In jazz circles, you can’t swing a dead hepcat without hitting Freddie Hubbard. One of the most prolific and sought-after jazz trumpeters in the 60s and 70s, Hubbard has played with almost everyone and recorded dozens of albums as a leader. Although his solo recordings have been erratic (especially in his later years), his albums on the Blue Note and CTI labels have stood the test of time. He is considered one of the leading proponents of soul jazz (that’s not a fancy name for anything, just a mixture of soul music and jazz) and as a soloist has displayed a mischievous sense of humor (e.g., “Red Clay”) not soon forgotten.
I’ve only heard a few Hubbard records, so I’m no position to paint the man’s rise and fall as a solo artist. He did win a Grammy in 1972 for First Light, and had the distinction of “replacing” Mile Davis in the mid 70s V.S.O.P. recordings with Herbie Hancock et al, so it’s not like he labored in anonymity. Freddie Hubbard passed away in 2008 at the age of 70. To my mind, his legacy is that of the stellar supporting player who was always ready to lend a horn when the giants (John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Wayne Shorter, etc.) came out to play.
The Discography
OPEN SESAME (1960)
Open Sesame / But Beautiful / Gypsy Blue / All Or Nothing At All / One Mint Julep / Hub’s Nub. Released on elpee in 1960 in the US (Blue Note, BLN 4040). Reissued on elpee in January 1984 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BNJ-71013) and on 180g vinyl elpee in the 1990s in the US (Blue Note, BST 84040). Reissued on CD in September 1992 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BN-4040).
GOIN’ UP (1960)
Asiatic Raes / The Changing Scene / Karioka / A Peck A Sec / I Wished I Knew / Blues For Brenda. Originally recorded on November 6, 1960 and released on elpee (mono) in 1960 in the US (Blue Note, BLP 4056). Re-released on elpee (stereo) in 1973 in the US (Blue Note, BST-84056) and on 180g vinyl 2LP (45 rpm) in 2011 in the US (Blue Note, MMBST-84056) and on 180g vinyl elpee August 24, 2012 in Germany (Doxy, DOXY1). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in June 1990 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BN-4056) and in Japan (Blue Note, TOCJ-6575).
HUB CAP (1961)
Hub Cap / Cry Me Not / Luana / Osie Mae / Plexus / Earmon Jr. Released on elpee in 1961 in the US (Blue Note, BLP 4073). Reissued on elpee in April 1985 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BNJ-71053). Re-released on CD in the US (Blue Note, 4230-2) and in November 1992 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BN-4073).
READY FOR FREDDIE (1961)
Arietis / Weaver of Dreams / Marie Antionette / Birdlike / Crisis. Released on mono elpee in 1961 in the US (Blue Note, BLP 4085). Re-released on stereo elpee in 1967 in the US (Blue Note, BST-84085). Reissued on CD in November 1992 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BN-4085).
GROOVY! (1961)
Minor Mishap / Blues For Alvina / The Nearness of You / Number Five / Lex / Time After Time / Apothegm. Released on elpee in 1961 in the US (Jazzline). Repackaged as Minor Mishap and released on CD in 1989 in the US (Black Lion) with five bonus tracks (alternate takes of “Minor Mishap,” “Blues For Alvina,” “Number Five,” “Lex” and “Apothegm”). Re-released with same bonus tracks (but as Groovy!) on CD in 2010 in Spain (Solar, 4569883).
THE ARTISTRY OF FREDDIE HUBBARD (1962)
Caravan / Bob’s Place / Happy Times // Summertime / The 7th Day. Released on elpee (mono) in 1962 in the US (Impulse!, A-27). Re-released on elpee (stereo) in 1968 in the US (Impulse!, AS-27). Re-released on CD in 1996 in the US (Impulse, IMPD-179).
HUB-TONES (1962)
You’re My Everything / Prophet Jennings / Hub-Tones / Lament For Booker / For Spee’s Sake. Released on elpee in 1962 in the US. Re-released on elpee (stereo) in 1977 in the US (Blue Note, BST-84115) and in August 1985 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BNJ-71086). Re-released on 180g vinyl, 45 rpm 2LP in the US (Analogue, ANL-84115). Reissued on CD in February 1993 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BN-4115).
THE BODY & THE SOUL (1963)
Body And Soul / Carnival (Manha de Carnaval) / Chocolate Shake / Dedicated To You / Clatence’s Place / Aries / Skylark / I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good) / Thermo. Released on elpee in 1963 in the US. Re-released on 180g vinyl elpee in 2005 in the US (Impulse!, AS 38) and on 180g 2LP (45 rpm) in 2010 in the US (Universal, B0013675-01). Both elpee reissues feature a gatefold cover. Re-released on CD in 1996 in the US (Impulse, IMPD-183).
BREAKING POINT (1964)
Breaking Point / Far Away / Blue Frenzy / D Minor Mint / Mirrors. Released on elpee in 1964 in the US. Re-released on elpee in 1973 in the US (Blue Note, BST-4172). Reissued on CD in April 1991 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BN-4172).
BLUE SPIRITS (1965)
Soul Surge / Blue Spirit / Outer Forces / Cunga Black / Jodo. Released on mono elpee in 1965 in the US (Blue Note, 4196). Re-released on stereo elpee in 1973 in the US (Blue Note, BST-84196). Re-issued on CD in 1995 in Japan (Blue Note, TOCJ-4196). Re-released on expanded CD on August 10, 2004 in the US (Blue Note, 94317) with two bonus tracks (“The Melting Pot,” “True Colors”).
THE NIGHT OF THE COOKERS: LIVE AT CLUB LA MARCHAL VOLUME 1 (1965)
Live tracks: Pensativa // Walkin’. Released on elpee in 1965 in the US. Re-released on elpee in 1973 in the US (Blue Note, BST-84207). Repackaged with Volume 2 and released on digitally remastered 2CD in 2004 in the UK (Blue Note, 94326-2).
THE NIGHT OF THE COOKERS: LIVE AT CLUB LA MARCHAL VOLUME 2 (1965)
Live tracks: Jodo // Breaking Point. Released on elpee in 1965 in the US. Re-released on elpee in 1973 in the US (Blue Note, BST-84208).
BACKLASH (1967)
Backlash / The Return of the Prodigal Son / Little Sunflower / On The Que-Tee / Up Jumped Spring / Echoes of Blue. Released on elpee in 1967 in the US (Atlantic, SD 1477). Re-released on elpee in 1976 in Germany (Atlantic, ATL50303) with a modified album cover and in 1985 in the US (Atlantic Jazzlore, JAZZLORE-28) with a completely different cover. Re-released on CD in the US (Atlantic, 90466-2).
HIGH BLUES PRESSURE (1968)
Can’t Let Her Go / Latina / High Blues Pressure / A Bientot / True Colors / For B.P. Released on CSG stereo elpee in 1968 in the US (Atlantic, SC 1501 on blue/green and red/green labels). Re-released on CD on March 23, 1999 in the US (Koch Jazz, 8513).
A SOUL EXPERIMENT (1969)
Clap Your Hands / Wichita Lineman / South Street Stroll / Lonely Soul / No Time To Lose / Hang ‘Em Up / Good Humor Man / Midnite Soul / Soul Turn Around / A Soul Experiment. Released on elpee in 1969 in the US (Atlantic, SD 1526). Re-released on CD on September 2, 2002 in the UK (Atlantic, 793).
Lonely Soul (1969)
b/w Wichita Lineman. Released on 7-inch in 1969 in the US (Atlantic, 2677).
RED CLAY (1970)
Red Clay / Delphia / Suite Sioux / The Intrepid Fox. Originally recorded on January 27-29, 1970 and released on elpee and 8-track in 1970 in the UK (CTI Records, CTI/CT8 6001). Released as five-track elpee with “Cold Turkey” in 1971 in the US. Re-released on digitally remastered CD with one bonus track (an alternate live version of “Red Clay”) in 2001 in the US (Epic/Legacy, EK 85216).
THE BLACK ANGEL (1970)
Spacetrack / Eclipse / The Black Angel / Gittin’ Down / Coral Keys. Released on elpee in 1970 in the US (Atlantic, SD 1549) and in 1972 in Japan (Atlantic, P-6106A). Re-released on CD on October 10, 2006 in the US (Collectables, 6750).
SING ME A SONG OF SONGMY (1971)
Threnody For Sharon Tate / This Is Combat I Know / The Crowd / What A Good Time For Kent State // Monodrama / Black Soldier / Interlude I / Interlude II / And Yet There Could Be Love / Postlude. Released on elpee in 1971 in the US (Atlantic, SD 1576) with gatefold cover. Re-released on elpee in 1976 in Germany (Atlantic, ATL-50235). Re-packaged w. Echoes of Blue on 2CD in 2006 (Collectables).
FIRST LIGHT (1971)
First Light / Uncle Albert-Admiral Halsey / Moment To Moment / Yesterday’s Dreams / Lonely Town. Released on elpee in 1971 in the US (CTI, CTI6013) with gatefold cover. Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2003 with two bonus tracks [“Fantasy In D,” “First Light (alternate version)”] in Europe (Sony, 512790).
STRAIGHT LIFE (1971)
Straight Life // Mr. Clean / Here’s That Rainy Day. Released on elpee in 1971 in the US and Canada (CTI, CTI6007). Re-released on elpee in 1972 in the US (CTI, CTL5). Re-released on CD in 2001 in the UK (CTI Master Series, 5060312) and in the US (SBME Masterworks, 88322).
THE HUB OF HUBBARD (1971)
Without A Song / Just One of Those Things // Blues For Duane / The Things We Did Last Summer. Originally recorded in 1969 and released on elpee in 1971 in Japan (MPS, YS-2501-MP) and in 1972 in the US (BASF, 20726) with different gatefold covers. Re-released on elpee in 1974 in the UK (MPF/BASF, BAP5036) with yet another cover.
SKY DIVE (1972)
Povo / In A Mist / The Godfather / Sky Dive. Released on elpee in 1972 in the US (CTI, CTI6018).
THE BADDEST HUBBARD (1972)
Red Clay / In A Mist / First Light / Here’s That Rainy Day. Compilation released on elpee in 1972 in the US (CTI, CTI 6047) with gatefold cover.
THE ART OF FREDDIE HUBBARD: THE ATLANTIC YEARS (1973)
For B.P. / Lonely Soul / High Blues Pressure / Midnite Soul / Black Soldier / Interlude I / Echoes of Blue // Threnody For Sharon Tate / Spacetrack / Leap Frog / Up Jumped Spring / Latina / On The Quee Tee. Compilation released on 2LP in 1973 in Germany (Atlantic, ATL60053) with gatefold cover. Re-released on digitally remastered 2CD in 2010 in the US (Wounded Bird, 314).
KEEP YOUR SOUL TOGETHER (1973)
Brigitte / Keep Your Soul Together // Sprits of Trane / Destiny’s Children. Released on elpee in 1973 in the US (CTI, CTI6036) with gatefold cover.
HOT HORN (1973)
Live tracks: Intrepid Fox // Yesterday / Pensativa. Released on elpee in 1973 in the US (Everest, FS-361).
HIGH ENERGY (1974)
Camel Rise / Black Maybe / Baraka Sasa // Crisis / Ebony Moonbeams / Too High. Released on elpee in 1974 in the US (Columbia, KC 33048) and UK (CBS, S 80478). Re-released on 2CD with Liquid Love and Windjammer in the UK (Beat Goes On, 1024). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2009 in the US (Wounded Bird, 3048) with bonus alternate takes of “Camel Rise” and “Black Maybe.”
FREDDIE HUBBARD/STANLEY TURRENTINE IN CONCERT VOLUME ONE (1974)
Live tracks: Povo // Gibraltar. Released on elpee in 1974 in the US (CTI, CTI6044) with gatefold cover.
HERBIE HANCOCK/FREDDIE HUBBARD/STANLEY TURRENTINE IN CONCERT VOLUME TWO (1975)
Live tracks: Hornets (Chicago version) / Interlude / Hornets (Detroit version) / Gibraltar (Detroit version). Released on elpee in April 1975 in the US (CTI, 6049). Co-credited to Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Turrentine.
POLAR AC (1975)
Polar AC / People Make The World Go Round / Betcha By Golly, Wow // Naturally / Son of Sky Dive. Released on elpee and 8-track in 1975 in the US (CTI, CTI6056 S1) with gatefold cover. 8-track features different track order. Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2009 in the US (Wounded Bird, 6056).
LIQUID LOVE (1975)
Midnight At The Oasis / Put It In The Pocket / Lost Dreams // Liquid Love / Yesterday’s Thoughts / Kunto. Released on elpee in 1975 in the US (Columbia, PC 33556). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2009 in the US (Wounded Bird, 3556).
FREDDIE HUBBARD (1975)
Crisis / I Wish I Knew / Hub Cap // Luana / Weaver of Dreams / Blue Frenzy // Jodo / Cry Me Not / One Mint Julep / Mirrors // Breaking Point / Blues For Brenda / All Or Nothing At All. Compilation released on 2LP in 1975 in the US (Blue Note, BN-LA356-H2).
ECHOES OF BLUE (1976)
Backlash / A Bientot / Echoes of Blue / Latina / On The Que-Tee / For B.P. Compilation released on elpee in 1976 in the US (Atlantic, SD 1687).
HERE TO STAY (1976)
Philly Mignon / Father And Son / Body And Soul / Nostrand And Fulton / Full Moon And Empty Arms / Assunta. Originally recorded on December 27, 1962 and released on 2LP in 1976 with Hub Cap in the US (Blue Note, BN-LA496-H2). Reissued on elpee in August 1985 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BNJ-71073). Re-issued on CD in 1988 in the US (Blue Note, BST 84135), in March 1993 in Japan (Blue Note/Toshiba, BN-4135) and on September 12, 2006 in the US (Blue Note, 62661-2).
WINDJAMMER (1976)
Dream Weaver / Feelings / Rock Me Arms // Touch Me Baby / Neo Terra / Windjammer. Released on elpee in 1976 in the US and Canada (Columbia, PC 34166). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2009 in the US (Wounded Bird, 4166).
Rock Me Arms (1976)
b/w Rock Me Arms (mono). Released as promotional 7-inch in 1976 in the US (Columbia, 3-10434).
BUNDLE OF JOY (1977)
Bundle of Joy / Rainy Day Song / Portrait of Jenny / From Now On / Tucson Stomp / Rahsann / I Don’t Want To Lose You / From Behind. Released on elpee in 1978 in the US (Columbia, JC 34902). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2009 in the US (Wounded Bird, 4902).
Bundle of Joy (1977)
b/w From Now On. Released on 7-inch in 1977 in the US (Columbia, 3-10638).
SUPER BLUE (1978)
Super Blue / To Her Ladyship / Take It To The Ozone / Gospel Truth / Surest Things Can Change / Theme For Kareem. Released on elpee in 1978 in the US (Columbia, JC 35386) and UK (CBS, SBCS 82866). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2007 in the US (Mosaic Contemporary, 5001) with bonus alternate takes of “Super Blue,” “Take It To The Ozone” and “Theme For Kareem.”
Super Blue (1978)
b/w Super Blue (mono). Released as promotional 7-inch in 1978 in the US (Columbia, 3-10812).
SKYLARK (1978)
Carnival (Manha de Carnaval) / Body & Soul / Skylark // Thermo / Chocolate Shake / Clarence’s Place / Aries. Released on elpee in 1978 in the US (Quintessence Jazz, QJ-25161).
THE LOVE CONNECTION (1979)
Love Connection / Brigitte / This Dream / Little Sunflower / Lazy Afternoon. Released on elpee in 1979 in the US (Columbia, JC 36015) and Japan (CBS/Sony, 25AP-1603).
GETTIN’ IT TOGETHER (1970’s)
Chantized / Flutie / If I Were A Bell // But Beautiful / Do I Love You? / The Court / Mr. L. Archival recording from 1961, co-credited to Curtis Fuller and Yuseef Lateef and released on elpee and 8-track in the 1970s in the US (TCB/TCB8-1001). 8-track features different track listing. Re-released on CD on February 15, 2000 in the US (Collectables Jazz Classics).
SKAGLY (1980)
Happiness Is Now / Theme From Summer of ’42 / Cascais / Skagly / Rustic Celebration. Released on elpee in 1980 in the US (Columbia, FC 36418), UK (CBS, 84242) and Japan (CBS/Sony, 25AP-1882). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2009 in the US (Wounded Bird, 6418).
MIDNIGHT MATINEE (1981)
Compilation released on elpee in 1981 in the US (Columbia, PC 37035).
OUTPOST (1981)
Santa Anna Winds / You Don’t Know What Love Is / The Outpost Blues / Dual Force / Loss. Originally recorded on March 16-17, 1981 and released on elpee in 1981 in the Germany (Enja, 3095). Re-released on CD in 1987 in Germany (Enja Weber, 9204).
SPLASH (1981)
Splash / Mystic Lady / I’m Yours / Touchdown // You’re Gonna Lose Me / Sister ‘Stine / Jarri. Released on elpee in 1981 in the US (Fantasy, F-9610) with picture innersleeve. Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2011 in the UK (Beat Goes Public, BGP-244).
MISTRAL (1981)
Sunshine Lady / Eclipse / Blue Nights / Now I’ve Found Love / I Love You / Bring It Back Home. Released on elpee in 1981 in the US (Liberty, LT-1110) and Japan (Eastworld, EWJ-80194).
FREDDIE HUBBARD LIVE AT THE NORTHSEA JAZZ FESTIVAL, THE HAGUE, HOLLAND, 1980 (1981)
Live tracks: First Light / One of Another Kind / One of a Kind / The Summer Knows / Impressions / Happiness Is Now / Red Clay. Released on 2LP in 1981 in the US (Pablo, 2620113).
BACK TO BIRDLAND (1981)
Shaw ‘Nuff / Star Eyes / Lover Man / For B.P. / Stella By Starlight/ Byrdlike. Released on elpee in 1981 in Germany (Real Time, RT-305) with gatefold cover. Re-released on CD in 1983 in Germany (Real Time, RT-3005).
RIDE LIKE THE WIND (1982)
Hubbard’s Cupboard / This Is It / Condition Alpha / Ride Like The Wind / Birdland / Bridgitte / Two Moods For Freddie. Released on elpee in 1982 in the US (Elektra Musician, E1-60029).
KEYSTONE BOP (1982)
One of Another Kind // The Littlest One of All / Body And Soul. Released on elpee in 1982 in the US (Fantasy, F-9615).
ROLLIN’ (1982)
One of the Other Kind / Here’s That Rainy Day / Cascais / Up Jumped Springtime / Byrdlike / Brigitte / Breaking Point. Released on elpee in 1982 in Germany (MPS, 0068.284).
FACE TO FACE (1982)
All Blues / Thermo / Weaver of Dreams / Portrait of Jenny / Tippin’. Released on elpee in 1982 in the US (Pablo, 2310-876).
BORN TO BE BLUE (1982)
Gibraltar / True Colors / Born To Be Blue / Joy Spring / Up Jumped Spring. Released on digital elpee in 1982 in the US (Pablo, D2312134) on red vinyl. Re-released on CD in 1992 in the US (UMGD Fantasy Original, 734).
SWEET RETURN (1983)
Sweet Return / Misty / Whistling Away The Dark / Calypso Fred / Heidi-B / The Night Has A Thousand Eyes. Released on elpee in 1983 in the US (Atlantic, 80108-1) and Germany (Atlantic, 7801 081).
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (1983)
Bird Like / Sky Dive (Part 1) // Sky Dive (Part 2) / The Intrepid Fox. Released on elpee in 1983 in the US (Fantasy, F-9626).
CLASSICS (1984)
Live tracks: Red Clay // First Light. Originally recorded in 1981 and released in 1984 in the US (Fantasy, F-9635).
DOUBLE TAKE (1986)
Sandu / Boperation / Lament For Booker / Hub-Tones / Desert Moonlight / Just A Ballad For Woody / Lotus Blossom. Released on elpee in 1986 in THE us (Blue Note, BT-85121) and Japan (Blue Note, BNJ-91016).
LIFE FLIGHT (1987)
Battlescar Galorica / A Saint’s Homecoming Song / The Melting Pot / Life Flight. Released on elpee in 1987 in the US (Blue Note, BT-85139) and Japan (Blue Note, BNJ-91032).
TIMES ARE CHANGING (1989)
Spanish Rose / Back To Lovin’ Again / Was She Really There? / Corazon Amplio // Times ‘R Changin’ / Sabrosa / Fragile. Released on elpee in 1989 in the US (Blue Note, B1-90905) and on CD in 1990 in Japan (Blue Note, CJ32-5048).
THE BEST OF FREDDIE HUBBARD LIVE AND IN STUDIO (1992)
Red Clay / One of a Kind / Born To Be Blue / Joy Spring / The Summer Knows. Originally recorded in 1980-1981 and released on CD on January 15, 1992 in Europe (Pablo).
BLUES FOR MILES (1992)
The Thrill Is Gone / I’m A Fool To Want You / Come Rain Or Come Shine / Autumn Leaves / Gypsy Lament / Blues For Miles (Hip-Hop Bop) / Skylark / Tenderly. Released on CD in 1992 in the US (Evidence, 22139).
BALLADS (1997)
Body & Soul / But Beautiful / Mirrors / Weaver of Dreams / I Wished I Knew / Cry Me Not / Lament For Booker. Compilation released on CD on July 1, 1997 in the US (Blue Note, 56691).
PRICELESS JAZZ COLLECTION (1998)
Happy Times / Skylark / Thermo / Ladies Night / Body And Soul / Dedicated To You / Caravan / Aries / Swing It / Summertime. Compilation released on CD on September 22, 1998 in the US (GRP, 9934).
ABOVE & BEYOND (1999)
Live tracks: Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise / I Love You / Thermo / Little Sunflower / Byrdlike. Archival recording from 1982 and released on CD in 1999 in the US (Metropolitan, MET-1113).
NEW COLORS (2001)
One of Another Kind / Blue Spirits / Blues For Miles / Dizzy’s Connotations / True Colors / Red Clay / Osie Mae / Inner Space. Released on CD on April 24, 2001 in the US (Hip Bop, HIBD-8026).
LIVE IN WARSAW (2002)
Live tracks: Bolivia / God Bless The Child / All Blues / Dear John. Released on CD on November 27, 2002 (Past Perfect).
FASTBALL “LIVE” AT THE LEFT BANK (2005)
Live tracks: Pensativa / Echoes of Blue / Crisis / Willow Weep For Me / Bob’s Place. Archival recording from April 23, 1967 released on CD on April 5, 2005 in the US (Hyena, 9332).
ANTHOLOGY: THE SOUL-JAZZ AND FUSION YEARS 66-82 (2007)
Return of the Prodigal Son / Little Sunflower / Latina / Soul Turnaround / Gittin’ Down / Red Clay / First Light / People Make The World Go Around / Spirits of Trane / Keep Your Soul Together // Povo / Baraka Sasa / Ebony Moonbeams / Kuntu / Liquid Love / Little Sunflower / Happiness Is Now / Gibraltar. Compilation released on 2CD in 2007 in the UK (Soul Brother, 724962).
WITHOUT A SONG: LIVE IN EUROPE 1969 (2009)
Live tracks: Without A Song / The Things We Did Last Summer / A Night In Tunisia / Blues By Five / Body And Soul / Space Track / Hub-Tones. Archival recording from 1969 released on CD on June 2, 2009 in the US (Blue Note, 236957).
