Freddie Hubbard: "Straight Life" (from "Straight Life")

Creed Taylor obviously had a nose for choosing musicians that experience the climax of their career. Before Hubbard came to Cti, he was already a major player who "graduated" in Hard-Bop, Post-Bop, Modal-Jazz and Bebop and played with all the other big names from the scene.

His stint with Cti also became the breakthrough to a wider audience, his albums were huge commercial successes before he gradually lost recognition in the scene (except the late seventies, where he joined Herbie Hancock's V.S.O.P. outfit) and his chops.

"Straight Life" from 1970 was issued right in the middle of Hubbard's stay with Cti

"Straight Life" is a mildly infectious tune that shows Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Hancock and Jack deJohnette playing mostly less accessible, hard swinging soli while Benson keeps his part solid.

"Mr.Clean" is what the title suggest: a slower track with an emphasis on the slightly funky beat. Hancock and Benson have (IMO) the best solo parts, Hancock on Fender Rhodes (?) while Benson inserts some soul-elements.

"Here's that rainy day" is a beautiful, relaxing ballad where Hubbard finally comes to shine, while Benson and Ron Carter stay in the background (no drummer here).

Well, I must admit that now that I'm writing reviews and therefore examine the music more closely, I become much more critical of Hubbard's albums. The more I listen to Cti, the less suitable complex rythm sections appeal to me for this electrified soul-jazz thing. Especially the drums on the first two tracks should stay more in the background IMO and leave the solo space entirely to the others. The overlength (Straight life = 17 minutes) make things rather worse. Or am I too snotty?


"Here's that rainy day" on the other side is of course totally different but just slightly refreshing as Hubbard is a bit too "lonely" here. I would've loved to hear Benson and Hancock playing a solo, too.

It should not be too difficult to get this album 2nd hand (even on vinyl).

Here's a more accessible version of "Straight life" from the 1975 downbeat awards. Chick Corea, keys; Stanley Clarke, bass; Lenny White, drums. Check out Airto's funny percussion solo (the announcer is Quincy Jones).