One Hit Wonders - Ace

Today's One Hit Wonder is a band from England who enjoyed moderate success in the 70s. The band, at the time this song was released was comprised of  guitarists Alan "Bam" King and Phil Harris, Steve Witherington on drums, bassist Terry "Tex" Comer and keyboardist/lead vocalist Paul Carrack. The song is a mid-tempo ballad entitled "How Long" that is well constructed and nicely executed, topped off with a laid-back soulful lead vocal by Carrack. The song is about a former bandmate and his departure from the band. The band was formed in 1972 in Sheffield as Ace Flash And The Dynamos, later shortened to simply Ace. They were a popular working pub band with a pop/RnB influence. In 1974 they released their debut album Five Aside which contained "How Long". The song, released as a single, was a significant hit, going top 20 in the U.K. and reaching #3 in the U.S. Carrack had gone on to work with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters and was a member of Roxy Music, Squeeze and Mike And The Mechanics. The song became a U.K top 40 hit again in 1996 by Carrack as a solo artist.  Enjoy.