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The Three and The Two is an album by drummer Shelly Manne, also featuring multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Giuffre, pianist Russ Freeman, and trumpeter Shorty Rogers. It was recorded at two sessions in 1954, originally released separately on ten-inch LPs, and re-released in 1960 on LP on the Contemporary label.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow:
These two sets for the Contemporary label (reissued on CD by the OJC label) are a couple of the more unusual sessions led by drummer Shelly Manne in the 1950s. “The Three” feature trumpeter Shorty Rogers; Jimmy Giuffre alternating on clarinet, tenor, and baritone; and Manne – there is no piano or bass. Some of the six performances (particularly the four originals) are quite free, particularly the completely improvised “Abstract No. 1.” Although these selections were not influential, they rank second in chronological order (behind Lennie Tristano’s performances of 1949) among free jazz records. The remainder of this set is a duet between pianist Russ Freeman and Manne (“the Two”), and is also quite advanced in spots, although in general it is a more swinging session while still being unpredictable. Overall, a very interesting reissue (http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-three-and-the-two-mw0000276488).

Track listing:

The Three

“Flip” (Shelly Manne) – 2:56
“Autumn in New York” (Vernon Duke) – 4:30
“Pas De Trois” (Jimmy Giuffre) – 4:35
“Three On A Row” (Shorty Rogers) – 5:08
“Steeplechase” (Charlie Parker) – 3:16
“Abstract N°1” (Jimmy Giuffre / Shelly Manne / Shorty Rogers) – 3:34

The Two

“The Sound Effects Manne” (Russ Freeman) – 4:00
“Everything Happens To Me” (Tom Adair / Matt Dennis) – 4:15
“Billie’s Bounce” (Charlie Parker) – 4:07
“With A Song In My Heart” (Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers) – 3:46
“A Slight Minority” (Russ Freeman) – 3:22
“Speak Easy” (Russ Freeman) – 4:20
Recorded at Contemporary’s studio in Los Angeles on September 10, 1954 (tracks 1-6), and September 14, 1954 (tracks 7-12).

Personnel:
Shelly Manne – drums
Jimmy Giuffre (tracks 1-6) – clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone
Shorty Rogers (tracks 1-6) – trumpet
Russ Freeman (tracks 7-12) – piano

Released: 1954
Recorded: “The Three” September 10, 1954; “The Two” September 14, 1954
Los Angeles, California
Length: 48:38
Label: Contemporary M3584
Producer: Lester Koenig