(August 4, 2022) Over more than two decades, DW3 has certainly paid its dues, and now it is time for this talented trio to collect. Brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and close family friend Damon Reel have gigged constantly over the years, working with a who’s who of the contemporary jazz world, while also serving as the house band at the Seal Beach, California hot spot Spaghettini’s.
With 2022 arriving, the members of DW3 are showing that they have the full package as a frontline act, as fans will see on their upcoming self-titled album on Woodward Avenue Records.
The first single from the disc is a straight up blue-lights-in-the basement ballad, in the form of a new version of the classic Stanley Clarke/George Duke ballad “Sweet Baby.” Produced by Paul Brown and with help from pianist Bill Steinway and Shane Theriot on guitar, bass and drums, the cover smooths out the familiar song, adding acoustic guitar and intricate vocal harmonies, turning a jazzy soul ballad into a true nighttime jam.
It’s tough to take a song this familiar and add something new, but DW3 pulls it off, and gets us excited to hear more. Check out the World Premiere of “Sweet Baby” below.
By Chris Rizik
DW3 – “Sweet Baby”
