Billy Cobham (drums), Ron Carter (bass), Kenny Barron (piano) Genre: Jazz / Acoustic Trio Release Year: 2001
Unlike Cobham’s typical high-octane fusion, this set leans heavily into jazz standards and classic compositions, delivered with a "classy and timeless" trio feel. Tracklist Highlights: Stella By Starlight:
, a drummer legendary for his high-energy jazz fusion. Departing from his usual "thunder machine" approach, this live album—often sought by audiophiles in high-fidelity formats like —showcases a refined, acoustic collaboration with jazz masters Kenny Barron (piano) and Ron Carter (bass). A Departure from Fusion
Showcases a "mellow mood," moving away from his "thunder-like" fusion style to explore nuanced acoustic textures. Billy Cobham - The Art of Three -2001- -EAC-FLAC-
Elegance, lyricism, and an encyclopedic knowledge of the jazz repertoire define Kenny Barron. Known for his work with Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, and his own celebrated trios, Barron acts as the melodic bridge on this record. His fluid phrasing and rich chordal voicings perfectly balance Cobham’s rhythmic fire and Carter’s subterranean groove. Analyzing the Music: A Masterclass in Interplay
The album's tracklist consists primarily of deeply intuitive takes on jazz standards and original compositions by the band members: Stella By Starlight
– 7:32 (Waltz turned inside out. Cobham shifts time signatures without breaking the lyrical spell.) Billy Cobham (drums), Ron Carter (bass), Kenny Barron
Mixed and mastered on Pyramix Virtual Studio by Blaise Grandjean, giving it a warm, intimate "in-the-room" sound profile.
Critics praised the album for its organic, collaborative feel, noting that it was a rare and pleasant surprise to hear Cobham in a fully acoustic, "all-stars super-trio" setting. It proved that his "forward-looking ideas" remained vibrant even when stripped of electric fusion's high-decibel trappings.
: Recording, Remixing, and Remastering Engineer Frank Kleinschmidt : Producer (for In & Out Records) Key Highlights A Departure from Fusion Showcases a "mellow mood,"
The standard release includes the following tracks (approximately 73 minutes total): (10:43) Autumn Leaves (10:00) New Waltz (written by Ron Carter) (6:55) Bouncing with Bud (written by Bud Powell) (7:02) 'Round Midnight (written by Thelonious Monk) (7:56) And Then Again (written by Kenny Barron) (11:25) I Thought About You (10:26) Someday My Prince Will Come (9:19) Technical Details
He adapts his "thunder" into intricate, subtle rhythmic textures that drive the music without overwhelming it, showcasing incredible dynamics and control. 2. Notable Tracks and Atmosphere