The unmistakable sound and versatility of the Hammond B-3 organ and Leslie tone cabinet are showcased in this original production. Jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco is often credited with the resurgence of the Hammond organ in jazz in the ‘80s. The son of organist “Papa” John DeFrancesco, he was brought up in the Philadelphia jazz scene and gained the early respect of such notable musicians as tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley and drummer Philly Joe Jones. DeFrancesco is also a gifted vocalist and trumpet player, the latter of which he began playing after touring in Miles Davis’ band. The New York Times has called Joey DeFrancesco a "deeply authoritative musician, a master of rhythmic pocket, and of the custom of stomping bass lines beneath chords and riffs.” On this engagement, DeFrancesco brings his swinging quartet he calls “The People.”

 

Sharing this bill is organ master Ike Stubblefield, who began his career recording and performing with Motown artists including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Ike & Tina Turner and Rare Earth. In the ‘70s, he contributed to the rock ‘n’ roll of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco, working with Janis Joplin, Boz Skaggs, Eric Clapton and Jerry Garcia. Stubblefield then moved on to producing and composing, working with the likes of Phil Spector and Quincy Jones. He remains an in-demand session player and special guest, and tours regularly with his own trio. Following Ike Stubblefield’s SMF debut in 2011, a JazzTimes critic wrote that “the B-3 organ at the hands of a player like Ike Stubblefield becomes a force of nature.”