(May 5, 2020) They are who practiced and refined their musical skills with musically inclined family members, and the benefits are now visible to all. Two brothers and a close family friend who grew up playing in their family band developed an extraordinary bond before heading into the music industry as the vocal band known as DW3 (Down With 3).
The trio established regular club gigs in their hometown of Spaghettini, California, and worked on cruises, always flexing love for older school urban jazz and R&B. Their smooth vocals also backed many top-notch artists such as Marcus Miller and Brian McKnight, and established their own recording careers, with four Billboard charted tracks. Yet after a career spanning over a decade and a half, there was an element still missing in expanding their artistic vision.
For their latest self-titled CD, DW3 (brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and family friend Damon Reel) now adds producing and engineering to their resume. Sticking to the group’s 80’s and 90’s style, the album focuses on brand new tracks, including our latest First Listen, “Let’s Have Fun Tonight.” Aided by Richard Elliot contributing to the funk jazz jam on saxophone and EWI vocoder, DW3 pulls out all the party stops. The infectious grooves capped with their pleasing vocal harmonies ride on a bed of in the pocket bass guitar and synthesizer washes. This kind of family fun sounds just right as we enter the Summer.
By Peggy Oliver
DW3 feat. Richard Elliot
“Let’s Have Fun Tonight”