3rd Force is a smooth jazz band on the EMI Higher Octave label,consisting of trio William Aura, Craig Dobbin, and Alain Eskinasi. The long anticipated release of Driving Force, 3rd Force's seventh recording on Higher Octave Music, adds an exhilarating chapter to the multi-faceted, gently exotic groove-oriented instrumental phenomenon that's been a mainstay of the smooth jazz format since the ensemble's self-titled 1994 debut. Featuring performances by Marc Antoine, Eric Darius, Brian Hughes, and Tom Scott, the album marks a bigger in-your-face sound for the band, honoring vintage Motor City funk and the original '70s urban cool.