The Art of Three is more than a jazz record; it is a stress test. As streaming services downgrade their libraries to lower bitrates to save bandwidth, physical media rips preserved in FLAC become digital heirlooms.
For the musician, it is a lesson in "locking in" with a bass player. For the audiophile, it is a concert hall in a box. And for the archivist, the string Billy Cobham - The Art of Three -2001- -EAC-FLAC- is a flag of quality—a guarantee that Billy’s ghost notes and Gerald Cannon’s string buzz have survived the digital age intact.
Download it. Log it. Listen loud. But do not compress it.
Note: This article is for informational and educational purposes regarding audio formats and music appreciation. Always support the artists by purchasing official releases when available.
Released in 2001, The Art of Three is a live recording that captures a sophisticated, acoustic side of legendary drummer Billy Cobham. Moving away from his high-energy fusion "thunder machine" persona, Cobham joins forces with jazz masters Kenny Barron (piano) and Ron Carter (bass) for a masterclass in standard trio performance.
The album features highlights from the trio's 2001 European tour. While Cobham is the listed leader, critics describe the work as an equally balanced collaboration where no single player dominates the spotlight. Personnel Billy Cobham: Drums Kenny Barron: Piano Ron Carter: Bass Tracklist
The album primarily consists of jazz standards and original compositions by the trio members: Stella By Starlight (10:43) Autumn Leaves (10:00) New Waltz – Written by Ron Carter (06:55) Bouncing with Bud – Written by Bud Powell (07:02) 'Round Midnight – Written by Thelonious Monk (07:56) And Then Again – Written by Kenny Barron (11:25) I Thought About You (10:26) Someday My Prince Will Come (09:20) Why It's Notable
Mellow Mood: Reviewers note Cobham's "tasteful" and "understated" performance, focusing on nuance and acoustic rhythm rather than his typical rock-edged power.
Chemistry: The trio displayed such strong chemistry on this tour that they followed up with subsequent live recordings from Japan in 2003.
Audiophile Quality: For those seeking high-fidelity "EAC-FLAC" versions, the recording is praised for its "tremendous" quality, offering a warm, room-like atmosphere that makes you feel like you are sitting with the musicians. The Art of Three - Billy Cobham | Album - AllMusic
This guide covers the Billy Cobham live album "The Art of Three", specifically focusing on the 2001 recording typically found in high-fidelity EAC-FLAC digital rips. Unlike Cobham’s explosive fusion work, this album captures him in a refined, acoustic setting alongside jazz legends Kenny Barron (piano) and Ron Carter (bass). Album Overview & Technical Info
Recording Origin: Compiled from two concerts during the trio's 2001 European tour, specifically in Odense, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway.
Mastering Detail: Mixed and mastered on Pyramix Virtual Studio by Blaise Grandjean, giving it a warm, intimate "in-the-room" sound profile.
The "EAC-FLAC" Context: Your version refers to a digital copy created using Exact Audio Copy (EAC) to ensure a bit-perfect rip into the lossless FLAC format, preserving the dynamic range of this acoustic recording. Tracklist
The 2001 release generally includes eight tracks, primarily jazz standards: Stella By Starlight (10:43) Autumn Leaves (10:00) New Waltz (written by Ron Carter) (6:55) Bouncing With Bud (7:02) 'Round Midnight (7:56) And Then Again (written by Kenny Barron) (11:25) I Thought About You (10:26) Someday My Prince Will Come (9:19) Musical Analysis
Critics note that while Cobham is the listed leader, the album is a balanced collaboration.
Acoustic Shift: Listeners familiar with Cobham’s "thunder machine" style in Mahavishnu Orchestra will hear a more nuanced, lyrical side of his drumming, using brushes on tracks like "Stella by Starlight". Billy Cobham - The Art of Three -2001- -EAC-FLAC-
Standout Moments: "New Waltz" is highlighted as a tender, intimate piece, while "And Then Again" showcases the trio’s "sizzling" chemistry through high-energy bop.
Tone: The recording is described as elegant and joyful, avoiding the self-absorbed soloing sometimes found in supergroup trios. Shopping & Collection If you are looking for physical copies or related releases:
Retailers: Standard jewel case versions are often available from retailers like Amazon UK or Amazon India.
Second-hand: Collectors frequently trade this release on Discogs, where median prices typically hover around $10.23.
Sequels: If you enjoy this, look for The Art of Three: Live in Japan 2003, which features a similar setlist but different performances.
The Art of Three is a live jazz album released in featuring a powerhouse trio: Billy Cobham Ron Carter on bass, and Kenny Barron
on piano. Departing from Cobham's signature high-voltage fusion, this record captures a more acoustic, lyrical side of his playing during a European tour. Album Overview Recording Details
: The performances were recorded in January 2001 across two locations: Odense, Denmark Oslo, Norway Musical Style : It focuses on
and acoustic standards, showcasing a democratic interplay where each musician has significant space for solos. Production : Released on In & Out Records
, the album is noted for its high-quality European production values, offering a warm, room-like sound where the acoustic instruments retain their natural wood textures. Tracklist & Highlights
The album features a mix of jazz standards and original compositions from the trio members: Track Name Composer(s) Stella By Starlight Washington / Young Autumn Leaves Kosma / Mercer / Prévert Ron Carter Bouncing With Bud Bud Powell 'Round Midnight Monk / Hanighen / Williams And Then Again Kenny Barron I Thought About You Van Heusen / Mercer Someday My Prince Will Come Churchill / Morey Key Tracks "New Waltz" is described as a tender, intimate tune, while "And Then Again"
provides an upbeat, bop-style energy with extensive bass and piano soloing. Performance Notes : Cobham displays surprising delicacy, often using
to support the piano's lyricism before shifting to more powerful, nuanced stick work. Technical Details (EAC-FLAC) For collectors and audiophiles, the designation refers to a "perfect rip" using Exact Audio Copy
, which ensures the digital files are bit-perfect copies of the original CD. This format preserves the album's dynamic range and detailed acoustic soundstage, which is critical for appreciating the subtle nuances of Carter’s bass and Barron’s piano phrasing. from Cobham's "Art of" series, such as The Art of Four The Art of Five Art of Three: Billy Cobham - Music - Amazon.in
The Art of Three (2001) is a live jazz album that captures a rare collaboration between three legendary masters: drummer Billy Cobham, pianist Kenny Barron, and bassist Ron Carter. Recorded in January 2001 during their European tour with performances in Odense, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway, the album serves as the first installment of Cobham's The Art of Jazz series. Album Overview
While Billy Cobham is widely celebrated as a pioneer of high-energy jazz fusion, this recording marks a significant departure toward a purely acoustic, hard-bop setting. The trio balances intricate, collaborative improvisation with a focus on melody and lyricism. The Art of Three is more than a
The album features a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by the trio members: Composer(s) Stella By Starlight Ned Washington, Victor Young Autumn Leaves Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prévert New Waltz Ron Carter Bouncing With Bud Bud Powell 'Round Midnight B. Hanighen, T. Monk, C. Williams And Then Again Kenny Barron I Thought About You Johnny Mercer, Jimmy Van Heusen Someday My Prince Will Come Larry Morey, Frank Churchill Personnel & Production Billy Cobham: Drums, Producer Kenny Barron: Piano Ron Carter: Acoustic Bass
Blaise Grandjean: Recording, Remixing, and Remastering Engineer Frank Kleinschmidt: Producer (for In & Out Records) Key Highlights
Art of Three: Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham - Amazon.com
Released in 2001, The Art of Three is a masterclass in acoustic jazz, featuring the legendary trio of Billy Cobham (drums), Kenny Barron (piano), and Ron Carter (bass). Recorded in January 2001 during a European tour with stops in Odense, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway, the album captures a rare meeting of three titans who, despite decades of mutual respect, had seldom performed as a unified trio. The Lineup: A Meeting of Giants
While Billy Cobham is primarily known for his explosive, "thunderous" jazz-fusion style—cemented by his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and his seminal album Spectrum—this recording highlights his remarkable sensitivity and technical nuance in a purely acoustic setting.
Billy Cobham (Drums): Shifts from his high-powered fusion roots to a subtle, collaborative role, utilizing brushes and sticks to provide intricate rhythmic textures.
Kenny Barron (Piano): Delivers playful, melodic lines that draw on the bebop traditions of Bud Powell while maintaining a modern elegance.
Ron Carter (Bass): Acts as the group’s harmonic engine, contributing inventive accompaniment and lyrical solos that anchor the trio's interplay. Technical Fidelity: EAC and FLAC
The specific release tagged as "Billy Cobham - The Art of Three -2001- -EAC-FLAC-" is highly regarded by audiophiles for its preservation of sound quality.
EAC (Exact Audio Copy): The industry standard for "bit-perfect" CD ripping, ensuring no data is lost during the extraction process.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec): A lossless compression format that maintains the original studio-quality audio while reducing file size, allowing listeners to hear the full dynamic range of Cobham’s nuanced drumming and Carter’s deep acoustic bass. Tracklist & Musical Highlights
The album features a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by the trio members. Track Title Composer(s) Stella By Starlight N. Washington / V. Young Autumn Leaves J. Kosma / J. Mercer / J. Prévert New Waltz Ron Carter Bouncing With Bud Bud Powell 'Round Midnight B. Hanighen / T. Monk / C. Williams And Then Again Kenny Barron I Thought About You J. Van Heusen / J. Mercer Someday My Prince Will Come F. Churchill / L. Morey
"Stella By Starlight": Opens the album with a spry energy, featuring Barron's playful piano and Cobham's transition from brushes to sticks.
"Someday My Prince Will Come": Noted for its catchy introduction and fresh inflection, it lovingly pays homage to Miles Davis's famous interpretation.
"And Then Again": A Ken Barron original that showcases the trio's bop influences and Ron Carter's "harmonic dynamo" presence. Legacy and Reception
Billy Cobham - The Art Of Three -2001- -eac-flac- «SECURE » Note: This article is for informational and educational
Album Information
Tracklist
About the Album
"The Art of Three" is a studio album by American jazz fusion drummer Billy Cobham, released in 2001. The album features Billy Cobham on drums and percussion, Scott Kincheloe on keyboards, and David Hood on bass.
The music on "The Art of Three" is a blend of jazz, fusion, and rock, showcasing the virtuosity and musicality of the trio. The album features intricate instrumental passages, dynamic rhythms, and melodic interplay between the musicians.
Recording Information
The album was recorded using EAC (Exact Audio Copy) and mastered in FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format, ensuring a high-quality digital representation of the original recording.
Technical Specifications
Availability and Download
The album "The Art of Three" by Billy Cobham is available for download from various online music platforms. Due to copyright restrictions, I won't provide direct download links. However, you can search for the album on popular music streaming services or online stores to purchase and download.
Biography of Billy Cobham
Billy Cobham is an American jazz fusion drummer, composer, and bandleader. Born on May 16, 1944, in Panama City, Panama, Cobham is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative drummers of his generation. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous notable musicians, including Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, and Steve Lukather.
Cobham's distinctive drumming style combines elements of jazz, rock, and world music, characterized by his technical virtuosity, polyrhythmic complexity, and emotive expression. As a leader, he has released numerous albums showcasing his eclectic musical vision.
Conclusion
"The Art of Three" is a notable album in Billy Cobham's discography, featuring intricate instrumental interplay and dynamic rhythms. The album's high-quality recording and lossless audio format make it a great choice for music enthusiasts who appreciate detailed sound reproduction. If you're interested in jazz fusion, drumming, or experimental music, this album is definitely worth exploring.
The original 2001 Shanachie CD is the primary source. There is no high-resolution remaster of this title (as of 2025). Therefore, a proper EAC-FLAC of the 2001 CD is the definitive digital version available.
Community notes (from jazz lossless trackers like Pedro’s, What.cd, Redacted):