Joey DeFrancesco is widely credited with bringing back the organ as a jazz instrument. Since releasing his debut album "All of Me" in 1989, the Philadelphia-native's music has been appreciated by audiences throughout the world.

 

In addition to releasing more than a dozen solo albums and collaborations, DeFrancesco has worked with late greats Miles Davis, playing keyboards on "Live Around The World," as well as Ray Charles, playing the organ on his multi-Grammy winning "Genius Loves Company" album.

 

DeFrancesco's recent collaboration with mentor and idol, Jimmy Smith, brought the two friends together for an album of groove-induced blues, funk and Latin jazz.

 

The album, "Legacy," is sadly their final collaboration, as Smith passed away Feb 2005, shortly before the release of the album. The release truly showcases the work of two jazz greats and stands as a tribute to Smith's life and legacy.

 

Although much of the album involves the two organ players at their best, DeFrancesco plays a Palatino grand piano on some songs for added contrast.

 

"The action of the Palatino pianos is very quick; being an organist, I can really appreciate that," he said. "The tone is full and very warm; very reminiscent of the historical and legendary pianos. Aesthetically, the Palatinos are gorgeous and I'd put them up against anything."

 

DeFrancesco also found the strength and stability of the piano to be remarkable, considering the different environments involved in the "Legacy" sessions.

 

"The piano was moved several times before the session took place and our tuner was very impressed with its ease of tuning," he said. "The engineer simply mic'd it up and we were off . . . which isn't always the case when recording pianos."

 

Learn more about Joey DeFrancesco's upcoming projects and tour schedule at www.joeydefrancesco.com.

 

MORE INFORMATION

Palatino Grand Pianos

Palatino Vertical Pianos

Official Joey DeFrancesco Website

Concord Records