What makes Third Plane by Ron Carter notable?

Third Plane is noted for its innovative approach to jazz composition, blending complex harmonies with accessible melodies. It received positive critical reception, contributing to Carter's stature as a leading bassist and composer in the genre during the late 1970s. By the time Ron Carter released Third Plane in 1977, he was already a prominent figure in the jazz world, known for his work with the Miles Davis Quintet. This album followed his acclaimed work on albums like The Man with the Golden Arm and showcased his artistic evolution as a bandleader rather than just a sideman.

Who is Third Plane for?

Third Plane works well if you're into steady meditative listening experience, intricate melodies for reflection and peaks of subtle improvisation.

How many songs are on Third Plane?

Third Plane has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Third Plane

Ron Carter · 1977

39 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of post-bop jazz woven with intricate melodies and a deep sense of rhythmic exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Third Plane — The title track sets the tone for the album with its fluid bass lines and intricate interplay between instruments, highlighting Carter's skill as both a bassist and composer.
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Quiet Times — This track features a serene yet sophisticated arrangement that allows each musician to shine, reflecting the album's overall emphasis on collaborative creativity.
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Dolphin Dance — Carter's rendition of this classic showcases his ability to infuse personal interpretation into well-known standards, demonstrating both technical prowess and emotive depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate compositions and strong rhythmic exploration, making it a solid entry in post-bop jazz.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a complex interplay between bass and piano, establishing a rich harmonic foundation.
The arrangement includes moments of solo improvisation, particularly highlighting the bass, which is central to the album's texture.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady meditative listening experience
intricate melodies for reflection
peaks of subtle improvisation
ideal for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat dance tracks
prefer standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Ron Carter released Third Plane in 1977, he was already a prominent figure in the jazz world, known for his work with the Miles Davis Quintet. This album followed his acclaimed work on albums like The Man with the Golden Arm and showcased his artistic evolution as a bandleader rather than just a sideman.
Stylistic neighbors: Charles Mingus· Jimmy Garrison· Dave Holland