Hammondelicious

Joey DeFrancesco

Ottawa Jazz Festival

NAC Studio, 7pm, Friday June 20

The Finest Jazz Organist on the Planet. So says Joey DeFrancesco’s website. This might be the first time that the interwebs don’t exaggerate.

For the most part, Hammond organ tinkling is cheesy lounge territory, but Ottawa gets a chance to see a real jazz virtuoso transform the instrument like few can. DeFrancesco doesn’t alter the classic schmaltz sound of the Hammond, heck he even slips in some bouncy standards in his set, but make no mistake, this guy can play. Miles Davis thought so, enough to cajole the 18 year old to join in on a tour, and album (Amandla).

Nine time winner of Downbeat Critic’s Poll, DeFranceso is an unquestionable giant in jazz, who perhaps unfairly flies under the radar. Check out his crack trio in the cozy confines of the NAC Studio.

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