Caught at the exact moment the young trumpeter steps fully into his own. Recorded July 2, 1962, at Rudy Van Gelder's studio, released in 1963 on Impulse!, this is Hubbard with technique to burn but warmth to match - every line sculpted, every phrase rhythmically alive. Around him a ridiculous cast: John Gilmore (yes, the Sun Ra tenor man) shadowing Hubbard's lines with that crooked, unmistakable tone, Curtis Fuller and Tommy Flanagan filling out the harmony, Art Davis and Louis Hayes locking down a rhythm section that listens and pushes back. Produced by Bob Thiele. Originals like The 7th Day sit next to a heaving take on the Ellington-Tizol warhorse Caravan, hard bop and ballad and modal weather all in one session. Documentation of a defining voice arriving. The Acoustic Sounds reissue: transferred from the analog tapes, remastered to 180-gram vinyl, deluxe gatefold. Get it.
