The 3B's (also credited as The Three B'sLord, Tom (2000) The jazz discography, Volume 23, p. T-380. Lord Music At Google Books. Retrieved 6 August 2013.) was a jazz trio comprising pianist Bross Townsend, bassist Bob Cunningham and drummer Bernard Purdie.McDonald, Steven. Review at Allmusic. Allmusic. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
They recorded two albums of jazz and blues standards in the mid-1990s, both of which featured, among other sidemen, Houston Person on tenor saxophone and Fred Smith on trumpet.
The three B's (Bross, Bob and Bernard) had previously recorded together in 1985 on Bob Cunningham's only album as leader, Walking Bass.Holmes, Terrell Kent. "Bob Cunningham: Walking Bass (2004)" All About Jazz. Retrieved 6 August 2013. Purdie, Carrie Smith, and Bross Townsend had previously performed together at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's 100 Years of Jazz and Blues festival in 1992.Watrous, Peter (1992) "Pop/Jazz: Jazz Series With Something for Everyone" The New York Times. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
Critical reception Allmusic reviewer Steven MacDonald gave After Hours with The 3B's 4 out of 5 stars, saying "It's a delight from start to finish, with all the participants basically out for a good time. As always, it's a delight to hear Purdie play -- and he satisfies drumaholics with plenty of tight, smart solos."
Discography 1993: After Hours with The 3B's – additional personnel: Carrie Smith (vocals); Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Fred Smith (trumpet). 1994: Soothin' n Groovin' with The 3B's – additional personnel: Eunice Newkirk (vocals); Donny Albano, Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Rob Paparozzi (harmonica); Houston Person (saxophone); Fred Smith (trumpet);
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