40High Note ***

Philadelphian Joey DeFrancesco is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the jazz organ. However, at the risk of being churlish about so prodigious a talent, he has a tendency to rest on his laurels. Jaws routinely hit the floor when DeFrancesco plays live, such is his complete, four-limbed mastery, and in the mid-1990s he was on top of the world, touring with guitarist John McLaughlin, making new statements on the old Hammond B3. Now, particularly on his own recordings, he seems to be retreating into his corner, content simply to let the good times swing in the style of his idol, Jimmy Smith. The technique is as monstrous as ever, and it’s hard not to laugh out loud with sheer delight at the sounds he conjures from his instrument. But as he celebrates his 40th birthday, the ebullient DeFrancesco still seems to be searching for a sound to call his own. See joeydefrancesco.com