“The Artistry of Freddie Hubbard” was the first of two albums that the trumpeter recorded under the aegis of Bob Thiele for the Impulse! Records label under the aegis of Bob Thiele. The hard bop album, recorded in June 1962, captured Hubbard at a crucial early stage of his career and focuses on his technical brilliance, warm tone and rhythmic sense. He was supported by an extremely agile sextet, which included the great trombonist Curtis Fuller, who also played with Hubbard in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. “These are some really promising young talents revitalizing a classic format,” can be read in the AllMusic review of the album, which received four out of five stars. “Hubbard’s solos show why he was the most talked-about young trumpeter of the time.” Verve Acoustic Sounds Series: completely analog mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original tapes, QPR pressing (180 g), sturdy tip-on gatefold (Stoughton Printing), padded inner sleeve.

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