Featured Artist: Henry Franklin

CD Title: Three More Sounds, A Musical Tribute To Gene Harris

Year: 2003

Record Label: BP Records

Style: BeBop / Hard Bop

Musicians: Henry Franklin (b), Carl Burnette (d) Bobby Pierce (p)

Review: This recording is a sensational tribute to Gene Harris by three remarkable musicians, two of which were members of "The Three Sounds" (Henry Franklin, Bass and Carl Burnette, Drums) The addition of Bobby Pierce at the Piano added the nitro to the glycerine, making this an explosive venture into Bop, Blues and some shuffle on the side.

"John Brown's Body" opens with a hymnal / blues intro followed by a toe tapping shuffle beat and the muscular bass of Franklin who matches Pierce's dynamic swinging from the rafters solo. Carl Burnette has a great Drum "sound" on this number, the snare is free of the hollow ring one sometimes hears on the Drums and his accents are skilfully employed giving the soloists an added dimension.

"When I Fall In Love" and this writer sure fell in love with this tune. Bobby Pierce lays it on the line with a luscious Piano recitation that proclaims romanticism is alive and well. Franklin's bass is walking tall and Carl Burnette is solid in his insightful contribution to this beautiful track.

"Blues for Gene" with a modest back beat by Burnette, is a fine tribute to Gene Harris. One can feel the spirit and soul of the message in Bobby Pierce's fabulous artistry and Henry Franklin's polished Bass lines which have an underlying strength that enhances this piece immeasurably.

This Disc has a mood for everyone and it all adds up to a joyful excursion into the land of jazz that swings to the max.

Tracks: John Brown's Body, Delilah, Lil Darlin', Love For Sale, When I Fall In Love, Green Dolphin Street, Blues For Gene.

Reviewed by: John Gilbert

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