Performer Notes

Originally released on T-Neck (32453).
The Isley Brothers: Ronald Isley (vocals); Marvin Isley (bass instrument); Ernie Isley (percussion); O'Kelly Isley, Rudolph Isley (background vocals); Chris Jasper.
Personnel: Ernie Isley (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, maracas, tom tom); Chris Jasper (piano, electric piano, Clavinet, Moog synthesizer, tambourine); Truman Thomas (organ); George Morland (drums, tom tom).
Additional personnel: Truman Thomas (keyboards); George Moreland (drums).
Liner Note Author: David Ritz.
Recording information: Bearsville Sound Studios, Bearsville, NY (??/1973-10/1980); Record PLant West, CA (??/1973-10/1980).
Authors: Chris Jasper; Marvin Isley; Stevie Wonder.
Photographer: Don Hunstein.
Arrangers: Ronald Isley; Ernie Isley; Chris Jasper; Marvin Isley; Rudolph Isley; O'Kelly Isley.
Though the Isley Brothers recorded some excellent material in their original line-up as a trio, their sound and vision expanded when the group itself expanded to a sextet in the early '70s. 3+3 marks the inception of the Isleys' new incarnation, one that features, in addition to Ronald, O'Kelly, and Rudolph, younger brothers Ernie (guitar) and Marvin (bass), and cousin Chris Japser (keyboards). On 3+3 the band's slick, besuited Tamla/Motown soul was replaced by grittier, funkier stuff with some truly spectacular instrumental prowess.
The Isleys had always been given to performing reverent, stretched-out covers of songs they loved, and 3+3 has its share, with treatments of Seals & Crofts's "Summer Breeze," James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," and the Doobie Brothers' "Listen to the Music." The Isleys' "That Lady Pts 1 & 2" and "The Highways of My Life," among other originals, showcase the pyrotechnics of funk monster Marvin and the Hendrix-inspired excursions of Ernie. The Isleys' mixture of rock, funk, soul, and R&B was at its peak here, and 3+3 stands as one of the best albums in the group's lengthy discography.

Professional Reviews

Q (5/00, p.134) - Included in Q Magazine's "Best Soul Albums Of All Time" - "...Sultry pop-rock that showcased their ensemble skills. Huge hits followed..."

Q (5/00, p.134) - Included in Q Magazine's "Best Soul Albums Of All Time" - "...Sultry pop-rock that showcased their ensemble skills. Huge hits followed..."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.121) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "3 + 3 was their international breakthrough, its mix of tough burbling funk and deliciously airy and melodic ballads hitting the spot in 1973."

Record Collector (magazine) (p.92) - "[I]t's a delicious blend of the brothers' slick but emotional soft soul....There's much to enjoy here..."

Album: 3 + 3 [Remaster]
#	Song Title	Time
1)	That Lady
2)	Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
3)	If You Were There
4)	You Walk Your Way
5)	Listen to the Music
6)	What It Comes Down To
7)	Sunshine (Go Away Today)
8)	Summer Breeze
9)	Highways of My Life, The
10)	That Lady - (previously unreleased, live, bonus track)

Album: 3 + 3 [Remaster]
#	Song Title	Time
1)	That Lady
2)	Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
3)	If You Were There
4)	You Walk Your Way
5)	Listen to the Music
6)	What It Comes Down To
7)	Sunshine (Go Away Today)
8)	Summer Breeze
9)	Highways of My Life, The
10)	That Lady - (previously unreleased, live, bonus track)