Requisites

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Requisites

Trumpet and flugelhorn jazzman Freddie Hubbard steps into the spotlight with his first Hard-Bop album since his 1970 CTI Records debut, Red Clay. Back To Birdland (M & K Realtime Records RT-305) has Hubbard leading a sextet featuring Ashley Alexander (tracks: A1, A2, B1 to B3) on double trombone; Richie Cole (tracks: A1 to A3, B1), Med Flory (track: B3) on alto sax; George Cables on piano; Andy Simpkins on bass and John Dentz on drums. Before this release, Freddie recorded a series of LP’s for CTI and Columbia exploring the styles of Jazz-Funk, Jazz Fusion, Smooth Jazz, and Soul-Jazz.

My copy used in this report is the original 1981 US Digital Stereo Audiophile release. Shaw ‘Nuff by Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker begins the album with the front-line blowing fire on the melody. Freddie starts wailing on a hard-driving, opening chorus, then Richie energizes the second solo with the high-voltage current. Ashley brings a swift, brassy attitude to the next reading, then George’s fingers fly with quicksilver speed and John fills the closer with radiant intensity.

Star Eyes by Gene de Paul and Don Raye debuted in the 1943 musical-comedy, I Dood It! The song became a jazz standard after Charlie Parker recorded it for Mercury Records in 1951. The ensemble states the first chorus, then Hubbard takes over on flugelhorn for the next verse. He begins the first solo, conveying a light mood that’s joyously happy and relaxed. Cole takes over in low gear, then builds steadily into a very satisfying groove. Cables puts a vibrant personality into the third statement and Vinnegar wraps up things with a succinct solo. Lover Man is a revered standard from 1941 by Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez, and Jimmy Sherman that was written for Billie Holiday. Richie Cole gets the spotlight here and crafts an indelible portrait on the melody and opening statement capturing the beauty of the lyrics perfectly. Freddie has a stylish flugelhorn performance that’s nicely detailed and beautifully paced; he’s also featured on the main theme and ending.

For B.P., a Hubbard creation is one of the most interesting tunes on the album featuring interchanges of cross-rhythms within different time signatures. This song is a tribute to Bebop pianist, Bud Powell and was introduced on the 1968 LP, High Blues Pressure. The leader takes charge of the introduction and vigorous theme, then Cables initiates the first of two thrilling solos. Hubbard follows with a sizzling performance that makes stunning use of the rhythm section’s sterling support. Cables then prepares a tasty musical brew with a spicy flavor on the finale ahead of a mesmerizing climax.

Stella By Starlight by Victor Young and Ned Washington offers Ashley Alexander the spotlight in a quartet setting. This romantic ballad was the main title song during the opening credits and throughout the 1944 film, The Uninvited. Ashley introduces the song slowly but picks up the pace to a sprightly tempo for the melody and first reading. George gives a zesty performance next, then Leroy closes with a velvety smooth finale.

Hubbard’s uptempo Byrdlike was originally recorded on the 1962 release, Ready For Freddie. Everyone gets solo space except Vinnegar and Med Flory takes over on alto, soloing twice. This speedster gets underway with a collective melody by the ensemble. Cables takes the reins first, delivering an adrenaline rush of great speed. Hubbard raises the temperature on the second solo to a ferocious velocity. Flory fuels the first of two readings with exhilarating vitality, then Alexander tells his story with swift acceleration. The altoist returns on the second reading blazing and Dentz makes a clever comment on the closing solo with an entertaining kick at the end.

Back To Birdland is a sonic tour de force with a superb soundstage. Scott Simon and Ken Kreisel are the men behind the dials; the label took the utmost care in preparing their records for the jazz lover, utilizing the very purest vinyl available and imported pressings made in West Germany. If you’re a Freddie Hubbard fan and are seeking an album recalling the Hard-Bop spirit of Goin’ Up, Open Sesame, and Ready For Freddie from his Blue Note years, I highly recommend Back To Birdland! It’s an excellent album from a first-rate sextet that would make a great addition to any jazz library!

~ Goin’ Up (Blue Note BLP 4056/BST 84056); High Blues Pressure (Atlantic SC 1501); Open Sesame (Blue Note BLP 4040/BST 84040); Ready For Freddie (Blue Note BLP 4045/BST 84045); Red Clay (CTI Records CTI 6001); Star Eyes (Mercury Records 11087) ~ Source: Discogs.com
~ Shaw ‘Nuff, Stella By Starlight – Source: JazzStandards.com
~ Star Eyes – Source: Wikipedia.org
~ For B.P. – Source: Album Liner Notes by Dr. Herb Wong
© 2020 by Edward Thomas Carter

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