Bob Porter

-A quick note to say there is a review of Soul Jazz in the current issue of Blues & Rhythm (London) by Bill Vera, More reviews on the way... -Regarding the Three Sounds and the demise of the group: Harris is still using the name for Blue Note sessions as late as 73. By 1974, Disco had started to flatten everything. Harris does a few Blue Notes using his own name with the last one being recorded in mid-77. He never used the name after he went to Concord. -An earlier item regarding Charlie Parker and the "hit" status of "Just Friends" can be traced to Phil Schaap. There are all kinds of "hits": airplay, most requested, juke box, etc that don't always translate into sales. Was "Just Friends" the most successful Charlie Parker record? Unquestionably. Was it in the sales range of Ella,Peterson or JATP? No Way. However, when The Complete Charlie Parker with Strings was issued on a Verve CD, that was a hit.

I think the Three Sounds music has a somewhat dated sound. It is music of its time. I much prefer Harris after the Sounds. The black audience was always quick to move on-to find the next big thing. Once the Three Sounds were perceived as old hat, it was over. I don't think there would be much interest in CDs by the group.

Regarding the Three Sounds: They were an example of a group-Red Garland was another-that sold consistently. While the numbers were not in the hit making range, they were inexpensive to record. I can't speak directly to The Three Sounds but Red Garland and his trio could knock out an album in three hours or less and the total cost would be around $1000. A sale of 5,000 would not hit any chart but it would make plenty of money for the company. Les McCann was another story. He sold lots of records, was played on all jazz radio stations and even did tv shows (I remember seeing him on Steve Allen playing "The Shampoo"). Both groups toured nationally and thus became known nationally. The 1960s audience for these trios was about 95% black.

Hi Guys: Regarding Soul Jazz: I'm sorry many of you had a problem getting the book. I had a snafu with the publisher and it blew the entire Xmas season. It should be available now at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions. Let me throw something out here: I used the Billboard chart positions with the firm knowledge that they were not all that accurate. If anyone is interested i can get more specific.