Jack McDuff - Jack-Pot (1991)

For this session, recorded in Milan and produced for the Italian Red Records label, Jack McDuff leads a swinging trio and quintet. He is joined within the trio formation by drummer and singer, on two tracks, Bobby Durham, and pianist and producer Massimo Faraò. Together they express great empathy for a bluesy exploration of some great standards. Massimo himself contributes a delightful composition "Martasamba," The grouping is expanded to a quintet with the addition of two emerging brilliant Italian reed players, tenorist Piero Odorici and baritone saxophonist Bruno Marini whom provides the exciting two-part “Basie Instinct.” Throughout, all nine tunes Jack and Massimo deliver a tight synergy that truly swings. A definite highlight is McDuff’s own composition “Spectator” where the trio builds into a pulsating charge. Overall, the album will grow on any discerning listener, and maybe even hit the jackpot in gratuitous aural pleasure. 

Red Records, RR 123267-2 CD, 1996
Recorded May, 1991 at Nikto Studios, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Jack McDuff - Organ
Piero Odorici - Tenor Saxophone (#1,3,5,9)
Bruno Marini - Baritone Saxophone (#1,3,5,9)
Massimo Faraò - Piano
Bobby Durham - Drums, Vocals (#4,7) 

Tracks:
1. Deli Blues For Blakey {Bobby Durham} (7:39)
2. Broadway {Bobby Bird, Teddy McRae, Henri Woode} (6:52)
3. Jack-Pot {Jeremy Monteiro, Alberto Marsico} (7:55)
4. When I Fall In Love {Edward Heyman, Victor Young} (5:54)
5. Basie Instinct {Bruno Marini} (4:36)
6. Spectator {Jack McDuff} (7:53)
7. Teach Me Tonight {Sammy Cahn, Gene DePaul} (3:41)
8. Martasamba {Massimo Faraò} (9:31)
9. Basie Instinct [Take 2] {Bruno Marini} (4:27) 

Total Time: 58:28 

Credits:
Producer - Massimo Faraò
Executive Producer - Sergio Veschi
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi