The Third Arrangement

By My Nguyen

The Third Arrangement is a jazz rock ensemble from Southern New Jersey. In 2016, keyboardist Nathan MacAdams formed the group and began rehearsing with a four-piece band which included local guitarist Frank Morley. A year later, the band expanded to incorporate horn and background vocalists. The band is releasing their latest EP entitled Scarecrows.

The sound is a hodge podge of jazz undertones blended with funk and rock elements. The songs on this EP embrace a full band vibe with amped sounds coming from the keys, a funky bass line, blazing guitar solos and energized sounds coming from the sax and trumpets.

Scarecrows opens with “One Way Drive” where the synths in the start of this track contain a groovy feel. Wonky and funky bass lines erupt in the beginning as well. Chimes chip in, giving off a refreshing approach. The guitars are invigorating. The vocals are also energized and amped, and are sung with gusto and feeling. The song is filled with a jazzy flair and lounge undertones. A guitar solo springs in surging with a psychedelic underlayer.

Following is “Time In Green” where groovy tunes come from the keys. A smattering of drums mark a rhythmic backbeat. The vocals soar with emotion and power. Funky rhythms pulsate in the backdrop of this track. The tone is soothing and smooth. A real cool vibe unfolds. Melodious keys dress this song. A jazzy sax sounds off on a riveting solo. Background vocals create an airy atmospheric appeal. Wonky and funky rhythms ensue.

On the title-track, a funky vibe comes from the keys. A jazzy flair could be felt undulating throughout the course of this track. A real cool smooth blend of funk and blues rev with rock embellishments. An epic guitar solo blares toward the two-and-a-half-minute hold. A driving rhythm come from the drums.

On the closer “Lester’s Year” a melodious piano tune starts off this song. The sound is smooth and soothing. A real cool jazz vibe unfolds, bursting with a bluesy lounge appeal. Funky bass lines add a smoldering undercurrent to the track. The sounds of trumpets trace this song. A smattering of drums adds in a smashing backbeat.

With a refreshing flair, these jazz infused funk rock blends stand out on their own. Hinging on narrative-based lyrics, the storytelling on these tracks is spectacular. With a seamless approach, these smooth lounge tunes evoke a magical and fantastical element. The album cover art features a scarecrow on a lane that leads to the City of Oz. As the band states, the journey leads them far from home. You don’t know if the characters ever come back. This is a realistic, though slightly pessimistic, way of looking at things.

The band doesn’t stray far from realism with the storytelling following a more down-to-earth style of narration. For example, “One Way Drive” and “Time In Green” flesh out characters you would happen to meet walking down the street. The characters we meet on Scarecrows are not a far cry from people we come across on our day-to-day life.

​The soothing and cool vibes on this EP pervades with funky and groovy undertones. Brandishing a cool jazz appeal, those lounge-like songs will captivate listeners. The smooth effects are superimposed over funky rhythms, creating a blend of funk and jazz. Audiences will be compelled to put these radio-active tunes on repeat. - Divide and Conquer

The Third Arrangement formed as a four-piece in South Jersey in 2016, around keyboardist and song-writer Nathan MacAdams and guitarist Frank Morley. Growing in numbers at the same time as in influences and scope, they’ve become a fine, innovative Acid Jazz-styled group, taking in rock guitar, funk, and of course jazz. ‘Rosie’ is a prime example of their art, with elements of Ben Folds, bits of Dave Brubeck, touches of JD McPherson, and occasional flashes of J. Mascis guitar breaks, all mixed in with storytelling, narrative lyrics.

‘Rosie’ is a beautiful mix of jazz guitar, flashes of rock flourish, and Rhodes piano, mellow and outlandish at once, all wrapped around the overall sound of a band that’s utterly aware of the sum of its parts; tight, assured, and with some serious groove. ‘Rosie’ is smooth, composed, with a lovely minor third rise and drop, and some absolutely filthy piano licks to compliment the sexy-as-hell guitar-work.

The Third Arrangement released their debut EP “Scarecrows” in 2019, and are currently recording more singles for release later in 2021; on the basis of this, we’re all going to need to get our hands on every last one of them.

Listen to ‘Rosie’ on Spotify. Follow The Third Arrangement on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Alex Holmes - A&R Factory

By Preston Frazier

The Third Arrangement’s engaging-yet-brainy EP Scarecrows has been out for less than two years, though it may seem like forever. Perhaps that’s because of how much the world has changed since the group’s six-song debut.

One thing that hasn’t changed is how Third Arrangement mastermind Nathan MacAdams weaves complex melodies with sharp pop sensibilities to create great songs. “Rosie,” set for release on April 30, 2021, picks up right where the band left off with Scarecrows. That’s a good thing.

The earthy Fender Rhodes opening and melodic electric guitar glide over a tightly woven bass and drum foundation. MacAdams’s vocals are perfectly mixed with direct lyrical content. The song picks up steam, guided by the assertive electric piano as we follow the narrative of his central character, Rosie.

Before you know it, the tale of woe is over, and you’re waiting for the next song. Unfortunately, this is the only new music the Third Arrangement has given us – for now. But it’s an excellent start to the band’s next chapter. - Something Else Reviews