Freddie Hubbard – The Artistry Of Freddie Hubbard (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series)

Freddie Hubbard's The Artistry of Freddie Hubbard catches the trumpeter at a crucial early moment: recorded on July 2, 1962 at Rudy Van Gelder's studio, produced by Bob Thiele, and released in 1963 as Hubbard's first album for Impulse!. It already sounds like a statement of intent, with Hubbard balancing sheer technical command against a warmer, more melodic side that would define so much of his 1960s work.

The sextet around him is a major part of the record's character. Curtis Fuller, John Gilmore, Tommy Flanagan, Art Davis and Louis Hayes give the session real depth, with Gilmore's rare appearance away from Sun Ra's orbit adding an especially distinctive edge. Hubbard contributes three originals, and the set moves easily between hard bop drive, ballad feeling and touches of modal harmony without losing its focus as an ensemble date.

That mix of precision and lift comes through particularly well in the arrangement of "Caravan," the lyrical reading of "Summertime," and Hubbard's own "The 7th Day." Rather than functioning as a blowing session alone, the album feels carefully shaped, leaving room for strong themes, vivid writing and alert group interplay. This Acoustic Sounds reissue makes sense for exactly that reason: it returns a sharp, early Impulse! session to vinyl with the kind of presentation the music deserves.

Features

• Part of the Verve/Impulse! Acoustic Sounds Series
• Recorded from the original analog tape
• Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab
• 180g LP
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
• Stoughton gatefold old-style tip-on jacket
• Stereo

Genre: Jazz

Review