Freddie Hubbard: Fastball

[bertrand]

I believe all the Joel Dorn Left Bank stuff is hard to find now.

I came across a copy of Hubbard's Fastball the other day. I had never gotten this because I usually find Left Bank stuff really lacking in sound (for whatever reason, they prided themselves on using cheap equipment).

The Ken Dryden review from AMG does point out he sound deficiencies as well.

So my question is: is this listenable at all, or quite horrid? I suspect the playing is great, but I have so many fucking CDs I'm thinking of passing on this one.

Thanks,

Bertrand.

[jazzbo]

It sounds like most of the Left Bank series. Which I find listenable, I've worst sounding material I listen to.

[felser]

It sounds like most of the Left Bank series. Which I find listenable, I've worst sounding material I listen to.

Agreed, sound is mediocre but certainly acceptable. That being said, the performances aren't revelatory either,which unfortunately also describes most of the Left Bank series. The whole series was a distinct disappointment to me, as I had great hopes/expectations for it.

[jazzbo]

The Getz is my favorite, it's a good one.

[king ubu]

"Fastball" and the Hubbard/Heath ("Jam Gems") have seen a more recent reissue after the 32jazz/Label M versions disappeared, I think that's the next label of Joel Dorn's they came out on, Hyena, but I don't have them at hand to check. I found them pretty ok, but certainly not relevatory. My favourites are probably the two Joe Henderson albums w/Wynton Kelly Trio (Four & More & Straight No Chaser on Verve), but then I haven't heard the Getz...

[mjzee]

Currently available on eMusic:

Hubbard: Fastball

Hubbard/Heath: Left Bank

[felser]

"Fastball" and the Hubbard/Heath ("Jam Gems") have seen a more recent reissue after the 32jazz/Label M versions disappeared, I think that's the next label of Joel Dorn's they came out on, Hyena, but I don't have them at hand to check. I found them pretty ok, but certainly not relevatory. My favourites are probably the two Joe Henderson albums w/Wynton Kelly Trio (Four & More & Straight No Chaser on Verve), but then I haven't heard the Getz...

My comments were about the series on 32Jazz/Label M. I rather like the Kelly's, which are on Verve. My favorites from the Left Bank on any label (though the reservations about the sound quality still exist) are the Jackie McLean's on Steeplechase, 'Dr. Jackle' and 'Tune Up'. Invaluable documents of his 1966 working quartet with LaMont Johnson, Scotty Holt, and Billy Higgins. Much more meaningful to me that the Blue Note concoctions 'New and Old Gospel' and 'Bout Soul', though I realize those titles have their fans, but the Steeplechases show his power and the artistry of LaMont Johnson on a good mixture of McLean compositions and standards, many extended out to 10-15 minutes.

Edited May 28, 2007 by felser

[JSngry]

Total concuration on the McLean Left Bank Steeplechase material. Some of that stuff gets scary, in the best meaning of the word.

[sidewinder]

My favourite is the Cedar Walton 'Three Sundays In The Seventies' with Clifford Jordan and Bill Hardman. A very good example of the tight combination of Billy Higgins and Herbie Lewis in action. Sound is OK too.

[king ubu]

Seems I have to put those Mac Steeplechases on my list, then - thanks for mentioning them!

[mjzee]

A smoker!