Project Freedom

If you remember or have learned about the fervent Civil Rights era, you can’t miss the role of the Hammond B3 organ in the soundtrack of that turbulent, pivotal time. 

Isn’t it a great idea for Joey DeFrancesco, a leading contemporary organist to take a respectful and heartfelt walk back to visit the feel of small ensemble soul jazz from that historic chapter? It surely is. 

Though it’s a classic organ trio, this album isn’t a literal reprise of the era. Joey stops by for an invocation from John Lennon’s “Imagine,” visits Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” reminds us that the Hammond B3 is a church organ that went on the road. 

Luminous spirit, a unifying concept, virtuoso playing by all—Project Freedom is an album that accomplishes its purpose with joy.