Papa John DeFrancesco - Organ
John DeFrancesco - Keyboards
Tony Branda - Bass
Ramon Branda - Drums & Percussion

Savant Records, 2007

CD

Desert Heat is more than likely a titular reflection upon the fact that Papa John has relocated from Philly to the desert-like conditions of the Southwest, specifically Phoenix, where this album was recorded. Joey DeFrancesco joins this session as a keyboard player, along with The Banda Brothers (bassist Tony and drummer/percussionist Ramon), the organistics are left entirely up to Papa John. Incidentally, the Bandas are most known for their long-term affiliation with conguero Pancho Sanchez's ensemble.

Stylistically, Papa John shows the influences of Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff and Jimmy Smith on the instrument; he keeps his playing appropriately funky but varies the moods. Among the highlights here are the title track, “Desert Heat,” Eddie Harris' “Cold Duck Time,” and the closing original, “Fields.” In order to slow down the pace, Papa John delivers a balladic version of Gilbert Becaud's “What Now My Love,” plus the Buddy Kaye standard “I'll Close My Eyes” and a slow bluesy version of the traditional “House of the Rising Sun.” Just about all of the soloing is provided by the Hammond B-3.

Track listing:

1. Desert Heat - Listen to Sample
2. Pokuscabadabra
3. Cold Duck Time - Listen to Sample
4. I'll Close My Eyes
5. Tune 88
6. What Now My Love - Listen to Sample
7. The House of the Rising Sun
8. Fields