JOEY
DeFRANCESCO with JIMMY SMITH
Legacy
Concord
The opportunity to perform with one’s
idol is a strong motivator indeed. When Jimmy Smith moved
to Phoenix, where modern jazz organ virtuoso Joey DeFrancesco
was already living, that opportunity seemed to be knocking
on the door heavy and loud. And so the two got together
in a recording studio in Tempe, Arizona in August of 2004
to lay down the tracks that have just been released by Concord
Records as Legacy. As one of the final recordings
made by Smith, this CD takes on special importance to jazz
organ fans. But in all honesty, there is no need for hype
or hyperbole in discussing this disc. It is precisely the
kind of production that both Smith and DeFrancesco have
been putting out year after year over their careers: a rock-solid,
hard bop/blues tinged barnburner of a CD that would be noteworthy
regardless of the circumstances of its recording and release.
DeFrancesco has the lead billing here, and
his rhythm section provides backing throughout, but the
disc is very much a tribute to Smith that is satisfying
in large part because the honoree himself is there to offer
his playing and remind listeners of why he is being honored
in the first place. On several tracks DeFrancesco plays
piano, leaving the organ work entirely to Smith. It’s
not a bad tradeoff, as Joey offers some really choice piano
work on tracks like the Smith original “Off the Top.”
Meantime, Smith shows that time has not lessened the impact
of his swinging Hammond organ work.
A good portion of the CD provides dueling
Hammond performances from DeFrancesco and Smith, and these
performances together are really great. There is no over
the top posturing nor are the players trying to outdo each
other. Each is well aware of his skills and strengths and
each displays them very ably as well as providing support
for the other. One of the reasons the CD works so well is
that the two organists are very like-minded in their approach
to the tunes and have a genuine affection for one another.
The two present a supremely romantic and cool rendition
of “Corcovado” that never flags, even at over
eight minutes in length. Smith brings his vocals to bear
on a powerful rendtion of “I’ve Got My Mojo
Working” that recalls Smith’s string of classic
Verve albums. Likewise the closing two numbers, heat-stoking
renditions of Smith tunes, “Blues for Bobby C”
and “Midnight Special.” And fans of jam organ
trios like Medeski Martin & Wood or Soullive will marvel
at the gritty grandeur of “Back At the Chicken Shack,”
a number whose original recording no doubt influenced members
of both bands.
Adding spice to the sonic stew are such guests
as the Banda brothers, saxophonist James Moody, who blows
a stunningly fine solo on DeFrancesco’s “Jones’n
For Elvin”, and guitarist Paul Bollenback, who also
contributes electric sitar to the opening track, “Legacy,”
a psychedelically-tinged blues.
Fans of Smith, DeFrancesco, jazz organ, or
outstanding small combo jazz in general should pick this
tribute up without hesitation. It’s no half-baked
tribute that doesn’t measure up, it’s the real
thing from the real guys.
