Formed in 1957 by drummer Dowdy, the Three Sounds enjoyed a decade or so of success, their highly stylised ‘blues-infused groove’, tempered with the occasional hint of bebop, proving popular in both supper clubs and on record.

Avid have selected four from their various Blue Note albums, the February 1959 date with Donaldson, the others including a pair that emanated from a single session in September 1958. In the end, the trio members went their separate ways, Simpkins to George Shearing’s group, Dowdy into jazz education, Harris taking the jazz-rock route before emerging as a spirited touring soloist.

It’s tempting to see the Sounds’ music as a watered-down version of the real thing, but Harris in particular could always find a bluesy phrase or a swinging lick to entertain. Gradually their repertoire expanded to include more standards and show tune, ‘Love For Sale’, for example, opening with a bass solo and tapping drum motif but never straying far from the melody, Harris chordal and repetitive in enticing fashion. Call it lightweight jazz, reminiscent of some early Ahmad Jamal routines, yet it’s undeniably engaging. As is their version of Basie’s immortal ‘L’il Darlin’’, Harris rolling the tremolos.

Donaldson brings added fire and energy to their joint performances, the album originally entitled LD+3, flying Bird-like on a series of familiar pieces, his presence transformative, the trio galvanised, Dowdy and Simpkins pushing hard, and Harris unfurling his jazz capabilities in full. Three stars just about, but add one more for Donaldson.