Photo by Andrea Canter

Jack McDuff left a legacy of compositions and recordings that show that intellect does not need to be divorced from emotion. The depth of feeling and expression in his playing often belied his mastery of his instrument and composition. He could connect with any audience, and as Minneapolis writer Tom Surowicz once said, he didn't know how to make a bad record.

It is appropriate that this project is taking place in Minneapolis, which was Jack's home for the last several years of his life. Jack met his wife Kathy at the original Artists' Quarter in Minneapolis (now in Saint Paul). Jack was well known and loved in the Twin Cities and played almost every venue including the original Dakota in Saint Paul (now in Minneapolis). He would play lesser known places too. I remember several years back, when I was dating the woman who later became my wife, we were dancing at Blues Alley to some local Blues and R&B when suddenly I noticed the house B3 sound jumping and I looked up and Jack had sat in with the band!

Photo by Andrea Canter

Jack McDuff was the star of the first Twin Cities Hot Summer Jazz festival and in his honor the Jazz Festival has featured a B3 player ever since. After his death the main stage was named the Jack McDuff Memorial Stage (before corporate sponsor Mercedes claimed naming rights). The Heatin' System played on that stage last summer with organist Mel Rhyne. In 2003 Joey DeFrancesco played there during a thunderstorm with a torrential downpour that left die-hard B3 fans ankle-deep in water but still grooving. Jimmy McGriff and Tony Monaco have also starred at the festival. This year, Dr. Lonnie Smith will grace that stage.

I can think of no better organist to do this project, heck I can think of no better organist -  period! Joey DeFrancesco was a prodigy who demonstrated an early affinity for the Hammond B3 organ. As a child his father took him to learn from people like Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff. When he was 10 he got up on stage and played "Rock Candy" with Jack McDuff. He was playing in clubs in his early teens, and at 17 went on a world tour with Miles Davis. Joey has always payed tribute to his mentors - and the recently departed Jimmy Smith with whom he recorded two albums, and for whom he recorded tributes while Jimmy was alive. DeFrancesco also recorded a tribute to another B3 organist, "The Philadelphia Connection: A Tribute to Don Patterson". He has also played with Jack McDuff and members of the Heatin' System in 1995 when he recorded "It's About Time" on Concord records. Joey had also appeared prior to that recording session on Jack's "Write On Capt'n"playing trumpet.

Joey Defranceso has worked to preserve, honor and expand the jazz organ reputation and repertoire. A tireless performer, he travels the world as the johnny apple-seed of the B3, inspiring audiences by his virtuosity with the joy of jazz organ.

Photo by Andrea Canter

In addition to his work touring and recording with Jack McDuff's Heatin' System, Alto sax-man Andrew Beals' numerous performance credits include performances at major jazz clubs and venues around the world, including the Village Vanguard, Iridium, and Visiones. Mr. Beals is also a graduate of Rutgers University and is currently Adjunct Instructor Jazz Saxophone/Jazz Combos/Frankensax at West Conneticut State University.

John Hart began on the guitar when he was 12, graduated from the University of Miami in 1983, and moved to New York City the following year. Among his most significant associations were with Terumasa Hino, Larry Goldings, and particularly Jack McDuff, with whom he toured and recorded. In addition, Hart has performed with many top jazz artists, including Jimmy Smith, Lou Donaldson, James Moody, Mike Mainieri, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, and Steve Allen, in addition to leading his own groups.

This project is part of the "Live at the Dakota" series that has recorded Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera and Barbara Morrison with Houston Person and Junior Mance. See www.dakotalive.com.