Jimmy Cobb, Joey Defrancesco, Larry Coryell

An all-star trio comprised of Jimmy Cobb, Joey DeFrancesco and Larry Coryell pay tribute to the timeless music of jazz legends Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery. Jimmy Smith, more than any other keyboardist, spearheaded the rise of the Hammond B-3's popularity in the '50s and '60s, while Wes Montgomery set the standard for modern jazz guitar. The Smith/Montgomery recorded legacy, a continuing influence on contemporary musicians, was the inspiration for Cobb, DeFrancesco, and Coryell, to make their own… Show more recording, Wonderful, Wonderful, and to dedicate their international tour to these two jazz legends.
Jimmy Cobb, born and raised in Washington D.C., got his start as a young drummer with Earl Bostic. He quickly earned a reputation as a solid, understated player, who could play forcefully when needed. Cobb went on to work with numerous top artists, including Dinah Washington and Cannonball Adderley, before landing a long-time gig with Miles Davis. He played for Miles from 1958 to 1963, a rich, creative time when Davis recorded several of his most popular albums: Porgy & Bess, Kind of Blue and At the Blackhawk. After Miles, Cobb continued to be a busy, in-demand drummer, performing with Wynton Kelly, Wes Montgomery, and many others, before leading his own groups.
Joey DeFrancesco was born into music. His grandfather and father were professional musicians, and by age 4, DeFrancesco took an interest in the Hammond B-3 played by his father. By age 17, he was touring with Miles Davis. Inspired by Miles, he took up playing trumpet, as well. A few years later, he was playing in Free Spirits, a trio with guitarist John McLaughlin and drummer Dennis Chambers. Over his career, DeFrancesco has performed with numerous jazz artists, including George Benson, Elvin Jones, Steve Gadd, and his idol, the late Jimmy Smith.
Larry Coryell, a guitarist since his early teens, names Chet Atkins, Chuck Berry and Wes Montgomery as early influences. Those influences came in handy as Coryell was in the vanguard of young players adapting the innovative sounds of rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix to the emerging jazz/fusion movement. Coryell's recordings with Chico Hamilton, Gary Burton, Herbie Mann, John McLaughlin, and, in the early '70s, The Eleventh House band, established him as a pioneer in the new electric sound. Not content to stay in one musical genre, Coryell brings a wealth of experience to any style, be it straight-ahead, avant garde, Brazilian, or popular.

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