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

Piero Odorici Quartet - First Play (1989)

Here we have Piero Odorici’s earliest recordings as a leader. Essentially, his exposure to the jazz world was limited to the continent, but in recent years he has formed an international quartet with world-renowned musicians such as: George Cables, David Hazeltine, Darryl Hall, John Webber, Victor Lewis and Joe Farnsworth. This very talented, but sadly underrated reedman has fashioned his own distinct sound. To think this album was recorded in 1989, one can only marvel at his expertise and writing ability. For this date he presents three of his own tunes and the remainder well-known standards. He is joined by pianist Marcello Tonolo (brother of Pietro Tonolo), who kicks off the album with one of his tunes. Additional to the rhythm section, Piero draws on the support of bassist Marc Abrams and drummer Savatore Tranchini. The album truly showcases Piero's dexterity and smooth vibrant tone on alto and is well worth the listen, enjoy! 

RED Distribution, RR 123239-2 CD, 1991
Recorded October, 1989 at Barigozzi Studio, Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Piero Odorici - Alto Saxophone
Marcello Tonolo - Piano
Marc Abrams - Bass
Savatore Tranchini - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Domino {Marcello Tonolo} (4:22)
2. Old Folks {Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robison} (6:43)
3. My Little Red Nose {Piero Odorici} (5:50)
4. Sweet Love Of Mine {Woody Shaw} (5:44)
5. The Song Is You {Oscar Hammerstein II, Jerome Kern} (3:52)
6. Barbara Song {Piero Odorici} (6:20)
7. Alone Together {Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz} (7:03)
8. First Play {Piero Odorici} (6:31) 

Total Time: 46:28 

Credits:
Producer - Alberto Alberti
Executive Producer - Sergio Veschi
Engineer - Giancarlo Barigozzi
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi Di Floristella