Various Artists - Three Sets: Vol. 3 (CD)

All Music Guide

Lauan Records captures a rollicking good time on Three Sets: Vol. 3, a selection of three rising jam acts in a live setting. Seattle's the Living Daylights with the Flava Crystals are highlighted in the album's first set, hammering out lengthy jams with sultry sax vibes by Jessica Lurie. Bassist Arne Livingston and drummer Dale Fanning also compose a sultry nature while collaborating with the Flava Crystals' (keyboardist/vocalist Reggie Watts and percussionist Elizabeth Pupo Walker) worldbeat tinges. The Miracle Orchestra hail from Boston and entertain with their tight trad rock grooves during the album's second set. Guitarist Geoff Scott and saxophonist Jared Sims smolder their bluesy ways inside bass player Garrett Sayers and drummer Bill Carbone's thunderous backdrops, especially on "Stonehenge." Ray's Music Exchange, a Southern rock septet from Cincinnati, layer swirling percussion from Jason Smart, Matthew Hawkins, and Nick Mavridoglou on "Meathead Dance Party." Fellow bandmates J...oe McLean and Brad Myers (guitars) and Michael Mavridoglou (trumpet) slice in their own jazz-like ambience for an enjoyable stance on the energetic "Thumbs." Three Sets: Vol. 3 is a delightful selection of some of rock's finest in the expansive genre of heartland rock and jam rock. The song selection a bit short, but the jams themselves make up for that. - MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide Read more Less