Mssr_Renard
Because of all the famous records on Blue Note and the countless Jazz Messengers' albums, I have the feeling the Impulse-albums of Hubbard (this one and The Artistry of..) are kind of overlooked.
This one is a special record, not in the sense that it is out there, but it's just so perfectly crafted.
Here, Freddie's good friend and fellow-messenger Wayne Shorter arranged 6 of the 9 compositions for brass and even strings. Because Shorter is the leader, Freddie can focus on his solo, wich are a-plenty.
Also the featured musicians are wonderful, some great swinging drumming from Philly Jo Jones, some great soloing from yet another Messenger, Cedar Walton, there's even a manic alto-solo from Dolphy on Clarence Place.
All compositions are rather straight forward and easy to grasp, but it is all so beautifully arranged and played. It's not standard hardbop either, more a big band affair. Shorter and Hubbard, really show how good a duo they are. The production is very goofld aswell.