There’s only one way to describe the music of The D’s 3-Jazz! This mother-daughter trio has a fresh, new, inviting sound that mesmerizes all ages. The upbeat swing tunes of the 30’s-50’s, as well as originals, live on as The D’s 3 create a new style with warm family harmony and energizing beat. The D’s 3 are Kathy (mom,bass), Becky (eldest daughter, alto/lead), and Corrie (younger daughter, soprano/lead) Duncan. The band has many musical influences including the Andrews Sisters, McGuire Sisters, and Tommy Dorsey.

The D’s 3 began like only the true superstars of today did--by chance and pure luck. It all started in 1994 when Corrie came home from High School (90 students) with great excitement, declaring, “Mom, Chorus Class is doing a Spring Variety Show instead of a play this year, and it’s open to the community.” The girls volunteered to sing a tribute to the Andrews Sisters with Beer Barrel Polka and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. The trio was an instant hit with the audience. Soon afterward, they were asked to sing at other community events. The word spread and a local radio station encouraged the trio to “go for it!”

One thing lead to another, and soon the girls appeared on a Nashville talent show. The show was a total success! A Nashville producer loved what he heard and signed the girls. The band’s first album, American Treasures, won eight nominations and five awards from AIRA (Academy of Independent Recording Artists), including Group of the Year, Vocal Performance of the Year, Album of the Year (both National and International), and Song of the Year (Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen). Also, The D’s 3 rendition of Take Me Out To The Ball Game (American Treasures) was one of three played in the baseball venue to over one million spectators during the ‘96 Olympics held in Atlanta, GA.

In 1997 The D’s 3 formed their parent corporation, KBC Enterprises, Ltd., as well as KBC Records. Over the next two years they had numerous opportunities to perform with The One & Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, conducted by Buddy Morrow, appearing at distinguished establishments such as Busch Gardens-Tampa, FL. Later albums, Near You (‘97), Sing! Sing! Sing! (‘98), A Swingin’ Merry Christmas (‘99), and Christmas At The Rockhouse (‘00) have had continuous radio play on over 1000 Adult Standard, Jazz, and College radio stations nationwide.

During 1998 and 1999 the girls completed a Borders Books, Music, & Cafe tour that covered Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. The D’s 3, along with the U of I Jazz Band and forty dance couples, had fun with their 90 minute PBS Television Special, “Let’s Swing!” The project was a joint effort between the University of Illinois WILL-TV and The D’s 3 Music Foundation and had its premiere viewing during the ‘99 PBS Spring Fund Drive. (It is available to other PBS stations upon request.)

With the turn of the century, entering a new millennium was a turning point for the girls. They decided to branch out and record an album of originals as well as standards. Cool Cats, Hot Chicks is the latest and greatest effort from this award-winning mother-daughter trio. The eight originals highlight the girls’ diversified writing styles. And the four standards remind you of why this music continues to withstand the hands of time.

Sidewalk Jive

Jazz

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