Artist: Freddie Hubbard Album: The Black Angel

Year: 1970
Duration: 0:0-1

The Black Angel by Freddie Hubbard: A Critical Review

Jazz music has always been known for its unpredictable twists and turns and the artist behind the music. One of the most notable and influential musicians in jazz has been Freddie Hubbard. His 1970 album, The Black Angel, is one of the most celebrated in the genre. In this review, we will take a closer look at the history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album.

Freddie Hubbard was a trumpeter who made a name for himself during the 1960s and 1970s. He played with legendary artists such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins and was one of the first musicians to bring fusion jazz to the forefront. The Black Angel was released in 1970 during the peak of his career. The record label, Atlantic Records, was taking a chance with this album, as it was outside of the conventional norms of jazz music of the time.

The Black Angel is classified as fusion jazz, which is a genre that combines jazz with rock and funk elements. The album features 5 tracks that each have their unique sound and explore a different musical theme. The sounds of The Black Angel are notably dark, almost mirroring the civil rights struggles of the era. Hubbard's trumpet playing is dynamic and full of soul, perfectly complementing the electric guitar and keyboard.

The album's best songs include The Black Angel, Gittin' Down, and Los Companeros. The Black Angel was said to be inspired by Hubbard's fascination with the Ouija board. It features dark, futuristic sounds that cut through the listener's soul. Gittin' Down is an upbeat and funky song that showcases Hubbard's ability to switch up musical styles seamlessly. Los Companeros is a socially conscious song that focuses on the struggles of the oppressed.

What sets The Black Angel apart from other jazz albums of the time is its innovative use of electronics. The album is full of synthesizer sounds that add depth and character. The use of electronics is not in-your-face but is instead used creatively, blending in with the traditional jazz sounds to create a hybrid sound that was entirely unique.

While The Black Angel is a critical success, it's not without its flaws. The songs Little Sunflower and Without a Song are considered filler, and they do not add much to the overall sound of the album. Hubbard's trumpet playing is incredible but, on occasions, was drowned out by the electronics, leading to an unbalanced sound.

In conclusion, The Black Angel is a groundbreaking album that still resonates with jazz listeners today. It's an innovative fusion of jazz, rock, funk, and electronics that created a unique sound that influenced other musicians for years to come. The album showcased a level of creativity and musicianship that is rare to find in jazz, and Hubbard's trumpet playing is amongst the best of all time. That said, there are a few filler tracks and occasional sound imbalances that hold it back slightly. Nonetheless, The Black Angel stands as an excellent example of Freddie Hubbard's significant contributions to the jazz genre.