Open Sesame
Freddie Hubbard (Blue Note)
Alright folks, let's dive into the sweet, soulful sounds of “Open Sesame” by the legendary Freddie Hubbard, straight outta the Blue Note vaults. This gem, unleashed in 1960 when Hubbard was just a fresh-faced 22-year-old, is a pure firework of bebop and hard bop, hitting all the right notes and sending shivers down your spine.
Tina Brooks' compositions such as “Gypsy Blue” and “Open Sesame,” along with Hubbard's own “Hub's Nub,” ain't playing around. They're gritty, they're bold, and they scream with Hubbard's signature style, marking him as the rightful heir to Clifford Brown's throne in the swinging '60s.
But hold up, it ain't just about Hubbard on this ride. We gotta tip our hats to the tenor sax maestro Tina Brooks, whose silky smooth ballads and blistering runs redefine what it means to be on top of your game. Tracks like “Open Sesame” and “Gypsy Blue” are where Brooks truly shines, blending passion with surgical precision that'll leave you breathless.
And let's not forget the backbone of this whole operation: Sam Jones on bass and Clifford Jarvis on drums, laying down a rock-solid groove that keeps your head nodding and your feet tapping. Oh, and McCoy Tyner on the keys? Yeah, he's sprinkling in some tasty solos that will make you want to hit rewind and play it all over again.
Sure, there might be a few rough edges here and there, but “Open Sesame” is still one hell of a debut for Hubbard. It's a tantalizing glimpse into the brilliance that was yet to come from this Jazz titan.
So, if you're craving a musical journey that's got soul, melody, and just a touch of mayhem, “Open Sesame” is your golden ticket. Trust me, once you pop this record on, you won't wanna turn back.
“You don't realize at first when you listen to Armstrong's records how great this man was and how hard that Hot Five music was to play. After the experience of reading and playing those parts, I have an even greater respect for Louis Armstrong than before.”
— Freddie Hubbard