| I have written several glowing reviews of trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's Blue Note recordings -- "Open Sesame," "Goin' Up," "Hub Cap," and "Hub-Tones" -- but "Ready for Freddie" is his finest album for the label. Originally released on CD in the limited edition Connoisseur series, it makes a permanent return to the catalog now in the RVG series. Recorded on August 21, 1961, this session features Wayne Shorter on tenor sax, Bernard McKinney on euphonium (!), McCoy Tyner on piano, Art Davis on bass and Elvin Jones on drums. What primarily distinguishes this set from earlier efforts is the maturity of Hubbard's original statements, both in terms of his playing style and his compositions. His already overflowing talent was even further developed during this period in his career, as he concurrently played and recorded on his own and with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. In fact, this album's closing track "Crisis" was reprised on the Messengers' classic LP "Mosaic" just six weeks later. The other defining elements for me are the contributions and propulsive play of McCoy and Elvin, who were already thoroughly ensconced in the their classic period with John Coltrane, and the unique sound of Bernard McKinney's euphonium, which adds a deep, melodious baritone to the proceedings. In all, get "Ready" to purchase Freddie Hubbard's best disc. |
