When Valdés jammed with B-3 organist Joey DeFrancesco aboard the Jazz Cruise last year, there were fireworks. The two maestros played "Stella By Starlight," "Autumn Leaves" and "Blue Monk." It was their first time performing together, and they locked right in. There was an electric connection between these two virtuoso players who share a common approach - a soulful approach, informed by both the conservatory and the streets. For Valdés, it became a no-brainer: He had to invite DeFrancesco to SFJAZZ for this special program, which pairs the Philadelphia-born organist with the Cuban pianist's incendiary, percussion-rich combo, Jazz Bata 2.
Like Valdés, DeFrancesco matured early as a musician: He sat in with saxophonist Hank Mobley when he was 10. He joined Miles Davis's band at age 17 and he went on to perform with Ray Charles, John McLaughlin, Elvin Jones, and so many others. Plus, he became a protégé of the great Jimmy Smith; no wonder DeFrancesco can make the B-3 growl. He can make it sound like an orchestra. And he can go to town with the B-3's percussive effects, so you can expect more fireworks when he connects with Valdés and Jazz Bata 2.