Out of This World (The Three Sounds album)

Definition
Out of This World is a studio album by the American jazz trio The Three Sounds, released in April 1966 on the Blue Note label. The recordings were made in February and March 1962 at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Overview
The album features the trio’s pianist Gene Harris, bassist Andrew Simpkins, and drummer Bill Dowdy. It consists primarily of jazz standards and a few original compositions, showcasing the group’s relaxed, groove‑oriented approach. Although recorded in 1962, the album was not issued until four years later, after the group had already produced several other Blue Note releases. The AllMusic review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine awarded the album four stars, noting that the trio “concentrates on standards which sound startlingly fresh” and that “the loose, flexible groove is the key.”

Etymology / Origin
The title Out of This World is taken from the Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer song of the same name, which appears as the seventh track on the record. The phrase “out of this world” is an idiomatic English expression meaning extraordinary or exceptional, a fitting description for the album’s lyrical, melodic style.

Characteristics

• Recording dates and venue: February 4, 1962 (tracks 1, 3, 7) and March 7–8, 1962 (remaining tracks) at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
• Genre: Jazz, specifically the “soul‑jazz” style associated with The Three Sounds.
• Length: 40 minutes 50 seconds (original LP).
• Label and production: Blue Note Records; produced by Alfred Lion.
• Track listing (original LP):
  1. “Girl of My Dreams” (Sunny Clapp) – 3:00
  2. “Out of the Past” (Benny Golson) – 6:30
  3. “Just in Time” (Comden, Green, Styne) – 6:15
  4. “I’ll Be Around” (Alec Wilder) – 3:40
  5. “My Silent Love” (Heyman, Suesse) – 7:00
  6. “Sanctified Sue” – 3:35
  7. “Out of This World” (Arlen, Mercer) – 6:30
  8. “You Make Me Feel So Young” (Gordon, Myrow) – 4:20
  9. “Over the Rainbow” (Arlen, Harburg) – 4:51
• Personnel: Gene Harris (piano), Andrew Simpkins (bass), Bill Dowdy (drums).
• Reception: Praised for its fresh treatment of standards and the trio’s effortless swing; AllMusic rating of 4 / 5 stars.
• Reissues: CD releases include bonus tracks, such as an extended version of “I’ll Be Around.”

Related Topics

• The Three Sounds (jazz trio) – career overview and discography.
• Blue Note Records – historic jazz label known for hard bop and soul‑jazz releases.
• Rudy Van Gelder Studio – renowned recording venue for many Blue Note sessions.
• “Out of This World” (song) – 1945 composition by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, a standard covered by numerous artists.
• 1960s soul‑jazz – the subgenre that blends jazz improvisation with blues, gospel, and R&B influences.