The Three Sounds - Soul Symphony - 1969

The Three Sounds had a remarkably prolific career, releasing a steady stream of albums throughout the 1950s and `60s. By the time of 1969's SOUL SYMPHONY, the group's final album, both the make-up and the sound of the group had changed. Only one of the original trio remained, and the music, far removed from the spare, groove-oriented instrumental post bop that had defined most of their output, was now dominated by string arrangements and easy-listening-style vocals. Pianist Gene Harris brought in outside musicians to complete this ode to urban life in the late `60s. The results may not please old-school fans of the Three Sounds, but will certainly fit a niche market interested in jazz and fusion experiments from the era. Arranger: Monk Higgins. The Three Sounds: Gene Harris (piano); Henry Franklin (upright bass); Carl Burnett (drums). Additional personnel: Freddy Robinson (guitar); Buddy Collette (flute); David Duke (French horn); Alan Estes (percussion); Specialties Unlimited (background vocals). Down Beat (p.74) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he early parts of the 26-minute title track are imaginative, combining tender piano lines against subtle string accompaniment followed by a slow funk groove..."