'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO — A Philadelphia Story (review)

'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO — A Philadelphia Story album cover Album · 2011 · Hard Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
snobb
Papa John DeFrancesco played organ with some known jazzmen around Philadelphia in the 70s, but possibly he is better known as father and teacher of his son, keyboardist/trumpeter Joey DeFrancesco.

John returned back to active musicianship and recording music in the 90s and from that time released a few albums. His most current, 'A Philadelphia Story', is the one really worth listening to.

With help from one of his other sons, guitarist John DeFrancesco, and a few more collaborated musicians, Papa John plays excellent soul-jazz, bluesy tunes, funky hard bop - without tricks or modernization, but with mastership and soul. His other son, Joey, plays a few trumpet solos on this recording as well.

The tunes are all mostly well known, so no surprises here as well - great music tested by time, played by Hammond B3 master. Album doesn't sound dated, but at the same time perfectly builds the atmosphere of early 70s. Funky guitar, blues/rock influenced sound, lots of organ passages, no modern electronics, old-fashioned sound mix (which excellently fits here)- great album for the heart.
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