Search - Freddie Hubbard :: Hub of Hubbard

A Monster Session Finally Available Again!

Richard M. Gunderson | North Bay, California USA | 05/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first obtained this 1969 BASF/MPS release on LP in the early seventies.

From the first few seconds I knew that it was something special; the recorded sound quality was unbelivable for an LP, lush and rich, and perfectly balanced. And then I heard the performances and realized what a great session it really was. The performers, Sir Roland Hanna, Richard Davis, Louis Hayes, and Freddie, are all master improvisors who like to take chances and have the chops to do it. With only 5 tracks, (a 6th track on the CD version is from a Richard Davis session done at the same time), the performers have plenty of room to stretch out. The highest praise I can give this session is that it sounds like an inspired club set. As for Freddie, this is one of his monster sessions. He practically reinvents "Just One of Those Things" at a breakneck tempo. The highlight for me is his reading of the ballad "The Things We Did Last Summer". It is simply a tour of all things Freddie; lush tone, fabulous ideas, superior technical ability, and soul. It has been known to make grown men weep (me)! This session is in my "Desert Island" stash because it is great on so many levels. Please take a listen."