Remastered Using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes Through to the Cutting Head!

After his great success as a new discovery through playing on tour and in the studio with Art Blakey's creative and inspirational group, the Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard made a dozen LPs over sixteen years for Blue Note and Impulse under his own direction. It was no wonder then that a big record company made him a lucrative offer in autumn 1966. All in all, Atlantic Records released six of his LPs and the very first, entitled Backlash, is the best of the bunch.

Three numbers by Hubbard, one by Bob Cunningham, and two by a few pals, provide the basis for a successful transition between hard bop and soul beat. Hubbard made high demands on his fellow musicians James Spaulding, Albert Dailey and especially the bass player Bob Cunningham and the drummer Ray Appleton because they had to cope with the ever-changing beat. Right from the very first note, it is obvious that Freddie had Fats Navarro and Clifford Brown in his heart and fingers.

All the titles are excellent. Of special note, however, is "Little Sunflower." The sound coloring of the flute harmonizes particularly well with Hubbard's brass, and Ray Barretto's contribution is more than mere decoration. You're certainly on the right track with this LP, no matter whether it's the beginning of a Freddie Hubbard collection or a further contribution to a large jazz collection.

This Speakers Corner 180g vinyl LP pressing was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head.

Musicians:
Freddie Hubbard (flugelhorn, trumpet)
James Spaulding (alto saxophone, flute)
Albert Dailey (piano)
Bob Cunningham (bass)
Ray Appleton (drums)
Ray Barretto (percussion)