“Blues and Rock music has totally influenced my life. Like most people of my vintage, I was listening to the radio everyday absorbing all the music that was being played.”

Martin Ace: The Ace of MAN

Welsh born bass player and vocalist, Martin Ace joined MAN in 1969. Left in 1972 and was a member of Deke Leonard’s Iceberg but returned briefly to Man for a tour in Spring 1975. Later in the 1970s joined The Motors for a while. Rejoined Man when they reformed in 1983 and has been a member ever since. MAN formed in the Swansea area of Wales from the ashes of the mid 60s harmony pop outfit, The Bystanders, and another local band The Dream. The two fused together, and became a more progressive outfit, signing to Pye Records. Their debut album, 'Revelation', being a fully fledged concept album. However, this gained little momentum and they shifted to Pye's 'progressive' imprint Dawn for the more experimental '2 Ozs of Plastic With A Hole In The Middle'. This made about the same amount of impact, and they changed labels entirely for their third eponymous album that was released on Liberty. Rather typically by now, this also didn't exactly set the world alight.                       (Martin Ace / Photo by Christian Albrecht Groddeck)

It was only when they signed to United Artists, which had re-established itself as a prominent prog label at this time. A run of very popular albums started from 'Do You Like It Here Now? Are You Setlling In' in 1971 through to the live album 'Maximum Darkness' in 1975. However, again their fortunes started to dwindle and after a few less successful albums for MCA they split. However, a short term reunion in 1983, and another in the early 90s which has continued to this day, has kept the band alive, despite the fact that pretty much every album has never featured the same line up twice! Nowadays the band is led by the bass player Martin Ace, who has been an on/off member since around 1970.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

The answer is actually in the question, Blues and Rock music has totally influenced my life. Like most people of my vintage, I was listening to the radio everyday absorbing all the music that was being played. The Goon show had the best band of that era by a long way. Not only the funniest programme on the BBC but also the hippest musically. Max Geldray harmonica, Judd Proctor guitarist, Ray Ellington Quartet, Harry Rabinowitz conducting the Orchestra and The BBC Radiophonic Workshop which was responsible for the myriad sound effects. And that’s just one programme! Also during this time Lonnie Donegan introduced us to the Blues. From Chris Barber's trad band. Lonnie easily fitted into the showbiz category so we got to hear him a lot.

Simultaneously from America: Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Gene Vincent and my personal favourite Buddy Holly. The list is endless but you get the idea! I got a guitar and I learned “Worried Man Blues” like everyone else. I was singing “Irene Goodnight” before I ever heard of Leadbelly.

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

My approach to the bass is keep it simple. It totally takes the stress out of playing and it gives a solid foundation for the rest of the instruments. Also it’s a lot easier to sing at the same time. You should only notice the bass when it stops! Give it plenty of feel and emotion because that doesn’t require any technique.

”I don’t really miss anything from the past, it’s with me all the time. I’m currently working on a solo project, old songs my own songs and blues in open d minor on my lovely resonator. I don’t like AI and I don’t know anyone who does! Of course, I fear for the political future of the world, it seems to be getting worse.” (Photo: MAN - Martin Ace, Terry Williams, Deke Leonard, Micky Jones & Clive John)

Why do you think that MAN music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

It’s probably due to the fact that we are such lovely cuddly people. Who knows, it’s one of the mysteries of the universe. We sprang up at a time when it was a time of revolution and change and everyone remembers what they were doing at significant times in their life like going to see the Manband at Glastonbury or the Roundhouse or the Deutschland Halle or the Sportpalast in Berlin or Winterland in San Francisco.

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?! 

That’s hard to answer because there have been so many memories and highlights. After we’d done a gig with David Bowie at University of Wales in St. David’s he wrote to us and asked if we wanted to be his band and we turned him down citing that we would prefer to continue with our own plans. His next project was The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I don’t really miss anything from the past, it’s with me all the time. I’m currently working on a solo project, old songs my own songs and blues in open d minor on my lovely resonator. I don’t like AI and I don’t know anyone who does!

Of course, I fear for the political future of the world, it seems to be getting worse.

”It’s probably due to the fact that we are such lovely cuddly people. Who knows, it’s one of the mysteries of the universe. We sprang up at a time when it was a time of revolution and change and everyone remembers what they were doing at significant times in their life like going to see the Manband at Glastonbury or the Roundhouse or the Deutschland Halle or the Sportpalast in Berlin or Winterland in San Francisco.” (Photo: Martin Ace & John Cipollina jammin on stage, Winterland, San Francisco CA, 1975)

What were the reasons that made the UK in the 1960s to be the center of Blues Rock researches and experiments?

Me and Terry had two albums and they were The Paul Butterfield Band and The Mothers of Invention “Freak Out” and that was enough to give anyone a sense of direction not forgetting “Blonde on Blonde”.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

That you should concentrate on the things you are good at and practise and learn as much as you can of the other stuff. "If it ain’t got that swing it don’t mean a thing" is still as true as ever…

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Make them HAPPY!

(Marin Ace / Photo by Christian Albrecht Groddeck)