Requisites

Ready For Freddie ~ Freddie Hubbard | By Eddie Carter

Freddie Hubbard steps into the spotlight of this morning’s discussion with an excellent 1962 blowing session titled Ready For Freddie (Blue Note BLP 4085/BST 84085). This choice from the library is the trumpeter’s fourth album as a leader and he’s working with a stellar supporting cast. Bernard McKinney on euphonium, Wayne Shorter on tenor sax, McCoy Tyner on piano, Art Davis on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums complete the sextet. For those who don’t know about the euphonium, it’s a medium-sized, tenor-voiced brass instrument that’s usually featured in a brass band and is a member of the tuba family. My copy used in this report is the 1995 Blue Note Connoisseur Series US Stereo Audiophile reissue (B1-32094).

Arietis by Freddie Hubbard starts Side One with the sextet grabbing the listener’s attention from the opening notes of their swinging melody. Freddie takes us on an exuberant joyride in the opening solo. Wayne continues surging ahead on the second statement, then Bernard digs into the third reading with agility. McCoy soars into a satisfying summation ahead of the song’s finale. Weaver of Dreams by Jack Elliot and Victor Young begins at a deceptively slow tempo with McKinney and Shorter’s introduction segueing into Hubbard’s sensitive theme. The pace picks up for a beautifully delicate opening statement by Freddie. McCoy comes in next for an affectionate interpretation leading to Hubbard’s haunting climax.

Wayne Shorter’s Marie Antoinette affords everyone except Elvin a solo opportunity beginning with the group establishing a relaxed mood in the opening chorus. Wayne begins with an easy-going toe-tapper. Freddie infuses an optimistic spirit into the second solo. Bernard moves things along at a comfortable pace, then McCoy gives us a few compelling moments. Art adds to the fun with a few airy bass notes leading to the closing chorus that dissolves into nothingness. Birdlike by Freddie Hubbard begins Side Two at a brisk beat with the group’s collective melody. Hubbard gets things going first, then Shorter puts together a mesmerizing performance. McKinney has a few attractive lines in the third spot. Tyner and Davis keep the energy going with two quick readings into the quintet’s finale.

Freddie Hubbard’s Crisis opens with the trio’s simple introduction segueing into a soothing melody. Freddie, Wayne, Bernard, and McCoy all make their point in four enchanting interpretations. Elvin offers an impressive climax into the sextet’s reprise and fadeout. Ready For Freddie was produced by Alfred Lion and Rudy Van Gelder was the recording engineer. The reissue producer is Michael Cuscuna and Larry Walsh did the mastering from the original analog tapes. The sound quality is excellent with a spacious soundstage and the instruments come through your speakers vibrantly as if the musicians are playing in front of you. The record is pressed on 180-gram Virgin Vinyl and is silent until the music starts. If you’re in the mood for an excellent Hard-Bop album, I invite you to check out Ready For Freddie by Freddie Hubbard. It’s sure to occupy a proud place in any novice or seasoned jazz fan’s library for years to come!

~ Euphonium – Source: Wikipedia.org
~ © 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter


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