Hub Songs not only functions as a heartfelt, loving tribute to
Freddie Hubbard, one of the greatest trumpeters in bop history, but it's a dynamic, engaging session in its own right. Both
Tim Hagans and
Marcus Printup had established themselves as two of the finest hard bop trumpeters of the '80s and '90s, and they were well prepared for this session. Working with pianist
Benny Green, bassist
Peter Washington and drummer
Kenny Washington, as well as guest musicians
Javon Jackson on tenor sax and
Vince Herring on alto sax, the duo manages to recapture the driving spirit of Hubbard's best recordings while stamping each song with individual, adventurous solos. It's one of the finest hard bop records of the late '90s. ~ Leo Stanley