Band #3 Gears Up as New Album Enters Mixing Stage
Three powerhouse musicians unite with Eddie Kramer to finish their debut record this month
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
Read full bio of Pratibha
Image: Instagram
Band #3, the powerhouse supergroup comprising drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, bassist Rhonda Smith and guitarist Orianthi, took to Instagram this week to reveal a major update: their upcoming album is currently being mixed and will be released soon. In a post shared on their Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ5JkJWyQxy/), the trio tagged producer Eddie Kramer, writing that the project “will be getting mixed this month and out soon!! We are so excited to share this with you all.”
Band #3 Assembles A Power Trio
Formed late last year, Band #3 brings together three of the most respected instrumentalists in modern rock, jazz and pop. Cindy Blackman Santana is celebrated for her work with rock legend Lenny Kravitz and her longtime collaboration with Carlos Santana. Rhonda Smith’s résumé includes tours with Prince’s New Power Generation and stints alongside keyboard virtuoso Alicia Keys. Completing the lineup is Australian guitarist Orianthi, who rose to global fame performing with Michael Jackson and fronting Alice Cooper’s band.
In the photo by Jim Louvau, the trio poses around a mixing console: Blackman Santana grips her drumsticks, Smith cradles her Fender Precision Bass, and Orianthi rests her guitar strap over her shoulder. The studio lights reflect off a bank of faders and monitors as Kramer’s vintage analog desk hums in the background.
Members Spotlight
Cindy Blackman Santana graduated from Berklee College of Music and has released multiple solo jazz albums. Her powerful drumming style blends rock’s intensity with jazz’s subtlety—a combination she’s honed on countless stages worldwide.
Rhonda Smith, known on Instagram as @rhondasmithbass, holds down the groove with her signature funk-inspired lines. After making her mark in Prince’s band, she launched her own projects and produced bass clinics, earning praise for both her technique and stage presence.
Orianthi (@iamorianthi) comes armed with chart-topping hits like “According to You” and three solo studio albums. While juggling Band #3 duties, she’s also been promoting her recent single “Attention,” encouraging fans to vote via Classic Rock Magazine and gearing up for upcoming European tour dates.
Production By A Legendary Engineer
The band enlisted producer and engineer Eddie Kramer—renowned for his work with Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Kiss—to mix the record. Kramer’s analog expertise is expected to bring warmth and clarity to the trio’s dynamic performances. In their caption, the members express gratitude to @realeddiekramer, underlining their excitement for the final mixes.
Looking Ahead
Although no official release date has been announced, the band promises the album will drop in the coming months. Fans can expect a rollout of singles and possibly a live tour that brings this supergroup’s high-voltage chemistry to stages worldwide. Orianthi’s recent Instagram stories confirm Band #3 sessions have been her top priority, even as she balances solo engagements.
By sharing studio progress on social media, Band #3 offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into their creative process. With three stellar musicians collaborating under the guided ear of a mixing legend, this album has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases in contemporary rock fusion.
Keep an eye on the band’s social channels for pre-order links, exclusive first listens and announcement of tour dates. The countdown has begun for what promises to be a landmark debut from one of music’s most formidable trios.
Read full bio of Pratibha
