THEIR SOUND – A trio of accomplished musicians who’s music is perfect for those who enjoy acoustic soft rock and traditional folk ballads with intricate 3-part harmonies. Instruments include 6-string guitars and flute. Artists covered include Peter Paul & Mary, the Beatles, John Denver, the Everly Brothers, Van Morrison, Crosby Stills & Nash, and also originals by nationally acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist Doug Smith.
HISTORY:
Judy and Don first met at an Open Mic in Vancouver, Washington in the spring of 1994 and grew from the duo of Judy Koch and Don Mitchell to a trio with Doug Smith in the autumn of 1997, when Don developed ‘tennis elbow’ while tuning pianos. Judy and Don had a lot in common, since they both teach folks who are blind or visually impaired. Before joining the duo, Judy had talked Doug into performing for the kids at the WA State School for the Blind, and he’d insisted that she join him on stage with her flute. Late in 1997 they began recording their first CD,” Sorting it Out”, produced by Judy to fulfill a longtime dream of making an album. (The title was pertinent to life after divorce and moving to a new city & job as a single mom.) With continual performances and demand by fans for another CD, “Three Together” was their next album released in 2002. Their trademark at rehearsals and live performances is having FUN — especially for the audience! They have evolved into a much tighter group both musically and together, as Judy and Doug tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in 2004. Their latest CD (2006) titled “All Over the Map” includes covers of favorite artists from the 60s – 80s, and also three guest performers.
THE GROUP MEMBERS:
DOUG SMITH won a Grammy in 2005 for his guitar playing on the tribute to Henry Mancini ‘Pink Guitar’ CD which won Best Pop Instrumental Album. Doug then took first place at Winfield’s prestigious International Fingerstyle competition in September, 2006. Doug performs and teaches both nationally and in the Portland/Vancouver area, can be heard on KINK102-FM and on four movie soundtracks (Twister, Moll Flanders, Domestic Disturbance, August Rush). He has nine solo CD’s and a DVD on the Solid Air record label, as well as commercial airplay nationwide and internationally.
(visit www.DougSmithGuitar.com for solo performances)
DON MITCHELL is the Director of Instruction at the School of Piano Technology for the Blind in Vancouver, USA. He is truly an original “folkie” and has an impeccable ear for finding and/or creating vocal harmonies and guitar blendings. Don has been performing in front of audiences since his youth in southern Oregon, and is known for keeping his friends and alumni up till dawn playing music at their annual Oregon School for the Blind reunions!
JUDY KOCH SMITH grew up in a musical family in Cleveland, Ohio, where she learned to harmonize and play the flute. She now teaches Orientation/Mobility for independent travel at the Washington State School for the Blind, and performs in duet with husband, Doug, when not with “Three Together”.
Their sound is inviting because of their chemistry– Don is “Mr. Mellow” in rehearsals but he totally comes out as a lovable tiger during performances. FUN and beautiful music is their trademark