This is a "Father's" loving tribute to his first born son. It is a difficult task becoming and tangibly being a parent. As we pursued the process of organizing this CD, we realized how felicitous the titles of the compositions and their musical substance reflected moments that we have shared in Darius' life; from the love that created him to our hopes and dreams, his first steps, the tribulations of stepping aside and letting go, and standing behind him when he needed our love and support. Included in this dedication we thank Madeleine and Michael for their support and love to us as parents and to their brother, Darius. Darius is serving a ten-year sentence in a Federal Corectional Intitution for bank robbery. This CD calls attention to the controversial and questionable techniques employed by the American Federal Justice System, one founded on the concept of "Justice for All," but perverted to "Justice for those who can afford an expensive private attorney, because the Public Defender's just don't care."

Featuring "Father John" is considered one Philadelphia's outstanding Jazz Composers, Lyricist and Pianists. He has been playing piano since he was six and Jazz since he was 17. An ordained priest, he traded his pulpit for a piano and the rest is history. He has performed with major Jazz Greats: Lionel Hamptom, vocalist Etta Jones, bassist Charles Fambrough, and saxophonists, Jimmy Oliver, and Lou Tobakin. The great drummer, "Philly Joe" Jones, was a featured member of The "Father John" D'Amico Trio. "Father John" was a 1989 recipient of the John Coltrane Award for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz. Discography: "Live at the Painted Bride," 1986 -LP EAR-1006, and "Street Blues," 1988-89 -CD & Cassette EAR 1010, (Encounter Audiophile Records) & "Rare Breed," 1995-96 Ella Csircsu, CD & Cassette CP1122 (Csircsu Productions) Bass- Kenny Davis is an accomplished student of Charles Fambrough and Tyrone Brown. He has performed with jazz greats Mickey Rocker. Odeen Pope. Bootsie Barnes, Eddie Green, as well as recorded with "Father John" D'Amico, "Live At the Bride," 1986-re-release 1999 and "Street Blues," 1988-re-release1999, Byard Lancaster, Byard Lancaster Worlds," 1994, and Ella Csircsu, "Rare Breed, 1995-96" Drums-Butch Reed is an alumnus of Philadelphia's famous Settlement Music School, and studied privately with Carl Mattola and Skeets Marsh. He has performed with Nat Adderly, Johnnie Coles, Byard Lancaster, John Blake, and Gerald Veasley. He recorded with Larry McKenna " My Shining Hour: Larry McKenna Plays Harold Arlen," 1995 and Ella Csircsu, "Rare Breed," 1995-96. Drums-Ron DiStefano was no stranger to the recording and performing world of jazz. Neither were he and "Father John" strangers. Their friendship and musical experiences go back to childhood, with professional performances in their teen years. Ron was with the Mike Douglas TV Show for five years. Joe Williams, Tony Bennet, Michele Legrand, George Shearing, and Sarah Vaughn are a few of the famous artist who had used Ron's tremendous talent as a percussionist. He had recorded with Vic Damone, Jane Olivor, and many more. His credits extended to every medium in the music industry. His talent will be sorely missed as he passed away in 1997, while doing what he loved best, playing the drums. Discography: "Street Blues,"1988-re-release1999.

Sunday Inquirer Review 3/19/2000 Father John" D'Amico Trio Darius Walk *** 1/2 Stars Pain and love surge out of this recording. Pianist "Father John" D'Amico, who works as a probation officer in Philadelphia, saw his first-born son, Darius, convicted of armed robbery. This CD is D'Amico's tribute. A former Catholic priest and a mainstay of the Philly scene, D'Amico is a prince at communicating with an audience. Tragedy, comedy and the blues all jump from his fingers as well-told stories. And he finds able collaborators in bassist Kenny Davis and drummers Butch Reed and Ron DiStefano. D'Amico sometimes tends toward the conventional. The shuffle that makes up "Darius Walk" is a dated lick, although it's somewhat justified in a tune that memorializes his son's first steps. Recorded live at three venues, the disc suffers from tinny sound quality. But the ardor and heart in the playing more than make up for any shortcomings.  - K.S.

City Paper Review

Cadence Review

Darius Walk Recorded in concert atImmaculata College, Malvern, PA; 1997, Philadelphia Library, Phila., PA; 1996, and the Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia, PA;1988   Cover Art by Kathleen Hastings-D'Amico. Produced by by Kathleen Hastings-D'Amico. Engineered, edited & pre-mixed by K. Hastings-D'Amico. Additional mixing by Mark Knox, New Sound Productions, Philadelphia, PA; October, 1999.   © ®1999 "Father John" D'Amico Enterprises

Carino A Spanish word calling to mind the tender love and affection generated by family. (Butch Reed-drums) Punchline Ours and our son's resoluteness to turn a devistating defeat into positive strength. (Ron DiStefano-drums) Hopin" Our hopes and dreams for our son's future. (Butch Reed-drums) Silhouette of a Lonely Man Our son's separation from his family and friends. (B. Reed-drums) Darius Walk Our image of Darius when he took his first steps. (B. Reed-drums) Daniel's Song The same faith that eminates from King Darius to Daniel is reflected in us as parents and in Darius incarserated. (Daniel in the Lion's Den: King Darius said if your faith be strong it will protect you.) (B. Reed-drums) Thankful The gratitude we felt as parents having a healthy joyous child. (Ron DiStefano-drums) Voyaging Home The experience of returning home where the heart is. (B. Reed-drums) Crazy Samba The "Kangaroo Court" that was called a fair trial. (R. DiStefano-drums) Salsa Anglo The song of celebration and exuberence in the eventual release and return of our son, Darius, to freedom. (Ron DeStefano-drums)   Available for sale now at Tower Records, HSV , & Sound of Market-Center City Philadelphia, Borders, Bryn Mawr, Montgomery Mall, PA, or on amazon.com http://fatherjohndamico.iuma.com http://members.cdbaby.com/home E-Music

Send all suggestions, comments, or requests to:"fatherjohn.damico@verizon.net"

New Release "Father John & His Ladies"

Back to Father John's Home Page

Back to the D'Amico Tribe's Home Page