2014 · Album
Three Times Three
CAM Jazz · Released: September 23, 2014 · Format: Two-CD set
Drums and all-stars in sharp focus
Sánchez in cracking form, bringing out the best of his ensemble with crisp rolls and light-touch precision.
Three Times Three arrived as a two-CD set, giving Antonio Sánchez room to gather some serious players and let them breathe. The Financial Times reviewer heard a drummer who knows how to listen—crisp rolls, light-touch cymbals, and crashing interjections that land exactly where they need to. That's the thing about Sánchez's approach: he doesn't overplay. He brings out the best in whoever's in the room, which matters when you're working with an all-star cast.
By 2014, Sánchez had already proven himself as a collaborator and a bandleader. This record sits solidly in that second category, but it's not a departure or a reinvention. It's him doing what he'd been doing for a while—finding great musicians, giving them strong material, and getting out of the way when the moment calls for it. The album has energy without noise, sophistication without pretense. You get the sense these players wanted to be there.
It's worth mentioning that the Financial Times response caught something real: there's a lot going on across these two discs, but nothing feels cluttered. Strong moods, interesting tunes, and a drummer who understands that sometimes the best thing you can play is space. If you're already familiar with Sánchez's work, this is a natural step. If you're coming to him fresh, there are probably better entry points, but you won't waste your time here.
