The first of trumpeter
Freddie Hubbard's three Atlantic albums, this excellent set falls between hard bop and the avant-garde, often hinting at both.
Hubbard's regular group of the time (
James Spaulding on alto and flute, pianist
Albert Dailey, bassist
Bob Cunningham, and drummer
Otis Ray Appleton, plus guest conga player
Ray Barretto) performs the debut version of his famous "Little Sunflower," an excellent remake of "Up Jumped Spring," and four lesser-known pieces.
Hubbard and
Spaulding made for an excellent team and there are plenty of exciting moments on this brief but potent set. ~ Scott Yanow