DeFrancesco show supports jazz programs

FAYETTEVILLE —  Jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, a mainstream jazz artist with an active role in the revival of the Hammond B-3 organ as a jazz instrument, played to a packed house at the Legacy Blues and Jazz Lounge in Fayetteville Friday night (Feb. 3).

The show sold out two weeks in advance, and no wonder — DeFrancesco comes from a long line of jazz musicians and grew up behind the Hammon B-3. The son of Popa John DeFrancesco switched from piano to organ at age 6 and was a member of Miles Davis’ band at age 17.

The musicians accompanying him at Legacy were no slouches either. DeFrancesco’s solos were answered by rides from legendary blues guitarist Paul Bollenback and drummer Jeremy Thomas, a lad from Oklahoma City who also plays the Hammond B-3.

“There’s only one organ player on stage tonight,” DeFrancesco quipped, wiping his brow. Thomas said it was his first gig with DeFrancesco, having played only one song with him in the past and during the show’s sound check.

The two-set show included a couple of tunes, “Donny’s Tune” and “V & G,” from DeFrancesco’s 40 CD —  which he recorded for his 40th birthday.

“I guess my follow up should be 41,” he said. His jazz is infused with strong blues and gospel — an easy feat for DeFrancesco to pull off with his worn Hammond.

Proceeds from the $20 ticket sales will help support the North Arkansas Jazz Society’s student scholarship program and the Summer Jazz Concert Series, both of which are run by jazz guru Robert Ginsburg. DeFrancesco stopped in Fayetteville on his way to a show in Memphis Saturday (Feb. 4) — at Ginsburg’s urging.

“You develop relationships with these artists so that you’re on their radar,” Ginsburg said. “He had a down date to fill in and he called me.”

It was the first ticketed event for Jim Lefler and Legacy Blues, and from most accounts it was a successful one. The show helped spread the news about the society and helped pick up a few new members.