Freddie Hubbard’s Melodic Material

Ok, so really this should be the subject of a dissertation.  I recently (last fall) acquired a slew of Freddie Hubbard albums and have been checking them out slowly but surely.  Today, I launched Backlash at 7am (which felt like 6am) because it stars Up Jumped Spring.  We needed that this morning.  Yesterday, it was a lovely 60 degress outside with much sun, few clouds, and lots of peace and quiet.  The kids played in the sandbox.  We grilled.  It was fantastic.  This morning – already a tough one because of daylight savings time – we awoke to deep grey skies and heavy, wet snow.  So, Up Jumped Spring was really necessary.  Lo, and behold, but what should Freddie Hubbard quote at the beginning of his solo?  Umbrella Man.  Don’t know that one?  Check this out:

[flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO1uMjz3n3w]

Who’s in the band? Obviously, Dizzy & Louis, and my guess is Sam Jones & Louis Hayes on bass and drums, with perhaps a Jaki Byard on piano.  Thoughts?  Yes, it looks like a very young Tony Williams on drums, but is that even possible?  Nice laugh track, eh?

Best, R.

3 Comments

  1. Hey Rick. Here’s info on the band that backs Dizzy’s version of “Umbrella Man”.

    Trpts: Gillespie, Joe Gordon, Quincy Jones, and Lee Morgan
    Tbone: Melba Liston and Al Grey
    Saxes: Phil Woods, Ernie Henry, Billy Mitchell, Ernie Wilkins, and Benny Golson
    Piano: Wynton Kelly

  2. Thanks Josh – the big band version. Ok, so maybe that’s Wynton Kelly on piano in the video too. Any idea who the rest of the rhythm section is?
    Best, R.

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