Ace Spectrum
Ace Spectrum was a New York City-based R&B and soul vocal group active in the mid-1970s. Formed in 1966, the ensemble spent years on the local soul circuit before signing with Atlantic Records and releasing three studio albums.
The group was established by Rudy Gay Sr., Elliot Isaac, Henry "Easy" Zant (also known as Edward "Easy" Zant), and Aubrey "Troy" Johnson. Uniquely, Zant served as both a member of the vocal quartet and the group's manager. Unlike many contemporary groups, Ace Spectrum did not have a fixed lead singer; instead, the members frequently rotated lead vocal duties from song to song.
The group's peak commercial period occurred between 1974 and 1976. Their most successful single was "Don't Send Nobody Else," written by the legendary songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson. The track reached #20 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and #57 on the Hot 100 in 1974.
As the disco scene grew, their single "Keep Holdin' On" was heavily promoted in clubs as a 12-inch single. Another track, "Live and Learn," featured lead vocals by later member Frederick G. Duff and reached #35 on the Dance Music/Club Play chart.
Their debut was produced by Tony Silvester, while their later 1976 recordings were arranged and produced by the influential disco producer Patrick Adams.
Ace Spectrum released three full-length albums on Atlantic Records:- Inner Spectrum (1974): Peaked at #28 on the R&B Albums chart; Low Rent Rendezvous (1975): Reached #35 on the R&B Albums chart and #138 on the Billboard 200; Just Like in the Movies (1976): Their final studio effort.
The original lineup consisted of: Henry "Red" Zant (also known as Edward "Easy" Zant), Aubrey "Troy" Johnson, Elliot Isaac; Rudy Gay Sr. For their final album in 1976, the lineup expanded or shifted to include Frederick G. Duff and Lawrence "Dee" Coley. Following their 1976 recordings, the group struggled to find further commercial success and eventually disbanded.
Inner Spectrum
Composed By – N. Ashford & V. Simpson 5:00
A2 Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Composed By – J. Taylor 4:22
A3 If You Were There
Composed By – E. Isley, M. Isley, C. Isley 4:00
A4 Moving On
Composed By – A. Johnson, R. Gay 4:19
B1 Pickup
Composed By – A. Johnson, E. Zant 3:02
B2 Me And My Love
Composed By – A. Johnson 3:31
B3 Easy
Composed By – D. Leroux 3:58
B4 I Don't Want To Play Around
Composed By – A. Johnson, E. Zant 7:33
Label: Atlantic – SD 7299
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, PR
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre:
R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The 1974 debut album Inner Spectrum by Ace Spectrum is highly regarded by soul collectors and fans of 70s funk and soul for its gorgeous vocal harmonies, "Philly Soul" sound, and strong songwriting. Though the group never achieved massive commercial success, the album is considered their best work by many.
The album is praised for its classic 70s funk and soul sound, with a distinct "Philly-style" arrangement that has been compared to The Stylistics and The Isley Brothers. It features a mix of smooth, slow jams and up-tempo tracks.
Ace Spectrum was known for changing lead singers on different tracks and avoiding the common "high-voice technique" of the era, showcasing versatile vocal prowess across the album. The use of backing strings is a key part of their sound.
Reviewers consistently label the album as "underrated" and a "lost" classic that deserves more recognition. It has garnered significant interest among Northern Soul collectors over the decades.
Specific tracks that frequently receive praise:
"Don't Send Anybody Else," penned by the legendary Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, is a standout opening track that many feel should have been a bigger hit.
Their "between the sheets" cover of James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" is often cited as a definitive version and a perfect slow groove..
For fans of vintage soul music, Inner Spectrum is considered a must-listen that captures the essence of 70s harmony and smooth jams. Its blend of original compositions and well-executed covers, combined with the group's vocal talents and lush arrangements, makes it a highly sought-after record by collectors and a deeply cherished album by its listeners.