FREDDIE HUBBARD Vinyl & CDs

Review: Freddie Hubbard's 1973 release showcases his exceptional trumpet skills, blending jazz fusion with funk elements. The album features Hubbard's compositions, including 'Brigitte' and 'Spirits of Trane,' performed by a talented ensemble. Critics have praised the album for its innovative approach and Hubbard's dynamic performance; this work being a significant contribution to Hubbard's discography and the jazz genre.

Review: Recorded in 1962, this album captures Hubbard at the peak of his powers, his fiery trumpet soaring alongside a stellar lineup that includes Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Reggie Workman and Philly Joe Jones. From the explosive opener, 'Philly Mignon', to the tender beauty of 'Body and Soul', the album showcases Hubbard's versatility and masterful command of the trumpet. This all analogue reissue, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, really captures the energy and intimacy of this classic session.

Review: Freddie Hubbard's final release for Impulse was The Body & The Soul, an album he released in 1963 and that features both an all-star septet and a string orchestra. Hubbard originals feature and showcase notable musicians such as Curtis Fuller on trombone, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone, Cedar Walton on piano, Reggie Workman on bass and Louis Hayes on drums. This release stands out in Hubbard's fine discography and highlights Wayne Shorter's exceptional arranging skills, all now pressed up to 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit.

Review: Blue Note's Tone Poet series is about reissuing some of the most notable label in its back catalogue on high-quality vinyl with all new mastering jobs. Next up is Freddie Hubbard's Blue Spirits, which was his label debut back in 1950 and saw the prodigious trumpeter kick off what was an astonishing run of records. He was joined by a wealth of talents such as James Spaulding on alto saxophone and flute, Joe Henderson on tenor, Kiane Zawadi on euphonium and Clifford Jarvis on drums, and Big Black on congas. Between them, they provide a rich textured album full of dynamic horns and evocative originals.

Review: Released in 1964, groundbreaking hard bop classic Breaking Point! marked a departure for trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard. Having established himself with The Jazz Messengers, this album showed him breaking out as a player with some daring and expressive playing that went full tilt into modal sequences and rapid fire notes that shook up the state of play and showed new possibilities for jazz as the 60s progressed. In its position between wild experimentation and tradition, it retains musical form which makes the edgier angles go down very smoothly indeed. You can see why this would be a candidate for Decca's Tone Poet series - Hubbard's expression has rarely been matched, in composition or execution.

Review: The Alternate Blues presents a standout gathering of three iconic trumpeters - Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, and Clark Terry - alongside jazz luminaries like Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Ray Brown, and Bobby Durham. Recorded in 1980, this album captures the essence of a classic jam session, showcasing the musicians' virtuosity and camaraderie. The slow blues jams on this album, each exceeding eight minutes, allow the players ample space to explore and express themselves. Despite the relaxed pace, the performances are emotionally charged, drawing listeners into the heart of the blues tradition. Granz's decision to release alternate takes adds a layer of authenticity, capturing the spontaneity and energy of the sessions. Highlights include Hubbard's soulful rendition of 'Here's That Rainy Day' and the stellar ballad medley featuring all three trumpeters. The interaction between the musicians is seamless, resulting in a cohesive and stunning recording. In sum, The Alternate Blues is a bookmark for jazz aficionados, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process of three legendary trumpeters.