Jimmy Smith and Joey DeFrancesco – Legacy
Jimmy Smith and Joey DeFrancesco
Legacy
(Concord Records – 2005)
by John Thompson
The Master and the Disciple, The Teacher and the Student, the concept of the torch being passed. No matter what clique or phrase is chosen, we have a jazz gem of a cd with the icon, Jimmy Smith, and the new standard, Joey DeFrancesco, together on the jazz organ, DeFrancesco-produced release, “Legacy”. While most of the songs are remakes of past Smith tunes, the great thing is that these tunes still spew of yesteryear jazz flavor.
Musicians include Byron Landham (D), Pal Bollenback (G), and ex A.W.B. and Clapton drummer Steve Ferrone. Special guest on tenor sax is the great James Moody on one track. Both organists sometimes take turns on an organ called “the Hammond New B-3 organ”, and usually can be told apart by speed and longer runs (DeFrancesco) vs. phrasing and direction (Smith).
‘That old B-3 combo feeling’ returns heavily on my favorite, “Jones for Elvin.” Joey D. shows his piano skills on “Off the Top,” and the Smith signatures, the purely funky “Got My Mojo Workin'” and the greasy-bluesy “Midnight Special” round out the 11 tunes.
It’s a five star rating, baby !!!
