Search - Freddie Hubbard :: Polar AC

Freddie's final CTI album

Keith Hayasaka | Los Angeles | 07/13/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure what the story is behind this album, but it seems to be a collection of tunes thrown together from different sessions over Freddie Hubbard's time at CTI. The title track (a.k.a "Fantasy in D") was previously issued on the domestic CD release of FIRST LIGHT. The personnel change from cut to cut, but remain top drawer. Along with the always reliable Ron Carter holding down the low end, George Benson and Hubert Laws make their presence felt throughout. Don Sebesky and Bob James, the two resident arrangers during the label's heyday, offer mid-tempo charts with ample room to stretch out. Freddie, who left CTI around the time this album was released, plays consistently well, but sounds curiously restrained - a few ridiculously high notes and runs, but nothing like the fire and fury exhibited on RED CLAY or his earlier Blue Note sessions. Here, he offers fine, mellow renditions of "People Make the World Go Round" and "Betcha By Golly Wow", two tunes made famous by the Stylistics a few years before. From a purely jazz standpoint, it's "Son of Skydive" which really gives his talented band a chance to dig in. Overall, a solid effort, but be sure to buy RED CLAY and SKYDIVE first. The Japanese import version of this CD features a sweet mini-gatefold sleeve and original artwork. Decent mastering job - some hiss, but lows sound tight and highs, especially cymbals, sound crisper than previous CD issues of CTI sessions."

Nice Vibe!

A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 06/24/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good recording by Freddie Hubbard. Compared to his other 70's releases on CTI, this one is enjoyable, but my least favorite because of the three Pop tunes in the middle of the disc. Hubert Laws manages to lay down some great flute throughout the recording and blends well with Benson's understated guitar licks. Two tracks do standout and make the record a good buy. "Polar AC" and "Son of Sky Dive" are excellent ear candy with the latter having a very catchy melody and some great solo work by Junior Cook (tenor sax) and George Cables (electric piano). It is ironic that these two tracks feel like they were recorded at different sessions because the vibe is so much stronger than the three middle tracks. It is still nice to hear Freddie make his horn soar - even on the weaker tunes. All in all, a good record to add to your Jazz Collection.



Enjoy!!!"

Little Known... But A Jazz Bombshell!!!

Thomas D. Woods | Memphis, TN | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have this in the original LP. In a nutshell: IT'S LOADED with Jazz artist playing with Freddie. Ron Carter, Eric Gayle,

Bob James. From start to finish it's a Jazz ROTUNDA!

A MUST HAVE!"