Brother Jack McDuff: Ain't No Sunshine

At The Gallery, Seattle Washington 1972, Brother Jack McDuff, master of the Hammond B-3 organ, showcased his unparalleled talent, backed by a tight-knit ensemble of seasoned musicians. The result is a never-before-released live recording in a deluxe limited-edition hand-numbered 180-gram 2-LP set, produced by record executive and tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds

The amazing sounding group that complemented McDuff's playing was comprised of Leo Johnson, tenor saxophone, flute and clarinet, Dave Young, tenor and soprano saxophones, Vinnie Corrao, guitar and Ron Davis drums. Side A opens with "Theme From Electric Surfboard," a jazz-funk number which sets the tone for the band and how the saxophonists Johnson and Young were going to bring off McDuff's demanding arrangements. With McDuff's fingers dancing effortlessly across the keys he achieved a piano-like effect with a delectable groove. The nursery rhyme "Three Blind Mice" follows. As drummer Davis pushes the band along, Corrao runs his single-note solo up and down the fretboard. McDuff pumps the bass to great effect during his excursion as the number moves smartly forward.

Bill Withers wrote the title track "Ain't No Sunshine," inspired by the 1962 movie "Days of Wine and Roses." The chart is all McDuff, and he takes full advantage of the B-3 for a big, dramatic and juicy rendition of the number. Brother Jack McDuff is not just another musician but a true master of his craft with a precise stamp of blues phrases, which is fully evident in his composition "Blues 1 & 8." Sides C & D are taken up with three McDuff originals and one lengthy track of unknown origin. In many ways this latter track defies categorization. Built on an ostinato bass line, McDuff unleashes a torrent of notes that are daring and inventive yet without any particular direction. There is a long interlude from Ron Davis which is quite sensational. But all in all, length is not strength. The final track is the McDuff composition "6:30 In The Morning." This Latin-themed number featuring Leo Johnson on flute and Dave Young on soprano sax is a welcomed change of pace. Throughout the album, McDuff and the band showcase their acute sense of groove.

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