Danny Gatton, Joey DeFrancesco - Relentless (1994)

This was a logical matchup. Danny Gatton was a high-powered and very versatile guitarist who could play virtually any modern style. His tonal distortions and use of feedback were impressive but he could also swing as hard as anyone around. The same could be said of organist Joey DeFrancesco and, together with bassist John Previti and drummer Timm Biery, the lead voices romp on a variety of fairly basic material with lots of blues and a few standards. Although no new revelations are offered, the joyful chance-taking of Danny Gatton kept the music from ever becoming predictable or too relaxed; he certainly challenges DeFrancesco throughout this set. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Big Mo Records, BIGMO 20232, 1994

Recorded 22^nd - 25^th February, 1994 At Big Mo Recording Studios, Kensington, Maryland

Musicians:

Danny Gatton - Guitar

Joey DeFrancesco - Keyboards, Organ [B-3]

John Previti - String Bass (#2,3,8,9)

Timm Biery - Drums

Tracks:

1. Fine {Danny Gatton} (4:22)

2. Broadway {Billy Bird, Henri Woode, Teddy McRae} (6:13)

3. Kindred Spirits {Danny Gatton} (7:50)

4. The Chess Players {Wayne Shorter} (9:49)

5. Gearheads {Joey DeFrancesco, Danny Gatton} (4:48)

6. Blues On The Half Shell {Chris Battistone, Danny Gatton} (6:56)

7. The Pits {Danny Gatton} (11:52)

8. Big Mo {Danny Gatton} (4:43)

9. Well You Needn't {Thelonious Monk} (6:34)

Credits:

Producer, Mixing - Danny Gatton

Producer, Mixing, Engineer - Ed Eastridge

Engineer - Greg Hartman, Ron Freeland

Mastering - John Brittain

Design - Dixie Eastridge

Photography - John Sprung, Hugh Talman

Amazing How Well They Complement Each Other

Monster players, both Danny and Joey. I'm not sure how this collaboration came about, but there are some magical moments in this recording....amazing how well they complement each other. Gatton is a Brad Paisley on jazz steroids. If you haven't heard of him before this album, you won't be disappointed. DeFrancesco is the consummate B-3 monster and has been for years now. Give it a listen. Five stars for sure. ~ bluguitarman, Amazon.com.