The distinctive purrs and growls of the Hammond B3 organ have been integral to rock and blues for decades. Jazz, too, for a while Jimmy Smith became a fixture on the scene with his Hammond prowess in the 50s and 60s, before the instrument fell out of favor with jazz musicians. And then came Philadelphia-born Joey DeFrancesco, who took his fathers passion for the organ, added his own remarkable talent, and ran with it starting at age eight to an internationally acclaimed career. At 39, DeFrancesco who joined Miles Daviss band when he was just 17 is considered jazzs pre-eminent Hammond B3 organist. Tonight hell burn up the keys with his group, which features guitarist Paul Bollenback, drummer Byron Landham, and vocalist Colleen McNabb. MICHAEL ALAN GOLDBERG
Tue., May 11, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., May 12, 7:30 p.m., 2010