Atlanta Rhythm Section--The Best Band You Never Heard Of

What happens when a collection of studio musicians get together and decide they want to form their own group? Why, Atlanta Rhythm Section, of course. Formed in the mid-1970's, ARS is not really as well-known as a lot of other groups, but the band has a very distinct style and sound. Their music has a jazzy, laid-back feel to it, and every member of this band is a top-notch player.

Partly Plugged was released in late 1997, and the album represents the band's experiment with the "unplugged" fad that so many artists were tinkering with. Their use of acoustic instruments of some of their classic hits put a whole new spin on their music.

The members of ARS, and their contributions, are as follows:

Ronnie Hammond, vocals
Barry Bailey, lead guitars
Dean Daughtry, keyboards
Steve Stone, rhythm guitars, slide guitar
Justin Senker, bass guitar
R. J. Vealey, drums and percussion

The tracks on the album, and my comments on each, are as follows:

1. Voodoo--This is a bluesy song where the acoustic guitar really points out the contrast between this version and the original, electric version. The vocal performance is superb, and the electric guitar gives us a little taste of the original version.

2. She Knows All My Tricks--An upbeat tune with a somewhat self-deprecating message. The acoustic guitars are real busy in this rocker, and it has some tasteful slide guitar licks. Ronnie Hammond is really a good singer, and he's well suited to the style of this band. Dean Daughtry gets to strut his stuff on the keyboards. All in all, this song is a rocker, but ARS still manages to keep the mood laid-back.

3. I Don't Want To Grow Old Alone--This is the most beautiful song that ARS ever did. A beautiful acoustic guitar is the foundation of this song. Ronnie Hammond's vocals are plaintive and sincere, and the melody is haunting. The message has special meaning for all of us who are approaching middle age. This one makes the chills run down your spine, and would probably bring tears to a glass eye.

4. A Child Of The Video Age--One of the rare songs where ARS makes a social commentary. This one's not a rant, but it takes a poke at modern technology. The drums kick it off, and the acoustic guitar is again prominent. The electric guitar solo is pretty hot, and the song decries the loss of the "good ole days" to modern technology.

5. Alien--This is an ARS standard that has a new "face" put on it with the acoustic guitar. This song is one that is just so typical of the style of ARS--jazzy, laid-back, but with feeling and a lot of outstanding playing. The acoustic guitar solo really separates this song from the old original version. The background vocals provide the perfect contrast to Ronnie Hammond's strong lead vocal performance.

6. So Into You--One of the most recognized ARS tunes. Again, the use of the acoustic guitar puts a new spin on this song. This band's style makes it easy to envision them on stage in a smoky, dark nightclub, just makin' music. Barry Bailey shows us that he can wear out an acoustic guitar, as well as an electric guitar.

7. Imaginary Lover--This is another trademark ARS tune that all of us have heard in the past. Did these guys invent "laid back"? It wouldn't surprise me if they did. Their individual talents are awesome, but together they have a very warm, ensemble feel. This tune is transmogrified with the acoustic guitar into something that's even more laid back than the original.

8. I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight--Another patented ARS song about setting your troubles aside, at least for a little while. All of the players turn in strong performances in this upbeat, optimistic song. The acoustic guitar line is again prominent in transforming this song into a different version than the original. Backing vocals again compliment the lead vocals, and the result makes this somewhat blues-rock song work.

9. Angel--An acoustic guitar intro and a strong bass line push this song, which is a little uncharacteristic with regard to the style of ARS. The band performs the song well, but I guess I like this song the least of all tunes on this album. The song is laid back enough, but the band seems to have sacrificed their bluesy sound on this one. The extended acoustic guitar solo is done well, but I just really don't care for this song that much.

10. Do It Or Die--A great way to end this album. This song is very typical of the ARS style. The acoustic guitar is again the focus of the music, and the keyboards, bass and drums all mesh together beautifully. Ronnie Hammond sings soulfully, and he proves that he knows the high end of the range. The acoustic guitar and keyboard solos lend grace to this most pretty, melodic song.

ARS was never a band that was in the mainstream, and it doesn't surprise me that a lot of people don't know much about them. They have a distinct southern flavor, but they are not a southern rock band in the style of Lynard Skynard, Molly Hatchet, or .38 Special. These guys play a classy, jazzy laid back type of music that makes for good easy listening. The acoustic part of this album puts a new spin on a lot of their trademark songs.