Wonderful! Wonderful!
Joey DeFrancesco · 2012
58 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of traditional jazz and modern improvisation, showcasing intricate melodies over dynamic rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Wonderful! Wonderful! Start here — The title track opens the album with a lively energy that sets the tone for the entire record, featuring intricate organ solos that highlight DeFrancesco's prowess.
-
→
Five Spot After Dark — This track exemplifies the album's sophisticated interplay between musicians, creating an atmospheric vibe that pays homage to classic jazz venues.
-
→
Solitude — A poignant interpretation of the classic piece, this track allows DeFrancesco to explore emotional depth through subtle phrasing and rich harmonics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate melodies and dynamic rhythms, blending traditional jazz with modern improvisation.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a complex interplay between the organ and saxophone, establishing a vibrant dialogue.
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with 'Five Spot After Dark' introducing a slower, more contemplative feel compared to the upbeat 'Joey D'.
- The final track, 'JLJ Blues', incorporates a bluesy motif that contrasts with the preceding pieces, providing a distinct closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression with dynamic peaks
- soulful energy for relaxed evenings
- immersive journey through rich improvisation
- for contemplative listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases artistic maturity and innovative arrangements, highlighting his reputation in jazz.
- Themes
- intricate organ solos· emotional depth exploration
- Career context
- In 2012, Joey DeFrancesco released Wonderful! Wonderful! as his fifth studio album, marking a period of artistic maturity. This album came after his acclaimed work in the jazz fusion scene, solidifying his reputation as a leading contemporary jazz organist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Christian McBride· Robert Glasper· Herbie Hancock
Tracklist
- 1 Wonderful! Wonderful! Start here 7:07
- 2 Five Spot After Dark 6:01
- 3 Wagon Wheels 8:47
- 4 Solitude 7:12
- 5 Joey D 8:49
- 6 Love Letters 6:36
- 7 Old Folks 5:22
- 8 JLJ Blues 8:21
What to play next
One for Rudy
2013
Continues the vibrant jazz exploration with fresh improvisational elements.
Never Can Say Goodbye: The Music of Michael Jackson
2010
Sets the stage with a mix of tribute and innovative jazz interpretations.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.