Joey Defrancesco Singin' And Swingin' CD

Joey DeFrancesco the jazz organist meets Joey DeFrancesco the Sinatra-style crooner on this, his first vocal outing. The album is rich in contrasts: eight of the 13 cuts feature a big band, with the likes of bassist Ray Brown, tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, and more; the rest are trio pieces featuring the leader, Paul Bollenback, on guitar and Byron Landham on drums. Vocally, DeFrancesco pours it on with beaucoup reverb (producer John Burk and engineer Bernie Kirsh could have backed off a bit), handling swingers like "Mack the Knife" and ballads like "They Say It's Wonderful" with equal poise and conviction. His organ is present on many of the vocal tracks, but it moves to the fore on the three instrumental originals: "Mr. Dennis Houlihan," a fast rhythm changes tune; "Did You Hear Him Holler," a tongue-in-cheek Cajun groove; and "The Sidewalk Is Wild," a sly big band shuffle that features the leader briefly on trumpet. DeFrancesco also gives his voice a rest on the swing classic "One Mint Julep," the penultimate "Danny Boy," done as a powerful trio ballad, and the closing standard, "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." DeFrancesco's vocal affect is quite similar to Sinatra's, especially on songs closely associated with him, like "In the Wee Small Hours," one of the all-around best selections. Some won't be able to get past the hammy aspect of the album, but the fact is that DeFrancesco really can sing, and "if you've got it, flaunt it" is a worthy credo for any performer. You've got to applaud him for taking the plunge. ~ David R. Adler

Recorded at Capitol Records-Studio B, Hollywood, California on January 24-25, 1999. Includes liner notes by Paul De Barros.

Personnel: Joey DeFrancesco (vocals, trumpet); Gil Romero, Russ Cantor, Horia Moroaica, Rachel Purkin, Patricia Johnson , Darius Campo (violin); Jorge Moraga, Harry Shirinian (viola); Vage Ayrikyan, Armen Ksadjikian (cello); Sal Lozano (alto saxophone); Pete Christlieb, Rickey Woodard (tenor saxophone); Jack Nimitz (baritone saxophone); Conte Candoli, Wayne Bergeron, Frank Szabo, Carl Saunders (trumpet); George Bohanon, Mike Millar, Andy Martin, Bob McChesney (trombone); Dave Cook (drums).

Liner Note Author: Paul De Barros.

Recording information: Capitol Records, Studio B (01/24/1999-01/25/1999).

Arrangers: Horace Ott; Joey DeFrancesco.

Personnel includes: Joey DeFrancesco (vocals, trumpet, Hammond B-3 organ); Sal Lozano, Don Shelton (alto saxophone); Peter Christlieb, Rickey D. Woodard (tenor saxophone); Jack Nimitz (baritone saxophone); Frank Szabo, Wayne J. Bergeron, Conte Candoli (trumpet); Andy Martin, George Bohanon, Bob McChesney, Mike Millar (trombone); Paul "Dukie" Bollenback, Mike Howard (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Byron "Wookie" Landham, Paul Leibelshon, Dave Cook (drums).

Down Beat (1/02, p.48) - 4.5 stars out of 5 - "Yes, Joey D. can sing. On record for the first time here, he showcases his surprisingly mature voice..."
JazzTimes (5/02, p.158) - "...The organist whips out his wicked Smith-inspired runs ona big-band vocal program that aspires to the Sinatra/Count Basie collaborations of the early '60s..."