Requisites

Goin’ Up ~ Freddie Hubbard | By Eddie Carter

Submitted for your approval to begin this morning’s discussion is a marvelous release by Freddie Hubbard, Goin’ Up (Blue Note BLP 4056/BST 84056). It hit the stores in 1961 and is the trumpeter’s follow-up to his debut, Open Sesame, a year earlier. Pianist McCoy Tyner was on that earlier album and is back for Hubbard’s second effort. The remaining members of this excellent ensemble are Hank Mobley on tenor sax, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. My copy is the 1979 Blue Note Masterpiece Selection Series Japanese Stereo reissue (BST 84056 – GXK 8126) by King Record Company.

Side One kicks off with Asiatic Raes by Kenny Dorham. Philly Joe makes the introduction, segueing into the quintet’s brisk melody. Freddie starts things off with a vigorous solo; then Hank proceeds with passionate fire next. McCoy responds enthusiastically, followed by Paul’s splendid bass lines. The closing statement is a lively exchange between Philly Joe and Freddie ahead of the quintet’s fade out. Hank Mobley’s The Changing Scene begins with the front line’s collective melody. Hank opens with a laid-back reading, then gives way to Freddie’s leisurely pace next. McCoy takes the final interpretation preceding the theme’s restatement.

Karioka by Kenny Dorham is an uptempo joyride that swings from the ensemble’s opening chorus into Freddie taking charge in the first interpretation. Hank is right on his heels, and then McCoy comes in for a spirited statement. Philly Joe ends with a fierce attack until the ending theme dissolves slowly. Side Two kicks off with A Peck A Sec by Hank Mobley. The group gets right to work on the upbeat melody. Freddie launches into a lively opening statement; then Hank ignites the second reading. McCoy raises the temperature in an exciting performance. Philly takes over for a short solo leading to the song’s finish.

I Wished I Knew by Billy Smith is the album’s only ballad, and McCoy introduces it softly, ahead of Freddie’s tender melody. Hank opens the solos with a poignantly beautiful interpretation. McCoy follows with a delicately pretty solo, then Paul gives a thoughtfully sensitive statement, and Freddie adds a gentle comment preceding a reflective ending. Blues For Brenda is Freddie’s tribute to his wife, and the trio makes the introduction ahead of the quintet’s relaxing theme. Freddie takes the first solo; then Hank steps into the spotlight. McCoy is up next, and Paul walks comfortably toward the ensemble’s conclusion.

Alfred Lion produced Goin’ Up, and Rudy Van Gelder was the recording engineer. The reissue’s sound quality is stunning, with an outstanding soundstage that transports the musicians to the sweet spot of your listening room. Freddie Hubbard would become one of the best jazz trumpeters during the sixties and a name to be reckoned with. His Blue Note albums as a leader and sideman are considered some of the best in his discography. For those seeking an excellent example, I invite you to check out Goin’ Up by Freddie Hubbard. It’s a tremendous album you won’t be able to listen to just once and definitely merits consideration for a spot in any jazz library!

~ Open Sesame (Blue Note BLP 4040/BST 84040) – Source: Discogs.com © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter

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KERMIT RUFFINS & THE BBQ SWINGERS

Halloween Special

American jazz trumpeter, singer, composer, and actor from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been influenced by Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan and says that the highest note he can hit on trumpet is a high C. He often accompanies his songs with his own vocals. Most of his bands perform New Orleans jazz standards though he also composes many of his own pieces.

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CHRISTOPHER BROWN QUARTET

Noah Simpson: Trumpet | Matt Sazima: Piano | Garrett Baxter: Bass | Christopher Brown: Drums

Christopher Brown is an acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, and educator who seeks to be a voice within the advocacy of Jazz music and American culture. And through the expansive range of groups that he has assembled and/or performed with—which span from duos to Jazz big bands to military marching bands and orchestras—his musical and personal experiences have led him towards an interest in synthesizing the principles of Jazz with the day-to-day practicalities of life. However, given that businesses shape the global market economy that everyone lives and participates in, is why he has found it useful to integrate business philosophies with that of music to help develop himself and his band. Which as he likes to say, “we’re all in the same business…the people-trusting-people business. No people, no business.”

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RANDY PORTER TRIO

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JAZZ DIALOGUE OPEN JAM

Grant Stewart (ts)

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