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Freddie Hubbard presents 'Straight Life' (CTI: 40th Anniversary Ed)

Freddie Hubbard's 'Straight Life,' which when originally released hit #5 on the Billboard jazz chart, came between his signature hits 'Red Clay' and 'First Light,' but All Music Guide hails the album as arguably Hubbard s greatest recording... frequently astounding... essential for all serious jazz collections. Joining Hubbard are tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, guitarist George Benson, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Jack DeJohnette. The very memorable set is rounded off by the trumpeter's duet with Benson on a lyrical version of the ballad Here's That Rainy Day.

Straight Life was a fine effort, an all-star session with a Latin-y feel that found all concerned in fine form. The title cut is a 17-minute jam. Hubbard exploits the upper register throughout much of his solo, and Joe Henderson on tenor delivers a blistering attack that is one of the high points of the album. George Benson's guitar simmers things down to a bluesy boil and Herbie Hancock works out effectively on the electric piano, finding a Latin groove with percussionist Patato Valdez and the great drummer Jack DeJohnette."Mr. Clean" is another straight-ahead attack that allows Freddie to show off his chops. Henderson again gets off on tenor, with a hammering, almost percussive solo. The album's mood relaxes with the finale, the standard "Here's That Rainy Day."

Freddie Hubbard was one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of his generation, and his influence is still being felt in the sound of many young trumpet players today. His warm tone and formidable technique will be considered marvels well into the future.