Allright... what to say about this album... Well, it's in my top 10 jazz albums of all time... it has to be. The tunes, the clarity of the sound and the overall mix, the virtuosity of Hubbard, the brilliance of Tina Brooks. It really doesn't get any better than this if you're looking for a great hard bop recording. This particular album has been on the want list for a very long time. I have probably had the opportunity to buy it at some point earlier, but as you all know, there's so many great albums out there and for some reason I've bought other albums. But I'm glad I have waited for this copy cause it's in absolute pristine condition. M- for the vinyl and M- for the jacket. It's very, very difficult to get your hands on pieces that are this clean from the 50's and 60's. I'm extremely happy to have been able to add this wonderful album to my collection. It's a beautiful thing when you take a vintage album like this, in this kind of shape, off of your shelf and put it on the turntable. It's hard to describe the satisfaction you get when the needle drops and you just marvel over how an album this old can sound so damn good. And that you have been able to get a 1st pressing copy of it... it's like I said, a beautiful thing...
All the tunes are top notch and you just have to sit back and enjoy the moment. It's amazing how mature Hubbard sounds here considering it's his debut. He just blows everything away, it's quite astonishing. I love Tina Brooks, his playing is so soulful. So to have these two cats together is a recipe for greatness. Just like on Brooks' "True Blue" on Blue Note 4041 which was recorded less than one week after this album. Both of these albums are absolutely superb. The drummer Clifford Jarvis I haven't heard much of before. I really dig his style here and I need to check out more of his stuff.
This is really essential jazz to have in your collection. I'm sure you've all heard this album and it's truly one of those records you can listen to all of the time and not get tired of it one bit. Like I've mentioned, this year has been a very good year in record collecting for me. I have acquired more albums this year, some great collectibles, than any other year. I still have a few more to post before the turn of the year. One of the albums is one of the most coveted of the jazz collectibles and an amazing album. I doubted I would be able to purchase it and add it to the collection this soon, but I have been very fortunate to accomplish it and I couldn't be happier. Look out for that one!
I hope you guys will have a great rest of the weekend and stay tuned for more great stuff from my collection. Cheers!