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Sing! Sing! Sing!
1998 KBC Enterprises, Ltd.

Cool Cats Hot Chicks
2000 KBC Enterprises, Ltd.
SQ Issue:  Spring 2001 Volume 11, Issue 2

 Musicians:
Vocals:  Kathy Duncan, Becky Duncan, Corrie Duncan; Piano: Tony Migliore, Beejie Adair; Bass:  Roger Spencer; Drums:  Chris Brown; Guitar:  Andy Reias; Trombones:  Ernie Collins, Prentiss Hobbs, Barry Green; Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute:  Denis Soleé; Saxophone:  Sam Levine, Jeff Coffin; Trumpet:  George Tidwell, Michael Haynes; Strings:  Pam Sixfin, Alan Umstead, David Angell, Catherine Umstead, David Davidson, Robert Mason, Richard Grosjean.

This mother-daughter trio has a fresh, new, inviting sound that mesmerizes all ages.  The upbeat, updated swing tunes of the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s live on as The D’s 3 create their new style with a warm family harmony and energizing beat. – press release

After listening to both albums several times and reading their biographies, my first thought is, “Why ‘update swing’?”  The best part of swing is that it doesn’t need an update because it is already so good.

These two albums have some high points but for the most part let me down.  There are lots of rave reviews, comparisons to the Andrews Sisters and awards for the D’s 3 but you aren’t going to get them here!

First the highlights.  On the CD Sing! Sing! Sing! I recommend Hold Tight, Hold Tight and Well All Right Tonight’s the Night.  The rest of it is loaded with syrupy sweet harmonies better suited to pop music.

On Cool Cats Hot Chicks I recommend the title song as well as On the Sunny Side of the Street, Sidewalk Jive and of all things, the Latin tune Margarita Marquita!

Most of the tunes are very barbershop style.  I’m sure that these ladies were in some chapter of Sweet Adeline’s at some point in their lives.  If they weren’t, they should have been.  They are very talented singers that in my opinion don’t swing as much as they seem to get credit for!   It is more on the lines of pop music with a swing beat that has been watered down.  A musician friend of mine would call it “over-produced” swing music.  They don’t retain the flavor of the ‘30s and ‘40s swing that make that genre so inviting to listeners and dancers alike.

Many people may enjoy the D’s 3 but as a swing dancer and fan of swing, I’ll sit this one out.

Bottom Line:  To buy or not to buy...DON’T BUY!  If you must, here’s how: