From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Wed Feb 06 19:29:55 2002
Subject:Re: [NAMM]: Joey at Clavia's booth

Etienne,

>Great organ player Joey DeFrancesco was mighty impressed with the B3
>emulation of the Nord Electro. Nord demo guy Tommi Lindell explains the
>details.

Interesting...

I've come to take the published "recommendations" of Mr. DeFrancesco with a grain of salt, especially when the conversation is not directly quoted. The term "mighty impressed" can cover many shades. I've seen his name linked with many clones, yet when push comes to shove, he's always back playing gigs on the Real Thing.

This is not meant as a slap against the Electro, which seems to be a very nice instrument. It's just that every clone maker would love a recommendation from the man who is probably the greatest living jazz organist, and I'm sure that endorsement deals are always available. He has also offered consultation during the development of several clones, and so a number of products can rightfully claim "developed in conjunction with Joey DeFrancesco," or "approved by Joey D." -- at least, to a certain degree.

In the early days of his career, Joey D. did record a bit with the XB-2, particularly on duets with other Hammond players, but in later years has preferred a real B-3. A few years back he had an endorsement deal with Roland, and I saw him during that "era." He had a VK-7 on top of his B-3 during gigs, but only played it for 1-2 solos per set; never for a whole song. It made me wonder if it was strictly to fulfill his endorsement obligations.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions™ http://music.ashbysolutions.com
CloneWheel Support Group moderator
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com