The Three Sounds open their signature sound a bit on the romantic
Moods. They retain the same light touch that made their early albums so enjoyable, but they add more textures to the mix. Light Latin rhythms permeate
Moods, from the inventive reworking of
Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" to
Harris' original "Tammy's Breeze." Like its predecessor, Feelin' Good, this record has a bluesy, soulful streak to its personality, as evidenced by the mellow take on "On Green Dolphin Street," the hep swing of "Loose Walk," and the infectious cover of
Ellington's "I'm Beginning to See the Light." Occasionally, the Three Sounds play it a little too cool -- while the slow, relaxed "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" manages to be engaging, "Li'l Darlin'" slows down to a crawl -- but on the whole,
Moods is an endearing collection of appealing mainstream jazz. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine