Freddie Hubbard
Red Clay (Coloured vinyl)

Master trumpeter Freddie Hubbard recorded his first album for Creed Taylor and the CTi label, the iconic Red Clay in 1970. It marked a change of style to his earlier Blue Note and Atlantic recordings, and set the style for Taylor’s label which created a distinctive sound for the 70’s. Hubbard is accompanied by an incredible line up featuring Herbie Hancock on keys, Ron Carter on Bass, Joe Henderson on sax and Lenny White on drums. The twelve minute title track has been covered well by many artists since, but this original is the definitive version, each player taking solos then coming back together for the memorable hook line, one of THE great jazz compositions of all time. ‘The Intrepid Fox’ has a more urgent groove, Hancock’s keys giving a lush backdrop for Hubbard and Henderson to improvise over. ‘Suite Sioux’ is moodier in its approach but the playing of all musicians is top drawer as it is throughout the whole album. Highly recommended.