Customer Reviews

Hub-Tones

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 1962, Freddie Hubbard was a full time member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, but he still had enough time to record three solo albums -- "The Artistry of Freddie Hubbard" for the Impulse label, and "Here To Stay" and "Hub-Tones" for Blue Note. While the former two derive a lot of their sound from that unmistakable Messenger style, "Hub-Tones" draws it feel from two of Hubbard's collaborations from a few years earlier -- "Free Jazz" and "Ole Coltrane." On "Hub-Tones," Hubbard utilizes the paths of freedom forged by Ornette and 'Trane, but stays grounded to the classic Blue Note sound. Joining Freddie on this October '62 session are James Spaulding (who unfortunately was never given the chance to record his own album for Blue Note, but was an important contributor to Grant Green's "Solid," Bobby Hutcherson's "Components" and Wayne Shorter's "Schizophrenia" among others) on alto sax and flute, Herbie Hancock on piano, Reggie Workman on bass and Clifford Jarvis on drums. Hubbard made many great albums for Blue Note, and "Hub-Tones" is as good as any of them.

i've stolen more licks off this album than any other of freddie's numerous recordings. freddie is fiery, introspective, playful and endlessly inventive on this album. check the intro to hub tones: the atypical rhythmic patterns and interval leaps provide no clue that he's about to lay in an uptempo blues groove. the ensemble is tight and, more importantly, the feeling is there in every song. most impressive to me, however, is the contrast between the takes -- each solo is markedly different. given the amazing lines freddie plays, you are forced to acknowledge what a brilliant improviser he is. my only regret is that listening to this album makes me sad that he might stop playing altogether. freddie supposedly recently told sonny rollins (who told a friend of mine who told me) that he is going to give up playing the trumpet. if true, the world is losing one of the true masters of the instrument.

If you are a jazz fan this is one of those 'must have' albums that populates so many 'greatest albums' lists. Hub Tones is very enjoyable and very typical of Blue Note's esteemed 1950's and 60's output. "Prophet Jennings" and "Lament For Booker" are great tunes. Freddie sounds very warm and embracing in the latter especially. The back-up group here is solid as well, giving Freddie a solid foundation upon which to explore.

While this album is quite good, I can't quite place it at the highest level of Blue Note recordings. I've listened to it quite a bit since I purchased it and there seems to be something lacking. Don't ask me what that is, I'm not sure, but I can feel it. I still recommend this disc, I just can't lump it in with the best of the best.

If you like modal music found in Miles' Davis "Kind of Blue", with a touch of bebop or swing then get this underrated gem.

The cd is 66 minutes long and the alternate are different but just as good as the originals

Hubbard and pianist Herbie Hancock are in fine form that for the most part is a cutting session with one sweet tune.

Brillantly remastered and the alt takes come after the orignals.

I think that this is a great freddie album and is definately a must have in any jazz fan's collection. Listen especially to hubbard's fine work on Lament For Booker (written for another great trumpeter,Booker Little) and For Spee's Sake and you will find that this is one of the best Blue Note albums of all time!!!

Any album recorded by the Freddie Hubbard quintet with alto saxophonist/flautist James Spaulding is worth owning and not only for the guarantee of fine muscianship. A jazz front line of trumpet and alto sax, not to mention trumpet and flute, is not nearly as common as trumpet and tenor sax (the brothers Adderley, Cannonball & Nat also spring to mind.) Add the brilliant pianist Herbie Hancock and the solid rhythm section of Reggie Workman and Clifford Jarvis and you can't go wrong here. All of the cuts are worth listening to again and again. Particularly beautiful is the sound of Hubbard's trumpet with Spaulding's flute. Trumpet and flute should be heard together more often in jazz! Remastered as part of the Rudy Van Gelder collection this CD features three alternate takes.

this recording sounds excellent and the musicians are incredible. Not much to add.