Ron Carter / Herbie Hancock / Tony Williams - Third Plane

1992 CD release.

The trio of pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Tony Williams is jazz history, from their five years together as Miles Davis’s rhythm section in 1963-68 to their frequent collaborations together in the recording studio. Carter assembled the three during his days as a Milestone recording artist, at a time when occasional work together in the V.S.O.P. Quintet had sharpened their interactive brilliance. The program chosen includes three of the bassist’s own originals and Williams’s snappish "Lawra," in addition to the recasting of Miles Davis favorite "Stella by Starlight" as a waltz and Hancock’s evocative "Dolphin Dance," all played with a unity of purpose that does indeed elevate the music to another place.