The Artistry Of Freddie Hubbard

Only two bandleaders have recorded under the Jazz Messengers moniker—drummer Art Blakey and his onetime rhythm section mate, pianist Horace Silver. This album could be an unofficial Jazz Messengers project. Hubbard was a member of Blakey’s group when he recorded it, as was trombonist Curtis Fuller. Tenor saxophonist John Gilmore (on a rare non-Sun Ra Arkestra session) and bassist Art Davis later recorded with Blakey. On Juan Tizol’s “Caravan”, Hubbard delivers a two-minute solo that encompasses all the trademarks of his playing—speed, power and precision. À la Blakey, drummer Louis Hayes plays a quick solo introduction for the Hubbard original “Bob’s Place”. “Happy Times”, another Hubbard piece, has a classic Tin Pan Alley sound and features a mellifluous solo by pianist Tommy Flanagan. Gershwin’s “Summertime” is then given a bit of Spanish tinge, with Hubbard’s ambitious “The 7th Day” closing the set.

This 1962 effort was Freddie Hubbard's first recording under his own name for Impulse!