ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION

With All Due Respect

2011-08-29

This is an easy-on-the-ears CD played by seasoned musicians with a sense of effortlessness and smooth transitions. They probably laid these tracks down with their eyes closed. Band members on this album include Dean Daughtry, Steve Stone, Justin Senker, Dave Anderson, Jim Keeling and Andy Anderson. Buddy Buie is executive producer, a founding member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section. With 12 tracks, they may have run out of covers and just decided to add five of their biggest hits for a bit of nostalgia, or if it may have been because of the untimely death of ARS singer Ronnie Hammond. With All Due Respect is in memoriam of Hammond, who died from a sudden heart attack in March, 2011. Their biggest hits So Into You, Spooky, Champagne Jam and Imaginary Lover sound just as great as it they did in the 1970s. I’m Not Gonna Let it Bother Me Tonight resonates today just as it did back in the day with uplifting lyrics that hold true. Bad Case of Lovin’ You (a Robert Palmer cover), Midnight Rider (Allman Brothers cover), Hey Nineteen (Steely Dan cover) are played with a Southern twist of lyrics and ARS style. Conversation, a B.J. Thomas cover, ends with a sweet solo by guitarist Steve Stone. Ronnie Hammond assisted with vocals on this song and has been characterized as one of the greatest singers by Lynryd Skynyrd. Tuesday’s Gone, a Lynyrd Skynyrd cover, has good vocal harmony and a slow pace with another great guitar solo. Rock Bottom is a likable tune and is the best on this CD. With All Due Respect will appeal to diehard ARS fans as their massive CD catalog indicates they have a strong following. It will leave you reminiscing about the 70s, listening to your stereo with your giant headphones on…. Reviewed by: Pam VandeKerkhoff

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