Freddie Hubbard ~ USA

High Energy (1974)

When I wrote the below for Liquid Love, I didn't realize this album existed. RYM has it listed as a "Live" recording, but that's not really correct. It's "Live in the Studio", a whole different concept. High Energy certainly explains the trajectory from Sky Dive and Keep Your Soul Together to Liquid Love. The music has a jazz fusion slant as well, a style I wasn't certain Hubbard played in. Of course it makes sense he did since he was in and around that camp throughout the 70s. And Joe Sample has a Clavinet on hand, almost guaranteeing a certain funk element is present. Hubbard maintains a more in-control and traditional jazz approach to his trumpet soloing. Highlight for me is the funky trippy closer 'Too High'.

One wonders why this is a $5 record when so many others of its ilk go for multiples of that. Did it really sell that well to begin with? I doubt it. Likely low demand, which I find strange. Seriously, if you're into same era Miles or Eddie Henderson, you'd be into this. Maybe a bit more friendly and less intense. Nothing wrong with that.

Ownership: 1974 Columbia (LP)

9/2/25 (acquired / review)
 

Liquid Love (1975)

By 1975 Hubbard finally caved to the jazz funk movement and released Liquid Love, much to the dismay of jazz critics at the time. Even today, one sees a dramatic fall on his RYM ratings starting here. But how does it stack up against others who attempted similar? Extremely well in my opinion. It does start inauspiciously with Maria Muldaur's big hit 'Midnight at the Oasis'. As an instrumental cover tune it comes across as hokey. 'Put it In the Pocket' follows and doesn't elevate the proceedings much further. From that point forward the album becomes engaging and soulful. The title track is a 5 star knockout, with some of the smoothest grooves you'll ever hear. I only wish Ray Parker had dropped an Ernie Isley fuzz solo in the middle to make it one of the all-time greats. The album closes with the lengthy deep groove Miles Davis styled track 'Kuntu'. You'll find yourself immersed into the sea as the cover suggests.

Ownership: 1975 Columbia (LP)

5/24/25 (acquired / review)
 

Sky Dive (1972) 

I really enjoy this period of friendly-to-the-ear jazz, that of melodic compositions and fine soloing. Sky Dive album brings together a slew of jazz A-listers, and the results bring me back to a musical era that needed to last longer. Yet another brilliant thick gatefold cover with intriguing art brought to us by Creed Taylor. In reading his biography, that was no accident. He firmly believed a great package would lead to more sales, and he was proven correct. Too bad not everyone saw that value.

Ownership: 1972 CTI (LP). Gatefold.

5/25/23 (acquired); 10/20/24 (review)

Keep Your Soul Together (1973)

This was part of the jazz selection I bought last week and represents the first title for me to dig into. Despite being on CTI, and Hubbard all pimped out on the cover, this is no jazz funk title. Very much has that late 60s chill vibe. The kind of retro jazz they use as background on modern movies and TV shows. Take away George Cables' electric piano and it could be 1967. A very calm and easy listening album (with plenty of compositional thought) perfect for winding down the day. 

Ownership: 1973 CTI (LP). Gatefold.

4/5/23 (acquired / review)

4/5/23 (new entry)