ABEL, RAWLS & HAYES: Flash On A Film

Abel, Rawls & Hayes

Flash On A Film

© 2005 Abel, Rawls & Hayes (642820002828)

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Mature, unique and sincere pop-rock that isn't aimed at teenagers. Great musicians, great harmony, great songs, great lyrics. Great CD.

notes

This first ARH release showcases the songwriting versatility for which the trio has become known. From beautiful, acoustic songs (true to their live performances) to full band rockers, the CD contains 14 songs plus an enhancedCD session featuring an in-studio music video of "My Apologies".

The title track, "Flash On A Film", features Phill Ehart of Kansas on drums, Will Turpin and Joel Kosche of Collective Soul on bass and guitar. Matt Melton of Honestly and Tommy Strain complete the lineup in the multi-layered guitar tracks.

Appearing on other tracks throughout the CD are David Buice on drums, Calvin Kelley on percussion, guest vocalists Donny Henderson and Jane Abel, Bill Turpin on dobro and Tommy Strain on guitar.

PRESS
"This Atlanta-based trio of Ward Abel, Steve Rawls and Sloan Hayes has just completed their third indie CD, and it's a winner! Over the course of fourteen songs, the tightly-constructed pop tunes they're known for seem to be on the verge of sonically bursting at the seams.
Each tune is filled with all manner of production and arrangement flourishes (some subtle, some not so subtle) that betray what must have been a painstaking and arduous recording process. The heart of the band continues to be their meticulous songcraft... but with Flash On A Film, they seem to be flexing their rock muscles a bit more than usual. If you appreciate mature, sincere, guitar-based pop that isn't aimed at teenagers, you can't help but be impressed with what ARH has accomplished completely on their own." - ConnectSavannah - Jim Reed

BIO
The duo of Ward Abel and Steve Rawls goes back to their teen years, playing in the Jacob Rye Band, a prog rock group located in Atlanta, GA, routinely churning out 20 minute tunes full of majesty, while at times bordering on early punk. Afterwards, Abel had stints with Preface (releasing two singles in the UK) and Max Able (as modern-rock "Max" with Sky Records), while Rawls toiled in equally satisfying obscurity in the Atlanta basement scene. Sloan Hayes had provided keyboard artistry for Starbuck (of "Moonlight Feels Right" fame), Brother Bait (who had their own prog happenings) and Reel People, both on Atlanta and national stages. All three joined up after Abel and Rawls reunited and had recorded two indie CDs, to which Hayes had contributed. During pre-production for this release, Flash On A Film, they decided to form the trio of Abel, Rawls & Hayes. The songwriting has gelled into what some have called "poetic, enigmatic" and "meticulous songcraft". Indeed the songwriting is the epicenter of what ARH's music projects: clear-eyed moments of life, love and our world, delivered by artists who have been there and lived it, and now tell us about it.

reviews

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  • author: Rita Harrison

    This is the type of music I admire. It comes from the heart and is offered to the public in the best possible style, excellence. I get a solid grass roots feeling from this CD and I am telling everyone I know about these musicians. Shame they aren't at the top of the chart. I truly believe they should be. Rita

  • Awsome
    author: Mary

    They're the best band and when you listen to them you will love them forever!

  • author: Elizabeth Tucker

    The lyrics seem to come from deep within the songwriter's soul, his words speak volumes. The blending of the various instruments sets this apart from others, very unique. My cousin David Buice turned me on to this CD, many thanks. Ward Abel and I are from the Class of '78 @ J.S.H.S. It's obvious he loves what he does; lucky for us!

  • Very High Highlights and Colors Abound, Conjuring Wonderful Visuals!
    author: David Buice

    Some times session musicians never even hear the final product of their labors in the studio. Some times they do not want to. When I did the session work on this album, I knew that something special had been captured on tape and could not wait to hear the final product. I was not disappointed! I am very proud to have been a small part of this project. the music on this album transports you to so many different places of interest and paints so many colors you want to go back again and again.

  • author: adam

    flash on a film, just a night,my apologies and sunrise are all great songs , true poetry ,words cannot describe an album this great! have to listen to understand,this is a must have cd!

  • Fantastic
    author: Ailsa Robertson

    The sheer diversity of this CD is a testament to the talent of these guys. A welcome change and a joy to listen to. Real music at its best.

  • Netherlands
    author: Pieter Zandvliet

    Amazing, what a shame for the Netherlands they don't know artist as Abel,Rawls & Hayes over here, A SHAME! Ear-cramps magazine

  • Referred by a friend - THANK YOU!
    author: Greta

    A friend of mine told me about this group. Went to their CD release party and bought a CD. I haven't stopped listening yet! Why doesn't radio play their music? Many times I'll hear something from CD first, go to see the band live and be disappointed. NOT THESE GUYS. They are a great live show AND great on CD. Now that I'm familiar with their music I'm really looking forward to seeing them live again. Buy this CD and go to their website and ask to be put on their mailing list.....

  • AR&H are musical treasures themselves - but adding a varied cast of guest music
    author: David Herrle

    Though comparisons are usually annoying, I do so to stress FLASH ON A FILM's potential appeal to a wide spectrum of listeners. It's not folk, rock, blues, bluegrass, or country - but those ghosts float throughout the album. Specific bands evoked? The Moody Blues, Neil Young, Buffalo Tom, Leo Kottke, The Horse Flies (especially in "Ask For Calm"), James Taylor, some Bruce Springsteen and some Pink Floyd. For great and diverse instrumentation, and hearty vocals and lyrics, listen to FLASH ON A FILM.

  • A great CD showcasing versatility and songcraft
    author: Mark Stahls

    On first listen I was captivated by the range of musical styles on the CD. On subsequent listens, I'm blown away by the songcraft and lyrics. This CD is pretty deep but all of the songs still seem approachable, nothing to heady, except possibly Ask For Calm (fairly esoteric lyrics). If you enjoy great music and production I strongly recommend this CD!

  • it's all good from the first to the last
    author: bill turpin

    the songs are a buffett... all food for your ears as well as your mind. from the first to the last it's not the same old same old song after song ....this cd really keeps me listening and sometimes drifting off into the theater of my mind. i love it and love turning my friends on to it. you can bet its gonna be under a lot of christmas trees for sure. bill

  • Fabulous!
    author: Jo Copsey

    First CD of Abel, Rawles & Hayes I've heard and I'm already a fan. Melodic, poetic and memorable. It's fast becoming a favourite! Thanks, guys! http://www.jocopsey.co.uk/

  • Great album.
    author: ethan

    Flash On Film is a great CD throughout. It restores faith in the lost art of solid, well rounded songwriting. Flash is one CD I can confidently say pleases the fastidious artist in me as well as the good time listener.

  • GREAT CD!!
    author: Scott Davis

    One of the best CDs I've heard in a long time. Will stay in my player a long time!!!

  • author: Andrea Lowne

    Truly excellent work. Abel, Rawls and Hayes can be justifiably proud of this great musical achievement. Andrea Lowne, Chief Exec.UKA, UKAP http://www.ukauthors.com http://www.ukapress.com

  • Very smooth listening from accomplished musicians that pour their souls into the
    author: Jimmy Pindaho

    A mix of great listening tracks from great musicians that don't rely on technology for their unique sound. Go see them live and you can see for yourself! You won't regret it.

  • Flash on a Film is Picture-perfect.
    author: Corey Mesler

    The sound these guys get from their instruments and woven voices sounds like the perfect marriage of form and content. Music that is sweet to the ear, that sets the bugs loose in you, that gets your heart a-pumping, gives way on subsequent listens to an appreciation of lyrical gracefulness and deeper meaning. These guys are better than America, better than the Eagles. But if you like those groups give them a try and become an instant fan.

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