Joey DeFrancesco with Jimmy Smith: Legacy

His Legacy, with Smith, is an extremely diverse and rich project. Almost no stones in various jazz genres are left unturned. It runs the gamut from the title track with its modal, Indian-influenced touch complete with sitar and zither, to the Smith-penned funky "Dot Com Blues." On the ballad "I'll Close My Eyes," a peaceful feeling of repose is imparted to the listener. First recorded in '60 by Smith, his classic tune "Back at the Chicken Shack" is completely refurbished in a spicy Latin style with the Banda Brothers. On "Jones 'N for Elvin," saxophonist James Moody plays in a searching, almost Coltrane-ish manner that is a fitting tribute to the late drummer.

Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Corcovado" is practically turned inside-out as the bossa nova rhythms are slightly deemphasized in place of a more funky backdrop. The gutbucket "I've Got My Mojo Workin" finds Smith singing with his gruff voice over a deep-in-the-pocket backbeat while DeFrancesco lays down some seriously funky grooves. With Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas," a more Afro-Cuban sensibility is transposed over the famous calypso song with the pulsating rhythms of the Bandas.

Legacy is a five-star recording, sure to be regarded as landmark recording in the genre. With the passing of the world's greatest jazz organist, the torch has been passed on. DeFrancesco is carrying on the legacy of his dear friend and inspiration.