FREDDIE HUBBARD - Open Sesame (Reissue) - LP - Yellow Vinyl [NOV 29]

LP - Limited Edition Yellow Vinyl (2024 Reissue)

Freddie Hubbard was only 22 years old when he recorded the album, yet it showcases his prodigious talent and hints at the remarkable career he would go on to
have.

The album has become a classic in the hard bop genre, combining elements of bebop
and blues with advanced harmonies and improvisational fair and features a stellar
lineup of musicians, many of whom were already influential figures in the jazz world or
would go on to become so Freddie Hubbard, Tina Brooks, McCoy Tyner, Sam Jones, Clifford Jarvis. "Open Sesame" is rooted in hard bop, a jazz style characterized by a mix of bebop's fast tempo and complex improvisations with blues, gospel, and R&B influences. Hubbard's trumpet playing is both aggressive and lyrical, marked by his technical precision and emotive phrasing. His performance is complemented by Tina Brooks' soulful tenor saxophone and McCoy Tyner's distinctive piano comping, which adds a rich harmonic layer. The album's compositions range from the upbeat and fiery title track "Open Sesame", to the lush ballad "But Beautiful", and the bluesy groove of "One Mint Julep". The track "Gypsy Blue", written by Tina Brooks, is a highlight with its sophisticated chord changes and melodic inventiveness.

Open Sesame received critical acclaim upon release and established Hubbard as one of the premier trumpet players of his generation. It's considered a cornerstone of Hubbard's career and a signifcant recording helped launch Hubbard into a long and successful career where he would collaborate with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter and remains an essential listen for anyone exploring Freddie Hubbard's discography.

Tracklist: 

Side 1
1. Open Sesame
2. But Beautiful
3. Gypsy Blue

Side 2
1. All Or Nothing At All
2. One Mint Julep
3. Hub's Nub