Freddie Hubbard’s Breaking Point!
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The Artist's Journey
Freddie Hubbard's journey in the world of jazz began in his teenage years, where he had the privilege of collaborating with luminaries such as the Montgomery brothers, Wes and Monk. Remarkably, by the tender age of 20 in 1958, Hubbard was already sharing the stage with jazz heavyweights like Sonny Rollins, Eric Dolphy, J. J. Johnson, and Quincy Jones. His debut for Blue Note Records, "Open Sesame" in 1960, featuring pianist McCoy Tyner, was a significant milestone in his career.
During the 1960s, Hubbard was invited to participate in some of the most iconic jazz recordings of the era, including Ornette Coleman's "Free Jazz" and John Coltrane's final Atlantic recording, "Olé Coltrane." Notably, he was a vital contributor to Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, appearing on over 10 live and studio recordings, which include classics like "Caravan," "Mosaic," and "Free for All."
"Breaking Point!" stands as a pivotal moment in Hubbard's artistic evolution. It emerges as a departure from his earlier work with Art Blakey and is a testament to his growing originality, setting him apart from contemporaries like Miles Davis and Lee Morgan. "Breaking Point" marks the tenth album in Freddie Hubbard's illustrious career as a bandleader, originally recorded and released on the Blue Note label in 1964.
The Lineup
The ensemble on "Breaking Point!" includes:
Freddie Hubbard - trumpet
James Spaulding - alto sax, flute
Ronnie Mathews - piano
Eddie Khan - bass
Joe Chambers - drums
Apart from drummer Joe Chambers, these musicians might not be household names, but their contributions to the jazz canon are undeniable.
Saxophonist James Spaulding, renowned for his work with artists like Bobby Hutcherson, Pharoah Sanders, Wayne Shorter, and Sun Ra, lends his talents to this record. Pianist Ronnie Mathews, a former member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, has also graced recordings by Sonny Stitt, Lee Morgan, and Roy Haynes. Bassist Eddie Khan's credits include collaborations with Eric Dolphy, Donald Byrd, and Andrew Hill. And of course, Joe Chambers, with his impressive resumé that spans from Donald Byrd to Andrew Hill and countless sessions with Bobby Hutcherson, even contributing the composition "Mirrors" to "Breaking Point!"
The Music
"Breaking Point!" was recorded on May 7, 1966, and released in August 1964. Four out of the five tracks on this album are Hubbard's own compositions, with the exception being Joe Chambers' "Mirrors." Hubbard's prowess as a composer is unmistakable, and "Breaking Point!" marks a significant leap in his development as a musical architect.
The album's opening notes, with Hubbard's trumpet hanging in the air, are nothing short of mesmerizing. From this point, "Breaking Point!" maintains an unwavering standard of excellence. The title track, while rooted in hard bop, flirts with avant-garde elements and Latin influences, making it a distinctive listening experience. Ronnie Mathews' piano work, in particular, shines here.
The second track is a dynamic piece featuring impressive flute work by Spaulding, with the rhythm section embracing Latin vibes, and Chambers delivering a drum solo that leaves you in awe.
Side two begins with a sublime blues that puts Freddie Hubbard's trumpet in the spotlight, showcasing his unparalleled skills. The rest of side two continues to impress, with intricate interplay between alto sax, trumpet, and piano. This is hard bop in its purest form, a musical conversation that will undoubtedly leave you grinning from ear to ear.
"Breaking Point!" draws to a close with Joe Chambers' composition, "Mirrors," featuring sensitive performances by Ronnie Mathews and James Spaulding on flute. It's a beautifully poignant conclusion to an outstanding album.
Highlights
While I can't help but highlight the two extensive tracks on side one, "Breaking Point!" and "Far Away," and the enchanting final piece, "Mirrors," every track on this record has its own unique charm. The album has earned its well-deserved 5-star status, and Tone Poet's treatment of it is simply exemplary.
The Pressing
The first thing that strikes you about this reissue is its sonic excellence. The sound is pristine, clear, and well-balanced, with every frequency thoughtfully placed. The stereo soundstage is expansive, offering an immersive listening experience. The vinyl is remarkably quiet and free from the distractions of surface noise.
This Tone Poet reissue graced us in June 2022, and as of March 2023, it remains reasonably priced. However, in the world of collectible records, availability can change rapidly. Don't fail to snag this one before it goes out of print.
Tone Poet, known for its audiophile reissues, has once again demonstrated its dedication to detail, from cover artwork to the "direct from master tapes" mastering by Kevin Gray. The 180g vinyl release, complete with a gatefold featuring session photos, gives you the feeling of holding the highest of quality vinyl records in your hands, all for under $40.
Final Thoughts
Who is this record for? If you're a fan of exceptional trumpet work and jazz that transcends hard bop, flirts with Latin flavors, and lightly brushes against the avant-garde, Freddie Hubbard's "Breaking Point" is a must-listen. While it doesn't delve into avant-garde realms like Ornette Coleman or into Latin jazz in the stratosphere of Dizzy Gillespie, it beautifully demonstrates the diverse and ever-evolving nature of this album.
If you're hungry for more of Freddie Hubbard's brilliance, keep an eye out for other classics like "Open Sesame" (1960), "Ready for Freddie" (1962), "Blue Spirits" (1966), and "Red Clay" (1970).
