Freddie Hubbard was one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time. Open Sesame was his first album as a leader and the 1960 set finds the 22-year old already sounding like he was a poll winner. Hubbard had emerged from Indianapolis just two years prior and, despite a few brief high-profile gigs, including with Sonny Rollins, J.J. Johnson and the Quincy Jones Orchestra, he was at the beginning of it all when he recorded Open Sesame. No matter, he sounds like a seasoned pro, taking explosive solos on uptempo pieces, showing warmth and maturity on ballads and displaying a beautiful tone and an adventurous style throughout. Imagine being 22 and playing so brilliantly while McCoy Tyner is accompanying your solos! Always a courageous and a dramatic soloist, Open Sesame finds a fearless and fiery Hubbard on the cusp of conquering the jazz world!

This Blue Note 80 Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Musicians:
Freddie Hubbard, trumpet
Tina Brooks, tenor saxophone
McCoy Tyner, piano
Sam Jones, bass
Clifford Jarvis, drums

Side A:
1. Open Sesame
2. But Beautiful
3. Gypsy Blue
Side B:
1. All Or Nothing At All
2. One Mint Julep
3. Hub’s Nub