Welcome back to an old friend
Mr. M. Bright | uk | 02/15/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ever since I bought my 1st CD player in the mid 80's I've been looking for this CD to replace my tired LP. This a fantastic album, it is full of memorable tunes played by a stellar band. The music ranges from beautiful ballads through gospel influenced numbers to hard swinging jazz. Freddie Hubbard is the master of soloing and his playing is a lesson in taste, style, sensitivity and raging power. The band also includes the flautist Hubert Laws who adds special colour and textures to the music. I am not the greatest fan of the drummer Jack DeJohnette but his playing combined with the rest of the brilliant rhythm section (Kenny Baron and the great Ron Carter) is so right; holding back and lightly supporting the gentle material but driving hard the up tempo tunes with a furious energy. Joe Henderson adds great harmonies and terrific solos oh.... and George Benson makes an appearance too!
I usually give bonus alternative takes tracks a miss but even these are worth a go (although the main takes do generally have more energy).
If you want a CD of Freddie Hubbard at his peak with a stunning band get this disc.Put it on and enjoy............."
No question......
skip norris, music hall detroit | detroit, mi usa | 05/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"no question that this was one of the best albums freddie ever recorded.
the title cut is one of the clodest blues ever recorded !
and "to her ladyship" is lush and elegant - freddie's flugelhorn is like soft butter; kenny barron's solo on the rhodes was luscious.....
one of the best records in that decade......"