Harris, Gene & The Three Sounds: Live at the Club (Blue Note Classic) LP

The Three Sounds were one of the most prolific groups on the Blue Note roster from the late-1950s into the early 1970s. Led by pianist Gene Harris the trio was introduced on the label in 1958 and churned out a series of successful albums featuring their accessible, swinging sound. By 1969, the band’s line-up had evolved to feature bassist Henry Franklin and drummer Carl Burnett, and their sound had evolved too. The blues and gospel roots were still there, but the rhythm had taken on a funkier edge with a contemporary beat, and in the studio they had been concocting more ambitious albums that were orchestral in scope with a fuller production style, such as Elegant Soul and Soul Symphony. But in March 1970 they went back to basics with a rousing live recording Live at the ‘It Club’ which captured the trio doing what they did best in front of a spirited crowd at the popular Los Angeles club. The LP version, which wouldn’t be first released until 1996, presented a 5-song set of groovy favorites like “Funky Pullett” and “Sittin’ Duck” which were written by producer Monk Higgins.