JIMMY BRUNO WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOEY DeFRANCESCO — Like That (1996) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Although Like That was recorded in New York, many of the people involved with the project were Philadelphians. The pleasing hard bop date unites Jimmy Bruno's Philly-based trio of the 1990s (which includes bassist Craig Thomas and drummer Steve Holloway) with organist/trumpeter and Philly native Joey DeFrancesco, while the liner notes were written by guitar great Pat Martino (another Philadelphian). Producer Allen Farnham, however, lived close to New York in northern New Jersey. Bruno's guitar and DeFrancesco's organ prove highly compatible on selections ranging from Sam Jones' "Unit Seven" and Jerome Kern's "The Way You Look Tonight" to Bruno originals such as the sentimental "Waltz for Nancy," the angular "Raezer's Edge," and the mellifluous "Night Dreamer." Although DeFrancesco plays organ on most of the 11 songs, he switches to the trumpet and favors a Miles Davis-influenced mute on relaxed versions of "There Is No Greater Love" and "Stars Fell on Alabama." Bruno's Concord output has been quite consistent, and this fine CD is no exception. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1. E.V.     4:39
 Craig Thomas
2. Raezer's Edge     5:03
 Jimmy Bruno
3. Waltz For Nancy     5:41
 Jimmy Bruno
4. There Is No Greater Love     6:12
 Isham Jones / Marty Symes
5. The Iguana's Uncle     4:24
 Jimmy Bruno
6. Pat's House     5:23
 Jimmy Bruno
7. Night Dreamer     6:15
 Jimmy Bruno
8. The Way You Look Tonight     5:24
 Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
9. Like That     4:48
 Jimmy Bruno
10. Stars Fell On Alabama     3:26
 Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
11. Unit Seven     8:08
 Sam Jones
Credits :
Jimmy Bruno - Guitar
Joey DeFrancesco - Organ, Trumpet
Steve Holloway - Drums
Craig Thomas - Acoustic and Electric Bass  

ANDY SUMMERS - Green Chimneys : The Music of Thelonious Monk (1999-2007) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Andy Summers long ago shed his Police-man's uniform to take a stab at being a jazz fusion guitarist, and this is his toughest test, tackling 13 of Thelonious Monk's most well known pieces. His backing band has some considerable talent; drummer Peter Erskine, organist Joey DeFrancesco, trumpeter Walt Fowler and cellist Hank Roberts are outstanding jazz musicians, and prove their mettle throughout. The CD overall is inconsistent, starting with an out-of-tune bass and an inaccurate reading of the title track. But it gets much better with horn charts, the precise Erskine and searing DeFrancesco saving grace on "Hackensack." Then they really get down with Monk's stealth Misterioso feel on "Brilliant Corners," and an economical Summers works effectively on "Monk's Dream." Sting sings "'Round Midnight" and botches the lyrics, but they come back strong for most of the remainder of the disc, especially with a pristine take on "Ugly Beauty," a moderately raucous "Think of One," a free-for-all "Light Blue/Rhythm-A-Ning," with Erskine cutting loose, and Summers' courteous solo acoustic finale on "Ruby My Dear." Summers is rather noodle prone, though a sharp-edged John Abercrombie-type tone creeps in occasionally. You do hear considerable riffing, and less improvisation, so if you're more into Jeff Beck than, say, Larry Coryell, bon appétit. There's a fluid ease in Summers' playing that suggests a real comfort zone and genuine love for this music. Sometimes that can go a long way, but still, this is for special tastes outside mainstream jazz. by Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist:
1 Green Chimneys 5:58
Thelonious Monk
2 Hackensack 4:38
Thelonious Monk
3 Brilliant Corners 3:31
Thelonious Monk
4 Monk's Dream 3:56
Thelonious Monk
5 'Round Midnight 5:42
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
6 Bemsha Swing 4:58
Denzil Best / Thelonious Monk
7 Shuffle Boil 5:33
Thelonious Monk
8 Boo Boo's Birthday 3:18
Thelonious Monk
9 Evidence 4:15
Thelonious Monk
10 Ugly Beauty 5:17
Thelonious Monk
11 Think of One 4:10
Thelonious Monk
12 Light Blue/Rhythm-A-Ning 3:20
Thelonious Monk
13 Ruby, My Dear 2:51
Thelonious Monk
- Bonus Tracks -     
14 Crepescule With Nellie 2:30
15 Locomotive 4:35
16 Off Minor 3:10
17 Ruby (Electric Version) 2:35
Credits:
Bass [Upright Basses], Electric Bass – Dave Carpenter
Cello – Hank Roberts
Drums – Bernie Dresel (faixas: 8, 12), Peter Erskine (faixas: 1 to 7, 9 to 11, 13, 14)
Electric Organ [Hammond B-3 Organ] – Joey de Francesco
Guitar, Banjo, Dobro – Andy Summers
Soprano, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Steve Tavaglione
Trumpet – Walt Fowler 

JOEY DEFRANCESCO - Where Were You? (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

 
On his second recording, organist Joey DeFrancesco is heard in settings ranging from a quartet to a large orchestra. Although he is generally the main star, DeFrancesco welcomes such guests as tenors Illinois Jacquet and Kirk Whalum (heard on two songs apiece, including both jamming on "Red Top") and guitarist John Scofield. DeFrancesco holds his own and is in top form on such selections as "Teach Me Tonight," "Where Were You," "But Not for Me," and "Love Attack."  by Scott Yanow