Freddie Hubbard: Hub Cap [BLUE NOTE / EMI]

Why you'll love it

This edition is cut directly from the original analog tapes, mastered at Cohearent Audio and pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI. The Guardian's John Fordham singled out Randy Weston's "Cry Me Not" as a particular highlight of a memorable set.

This edition

• Cut from the original analog tapes
• Mastered at Cohearent Audio
• 180g vinyl
• Pressed at RTI
• Gatefold jacket
• Stereo mix

About the album

Some albums name themselves. Everybody called Hubbard Hub, and Hub Cap puts the 23-year-old trumpeter at the head of a sextet recorded on April 9, 1961, at Van Gelder Studios: Julian Priester on trombone, Jimmy Heath on tenor, Cedar Walton on piano, Larry Ridley on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Alfred Lion produced, as he did for so many of the label's classic dates.

The title track flies out of the gate, all crisp attack and hard-bop urgency. Hubbard thought "Cry Me Not," written by Randy Weston for the session and arranged by Melba Liston, was the most interesting tune on the record. "Luana" is dedicated to his niece, "Osie Mae" got its name because it sounded funky to him, and "Earmon Jr.," arranged by Ed Summerlin, is named for his brother, a pianist.

Philly Joe Jones keeps up a constant chatter of hi-hat snaps and rimshots, and Heath's tenor is dry and talkative throughout, and Walton's comping is a quiet joy. A nickname that turns into a classic album is very good branding; we're still arguing about the shop sign.

Also at Kops: more Freddie Hubbard on vinyl · browse Classic Jazz

Tracklist

Listen

On Blue Note (cat# 84073), a reissue of the 1961 album.