FREDDIE HUBBARD
Open Sesame (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

---

Originally recorded in 1960 and just re-released as part of Blue Note's Rudy Van Gelder edition, Open Sesame was the 22 year old Hubbard's first session as a leader. Hubbard had recently been featured on Outward Bound, Eric Dolpy's initial effort at leading a session. Both recordings highlight the incredible potential, poise and versatility the trumpeter Hubbard possessed at a remarkably young age.

On Open Sesame, Hubbard was joined by Tina Brooks on tenor saxophone, McCoy Tyner on piano, Sam Jones on base, and Clifford Jarvis on drums. Other than bassist Jones, the group members were still in the process of establishing their sound and style. The music they play here is not cutting edge, avant garde music, but it is swinging, absorbing jazz full of uncompromising improvisation. There is a plethora of good solos, especially by Hubbard and Brooks. Listening to Brooks play, it's hard to believe he was such an under-recorded artist in his lifetime. However, the liner notes make a good point: at the time, Blue Note already had Hank Mobley, Dexter Gordon, Wayne Shorter, and Stanley Turrentine on tenor. Given that lineup, it's easy to get overlooked.

Freddie Hubbard was one of the most influential trumpet players over the last third of the twentieth century. Listening to Open Sesame you can begin to hear why. With a full, confident sound that sounded great whether playing ballads or fast numbers, Hubbard could also compose worthy tunes, as witnessed by this recording's "Hub's Nub." If, like me, you prefer Hubbard before he incorporated rock and fusion elements into his playing, then Open Sesame deserves your attention. It's great to have this vital recording available once again.

© 2002 - Ron Saranich