Freddie Hubbard - Here To Stay (1976)/Hub-Tones (1963)

EU Import

2013 compilation of two Hubbard quintet hard bop albums, both recorded in 1962 by Rudy Van Gelder for the Blue Note label. I wanted a recording of Hub-Tones and this import was my least expensive option. I'm not familiar with the Essential Jazz Classics label, but it appears they understandably took full advantage of the length of copyright laws in Europe (50 years). However, it's not a shoddy production. There's a 16 page booklet chock-full of info and a claim of 24-bit digital remastering. A great pairing of albums - I can easily listen to all 78 minutes in one sitting.

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HERE TO STAY (1976)
6 tracks, 39 minutes

1976 LP cover	1985 reissue cover

This album was originally scheduled for release on Blue Note in 1963 but was never issued. It was finally released in 1976 as part of a double LP set that also included the 1961 Hub Cap album.

Original liner notes by Peter Keepnews.

Hubbard - trumpet
Wayne Shorter - tenor sax
Cedar Walton - piano
Reggie Workman - bass
Philly Joe Jones - drums

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: I like the laid back Latin feel of Father And Son and the perpetual motion of the jazz-waltz, Assunta. There's also a nice takes on the standard Body And Soul as well as Full Moon And Empty Arms (based on Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2).

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HUB-TONES (1963)
5 tracks, 39 minutes

Generally considered to be one of Hubbard's best albums and there will be no argument from me. Fantastic cover art, designed by Reid Miles.

Original liner notes by Joe Goldberg

Hubbard - trumpet
James Spaulding - alto sax & flute
Herbie Hancock - piano
Reggie Workman - bass
Clifford Jarvis - drums

Reviews/ratings:

• Billboard: "his strongest LP to date"
• CashBox: "a significant mainstream artist to be watched"
• DownBeat: ★★★½
• The Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide (1999): ★★★★★
• The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★★★★

Update: In 2024, uDiscover Music ranked this album at #44 on its list of The 50 Greatest Blue Note Albums.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: Only five cuts and I enjoy them all. Today, my favorites are Prophet Jennings and the ballad Lament For Booker - odd choices, given the fact that I don't normally go for jazz flute. I'm worn out listening to the urgency of the title track, probably the hardest bop on the compilation

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Previously revisited for the blog:
Ride Like The Wind (1982)