What makes Gene Harris of the Three Sounds by Gene Harris notable?

This album is notable for its critical reception, particularly for the track 'Lean on Me,' which has been recognized as an enduring classic within the jazz genre. Additionally, it helped solidify Harris's reputation as a leading figure in soul jazz, influencing future generations of musicians. Released in 1972, Gene Harris of the Three Sounds marked a significant moment in Harris's career as it was his first album after the group disbanded. At this point, he was transitioning into a solo artist while maintaining his signature sound developed with the Three Sounds throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

How many songs are on Gene Harris of the Three Sounds?

Gene Harris of the Three Sounds has 8 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Gene Harris of the Three Sounds

Gene Harris · 1972

41 min · 8 tracks · blues

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and blues that showcases Gene Harris's dynamic piano work and soulful arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lean on Me — This track stands out for its uplifting melody and heartfelt message, showcasing Harris's ability to blend emotional depth with infectious grooves.
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Django — A tribute to jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, this piece highlights Harris's virtuosic piano skills and intricate improvisation that captivates listeners.
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Killer Joe — This rendition infuses a lively energy into the classic tune, featuring tight ensemble playing and a playful interaction between instruments that exemplifies Harris's band-leading prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong compositions and skilled performances, but its impact is primarily within jazz circles.

What we noticed

The album opens with a vibrant piano solo on 'Django' that sets a lively tone, followed by the more soulful 'Lean on Me', which features rich vocal harmonies.
Tracks like 'A Day in the Life of a Fool' and 'Emily' showcase intricate arrangements with layered instrumentation, highlighting Harris's dynamic piano work.
The record maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove throughout, with several tracks featuring call-and-response elements between the piano and horns.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Django 6:55
2 Lean on Me 3:31
3 A Day in the Life of a Fool (Manha de Carnaval) 5:26
4 John Brown's Body 5:32
5 Listen Here 5:28
6 Emily 3:01
7 Killer Joe 5:27
8 C Jam Blues 5:59

What to play next

Listen next

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

1973

Go back to

The 3 Sounds

1971

Full Gene Harris discography Artists like Gene Harris

blues funk jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata