3rd Force - Gentle Force (2002)

3rd Force celebrates their tenth anniversary with the release of their sixth CD, titled Gentle Force. William Aura, Craig Dobbins, and Alain Eskinasi are the three points of the 3rd Force triangle, and the combined result of their talents has produced an excellent music journey through smooth jazz textures, flowing instrumentation, and sensual vocal treatments. Joining the group for this outing are several labelmates and Aura's recent discovery, singer Rebecca Carlish. Topping the list of special guest stars are the great Tom Scott, Greg Carmichael, and Miles Gilderdale of Acoustic Alchemy; Jimmy Sommers, Brian Hughes, Craig Chaquico, John O'Connor, and Grant Geissman do what they do best -- make beautiful smooth jazz. The smooth jazz collective opens the program with "Young Again," which features Tom Scott on sax and the Acoustic Alchemy guitarists shining their instinctive feelings and spiritual unity through Carlish's sensual vocals. "Grateful for Love" literally floats from the speakers, with the gentle treatments from 3rd Force punctuated by the soulful ambience of Jimmy Sommers and Rebecca Carlish. 3rd Force distinguishes their sound on this release with an extra dose of smooth, its new member, vocalist, and the awesome special guest stars. The gentle force of their new direction is what makes this CD a keeper. ~ Paula Edelstein