Freddie Hubbard & Stanley Turrentine In Concert Vol. One & Two (2-LP, 180g Vinyl)

(CTI Records) 6 tracks, gatefold sleeve, 180g vinyl

Freddie Hubbard (tp); Stanley Turrentine (sax); Eric Gale (g); Herbie Hancock (p); Ron Carter (b); Jack DeJohnette (dr)

The producer had a nose when he had the concerts of the CTI stars recorded during a small US tour in 1973. The beginning of the jazz-rock era was thus also documented in the country of origin of jazz. And free from the often sterile studio concept, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine and co. were able to call up their solo improvisational potential in long pieces - here without a sometimes swampy studio band. This was all the easier as Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Jack deJohnette - well schooled by Miles Davis - provided the groove. Not forgetting Larry Gale, a not exactly unknown or bad guitarist, who transported hot rhythms from Jamaica to wintry Chicago and Detroit.

Releasing both versions of "Gibraltar" and "Hornets" is entirely justified. The theme is of secondary importance given the class of the improvising soloists. (You can listen to one version on Sundays and the other on Mondays!) It also makes sense to pack the two LPs, which were released separately at the time, together, as both provide an important document of the years between 1970 and 1975, when old-school jazz listeners were really shaken up by the new electric instruments, the volume and the fire of the young lions. At the time, some people covered their ears in horror, which is no longer the order of the day 45 years later. This jazz was not a "no-go" and never will be.

This Speakers Corner production was made using analog master tape and mastering 100% pure analog. All licenses and GEMA fees have been paid.

Recording: March 1973 live at the Chicago Opera House and Ford Auditorium, Detroit, by Charles Buchanan. Remixed by Rudy Van Gelder Production: Creed Taylor