Jazz Articles about Joey DeFrancesco

Joey DeFrancesco: Organ Master meets Crooner

by R.J. DeLuke
October 8, 2003

Joey DeFrancesco is rightfully known as an incredibly talented organ player. He's got an array of solid CDs that document his rise to the top. He can fit into any setting, from hard bop to the electronic funk of 1980s Miles Davis. He can swing a room of lead balloons. This affable Italian can even croon Sinatra tunes and other standards, and plans on one day bringing out some interpretations of Louis Prima music. He's had the audacity to usurp ...

Joey DeFrancesco: Goodfellas

by AAJ Staff
January 22, 2003

(Whistling “Speak Softly Love")

Recognize that tune? Of course you do! It’s the theme from The Godf-

Okay- so maybe this type of intro doesn’t work so well in print. But one thing which does work is this album!

No plaintive strings or weeping accordion. No way. This is jazz. Jazz that swings like DiMaggio and pops like a Tommy gun.

Capisce?

Combining the formidable Hammond chops (did someone say "chops"?) of Mr. DeFrancesco with the scatty strums of Frank ...

Joey DeFrancesco: Ballads And Blues

by Jim Santella
September 1, 2002

Joey DeFrancesco’s organ trio has been together for twelve years already. And what a solid unit they’ve become. Byron Landham and Paul Bollenback make soulful music when they’re working alongside DeFrancesco and his timeless repertoire. This time out, he’s included several familiar classics, a few originals, and some in-betweens. Guests Pat Martino, Gary Bartz, Papa John and brother John DeFrancesco turn cameo appearances into gala celebrations. It’s a winning formula.

”Home on the Range” begins in a solemn, ...

Joey DeFrancesco: Singin' And Swingin'

by Jim Santella
November 1, 2001

Just look at that song list! These are standards that cook every time out. Organist Joey DeFrancesco takes the bull by the horns and performs themhisway. Hammond B-3 melodies control the session and provide great listening. With his trio, DeFrancesco wows any crowd, any place, any time. His boundless energy and the natural manner with which he builds each solo portion tend to color his work favorably all the time. However, it's not one of DeFrancesco's better performances. This time ...

Joey DeFrancesco / Tony Monaco Trio: Singin' and Swingin' / Burning Grooves

by C. Michael Bailey
October 1, 2001

The Hammond B-3 Organ— New and Newer.

The temptation not to couple these two discs in a single review perished when reviewing the musician's credits. Both of these Hammond B-3 releases have one big thing in common: Joey DeFrancesco and his regular rhythm. But, Mr. DeFrancesco does not lead both of these releases. Complicated? No, not really.

DeFrancesco, who burst onto the scene as a precocious teen in 1988, recorded several notable records with Columbia, High Note and Big Mo'. ...

Joey De Francesco: Goodfellas

by Matthew S. Robinson
August 1, 2001

(Whistling “Speak Softly Love") Recognize that tune? Of course you do! It’s the theme from “The Godfather" Okay- so maybe this type of intro doesn’t work so well in print. But one thing which does work is this album! No plaintive strings or weeping accordion. No way. This is Jazz. Jazz that swings like DiMaggio and pops like a Tommy gun. Capiche?

Combining the formidable Hammond chops (did someone say “chops"?) of Mr. DeFrancesco with the scatty strums of Frank ...

Joey DeFrancesco/Papa John DeFrancesco: The Champ Round 2/Hip Cake Walk

by C. Andrew Hovan
July 1, 2001

From the beginning, it's been clear that Joey DeFrancesco is an obvious heir to the throne when it comes to extending the influence of innovator Jimmy Smith. Influenced by his father (quite a talented organ grinder in his own right) at a very young age, the younger DeFrancesco has developed an incendiary style that owes much to the influence of Jimmy Smith but which also has blossomed on its own. Though largely a Concord recording artist these days, it seems ...