CD reissue of this 1974 album from the late Jazz trumpeter. Freddie Hubbard was one of the premier trumpet players in all of Jazz. He issued a wealth of albums from the 1960s until his passing at the end of 2008. Many of ... more »his albums have made the Billboard top LP chart, a rare occasion for a Jazz artist. Wounded Bird. 2009.« less
CD reissue of this 1974 album from the late Jazz trumpeter. Freddie Hubbard was one of the premier trumpet players in all of Jazz. He issued a wealth of albums from the 1960s until his passing at the end of 2008. Many of his albums have made the Billboard top LP chart, a rare occasion for a Jazz artist. Wounded Bird. 2009.
William M. Webb Jr. | Tampa, Florida United States | 09/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I too have been waiting over 30 years for someone to release High Energy by Freddie Hubbard on cd well its FINALLY happenned and none too soon.I still have my lp of High Energy i cant wait to get the cd as my record player doesnt work anymore.This was his first recording for Columbia after a very successful stint with CTI my favorites with them Red Clay & Sky Dive.As for this recording its got a little bit of funk on it straight ahead bebop and i hate saying it fusion.George Cables on electric piano is excellant througout High Energy along with Junior Cook on flute & tenor sax both compliment Freddie very well on this recording.This is a must really for all jazz fans especially because Freddie does so much incredible playing on here very highly recommended.And finally i didnt know Freddie had passed so i say RIP Freddie you left an indelible mark on jazz music that will last forever."
Jazzman
James K. Stewart | Louisville, Ky USA | 07/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My all time favorite Freddie Hubbard album, now finally available on glor-
ious cd from the wonderful Wounded Bird label. I have waited and wondered
why it has taken SO long for this brilliant session from the early 70's
originally on Columbia to be issued on cd. Bless you again Wounded Bird
for restoring yet another long lost album to cd. Hubbard and his band
mates play their butts off in this electronic, cooking mix, and Freddie
cools it out on several cuts with an echoplex. There is also a gorgeous
string section mixed in as well, particularly beautiful on the second track
"Black Maybe" on which Freddie never sounded better on a ballad. His
sax soloist on this date, Junior Cook, is just phenominal as well on se-
veral tunes. The production, arranging, and backup musicians on the whole
session are all top drawer. It's high energy indeed. A classic electro-
nic timepiece from a long-gone era led by another late, great jazz icon
who has sadly recently left us. Brilliant stuff. Thanks, Freddie.
"
High Energy...Indeed
Muhammad Yungai | Atlanta, Ga. USA | 08/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think this is the first album that Freddie Hubbard did for Columbia Records after a successful stint with CTI records where he recorded jazz classics such as "Red Clay" and "First Light". This collection which appeared in 1974 sounds as fresh and contemporary now as it did then! Every cut on this album rates 5 stars. Shifting from more straight ahead jazz to a fusion type of sound, Freddie Hubbard and his aggregation pulls it off with aplomb. In fact, the beats on this collection are very danceable as well as being superbly produced and played. I wish I had been able to visit Studio 54 disco in the 70's. I imagine they could have rocked the house with "Baraka Sasa" and "Too High". Then again, one might just want to sit down and listen intently to the variegated permutations of Hubbard's varitone electric trumpet on "Baraka Sasa" or "Too High". Or one could simply chill out on the beautiful ballad "Black Maybe". Hubbard has always been superb at ballads as heard in "Aisha" done with the great John Coltrane. In my humble opinion Freddie Hubbard is the most fluid trumpet player of all as well as one of the most versatile. He played avant-garde, straight ahead, fusion and pop with equal elan. But why be bothered with categories. This is simply some of the best music on the planet which has ably passed the test of time."
It's R&B by Mr. Hubbard, not that Jazz! But I love it!
Carlos from Rio | Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil | 08/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The late Freddie Hubbard is still a Jazz icon through his records nearly all available in CD, mainly now that Wounded Bird Records decided to reissue what was missing in CD format, his string of Rhythm & Blues albums for Columbia Records in the 70s after his spectacular series for Blue Note and for CTi Records.
The Columbia material does not show the best Hubbard but does show the usual great trumpeter we are all used to listening to.
'High Energy' was the first of Mr. Hubbard's collaborations with Columbia Records in the 70's and really shows a 'high energy' program with arrangements by Dale Ohler for a brilliant set of musicians in the Jazz scene. Hubbard is strong and stylish even in a R&B program.
However the great must in this album is a slow ballad titled 'Black Maybe' in which Mr. Hubbard put all the strings of his heart. A very beautiful and sensitive ballad arranged with strings.
Also to be mentioned is the swing of the opening 'Camel Rise' and the beautiful 'Crisis' both with wah-wah guitar!
Not recommended for Jazz audiences. Firmly recommended for Hubbard's fans like me."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1
