Artist: Freddie Hubbard Album: Backlash

Year: 1967
Duration: 0:0-1

Grooving to the Sounds of Freddie Hubbard's Backlash

Freddie Hubbard was a jazz legend, a trumpeter, born in 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He started learning piano from his mom when he was six and began playing trumpet with the school band six years later. Over the years, his musical career would span more than four decades, and he would make exhilarating contributions to the world of jazz music. In this blog post, let's discuss his 1967 album 'Backlash', which is a great reflection of his charismatic musical abilities.

'Backlash' is a quintessential album that showcases Hubbard's versatility and innovation in the jazz music genre. It is an excellent combination of many styles, including hard bop and modal jazz, with fusion elements. The album contains five tracks, each carrying its own character and story.

The title track Backlash is an incredibly groovy tune with sax player James Spaulding and drummer Joe Chambers taking the lead. It has an infectious rhythm that compels you to move your hips. Hubbard's trumpet playing is excellent throughout, but it's his tight interaction with the sax and drums that makes it an outstanding composition.

Little Sunflower is another highlight of the album, and rightly so, as it remains one of Hubbard's best-known pieces to date. The melody of the tune is enchanting, with a beautiful blend of brass and rhythm section, and Hubbard's solo is a perfect example of the smoothness and richness of his tone.

Lonely Town is a ballad that demonstrates Hubbard's lyrical playing. It's a pensive and emotive piece, with Hubbard hitting every note with delicate precision. The solos by Spaulding and pianist Cedar Walton are equally beautiful.

The album's most innovative part is the inclusion of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's Norwegian Wood. The band took an unconventional and avant-garde approach to the tune, changing the chord patterns, and adding Latin percussion. Hubbard's trumpet brassily interprets the melody, but Chambers steals the show with his bongo playing.

The last track, The Return of the Prodigal Son, is a modal composition by Walton. The melody is memorable, and the piece builds up powerfully, with driving bass and drums. It's a fitting end to a terrific album.

Backlash is an essential part of Freddie Hubbard's discography; its creativity, musicality, and groove make it an album that you can enjoy from beginning to end. All the songs showcase his strengths in different ways, from rich melodies to dominant solos to grooving rhythms. This album is a perfect example of Hubbard's contributions not only to jazz but also to the music world. It's a recommended listen for every jazz fan, and for those interested in experiencing the power and innovation of the genre.