What makes The Third Man by Enrico Rava notable?

The Third Man received significant critical acclaim upon its release, with many publications highlighting Rava's exceptional musicianship and the album's atmospheric qualities. It contributed to the resurgence of interest in jazz within Europe during the mid-2000s and solidified Rava's status as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. The album has been praised for its emotional depth and innovative arrangements, influencing a wave of European jazz artists. When Enrico Rava released The Third Man in 2007, he was already an established figure in jazz, known for his unique sound and collaborations. This album followed his critically acclaimed release, Easy Living, showcasing his continuous evolution as a composer and bandleader. At this point in his career, Rava was blending traditional jazz elements with innovative influences from various genres.

Who is The Third Man for?

The Third Man works well if you're into lush melodies that unfold gradually, cinematic soundscapes for reflection and moments of improvisation and exploration.

How many songs are on The Third Man?

The Third Man has 12 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

The Third Man

Enrico Rava · 2007

72 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of lyrical trumpet melodies interwoven with intricate harmonies and dynamic rhythmic shifts.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Estate — This track opens the album with a hauntingly beautiful melody that showcases Rava's lyrical trumpet style, setting the tone for the entire record.
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The Third Man — Named after the film that inspired the album, this track melds nostalgia with modernity, featuring intricate rhythms that highlight the ensemble's chemistry.
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Birth of a Butterfly — This piece exemplifies Rava's ability to blend complexity with accessibility, creating a vivid sonic landscape that captivates listeners throughout its duration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong trumpet melodies and intricate arrangements, making it a solid entry in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of trumpet as the lead instrument, often accompanied by piano and bass, creating a rich harmonic backdrop.
Several tracks employ dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, with moments of quiet introspection followed by more vigorous passages.
The first half of the album maintains a more melodic focus, while the latter half introduces more complex rhythmic patterns and improvisational sections.

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

Influence 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

lush melodies that unfold gradually
cinematic soundscapes for reflection
moments of improvisation and exploration
evening ambiance with rich textures
intimate listening for quiet spaces

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer quick, catchy songs

Where this album fits

Career context: When Enrico Rava released The Third Man in 2007, he was already an established figure in jazz, known for his unique sound and collaborations. This album followed his critically acclaimed release, Easy Living, showcasing his continuous evolution as a composer and bandleader. At this point in his career, Rava was blending traditional jazz elements with innovative influences from various genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Paolo Fresu· Tomasz Stańko· Mark Turner