I have worked with William Aura, Craig Dobbin and Alain Eskinasi for years on my own stuff, and from actual studio experience I know how they create music and their respective backgrounds. It pains me to read reviews from folks who have zero knowledge of these artists' extensive training and experience. Absent that awareness, a person need only listen to the exquisite, intricate blending of instrument voices and themes in any given song mix to understand the degree of expertise necessary to create the many levels present in their sounds.

I first met William in the mid-1980s in San Diego when he had his hugely popular band called "Heartspace". There was never a dull concert or moment with that group of talented wild men and women. Since then, William has moved at a fantastic pace from his earliest roots in relaxation/new age music into the forefront of lite or smooth jazz grooves. His catalog of music, both old and new is timeless and graceful. Craig is a classically trained musician whose keyboard talents are also utilized in commercials and other ventures apart from this group.

Alain, a native of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has travelled to Africa and elsewhere to study and experience the cultural influences of native artists with their unique percussive instruments and keyboard styles. He gigs with many well known bands worldwide. This trio of musicians are refreshingly open, untiringly adventurous and have the pleasure of being creative colleagues with other awesome artists like Craig Chaquico, Peter White and LA gig meister Bony James plus many others who often contribute to 3rd Forces' albums.

William is a master at the mixing console and many, like myself, view him as the man with the "golden ears" for his knowledge of sound balance and pitch is that perfect and refined. Collectively, 3rd Force brings together musical imprinting from many cultural influences and exciting people in contemporary music worldwide and one may find these tasty aural treats expressed in each new release.

This album, "Collective Force" represents some of the best tunes from their earlier CDs and certainly those which have stood the test of time on radio airwaves. What is especially meaningful to me, both personally and artistically, is a wonderful freshness in their ever evolving approach to music. When I listen to their albums I am never, ever turned off by vile, abusive lyrics or harsh, meaningless compositions. 3rd Force knows how to keep you uplifted and groovin' with their sounds.

This CD is excellent listening for all occasions ... as dinner party background music, for Sunday-morning-read-the-paper-and-drink-coffee times, for e-pay of bills and other computer activities, and for that calming effect in rush hour traffic. Needless to say, I listen to this CD alot, it is one of the "standards" in my collection, and has been under the Christmas tree for many of my family members and friends.

I didn't know anything about 3rd Force, but I took a chance and bought this CD. I am so glad I did. This is a great CD! The CD player will probably wear out before I remove the CD! It is just a great, easy listening, instrumental combination of music. I recommend it to anyone.

3rd Force has a astounding sound and is simply a joy to listen to. The music is mellow and whispy and romantic and surreal. If there aren't a smash success now.............just wait! They will be. I would love to see them live.

Simply said, this CD is not coming out of my stereo anytime soon. I love it to death and can't wait to see the group in concert!