A trumpet player, bandleader, and composer, Hubbard is so multi-dimensional that it would take many volumes to truly sum up his career. This 1987 BEST OF collection from Pablo is a good beginning. The idea behind this disc is to present Hubbard live versus Hubbard in the studio. In the first setting, Hubbard tends to be more unpredictable and impetuous. In studio, he comes across as more polished and introspective.
The set opens with a live version of Hubbard's own "Red Clay," recorded during the 1980 North Sea Jazz Festival. His soloing here is fearless, showing off all his storied skills-the leaping phrasing, deep, brassy sound, and his playful interaction with the theme and with other players. The studio tracks are tamer but still rich. He is joined by David Schnitter on tenor saxophone and Billy Childs on keyboards, among others. "Joy Spring" exemplifies the control and leadership Hubbard has always brought into the studio.