Fly Me to the Moon - Joey DeFrancesco, Howard, Bart
All the Way - Joey DeFrancesco, Cahn, Sammy
Whack 'Em
Mala Femmena
Young at Heart - Joey DeFrancesco, Leigh, Carolyn
O Solo Mio
Evidence - Joey DeFrancesco, Monk, Thelonious
Goodfellas
Ya See What I'm Sayin?
Whack 'Em (Reprise)/Tarentella
Joey DeFrancesco is a Philadelphia organist who has previously worked in ensembles led by Miles Davis and guitarist John McLaughlin. On Goodfellas Francesco and his band mates play wonderful songs derived from their Italia... more »n upbringing. Performing instrumental versions of tunes associated with Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone, and even classic Mob flicks like The Godfather, DeFrancesco shows a bit of humor, excellent musical taste, and an innate capacity to swing. Accompanied by gifted guitarist Frank Vignola and drummer Joe Ascione, DeFrancesco grooves outrageously through tunes like "Fly Me to the Moon," "Young at Heart," and even "Volare." With DeFrancesco wailing on the Hammond B3, Vignola churning out hot licks on his electric guitar, and Ascione kicking it underneath, this collection is chock full of authentically spicy jazz. --Mitch Myers« less
Joey DeFrancesco is a Philadelphia organist who has previously worked in ensembles led by Miles Davis and guitarist John McLaughlin. On Goodfellas Francesco and his band mates play wonderful songs derived from their Italian upbringing. Performing instrumental versions of tunes associated with Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone, and even classic Mob flicks like The Godfather, DeFrancesco shows a bit of humor, excellent musical taste, and an innate capacity to swing. Accompanied by gifted guitarist Frank Vignola and drummer Joe Ascione, DeFrancesco grooves outrageously through tunes like "Fly Me to the Moon," "Young at Heart," and even "Volare." With DeFrancesco wailing on the Hammond B3, Vignola churning out hot licks on his electric guitar, and Ascione kicking it underneath, this collection is chock full of authentically spicy jazz. --Mitch Myers
"It is so great to hear an artist - and especially such a young one who swings so hard and who obviously has studied the history of our great American art form. Joey plays with such heart and conviction! His band here is superb- great chops, heart, time and soul. Bravo guys! Andrea Baker, Los Angeles based jazz singer"
Spicy is the best word for it.
6XERVANTES | Dortmund, Ruhr Valley, Germany | 12/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Joey Defrancesco and his two 'Goodfellas' present a spicy blend of Italian and jazz influences - sometimes they're nostalgic, sometimes they are the hottest, hardest-driving jazz combo that you can imagine. An extremely cohesive group. Joey doesn't sing on this outing, he 'limits' himself to playing the organ. He can't be beaten on the B3 - on several of the tracks he sets off a fireworks that probably no other jazz-organist might be able to produce. The group have chosen standards, none of which turns out to be worn-out because each of the trio is an outstanding muscian and improviser. The overall production and the sound-quality are superb - it's a Concord album. The CD sleeve shows the three musicians feasting together, and inside the sleeve there's plenty of Italian proverbs that tell you to enjoy the good things in life - food, music, love, la Bella Italia and Italian -American jazz."
An Album You Can't Refuse
Stephen A. Smith | Boston, MA | 11/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Goodfellas are Joey DeFrancesco on organ, Frank Vignola on guitar, and Joe Ascione on drums. They have put together here a collection of tunes worthy of Sinatra's collection. The album opens with a spirited reading of the Godfather classic, "Speak Softly Love," that effectively sets the tone for the entire disc. "Fly Me To The Moon," starting off lightly, transitions smoothly into as hard-swinging a tune as you'll find anywhere. The title track, an original blues, would make Gene Harris shout in approval. And the ability to maintain the feel of this record through a Monk staple is indeed "Evidence" of the caliber of the players involved. There is no standout here; this is a cohesive group, playing Italian-American jazz as flavorful as the food of the same ethnicity. This date was the Goodfellas' first time playing together. I hope there's a second."
A Good Jazz Organ CD
Stephen A. Smith | 10/06/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have this CD. It's a good jazz organ trio CD. Joey and 2 other Italian musicians, play some all time Italian favorites, jazz style. I enjoyed it very much. If you're a Joey Defrancesco fan, then add this CD to your collection."