Three heavyweights of the jazz world collaborate in this once-in-a-lifetime tour de force. You'll be in jazz heaven listening to one of trumpeter Hubbard, trombonist Fuller, and alto sax player Lateef's more obscure and long-sought-after recordings from the 1960s.

Full performer name: Freddie Hubbard/Curtis Fuller/Yusef Lateef.

Personnel includes: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Yusef Lateef (tenor saxophone).

Includes liner notes by Mark Marymont.

Liner Note Author: Mark Marymont.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Curtis Fuller; Freddie Hubbard; Yusef Lateef.

While listed in trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's discography, listening reveals this to be more accurately a Curtis Fuller and friends date. Beyond that, there is a conspicuous absence of information on these tracks from the 1960s. The liner notes only offer glib thumbnail bios of Hubbard, trombonist Fuller, and reed player Yusef Lateef. The standard reference sources are equally silent on the origins of the session or sessions documented here. Lack of background aside, this is engaging, earthy hard bop. No fresh ground is broken, but there are good solos throughout and effective contributions from the uncredited rhythm section -- if it's not the Red Garland or Wynton Kelly trio, it's a group of that superior caliber. The three legendary horn players are only together on four tracks; two feature just Fuller and one just Fuller and Hubbard. Next to the trombonist, the bulk of the solo work actually falls to the very capable pianist. Lateef's vibrato-rich flute on Fuller's prosaically titled "Flutie" is a highlight, as is his incisive tenor on an up-tempo take of Cole Porter's " Do I Love You." Hubbard is also in good form, but not as harmonically inventive as on his classic Blue Notes. As for Fuller, this is a solid date for the quintessential hard bop trombonist that showcases both his writing and his playing. His booming tone, though, sometimes gets the better of the microphone, resulting in occasional brittleness on the CD. ~ Jim Todd

Genre:

• Jazz

Labels:

• Collectables Records

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Trumpet

Product Groupings:

• Clearance CDs
• Collectables Records - Audio CDs

Product Series:

• Collectables Jazz Classics