Billy Cobham - The Art Of Three-Live In Japan (2003)

Tracklist

1. I Mean You
2. Bouncin' With Bud
3. Autumn Leaves
4. Out Of Nowhere
5. Body And Soul
6. Stella By Starlight
7. Round Midnight
8. Tour De Force

personnel :

Kenny Barron - piano
Ron Carter - acoustic bass
Billy Cobham - drums

The Art of Three consists of a trio of jazz veterans: Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, and Billy Cobham. The first of two live engagements from their tour of Japan in 2003 is an explosive concert, covering a mix of familiar standards and popular jazz compositions that have likely been a part of their respective repertoire for some time. The tempo is constant as they shift from a driving take of Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You" to Bud Powell's "Bouncin' with Bud," with Cobham's powerful drums keeping pace with Barron's forceful piano. Things finally cool off a bit with "Autumn Leaves" before the listener is overwhelmed, followed by a jaunty, lighthearted take of "Out of Nowhere." Barron's flashy runs in "Body and Soul" suggest the influence of Art Tatum, while Cobham switches to brushes for a breezy "Stella by Starlight." Even though "'Round Midnight" is one of the most over-recorded jazz pieces of all time, Barron's introspective approach make it worth hearing. Dizzy Gillespie's "Tour de Force" makes a solid closing number. Intimately recorded with the feeling of having a front-row seat, hard bop fans will enjoy this Japanese release.