B IS FOR BENTLEY RHYTHM ACE (PT 2)
Some more Big Beat for you, from the days when it wasn’t considered embarrassing but fun. Bentley Rhythm Ace (BRA) is a duo formed in Birmingham, England in the late 1990s consisting of Mike Stokes and Richard March.
The name is often said likely 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. Always struck me that, given their sense of humour, having a name that abbreviated to an item of ladies clothing was more likely.
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.
The group have all but split, playing the occasional low-key DJ set, but have released no further material since 2000. March and Fuzz Townshend also both teach at Halesowen College in the Music department.
Bentley Rhythm Ace – Who Put The Bom In Bom Bom Diddleye Bom
Bentley Rhythm Ace – T-Spot
Bentley Rhythm Ace – Theme From Gutbuster (Junior Cartier Mix) By John Carter
Bentley Rhythm Ace – Do Your Mints
Mike Stokes’ MySpace