Breaking Point [Remaster]

Performer: Freddie Hubbard
Artist: James Spaulding; Joe Chambers
Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder
Producer: Alfred Lion
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); James Spaulding (flute, alto saxophone); Ronnie Mathews (piano); Eddie Khan (bass instrument); Joe Chambers (drums). Liner Note Author: Leonard Feather. After leaving his post with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard led one of the most adventurous sessions of his career, the remarkable BREAKING POINT. Also of significance here is Hubbard's depth as a composer, as he also penned four of the five stunning pieces on this disc. Hubbard breaks new ground with his playing as well. His edgy tone, relentless drive, and signature chops come together to present a highly individual sound that supports his newfound musical vision. Powerful though he was with Blakey, this session certainly finds Hubbard BREAKING out on his own trail. The explosive title track's raucous fanfare eventually settles into driving calypso that sports a heated exchange between Hubbard and saxophonist James Spaulding. The modal "Far Away" is a compelling mambo that clearly draws on Hubbard's days with Blakey while pointing out a new direction for the trumpeter. The swinging blues of "Blue Frenzy," BREAKING POINT's most traditional cut, features superior blowing by all. Of special note, Chamber's "Mirrors" is presented here, a classic ballad with magnificent counterpoint work by Hubbard and Spaulding (flute) on the gracefully intertwining melody line. In all, this is a classic session that is not to be missed.

Freddie Hubbard has always been a trumpet player of great facility, suppleness, and polish. Following his breakthrough with the Jazz Messengers in the late '50s, his burnished tone became a focal point of innumerable Blue Note albums of the '60s, both as leader and sideman. After a foray into fusion in the '70s, he returned to the hard bop of his early career.

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