Good The Three Sounds

Stanley Turrentine, The Three Sounds - Elegant Soul (1968) + Blue Hour. The Complete Sessions [2CD] (1960) {Blue Note}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 818 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 323 Mb
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© 2000, 2008 Blue Note / Capitol | 5 22286 2 / 5 24586 2 | 24-bit remaster
Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz

After the release of Coldwater Flat five months earlier, Three Sounds pianist Gene Harris and bassist Andy Simpkins found themselves faced with yet another personnel change: Donald Bailey, who'd been with group for only two albums, left the group (after replacing founding drummer Bill Dowdy) and was replaced by Carl Burnett. The jazz-pop direction that Harris and Simpkins pursued on the fine Coldwater Flat set – where the trio fronted the Oliver Nelson band and a string section – was followed up here with composer and saxophonist Monk Higgins as arranger, conductor, and co-producer (with Dee Ervin).

The Three Sounds' return to Blue Note wasn't a celebrated event - no exact date even exists for these sessions, although in all likelihood it was recorded somewhere in October 1966. Even if the event was poorly documented, it was fairly important for the label, because it signaled that they were backing away from the adventurous hard bop and free jazz they had been recording, and were considering concentrating on the commercially oriented, mainstream soul-jazz the Three Sounds pioneered. Since Vibrations was recorded in 1965, not 1959, there were differences in the trio's approach. Pianist Gene Harris tried organ on a few tracks, and the group tackled contemporary R&B hits ("Let's Go Get Stoned," "Fever," "Yeh Yeh") as well as MOR pop ("It Was a Very Good Year")…

The Three Sounds - Good Deal (1959) {2010 Japan Blue Note Best & More 1100 Series, 24bit remaster, TOCJ-8712}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 254 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 97 Mb
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© 1959, 2010 Blue Note / EMI Music Japan | TOCJ-8712 | 24bit remaster
Jazz / Post Bebop / Soul Jazz / Hard Bop / Piano Trio

Good Deal is a typically fine record from the Three Sounds, who were beginning to hit their stride when this session was recorded in May of 1959. Like most of their records, it's laidback – even when the group works a swinging tempo, there's a sense of ease that keeps the mood friendly, relaxed and mellow. Balancing standards like "Satin Doll," "Soft Winds" and "That's All" with bop ("Robbin's Nest"), calypso ("St. Thomas") and originals, the Three Sounds cover a lot of stylistic territory, putting their distinctive stamp on each song. It's very accessible, pleasant soul-jazz and mainstream hard bop, but Gene Harris' masterful technique means that Good Deal rewards close listening as well.

"The Three Sounds: Standards" is full of Gene Harris' good-natured, hand-over-hand rolling blues playing. The disc opens with a playful "Makin' Whoopee," a cool juxtaposition between the song subject and the gospel elements of Harris' performance. This is the only "hard" standard of the bunch. The collection is tastefully chosen and includes fine takes of "Cry Me A River," "The Best Things in Life are Free," "Alone Together" and "Goodnight, Ladies." Harris is the star supported ably by Simpkins and Dowdy. While being the premier jazz-blues pianist, Harris' music is never dark or sinister. Gene Harris' music is always about sunshine and brightness.

An appropriate title for an utterly charming set from the Three Sounds. The trio works familiar territory on Feelin' Good, playing a set of swinging hard bop and classy soul-jazz, but there's a definite spark in the air. Working from a diverse set of standards, originals, contemporary jazz, and blues, the Three Sounds created a cheerful, up-tempo record. Its very ease is deceptive - the music is so accessible and entertaining, it's easy to overlook the sheer musical mastery of the group, which performs at something of a peak on this record. Gene Harris sounds better than ever, turning in an elegant interpretation of "It Could Happen to You," but he's just as able to inject "When I Fall in Love" with unexpectedly vigorous swing and make Monk's "Straight No Chaser" a foot-tapping, danceable delight…