Freddie Hubbard (fgh, tp) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Freddie Hubbard] James Spaulding (as, fl); Albert Dailey (p); Bob Cunningham (b); Ray Appleton (dr); Ray Barretto (perc) Written by Don Pickett (A1), Harold Ousley (A2), Freddie Hubbard (B1, B2), Robert Cunningham (B3) 1 LP, gatefold sleeve Original analog Master tape : YES Heavy Press : 180g Record color : black Speed : 33 RPM Size : 12'’ Stereo Studio Record Press : Pallas Label : Speakers Corner Original Label : Atlantic Recorded in 1967 by Tom Dowd, Phil Jehle and Adrian BarberProduced by Arif Mardin Originally released in 1967 Reissued in 2017 Tracks : Side A : Backlash The Return Of The Prodigal Son Little Sunflower Side B : On The Que-Tee Up Jumped Spring Echoes Of Blue Reviews : « The first of trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's three Atlantic albums, this excellent set falls between hard bop and the avant-garde, often hinting at both. Hubbard's regular group of the time (James Spaulding on alto and flute, pianist Albert Dailey, bassist Bob Cunningham, and drummer Otis Ray Appleton, plus guest conga player Ray Barretto) performs the debut version of his famous "Little Sunflower," an excellent remake of "Up Jumped Spring," and four lesser-known pieces. Hubbard and Spaulding made for an excellent team and there are plenty of exciting moments on this brief but potent set. » AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow 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 16 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 LPs and the very first, entitled "Backlash", is still until today the best of the bunch. Three numbers by Freddie Hubbard, one by Bob Cunningham, and two by friends, 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 Hubbard 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 colouring 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. Ratings : Allmusic : 4.2 / 5 , Discogs : 4,36 / 5 , Rate Your Music : 3,76 / 5
