Biography
During the 1970s the Rimshots functioned as house band for Joe and Sylvia Robinson’s All Platinum/Stang family of labels and simultaneously issued their own material, chiefly on Stang. Guitarists Walter Morris and Tommy Keith, who also composed and produced on occasion, directed the ensemble, whose lineup further comprised drummer Clarence Oliver, bassist Jonathan Williams, and keyboardist Bernadette Randle. Their most visible session contributions supported flagship act the Moments, whose Harry Ray and Al Goodman occasionally supplied songs to the group. The Rimshots debuted their own singles in 1972, when their funk remained tougher than the disco-oriented style they later favored. Cuts such as “Soul Train, Pts. 1 & 2” and “Save That Thing” became sought-after collector’s items, as did the 1972 debut album Soul Train. In the ensuing years they continued to release strong non-album singles—“Dance Girl,” “Harvey Wallbanger,” “Who’s Got the Monster”—that later established their value as a dependable source of hip-hop samples. By 1975 tracks including “Do What You Feel, Pt. 1” and “(7-6-5-4-3-2-1) Blow Your Whistle” signaled a move into smoother disco territory, a direction confirmed in 1976 by “Super Disco” and “We’ve Got You Singing.” That same year the Rimshots released their second album, Down to Earth, and placed two tracks on the little-known blaxploitation soundtrack Patty. In addition to their Stang duties, the Rimshots backed Etta James on her funky blues album Etta Is Betta Than Evah. The 2000 Sequel compilation 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (Blow Your Whistle) gathered both Soul Train and Down to Earth together with further non-album material.
Albums
