Sky - Sky 3

Sky 3 is the third studio album by English Australian fusion band Sky, originally released in March 1981 via Ariola Records.

Sky were an English / Australian instrumental rock group that specialised in combining a variety of musical styles, most prominently rock, classical and jazz. The group's original and best-known line-up featured classical guitarist John Williams (Australia), bass player Herbie Flowers (England), electric guitarist Kevin Peek (Australian), drummer Tristan Fry (England) and keyboard player Francis Monkman (England).

After the release of Sky 2, Francis Monkman (keyboards) left the band amicably and was replaced by Steve Gray. Steve Gray was an accomplished studio musician who had previously played with musicians such as Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, Peggy Lee and Sammy Davis Jr.

Sky 2 comprises original compositions except for “Sarabande” which was composed by Handel and arranged by John Williams.

This album feels tighter than the sprawling Sky 2 and introduces a more jazz influenced sound to the recordings, which is probably the influence of new keyboard player Steve Gray. The album was brighter and sharper than its predecessors and was commercially successful, reaching #3 on the UK Albums charts. The album was launched at Westminster Abbey with a live concert as a benefit for Amnesty International’s 20^th Anniversary, which was recorded and later released on video.

This album is reissued on blue coloured vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve, pressed in the UK via Let Them Eat Vinyl.