The Three Sounds - Standards (1998) Flac

Tracklist

1. Makin' Whoopee
2. Cry Me A River
3. Witchcraft
4. Again
5. Sometimes I'm Happy
6. Stay As Sweet As You Are
7. The Best Things In Life Are Free
8. Red Sails In The Sunset
9. Alone Together
10. Lights Out
11. Thinking Of You
12. Goodnight, Ladies

personnel :

Gene Harris - piano
Andrew Simpkins - bass
Bill Dowdy - drums

During the prime Blue Note years (1958-1962) of the Three Sounds (a trio comprised of pianist Gene Harris, bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy), the group did an awful lot of recording for the label. This 1998 CD has a dozen titles that had never been released previously from four sessions in 1959 and 1962. The standards (only "Lights Out" is actually a blues) are made bluesy by the trio. Strangely enough, Harris often sounds closer here to Red Garland (especially in his chord voicings) than to his own style. The fact that the music is not in general as funky as usual may be why producer Alfred Lion did not release with the sessions when they were recorded. However, although not essential, the playing is enjoyable on its own terms, with highlights including "Makin' Whoopee, '" "Witchcraft," "Sometimes I'm Happy," "Red Sails In The Sunset" and "Lights Out."~Scott Yanow