Hubbard's first session as a leader is one of my favorites from the 60's Blue Note era. This recording along with a few from Hank Mobley really define what the Blue Note hard bop sound was all about. Thankfully it's been re-released as part of the Rudy Van Gelder series (which BTW is one of the greatest things to happen to jazz in the last few years). The enthusiasm Hubbard shows was characteristic of a lot of the young blowers at that time, but his maturity was something you didn't see in artists his age. Definitely an indication that a new talent with unlimited potential had landed.

This is a great starting point if you're just starting to listen to Freddie Hubbard. Add to that the fact that the criminally under-recorded Tina Brooks is present on sax makes this a must have cd. Once you get this you'll also want "Hub-Tones" and "Goin'Up" and then get Mobley's "Roll Call", whose first horn you hear on that recording is, you guessed it, Freddie Hubbard's.

You like tight? Listen to this exceptional session led by a trumpet player who receives nowhere near the recogition he richly deserves. This is absolutely a gem of release. Thank you Kenny Mathieson for turning me onto it in your "Hard Bop..." book.

There is not one filler on this CD. The overall work is brilliant: Hubbard is supurb; young McCoy Tyner shows why he would rise to the hights he has, Tina Brooks is as great here, if not better, than he is on the excellent Blue Note sessions he led; and Sam Jones and Clifford Jarvis are a perfect fit.

Listen to "One Mint Julep," you'll want another right away.

This is a spotless record. Freddie Hubbard's playing is hot, and the band is very tight. The title track and "All or Nothing at All" show off his musical ability as well as any recording he did. This is a fabulous record to demonstrate what kind of instrument the jazz trumpet can be. I recommend it to anyone interested in trumpet or in the classic period of jazz recording.