Joey DeFrancesco is a jazz traditionalist in a hard-driving, take-no-prisoners kind of way.
In his Salt Lake appearance Tues-day, the jazz organist played even ballads such as "Moonlight in Vermont" in an intense, straight-ahead manner - in contrast to more relaxed, melodic treatments others have given them.While he included some new pieces, the majority of the 10-number set consisted of standards such as "East of the Sun" and "When Lights are Low."
DeFrancesco's remarkable technical virtuosity enabled him to make some tunes - "Scrapple From the Apple," for example - almost frenetic. His rapid solo arpeggios interspersed with fuller chords were the more technically impressive given that he, unlike some other jazz organ players, provides his own bass via the foot pedals of his Hammond B-3.
DeFrancesco's sort of musical approach - while providing great energy - does have its downside. After a while, some of the numbers in the 21/2-hour set approached same-ness - similar tempo, similar extended solos.
When DeFrancesco let loose, how-ever, technically it was nothing short of dazzling. Some have dubbed him the rightful successor to organist legend Jimmy Smith, and he certainly established his bona fides for that title Tuesday.
He also plays a mean piano.
Another thing DeFrancesco does well: pick sidemen. Drummer Byron Landham was competent without being overly flashy, veteran saxophonist Marchel Ivery was smooth and quick, and guitarist Paul Bollenback was a technical wizard with an excellent sense of melody and pacing. Instead of just wearing out the frets, Bollenback's solos, emotional and involving, told a musical story with a beginning, middle and denouement.