'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO

Hard Bop • United States
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'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO picture
The father of Joey DeFrancesco, "Papa John" had his career revived when his son's success helped bring about the renaissance of the Hammond organ. John's father had played reeds with various swing bands, including the Dorsey Brothers. John DeFrancesco began playing trumpet when he was six and did not start playing organ until his wife bought him an organ for his 23rd birthday. After a few months of nearly nonstop practicing, he was ready to perform in clubs. In 1967 DeFrancesco moved to Philadelphia and soon he was part of the Philadelphia jazz scene. However, in 1979 when Joey turned eight and started playing professionally, John temporarily gave up his career in order to supervise his son. Another son, Johnny DeFrancesco, developed into a fine guitarist. In the 1990s, John DeFrancesco returned to a more active playing career, recording two strong sets for Muse (Doodlin' and Comin' Home -- both read more...
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'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO Discography

'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO albums / top albums

'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO Comin' Home album cover 0.00 | 0 ratings
Comin' Home
Hard Bop 1995
'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO Hip Cake Walk album cover 0.00 | 0 ratings
Hip Cake Walk
Hard Bop 2001
'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO Jumpin` album cover 0.00 | 0 ratings
Jumpin`
Hard Bop 2003
'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO Walking Uptown album cover 5.00 | 1 ratings
Walking Uptown
Hard Bop 2004
'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO Desert Heat album cover 0.00 | 0 ratings
Desert Heat
Hard Bop 2006
'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO Big Shot album cover 0.00 | 0 ratings
Big Shot
Hard Bop 2009
'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO A Philadelphia Story album cover 3.50 | 2 ratings
A Philadelphia Story
Hard Bop 2011

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'PAPA' JOHN DEFRANCESCO A Philadelphia Story

Album · 2011 · Hard Bop
Cover art Buy this album from MMA partners
snobb
Papa John DeFrancesco played organ with some known jazzmen around Philadelphia in the 70s, but possibly he is better known as father and teacher of his son, keyboardist/trumpeter Joey DeFrancesco.

John returned back to active musicianship and recording music in the 90s and from that time released a few albums. His most current, 'A Philadelphia Story', is the one really worth listening to.

With help from one of his other sons, guitarist John DeFrancesco, and a few more collaborated musicians, Papa John plays excellent soul-jazz, bluesy tunes, funky hard bop - without tricks or modernization, but with mastership and soul. His other son, Joey, plays a few trumpet solos on this recording as well.

The tunes are all mostly well known, so no surprises here as well - great music tested by time, played by Hammond B3 master. Album doesn't sound dated, but at the same time perfectly builds the atmosphere of early 70s. Funky guitar, blues/rock influenced sound, lots of organ passages, no modern electronics, old-fashioned sound mix (which excellently fits here)- great album for the heart.

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