played in Pop Will Eat Itself.

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.[3]

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.

Discography

Albums

Year Album UK[4] Record Lebel Certification
1997 Bentley Rhythm Ace 13 Skint/Parlophone UK: Gold
2000 For Your Ears Only 48 Parlophone

Singles

Year Single UK[4]
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

Band members

References

  1. 1 2 Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. p. 75. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  2. Bentley Rhythm Ace biography
  3. ACE-TONE ARCHIVE PAGE Archived 28 April 2006 at the Wayback Machine. retrieved 2 April 2006.
  4. 1 2 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 54. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.

External links

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