All but three of these compositions were composed by Peter Kienle, the others being composed by "4th Man" Dave Bruker.

This trio performs Kienle's complex arrangements with ease. If there was a doubt in your mind that Peter Kienle was lacking any improvisational skills this release will relieve you of those doubts. "Without words you have all this open space and everybody has room to improvise," Kienle says.

Peter Kienle is a guitarist/composer in the John Abercrombie tradition of thoughtful, atmospheric fusion. The debut recording of his trio, 3rd Man, is tight, intelligent, and attractive. Wilhoit shows considerable Billy Cobham influence and Helsley, though sticking to acoustic bass throughout, displays some Stanley Clarke/Jaco Pastorius roots to go with his solid, straight ahead chops.
-Walter Horn, Cadence Magazine

More audio samples and info at ACME records