Three (2LP)

Like the fanbase, we have wanted to make this vinyl remaster for a long time. The tin-type photo frame used to make the classic album cover is an actual mini-photo frame that belongs to the Butler family and houses photos of his ancestors. It was originally scanned to make the cover artwork for the CD since digital photography barely existed at the time. During the making of ‘Flesh & Blood’ we looked for the frame, John thought he knew where it was, in a box full of similar tin-type frames he had stored away – however it was missing!

Thought possibly lost as it was separated from the collection of family heirlooms, it was eventually found when the Butler family moved house a few years ago. With that vital piece back in play, we began the Three reconstruction project and built it back up from scratch.

Three is the second studio album by The John Butler Trio.

All the music and lyrics were written and arranged by John Butler. The album was recorded, engineered and mixed by Shaun O’Callaghan at Studio Couch, North Fremantle, Western Australia. It was mastered at Woodstock Studios by Robin Mai, Nicky Bomba and Joe Camilleri. The album was produced by the John Butler Trio and Shaun O’Callaghan. The cover concept was designed by John Butler with Matt and Iowana at Insomnia Design.

In April 2001, John Butler Trio released Three and relocated to Melbourne to promote the record on the east coast. The track, “Betterman”, was on high rotation by Triple J. Three peaked at No. 24 on the ARIA Charts. It also remained on the alternative charts for nine months reaching No. 3. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2001 the album won an award for ‘Best Independent Release’. “Betterman” reached No. 5 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2001.

The success of Three led to its release in the US in 2002 and two tours of the US followed. The band supported the Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer as well as playing at the Bonnaroo Music Festival and the South by Southwest Festival. The band also played at the Splendour in the Grass Festival in Australia. Butler, his manager Phil Stevens and fellow Western Australian folk artists, The Waifs, founded Jarrah Records in July 2002.

As a result of intensive touring, the band developed a great live reputation in Australia. The band released Living 2001–2002 in February 2003, a double live album which had a top ten debut in the ARIA album charts and went on to achieve platinum sales. Butler took a brief break after five years of solid work since 1997 for the birth of his daughter Banjo.