3 Chairs - Three Chairs 3

This LP differs from the 3 Chairs earlier work in that it is collaborative instead of a compilation of individual tracks. This setup also introduces Malik Pittman to the group.

The real achievement here is the level of cohesiveness in mixing all the influences of their music. It's like listening to their infamous deejay sets all rolled into one: Chicago house, Detroit techno, disco, boogie, soul, jazz, if they play it, it's mixed in there with no one sound outweighing any other. The overpowering atmosphere this creates is not one that is present on many albums in any genre, much less a "dance" album.

Of course this album does damage on the dancefloor, most especially "Dreams", a minimal melodic jam, and "Misty City", the bass heavy monster. The album also flows well for listening purposes with many stoned soul downtempo house cuts for the late night smoking sessions.

Also very impressive is the mixture of live and electronic elements. Moreso than any of their individual productions, the lines between what is played and what is programmed is heavily blurred. Guest musicians like Andres, Amp Fiddler, and Norma Jean Bell add to the already considerable playing and programming abilities of Kenny, Theo, Malik, and Rick and help push the quality level over the top.

If you like Detroit house and you don't have this, you really need to get it. "Essential" doesn't even begin to cover it. When people are looking back on this music from the future, this will be one of the slept on classics!