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Western Michigan University's Keith Hall talks about jazz greats and talks with current practitioners of the art.0000017c-60f7-de77-ad7e-f3f73a350002

Jazz Currents salutes The Three Sounds

This month "Jazz Currents" celebrates the music of The Three Sounds.  Pianist Gene Harris, bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy formed the Midwest-based trio in the mid 1950's and enjoyed popularity through the mid 1960's.

The first part features an interview with Drummer Billy Dowdy, the only living member of the trio.  We'll hear about his experiences in Chicago, how the group came to be and the early years of the trio.  The popular trio had a swinging, soulful brand of jazz and also employed some elements from Gospel music.  The trio recorded more than 20 albums between 1958-1966 for the BlueNote record label.

Music in this piece includes:

1. One for Renee (Gene Harris) from The Three Sounds It Just Got To Be

2.  Stompin' at the Savoy (Benny Goodman, Andy Razaf, Edgar Sampson, Chick Webb) from The Three Sounds Hey There

3.  On Green Dolphin Street (Bronisław Kaper & Ned Washington) from The Three Sounds Introducing the Three Sounds

4.  Down The Track (Gene Harris) from The Three Sounds Good Deal

5. When I Fall In Love (Victor Young) from The Three Sounds Feeling Good

6.  Blue Genes (Gene Harris) from The Three Sounds Blue Genes 

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